In Savatthi... The Buddha said: "Monks, I say that the extinction of defilements is for one who knows and sees, not for one who does not know and does not see. Monks, knowing what and seeing what can lead to the extinction of defilements? This is form, this is the arising of form, this is the cessation of form; this is feeling... this is perception... this is volitional formations... this is consciousness, this is the arising of consciousness, this is the cessation of consciousness. Monks, knowing and seeing thus, one can extinguish defilements."

"Monks, regarding the wisdom of extinction, I say it has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for the wisdom of extinction? It should be said to be 'liberation'. Monks, I say that liberation also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for liberation? It should be said to be 'dispassion'. Monks, I say that dispassion also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for dispassion? It should be said to be 'disenchantment'. Monks, I say that disenchantment also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for disenchantment? It should be said to be 'knowledge and vision of things as they really are'. Monks, I say that knowledge and vision of things as they really are also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for knowledge and vision of things as they really are? It should be said to be 'concentration'. Monks, I say that concentration also has a condition, it is not without condition."

"What is the condition for concentration? It should be said to be 'happiness'. Monks, I say that happiness also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for happiness? It should be said to be 'tranquility'. Monks, I say that tranquility also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for tranquility? It should be said to be 'rapture'. Monks, I say that rapture also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for rapture? It should be said to be 'joy'. Monks, I say that joy also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for joy? It should be said to be 'faith'. Monks, I say that faith also has a condition, it is not without condition."

"What is the condition for faith? It should be said to be 'suffering'. Monks, I say that suffering also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for suffering? It should be said to be 'birth'. Monks, I say that birth also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for birth? It should be said to be 'existence'. Monks, I say that existence also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for existence? It should be said to be 'clinging'. Monks, I say that clinging also has a condition, it is not without condition. What is the condition for clinging? It should be said to be 'craving'. Monks, I say that craving also has a condition, it is not without condition."

"What is the condition for craving? It should be said to be 'feeling'... It should be said to be 'contact'... It should be said to be 'the six sense bases'... It should be said to be 'name-and-form'... It should be said to be 'consciousness'... It should be said to be 'volitional formations'. Monks, I say that volitional formations also have a condition, they are not without condition. What is the condition for volitional formations? It should be said to be 'ignorance'."

"Thus, monks, ignorance is the condition for volitional formations, volitional formations are the condition for consciousness, consciousness is the condition for name-and-form, name-and-form is the condition for the six sense bases, the six sense bases are the condition for contact, contact is the condition for feeling, feeling is the condition for craving, craving is the condition for clinging, clinging is the condition for existence, existence is the condition for birth, birth is the condition for suffering, suffering is the condition for faith, faith is the condition for joy, joy is the condition for rapture, rapture is the condition for tranquility, tranquility is the condition for happiness, happiness is the condition for concentration, concentration is the condition for knowledge and vision of things as they really are, knowledge and vision of things as they really are is the condition for disenchantment, disenchantment is the condition for dispassion, dispassion is the condition for liberation, liberation is the condition for the wisdom of extinction."

"Monks, just as when there is a heavy rain on a mountaintop, the water flows downwards, filling the crevices and gullies. When the crevices and gullies are full, they fill up the small ponds. When the small ponds are full, they fill up the large ponds. When the large ponds are full, they fill up the small rivers. When the small rivers are full, they fill up the great rivers. When the great rivers are full, they fill up the great ocean."

"Similarly, monks, ignorance is the condition for volitional formations, volitional formations are the condition for consciousness, consciousness is the condition for name-and-form, name-and-form is the condition for the six sense bases, the six sense bases are the condition for contact, contact is the condition for feeling, feeling is the condition for craving, craving is the condition for clinging, clinging is the condition for existence, existence is the condition for birth, birth is the condition for suffering, suffering is the condition for faith, faith is the condition for joy, joy is the condition for rapture, rapture is the condition for tranquility, tranquility is the condition for happiness, happiness is the condition for concentration, concentration is the condition for knowledge and vision of things as they really are, knowledge and vision of things as they really are is the condition for disenchantment, disenchantment is the condition for dispassion, dispassion is the condition for liberation, liberation is the condition for the wisdom of extinction."

This is the third discourse.

This scripture delves deeply into the core Buddhist teachings of dependent origination and the path to liberation. Let's analyze the wisdom contained within:

1. The Importance of Knowledge and Vision:

The Buddha emphasizes that only by truly understanding and insight into (knowing and seeing) the nature of the five aggregates and their arising and cessation can one extinguish defilements. This highlights the crucial role of wisdom in spiritual practice.

2. The Forward and Reverse Processes of Dependent Origination:

The text describes in detail the entire process from ignorance to the wisdom of extinction, showing the complete path of life's cycle and liberation. This process can be divided into two parts:

The arising of suffering: Ignorance → Volitional formations → Consciousness → Name-and-form → Six sense bases → Contact → Feeling → Craving → Clinging → Existence → Birth → Suffering

The path to liberation: Suffering → Faith → Joy → Rapture → Tranquility → Happiness → Concentration → Knowledge and vision of things as they really are → Disenchantment → Dispassion → Liberation → Wisdom of extinction

For a detailed and vivid explanation of the twelve links of dependent origination, please refer to Samyutta Nikaya 12, Suttas 1 and 2, which are not explained again here.

3. The Importance of Each Link:

The Buddha repeatedly emphasizes that each stage is "with condition, not without condition." This indicates that spiritual practice is a gradual process, with each step building on the previous one, and none can be omitted.

4. The Transformative Role of Suffering:

It's noteworthy that in this process, "suffering" is the key to "faith." This reveals the positive role of suffering in spiritual practice, as it can inspire our motivation to seek liberation.

5. The Positive Effects of Practice:

The process from "faith" to "wisdom of extinction" demonstrates the positive changes brought about by spiritual practice, including improvements in psychological states (joy, rapture, tranquility, happiness) and growth in wisdom (concentration, knowledge and vision of things as they really are, disenchantment, dispassion, liberation).

6. The Use of Natural Metaphors:

The Buddha uses the metaphor of rainwater flowing from mountains to the sea to vividly illustrate the naturalness and inevitability of the spiritual practice process. Just as water naturally flows downward and eventually enters the sea, practitioners will inevitably reach the state of liberation if they follow the correct path.

Deep Reflection:

This scripture provides us with a comprehensive view of life and a map for spiritual practice. It reveals that our suffering originates from ignorance, and the path to liberation begins with the recognition of suffering. This inspires us to view difficulties and challenges in life not as something to be avoided or complained about, but as opportunities for growth and awakening.

At the same time, this process also demonstrates the gradual improvement of psychological states and levels of wisdom. It tells us that true happiness and wisdom are not suddenly obtained, but gradually realized through continuous practice and inner transformation. This brings an important insight to our daily lives: we should cherish every small progress because they are all necessary steps towards the ultimate goal.

Finally, this scripture showcases the systematic and logical nature of Buddhist thought. It not only explains the causes of suffering but also provides detailed solutions. This comprehensive worldview and life guidance can provide valuable wisdom for living, even in today's world.

When facing various challenges in modern life, we can revisit this scripture, reflect on the stage we are at, and strive to move towards the next stage. Whether we are fighting against afflictions or pursuing higher spiritual realms, this scripture points out the direction and gives us hope.