AN5.144 — Tikaṇḍakīsutta

At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāketa, in the Tikaṇḍakī forest.

There, the Blessed One addressed the disciples:

Disciples, it is good for a disciple to dwell at times perceiving the unattractive in the attractive.

Disciples, it is good for a disciple to dwell at times perceiving the attractive in the unattractive.

Disciples, it is good for a disciple to dwell at times perceiving the unattractive in both the attractive and unattractive.

Disciples, it is good for a disciple to dwell at times perceiving the attractive in both the unattractive and attractive.

Disciples, it is good for a disciple to dwell at times avoiding both the attractive and unattractive, remaining equanimous, mindful, and fully aware.

And why, should a disciple dwell at times perceiving the unattractive in the attractive?

May I not develop lust for things that provoke lust: this is why, a disciple should dwell at times perceiving the unattractive in the attractive.

And why, should a disciple dwell at times perceiving the attractive in the unattractive?

May I not develop aversion for things that provoke aversion: this is why, a disciple should dwell at times perceiving the attractive in the unattractive.

And why, should a disciple dwell at times perceiving the unattractive in both the attractive and unattractive?

May I not develop lust for things that provoke lust, may I not develop aversion for things that provoke aversion: this is why should dwell at times perceiving the unattractive in both the attractive and unattractive.

And why, should a disciple dwell at times perceiving the attractive in both the unattractive and attractive?

May I not develop aversion for things that provoke aversion, may I not develop lust for things that provoke lust: this is why, a disciple should dwell at times perceiving the attractive in both the unattractive and attractive.

And why, should a disciple dwell at times avoiding both the attractive and unattractive, remaining equanimous?

Being mindful and fully aware, may I not develop lust for things that provoke lust anywhere at any time, may I not develop aversion for things that provoke aversion anywhere at any time, may I not develop delusion for things that provoke delusion anywhere at any time: this is why, a disciple should dwell at times avoiding both the attractive and unattractive, remaining equanimous, mindful, and fully aware.