While residing in Shravasti... The World-Honored One said: "Bhikkhus, I will explain to you the arising and cessation of suffering. Listen carefully and reflect on it, for I am about to speak."

The bhikkhus replied: "Yes, World-Honored One." The World-Honored One then began to speak:

"Bhikkhus, what is the arising of suffering?

When the eye sees an object, eye-consciousness arises. The combination of these three produces contact. Because of contact, feeling arises. Because of feeling, desire arises. Bhikkhus, this is the arising of suffering.

Furthermore:

- When the ear hears a sound, ear-consciousness arises...

- When the nose smells an odor, nose-consciousness arises...

- When the tongue tastes a flavor, tongue-consciousness arises...

- When the body touches an object, body-consciousness arises...

- When the mind contacts a mental object, mind-consciousness arises.

The combination of these three produces contact. Because of contact, feeling arises. Because of feeling, desire arises. Bhikkhus, this is the arising of suffering.

"Bhikkhus, what is the cessation of suffering?

When the eye sees an object, eye-consciousness arises. The combination of these three produces contact. Because of contact, feeling arises. Because of feeling, desire arises. When this desire completely ceases, attachment ceases; with the cessation of attachment, existence ceases; with the cessation of existence, birth ceases; with the cessation of birth, aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair cease. Thus, the whole mass of suffering ceases. Bhikkhus, this is the cessation of suffering.

Furthermore:

- When the ear hears a sound, ear-consciousness arises...

- When the nose smells an odor, nose-consciousness arises...

- When the tongue tastes a flavor, tongue-consciousness arises...

- When the body touches an object, body-consciousness arises...

- When the mind contacts a mental object, mind-consciousness arises.

The combination of these three produces contact. Because of contact, feeling arises. Because of feeling, desire arises. When this desire completely ceases, attachment ceases; with the cessation of attachment, existence ceases; with the cessation of existence, birth ceases; with the cessation of birth, aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair cease. Thus, the whole mass of suffering ceases. Bhikkhus, this is the cessation of suffering."

End of the third sutra.

This sutra profoundly expounds on the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. Let me provide a detailed analysis for you:

1. Analysis of the root of suffering:

This sutra reveals the complete chain of suffering's arising:

- First, there's contact between the senses and their objects (six sense bases and six sense objects)

- Then consciousness arises (six types of consciousness)

- This leads to feeling

- Finally, desire arises

- Desire leads to attachment

- Attachment gives rise to suffering

It's like when someone sees a beautiful piece of clothing (eye-consciousness), finds it attractive (feeling), wants to possess it (desire), becomes attached to obtaining it (attachment), and suffers if they can't buy it or worries about damaging or it becoming outdated after buying it.

2. Analysis of the path to liberation:

The sutra also points out the method to eliminate suffering:

- The key is to break the link of desire

- When desire disappears, attachment naturally dissipates

- When attachment disappears, suffering has no place to reside

- Eventually, complete liberation is achieved

It's like waves on a lake surface; when the wind (desire) stops, the water naturally becomes calm.

3. Profound insights:

The truth of life:

This sutra reveals a profound truth: our suffering is not imposed from outside but stems from our own patterns of reaction. Whenever our senses contact the external world, it's not the external things themselves that cause suffering, but our attachment and desire for them.

Practical guidance:

- Cultivate awareness: Maintain clear awareness of your senses, feelings, and desires

- Maintain mindfulness: Stay clearly aware when in contact with external circumstances

- Let go of attachment: Recognize the impermanent nature of all phenomena

- Transcend desire: Don't be controlled by sensory desires

Modern implications:

In this modern society full of temptations, this sutra has special practical significance:

- Comparison and anxiety brought by social media

- Endless desires caused by consumerism

- Inner emptiness and unease of modern people

All these can be resolved through the wisdom taught in this sutra.

Life practice:

1. Cultivate awareness of desires

2. Maintain mindfulness in daily life

3. Learn to be content with moderation

4. Cultivate inner peace

Conclusion:

This sutra is not just a religious doctrine, but a profound insight into the workings of the human mind. It tells us that suffering is not destiny, but can be transcended through wisdom. When we truly understand and practice these teachings, we can find the path to inner peace.

This is not about completely giving up on life, but teaching us how to maintain inner peace and wisdom in modern society, finding true happiness and ease.