The event took place in Shravasti. At that time, five kings, led by King Pasenadi, were indulging in the pleasures of the five senses. They were enjoying these sensual pleasures. A discussion arose among them: "What is the highest among sensual pleasures?" Some said, "Sight is the highest among sensual pleasures." Some said, "Sound is the highest among sensual pleasures." Some said, "Smell is the highest among sensual pleasures." Some said, "Taste is the highest among sensual pleasures." Some said, "Touch is the highest among sensual pleasures." These kings couldn't convince each other.

At this time, King Pasenadi said to the other kings, "Come, let's go see the Blessed One. After we go, we'll ask the Blessed One about this question. We'll remember whatever the Blessed One answers." The other kings replied, "Very well, Your Majesty."

So, the five kings, led by Pasenadi, went to see the Blessed One. Upon arrival, they paid respects to the Blessed One and sat to one side. After sitting down, King Pasenadi said to the Blessed One, "Venerable sir, we five kings are indulging in the five kinds of sensual pleasures, enjoying these pleasures. A discussion arose among us: 'What is the highest among sensual pleasures?' Some say, 'Sight is the highest.' Some say, 'Sound is the highest.' Some say, 'Smell is the highest.' Some say, 'Taste is the highest.' Some say, 'Touch is the highest.' Venerable sir, what is the highest among sensual pleasures?"

"Great King, I say that among the five kinds of sensual pleasures, the highest is that which is satisfying to the limit. Great King, the same visual object may be satisfying to some people but not to others. When a person is satisfied with certain visual objects and his wishes are fulfilled, he won't seek other higher or more refined visual objects. These visual objects are the highest and unsurpassed for him.

Great King, the same sound may be satisfying to some people but not to others. When a person is satisfied with certain sounds and his wishes are fulfilled, he won't seek other higher or more refined sounds. These sounds are the highest and unsurpassed for him.

Great King, the same smell may be satisfying to some people but not to others. When a person is satisfied with certain smells and his wishes are fulfilled, he won't seek other higher or more refined smells. These smells are the highest and unsurpassed for him.

Great King, the same taste may be satisfying to some people but not to others. When a person is satisfied with certain tastes and his wishes are fulfilled, he won't seek other higher or more refined tastes. These tastes are the highest and unsurpassed for him.

Great King, the same touch may be satisfying to some people but not to others. When a person is satisfied with certain touches and his wishes are fulfilled, he won't seek other higher or more refined touches. These touches are the highest and unsurpassed for him."

At that time, the lay follower Candanaṅgalika was sitting among the group. Candanaṅgalika rose from his seat, arranged his robe over one shoulder, put his palms together in reverence towards the Blessed One, and said to the Blessed One, "Blessed One, I have a realization. Well-Gone One, I have a realization." The Blessed One said, "Candanaṅgalika, speak your realization."

Then, Candanaṅgalika praised the Blessed One with suitable verses in his presence:

"Like a red lotus blooming in the morning, fragrant and sweet-smelling,

Behold the Buddha, radiant, like the sun shining in the sky."

Then, the five kings presented Candanaṅgalika with five upper garments. Candanaṅgalika, in turn, offered these five upper garments to the Blessed One.

In this sutra, "form" (or "sight") has a specific meaning. It's not just about color, but has a broader and deeper significance:

1. Visual objects: The most direct understanding refers to all visible objects or shapes. This includes everything we can see with our eyes, such as scenes, colors, shapes, etc.

2. Materiality: In Buddhist philosophy, "form" also refers to all phenomena of the material world, i.e., the basic elements that constitute the material world.

3. Body: "Form" can also specifically refer to the human body, as one of the Five Aggregates (form, sensation, perception, mental formations, consciousness).

4. Sensory stimulation: In this context, "form" as one of the five sensual pleasures specifically refers to the sensory stimulation and enjoyment obtained through vision.

