The Blessed One was staying in Savatthi... The Blessed One said: "Bhikkhus, the Tathagata possesses ten powers and four kinds of fearlessness. Claiming the position of the leader, he roars his lion's roar in the assemblies, sets in motion the supreme wheel, and proclaims:

This is form, this is the origin of form, this is the cessation of form;

This is feeling, this is the origin of feeling, this is the cessation of feeling;

This is perception, this is the origin of perception, this is the cessation of perception;

This is volitional formations, this is the origin of volitional formations, this is the cessation of volitional formations;

This is consciousness, this is the origin of consciousness, this is the cessation of consciousness.

When this exists, that comes to be; with the arising of this, that arises.

When this does not exist, that does not come to be; with the cessation of this, that ceases.

That is to say, with ignorance as condition, volitional formations come to be; with volitional formations as condition, consciousness comes to be... Thus, there is the origin of this whole mass of suffering.

But with the remainderless fading away and cessation of ignorance comes cessation of volitional formations; with the cessation of volitional formations, cessation of consciousness... Thus, there is the cessation of this whole mass of suffering."

End of the first sutta.

Explanation:

1. The "ten powers" and "four kinds of fearlessness" are unique abilities and qualities of the Buddha.

2. "Roars his lion's roar" and "sets in motion the supreme wheel" are metaphors for the Buddha's way of proclaiming the truth.

3. The text explains in detail the nature, origin, and cessation of the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, consciousness).

4. The sentences "When this exists, that comes to be..." explain the core principle of dependent origination.

5. The final part briefly describes the process of the twelve links of dependent origination and how to end the entire process of suffering through the cessation of ignorance.

This text deeply expounds on the core teachings of Buddhism, including the five aggregates, the law of dependent origination, and the nature of suffering and its cessation.

This passage is a scripture from the Samyutta Nikaya. Let's analyze and explain it in detail:

1. Context of the Scripture:

This is the first sutta in the Ten Powers chapter, titled "The Ten Powers Sutta." It begins by mentioning that the Buddha was staying in Savatthi.

2. Qualities of the Tathagata:

The text describes the Tathagata (Buddha) as possessing ten powers and four kinds of fearlessness. These are unique qualities of the Buddha, indicating his wisdom and abilities beyond ordinary people.

3. The Buddha's Proclamation:

The Buddha is described as "claiming the position of the leader," "roaring his lion's roar" among the people, and "setting in motion the supreme wheel." These are metaphors describing how the Buddha proclaims profound teachings.

4. Analysis of the Five Aggregates:

The Buddha explains in detail the nature, origin, and cessation of the five aggregates (form, feeling, perception, volitional formations, consciousness). This is the fundamental Buddhist analysis of human experience.

5. The Law of Dependent Origination:

The text continues to elaborate on the core principle of dependent origination: "When this exists, that comes to be; with the arising of this, that arises. When this does not exist, that does not come to be; with the cessation of this, that ceases." This reveals the causal relationships between phenomena.

For a detailed and vivid explanation of the twelve links of dependent origination, please refer to Samyutta Nikaya 12, Connected Discourses 1 and 2, which will not be explained here.

6. The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination:

The text briefly mentions the process of the twelve links of dependent origination, from ignorance to the arising of suffering, and from the cessation of ignorance to the cessation of suffering.

Deep Reflections:

1. The Nature of Wisdom:

The Buddha's ten powers and four kinds of fearlessness represent not just personal abilities, but a profound insight into universal truths. This inspires us to consider: What is true wisdom? How does it affect how we view and understand the world?

2. The Nature of Phenomena:

The analysis of the five aggregates reveals that what we consider "self" is actually composed of multiple interdependent processes. This view challenges our attachment to a fixed, permanent self. How can we build a more flexible, open concept of self based on understanding impermanence?

3. The Universality of Cause and Effect:

The law of dependent origination reveals that all phenomena are interconnected and interdependent. How does this view change our understanding of life, society, and nature? How does it influence our behavior and decision-making?

4. The Root of Suffering and Liberation:

The twelve links of dependent origination demonstrate the process of suffering's arising, while also pointing out the possibility of liberation. What insights does this give us? How can we apply this understanding in daily life to reduce suffering and increase happiness?

5. Education and Spreading Wisdom:

The Buddha spread his teachings through "lion's roars" and "setting in motion the supreme wheel," reflecting the importance of wisdom transmission. In today's information age, how can we effectively spread truly valuable knowledge and wisdom?

6. The Relationship Between Individual and Universe:

By understanding dependent origination, we can see the profound connection between the individual and the entire universe. How does this realization change our understanding of life, responsibility, and the meaning of existence?

Conclusion:

The "Ten Powers Sutta" is not just an ancient scripture, but a window to profound wisdom. It invites us to re-examine the essence of our existence, our relationship with the world, and the true meaning of life. By deeply reflecting on these questions, we can open our inner eye of wisdom and find deeper meaning and peace in daily life. In this world full of challenges and changes, this ancient yet eternal wisdom may point us to a path towards inner freedom and universal harmony.