Location: Staying in Shravasti.

"Monks, with ignorance as condition, volitional formations arise; with volitional formations as condition, consciousness arises... Thus this whole mass of suffering comes to be.

"Monks, what is aging and death? In various beings in various groups, aging, decrepitude, loss of teeth, graying of hair, wrinkling of skin, decline of life, weakening of faculties - this is called aging. The passing away of various beings from various groups, their perishing, breaking up, disappearance, dying, death, completion of time, dissolution of aggregates, laying down of the body - this is called death. This is aging and death. Monks, this is called aging-and-death. With the arising of birth there is the arising of aging-and-death; with the cessation of birth there is the cessation of aging-and-death. The Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the cessation of aging-and-death, namely: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

"Monks, what is birth... what is existence... what is clinging... what is craving... what is feeling... what is contact... what is the six sense bases... what is name-and-form... what is consciousness...?

"Monks, what are volitional formations? Monks, there are three kinds of volitional formations: bodily formation, verbal formation, mental formation. These are called volitional formations. With the arising of ignorance there is the arising of volitional formations; with the cessation of ignorance there is the cessation of volitional formations. The Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the cessation of volitional formations, namely: right view... right concentration.

"Monks, when a noble disciple has thus understood the condition, thus understood the origin of the condition, thus understood the cessation of the condition, and thus understood the way leading to the cessation of the condition, monks, this is called a noble disciple who is accomplished in view, accomplished in vision, who has arrived at this true Dhamma, who sees this true Dhamma, who possesses a trainee's knowledge, a trainee's true knowledge, who has entered the stream of the Dhamma, a noble one with penetrative wisdom, one who stands squarely before the door to the Deathless."

This is the seventh discourse.

This sutra mainly discusses:

1. A brief explanation of the twelve links of dependent origination.

2. A detailed definition of aging and death.

3. Points out that the Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the cessation of aging and death.

4. Briefly mentions other links of dependent origination, such as birth, existence, clinging, etc.

5. A detailed explanation of the definition of volitional formations.

6. Describes the wisdom and attainments gained by noble disciples through understanding dependent origination.

This teaching emphasizes the importance of the law of dependent origination and the possibility of achieving liberation through understanding it.

Let me analyze the deeper meaning of this sutra:

1. Analysis of the nature of life's cycle:

This sutra, starting from Shravasti, reveals the most fundamental truth of life - the cyclical nature of existence. Beginning with "with ignorance as condition, volitional formations arise," it shows how life continuously cycles under the drive of ignorance. This is like a giant gear system, where each gear meshes with and drives others, forming the constant rotation of life.

2. Profound exposition on aging and death:

The mystery of aging and death: Ultimate contemplation on the nature of life

I. The nature of aging

The sutra's description of "aging" is extremely vivid and profound:

- Aging: The natural decline of life force

- Decrepitude: The indelible mark left by time on life

- Loss of teeth: Gradual decline of bodily functions

- Graying of hair: Visual representation of diminishing life vitality

- Wrinkling of skin: Time's etching on the physical body

- Decline of life: Gradual drying up of the river of life

- Weakening of faculties: Progressive weakening of perceptual abilities

These phenomena not only describe the aging process but also reveal the impermanent nature of life. Each detail reminds us: all conditioned things are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows.

II. The truth of death

The sutra's explanation of "death" is even more thought-provoking:

- Death: The ultimate destination of life

- Passing away: Transformation of the form of existence

- Breaking up: Dissolution of physical life

- Disappearance: Departure from the present world

- Dying: Exhaustion of life energy

- Completion of time: End of the time limit

- Dissolution of aggregates: Decomposition of the five aggregates

- Laying down of the body: Letting go of the material carrier

This is not just a description of the phenomenon of death, but a profound insight into the nature of life. Death is not the end, but the beginning of another cycle.

III. Wisdom transcending birth and death

The sutra points out the method to transcend birth and death:

1. Recognize cause and effect: Understand that birth leads to aging and death

2. Grasp the law: Understand that the arising and cessation of birth lead to the arising and cessation of aging and death

3. Practice the right path: Achieve transcendence through the Noble Eightfold Path

Each step of the Noble Eightfold Path is a ladder towards liberation:

- Right view: Seeing the world as it truly is

- Right intention: Pure thinking

- Right speech: Truthful speech

- Right action: Pure conduct

- Right livelihood: Proper way of living

- Right effort: Continuous effort

- Right mindfulness: Focused awareness

- Right concentration: Unification of mind

IV. The state of enlightenment

When we truly understand these principles, we will:

- Be accomplished in view: Gain true insight

- Be accomplished in vision: Possess profound insight

- Enter the stream of the Dhamma: Merge into the flow of truth

- Possess penetrative wisdom: Gain discerning wisdom

- Stand before the door to the Deathless: Stand at the threshold of transcending birth and death

This is a transformation process from an ordinary person to a noble one, the true path of life's metamorphosis.

3. Modern implications of the law of dependent origination:

Although this sutra is ancient, the truth it reveals still has profound guiding significance for modern people:

Holistic perspective of life:

- The sutra shows that life is an interconnected whole system

- Each present moment is closely connected with the past and future

- Reminds us to view life with a holistic, systematic perspective

Wisdom in facing aging:

- Accept aging as a natural law

- Maintain mindfulness, face life's changes with a peaceful attitude

- Pursue infinite spiritual growth in finite life

Practical guidance for cultivation:

- Emphasizes the unity of theory and practice

- Provides a clear path for cultivation

- Points out the ultimate direction of liberation

4. Reflection on modern life:

This sutra has special warning significance for modern people:

- Reminds us not to forget the essence of life in our busy lives

- Warns us not to let material pursuits obscure our spiritual vision

- Guides us to value spiritual cultivation even in today's technologically advanced world

5. Inspiration for personal cultivation:

Everyone can gain guidance for cultivation from this sutra:

- Start exploring the truth of life by understanding dependent origination

- Purify body and mind through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path

- Observe ignorance and cultivate wisdom in daily life

This sutra is not only the essence of Buddha's teachings but also a mirror reflecting the nature of life, guiding us towards the path of awakening. It reminds us: Based on understanding the truth of life, face life with wisdom and compassion, and ultimately achieve true liberation.

These teachings tell us: True wisdom is not about escaping birth, aging, sickness, and death, but about thoroughly understanding them and gaining the power to transcend based on this understanding. Although life is full of suffering, through correct cultivation, each of us has the possibility to reach the state of liberation.

Through this in-depth analysis, we can see that the Buddha's teachings are not just religious beliefs, but a profound life wisdom that can guide us to find our place in modern society and gain true spiritual freedom.