Anta Sutta

(SN 22.103)

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Anta - portions (Principles)

At Savatthi. "Bhikkhus, there are these four portions. What four?

- The portion (principle) of identity,
- the portion (principle) of the origin of identity,
- the portion (principle) of the cessation of identity,
- the portion (principle) of the way leading to the cessation of identity.

"And what, bhikkhus, is the portion (principle) of identity (sakkāyanto)

It should be said: the five aggregates subject to clinging. What five? The form aggregate subject to clinging, the feeling aggregate subject to clinging, the perception aggregate subject to clinging, the volitional formations aggregate subject to clinging, the consciousness aggregate subj ect to clinging. This is called the portion (principle) of identity.

"And what, bhikkhus, is the portion (principle) of the origin of identity (sakkāyasamudayanto)?

It is this craving that leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking delight here and there; that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination. This is called the portion (principle) of the origin of identity.

"And what, bhikkhus, is the portion (principle) of the cessation of identity (sakkāyanirodhanto)?

It is the remainderless fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, non-reliance on it. This is called the portion (principle) of the cessation of identity.

"And what, bhikkhus, is the portion (principle) of the way leading to the 'cessation of identity (sakkāyanirodhagāminippatipadanto)?

It is this Noble Eightfold Path; that is, right view ... right concentration. This is called the portion (principle) of the way leading to the cessation of identity.

"These, bhikkhus, are the four portion (principles)."

_{© Bhikkhu Bodhi.}

_{Note: Anta = "principle" is not Bodhi's translation. But a PTS possible definition.
Moreover, in Sanskrit, anta in fine compositi, has the meaning of "which has for goal".}