57 (1) The Skeleton

(i. Of great fruit)

At Sāvatthi. “Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated, it is of great fruit and benefit.

“And how, Bhikkhus, is the perception of a skeleton developed and cultivated so that it is of great fruit and benefit? Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu develops the enlightenment factor of mindfulness accompanied by the perception of a skeleton … he develops the enlightenment factor of equanimity accompanied by the perception of a skeleton, based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release. It is in this way that the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it is of great fruit and benefit.”

(ii. One of two fruits)

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated, one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is a residue of clinging, the state of nonreturning.

“And how, Bhikkhus, is the perception of a skeleton developed and cultivated so that one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is a residue of clinging, the state of nonreturning? Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu develops the enlightenment factor of mindfulness accompanied by the perception of a skeleton … he develops the enlightenment factor of equanimity accompanied by the perception of a skeleton, based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release. It is in this way that the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that one of two fruits is to be expected: either final knowledge in this very life or, if there is a residue of clinging, the state of nonreturning.”

(iii. Great good)

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated, it leads to great good.

“And how, Bhikkhus, is the perception of a skeleton developed and cultivated so that it leads to great good? Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu develops the enlightenment factor of mindfulness accompanied by the perception of a skeleton … he develops the enlightenment factor of equanimity accompanied by the perception of a skeleton, based upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, maturing in release. It is in this way that the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated so that it leads to great good.”

(iv. Security from bondage)

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated, it leads to great security from bondage.

“And how, Bhikkhus, is the perception of a skeleton developed and cultivated so that it leads to great security from bondage?…” (All as above.)

(v. Sense of urgency)

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated, it leads to a great sense of urgency.

“And how, Bhikkhus, is the perception of a skeleton developed and cultivated so that it leads to a great sense of urgency?…” (All as above.)

(vi. Dwelling in comfort)

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated, it leads to dwelling in great comfort.

“And how, Bhikkhus, is the perception of a skeleton developed and cultivated so that it leads to dwelling in great comfort?…” (All as above.)

(Each of the following suttas, §§58–76, is to be elaborated in accordance with the sixfold method of §57.)

58 (2) The Worm-Infested

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a worm-infested corpse is developed …”

59 (3) The Livid

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a livid corpse is developed …”

60 (4) The Fissured

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a fissured corpse is developed …”

61 (5) The Bloated

“Bhikkhus, when the perception of a bloated corpse is developed …”

62 (6) Lovingkindness

“Bhikkhus, when lovingkindness is developed …”

63 (7) Compassion

“Bhikkhus, when compassion is developed …”

64 (8) Altruistic Joy

“Bhikkhus, when altruistic joy is developed …”

65 (9) Equanimity

“Bhikkhus, when equanimity is developed …”

66 (10) Breathing

“Bhikkhus, when mindfulness of breathing is developed …”