Doors and Physical Bases of Citta - What is the purpose of understanding

It is useful to classify citta by way of kicca (function), ārammana (object), dvāra (doorway), vatthu (base), and in many other ways. In this way we will have a clearer understanding of citta. We should, however, remember that this kind of understanding is not yet the wisdom which eradicates lobha, dosa and moha. In the 'Kindred Sayings' (V, Khnadha-vagga, Kindred Sayings about Rādha, Ch.I, par. 4, To be understood) we read.

 

At Sāvatthī

As he thus sat at one side

the Exalted One thus addressed the venerable Rādha:--

 

'I will show you the things to be understood,

and the understanding,

and the person who has understood.

Do you listen to it.'

 

The Exalted One thus spoke:

'And what, Radha, are the things to be understood?

Body, Radha, is a thing to be understood:

so is feeling, perception, the activities.

Consciousness is a thing to be understood.

These, Rādha, are the things to be understood.

 

And what, Rādha, is understanding?

The destruction of lust,

the destruction of hatred,

the destruction of ignorance, --

this, Rādha, is called 'understanding'.

 

And who, Rādha, is the person who has understood?

'Worthy' should he be called,

that venerable one of such and such a name,

of such and such a clan - -

that, Rādha, is the meaning of  'the person who has understood'.'

 

Sometimes the Buddha reminded people of the purpose of the teachings in a

longer discourse, sometimes in a shorter discourse, but one has to be often

reminded of the goal. What is the purpose of understanding, if it does not

lead to the eradication of defilements?