Once, the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī. There, the Blessed One addressed Venerable Sāriputta: "Sāriputta, in the Questions of Ajita in the Pārāyana:

'Those who have understood the Dhamma,

And the many who are training here—

Being asked, O wise one, tell me

About their way of living.'

Sāriputta, how should the detailed meaning of this brief statement be understood?"

When this was said, Venerable Sāriputta remained silent.

A second time, the Blessed One addressed Venerable Sāriputta... And a second time, Sāriputta remained silent.

A third time, the Blessed One addressed Venerable Sāriputta: "Sāriputta, in the Questions of Ajita in the Pārāyana:

'Those who have understood the Dhamma,

And the many who are training here—

Being asked, O wise one, tell me

About their way of living.'

Sāriputta, how should the detailed meaning of this brief statement be understood?"

And a third time, Sāriputta remained silent.

"Sāriputta, do you see 'this has come to be'?"

"Venerable sir, with proper wisdom I see as it really is 'this has come to be.' Having seen 'this has come to be' as it really is, I practice for disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation regarding what has come to be. I see as it really is with proper wisdom 'this has come to be with nutriment.' Having seen 'this has come to be with nutriment' as it really is, I practice for disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation regarding what has come to be with nutriment. I see as it really is with proper wisdom 'with the cessation of nutriment, what has come to be ceases.' Having seen 'with the cessation of nutriment, what has come to be ceases' as it really is, I practice for disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation regarding cessation. Venerable sir, this is one in training."

"And Sāriputta, how is one who has understood the Dhamma? One sees with proper wisdom as it really is 'this has come to be.' Having seen 'this has come to be' as it really is, through disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation regarding what has come to be, one is liberated without clinging. One sees with proper wisdom as it really is 'this has come to be with nutriment.' Having seen 'this has come to be with nutriment' as it really is, through disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation regarding what has come to be with nutriment, one is liberated without clinging. One sees with proper wisdom as it really is 'with the cessation of nutriment, what has come to be ceases.' Having seen 'with the cessation of nutriment, what has come to be ceases' as it really is, through disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation regarding cessation, one is liberated without clinging. Venerable sir, this is one who has understood the Dhamma.

Thus, venerable sir, regarding what was stated in the Questions of Ajita in the Pārāyana:

'Those who have understood the Dhamma,

And the many who are training here—

Being asked, O wise one, tell me

About their way of living.'

This is how I understand in detail the meaning of what was stated in brief."

"Good, good, Sāriputta!" The Blessed One then repeated Sāriputta's explanation, confirming his understanding was correct.

This sutta primarily discusses the different attitudes and levels of understanding between "trainees" (those still in training) and "those who have understood the Dhamma" (accomplished Arahants) when facing concepts of "what has come to be," "nutriment," and "cessation." While trainees are practicing for liberation, those who have understood the Dhamma are already fully liberated and no longer cling.

This sutta contains profound Buddhist wisdom. Let's analyze it in depth:

1. The Wisdom of Silence:

Sāriputta's three instances of silence weren't due to ignorance but rather profound wisdom. Sometimes, truth cannot be fully expressed through words, and silence can convey deeper meaning. This reminds us not to rush to answer profound questions but to contemplate deeply.

2. Levels of Practice:

The text distinguishes between "trainees" and "those who have understood the Dhamma," showing different stages of practice. This tells us that spiritual practice is a gradual process requiring continuous effort and deep understanding.

3. The Concept of "What Has Come to Be":

Understanding the nature of "what has come to be" is key to practice. This involves observing reality as it is, recognizing that all phenomena arise from causes and conditions, with no permanent essence.

4. The Concept of "Nutriment":

"Nutriment" here refers not just to physical food but to all factors that sustain life and consciousness. Understanding the nature of nutriment helps us recognize life's dependent and impermanent nature.

5. The Wisdom of Cessation:

Recognizing that "with the cessation of nutriment, what has come to be ceases" is key to liberation. This reveals the impermanent nature of all phenomena and the possibility of liberation.

6. The Goal of Practice:

The text emphasizes "disenchantment, dispassion, and cessation," which isn't negative but rather an awakening to true nature—a necessary path to liberation.

7. Clinging and Liberation:

"Those who have understood the Dhamma" no longer cling, representing the highest state of practice. This teaches us that true freedom comes from letting go, not from acquiring more.

This sutta profoundly reveals Buddhism's core practice: observing reality as it is, understanding life's nature, and ultimately reaching a state of non-clinging and complete liberation. It encourages us to reflect on our own lives and thinking patterns, reminding us to maintain awareness and not be deceived by appearances.

This wisdom applies not only to religious practice but also to daily life. It teaches us how to face life's changes and challenges, how to maintain inner peace and wisdom. Through understanding the concepts of "what has come to be," "nutriment," and "cessation," we can better accept life's impermanence, reduce attachment, and increase appreciation and gratitude for life.

Ultimately, this sutta guides us to contemplate life's essence and meaning, encouraging us to follow a path toward inner freedom and wisdom. It's not just religious doctrine but a life philosophy that can help us find inner peace and clarity in this complex, ever-changing world.