“There are, Ānanda, these five cords of senseual pleasure. What five?
Visible objects cognizable by the eye that are sought after, desired,
pleasing, gratifying, associated with desire, and productive of greed;
sounds cognizable by the ear … ; odours cognizable by the nose …;
flavours cognizable by the tongue…; tangible objects cognizable by the
body that are sought after, desired, pleasing, gratifying, associated
with desire and productive of greed. These are the five cords of
sense-desire wherein a bhikkhu should constantly review his own mind
thus: ’Does there arise in me any mental attachment concerned with any
source of defilement among these five cords of sensual pleasure?’
“If, Ānanda, while reviewing, the bhikkhu understands, ’There
arises in me mental attachment concerned with some source of defilement
among these five cords of sense-desire,’ then the bhikkhu understands
thus: ’Greed for the five cords of sense-desire is not abandoned in me.’
Thus he is possessed of full awareness therein.
“But if, Ānanda, while reviewing, the bhikkhu understands: ’There
does not arise in me any mental attachment concerned with any source of
defilement among these five cords of sense-desire,’ then the bhikkhu
understands thus, “Greed for the five cords of sense-desire is abandoned
in me.’ Thus he is possessed of full awareness therein.
M 122