5. Phenomena: In a deeper philosophical sense, "form" can refer to all perceivable phenomena, not limited to vision, but including everything that can be perceived by the senses.

6. External world: In contrast to "mind," "form" represents the entire external material world.

In the specific context of this story, "form" mainly refers to sensory enjoyment obtained through vision. The kings are discussing which sensory experience brings the most pleasure, and "form" here refers to those visually pleasing experiences, such as beautiful scenery, works of art, or anything that attracts the eye.

Understanding these meanings of "form" is very important for a deeper understanding of Buddhist thought. It reminds us that while visual experiences can bring immediate pleasure, they can also lead to attachment and affliction. The Buddha's teaching aims to help us transcend attachment to these sensory experiences, recognize their impermanence and insubstantiality, and thereby gain true liberation and wisdom.

This article is a Buddhist story that contains profound philosophical reflections and life wisdom. Let's analyze and explore its implications in depth:

1. Story Background Analysis:

The story takes place in Shravasti, where five kings, led by King Pasenadi, are indulging in sensual pleasures. This setting reflects the pursuit of material enjoyment in secular life and also suggests that those in power often fall into the trap of sensual indulgence.

2. The Kings' Debate:

The five kings discuss "what is the highest among sensual pleasures," each believing that sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch is the highest. This debate reflects people's different preferences for sensory enjoyment and also suggests that people are often deceived by appearances, neglecting deeper meanings of life.

3. Seeking Wisdom:

The kings decide to consult the Buddha, an action that shows their thirst for higher wisdom. Even rulers recognize the limitations of their own knowledge and are willing to learn from the wise. This humble and knowledge-seeking attitude is worthy of our emulation.

4. The Buddha's Answer:

The Buddha's answer is full of wisdom. He points out that "the highest pleasure is the limit of satisfaction." This view reveals the relativity and subjectivity of desire fulfillment, breaking the misconception of absolutization and objectification. The Buddha emphasizes that the same thing may have different meanings for different people, and true satisfaction comes from within, not from external stimuli.

5. The Wisdom of Contentment:

The Buddha further explains that when a person is satisfied with a certain sensory experience, he will not seek more. This view reveals the wisdom of "contentment brings happiness," reminding us that excessive pursuit may lead to an endless cycle of desire.

6. Candanaṅgalika's Sudden Enlightenment:

The sudden enlightenment and praise of the lay follower Candanaṅgalika demonstrate the immediate effect of the Buddha's teaching. He compares the Buddha to a lotus blooming in the morning and the shining sun, implying that the Buddha's teaching is like fresh fragrance and bright light, capable of inspiring hearts and dispelling confusion.

Profound Description and Reflection:

This story inspires us that the true meaning of life is not in the endless pursuit of external sensory stimulation, but in seeking inner peace and satisfaction. It guides us to think about the following questions:

1. The nature of desire: We are often driven by various desires, but can these desires really bring lasting satisfaction?

2. The source of satisfaction: Does true satisfaction come from external stimulation or from inner awareness and acceptance?

3. The wisdom of relativity: How can we find universal standards of value while acknowledging individual differences?

4. The art of contentment: In a modern society full of material desires, how can we learn to be content and avoid falling into endless pursuit of desires?

5. The pursuit of wisdom: When faced with confusion and troubles in life, do we have the courage and humility to seek advice from the wise?

6. The possibility of sudden enlightenment: Each of us has the potential to gain profound insight at some moment; the key is to maintain an open and aware mindset.

This story reminds us that the true value of life is not in how much we possess, but in how we view and experience what we have. It encourages us to transcend superficial sensory enjoyment and seek inner peace and wisdom. In this era of material abundance but often spiritual poverty, such ancient wisdom is particularly precious and important.

Let us face life with an open and humble attitude, learn to be aware of our desires and satisfaction in daily life, cultivate the wisdom of contentment, and seek true inner richness. In this way, we can find tranquility in a complex world and grasp the eternal in the ever-changing.