AN 6.71 - AN 6:71 Capable of Realizing | Sakkhibhabba Sutta
Translated by Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu
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Copyright: Copyright 2014 Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, Revised edition 2017
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Capable of Realizing
 Sakkhibhabba Sutta (AN 6:71)

“Monks, endowed with six qualities, a monk is incapable of attaining what is to be witnessed right there whenever there is an opening.1 Which six?

“There is the case where a monk doesn’t discern as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in decline.’ He doesn’t discern as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in stability.’ He doesn’t discern as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in distinction.’ He doesn’t discern as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in penetration.’2 He is one who doesn’t act attentively. He is one who doesn’t act suitably.

“Endowed with these six qualities, a monk is incapable of attaining what is to be witnessed right there whenever there is an opening.

“Monks, endowed with six qualities, a monk is capable of attaining what is to be witnessed right there whenever there is an opening. Which six?

“There is the case where a monk discerns as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in decline.’ He discerns as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in stability.’ He discerns as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in distinction.’ He discerns as it has come to be that ‘This quality has a share in penetration.’ He is one who acts attentively. He is one who acts suitably.

“Endowed with these six qualities, a monk is capable of attaining what is to be witnessed right there whenever there is an opening.”

Notes

1. This is a reference to the six cognitive skills. See AN 5:28.

2. A quality with a share in decline is one that causes the mind to fall from concentration. A quality with a share in stability is one that helps to maintain concentration. A quality with a share in distinction is one that leads to higher stages of concentration. A quality with a share in penetration is one leading to liberating insight. See AN 4:179.