In the city of Sāvatthī... (abridged)...

"Monks, regarding the phenomena that lead to attachment, if a person dwells on the pleasantness of them, craving will increase. Due to craving, there is grasping; due to grasping, there is existence; due to existence, there is birth; due to birth, there is aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair. Thus, the entire mass of suffering arises.

Monks, just as an oil lamp burns due to the oil and wick, if someone keeps adding oil to it and adjusting the wick, this oil lamp, having this fuel and nourishment, can continue to burn for a long time. Similarly, monks, regarding the phenomena that lead to attachment, if a person dwells on the pleasantness of them, craving will increase. Due to craving, there is grasping; due to grasping, there is existence; due to existence, there is birth; due to birth, there is aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair. Thus, the entire mass of suffering arises.

Monks, regarding the phenomena that lead to attachment, if a person dwells on the drawbacks of them, craving will cease. When craving ceases, grasping ceases; when grasping ceases, existence ceases; when existence ceases, birth ceases; when birth ceases, aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair cease. Thus, the entire mass of suffering ceases.

Monks, just as an oil lamp burns due to the oil and wick, if someone no longer adds oil to it and does not adjust the wick, this oil lamp, having exhausted its previous fuel and without new supplementation, will extinguish due to lack of fuel. Similarly, monks, regarding the phenomena that lead to attachment, if a person dwells on the drawbacks of them, craving will cease. When craving ceases, grasping ceases... (abridged)... Thus, the entire mass of suffering ceases."

This is the third sutra.

Main Themes of the Sutra:

1. Attachment and Suffering:

If we cling to the pleasures derived from phenomena that bind us to samsara, craving will grow, perpetuating suffering.

2. Observing Drawbacks:

By recognizing the drawbacks of these phenomena, we can extinguish craving and thus liberate ourselves from suffering.

3. Metaphor of the Oil Lamp:

The oil lamp serves as a vivid metaphor for our lives: oil and wick symbolize our attachments and desires, illustrating how wise observation can lead to liberation.

In-Depth Analysis of the Sutra:

I. Analysis of the Nature of Attachment:

1. Deep Meaning of "Attachment":

Attachment is the shackle that binds us.

It confines us within the cycle of birth and death.

It prevents us from attaining true freedom.

2. Exploring the Roots of Suffering:

Arises from the pursuit of pleasurable experiences.

Continuation through the chain of craving, grasping, and existence.

Ultimately leads to the pain of samsara.

II. Profound Implications of the Oil Lamp Metaphor:

1. Intricate Correspondence:

Oil = Our desires

Wick = Objects of attachment

Flame = The burning of life

Light = Temporary pleasures

Adding oil and adjusting the wick = Continuous pursuit

2. Insights from Extinguishing the Lamp:

Not adding oil = Stopping the chase of desires.

Not adjusting the wick = Letting go of attachments.

Natural extinguishing = Inevitable liberation.

III. Wisdom Guidance for Practice:

1. Two Levels of Observation:

"Pleasantness": The attractive surface of phenomena.

"Drawbacks": The hidden dangers behind them.

2. Direction for Practice:

Cultivate awareness: Understand the essence of desires.

Rational observation: See the roots of suffering clearly.

Wise discernment: Know when to let go.

IV. Insights for Modern Life:

1. Reflection on Consumer Society:

We are like those who keep adding oil.

Constantly pursuing more pleasure.

Ignoring the exhaustion within.

2. Dilemmas of the Technological Age:

Social media acts like a new oil lamp.

Likes and comments serve as modern fuel.

We are trapped in a virtual brightness.

3. Wisdom for Living:

Learn to be moderately content.

Cultivate inner peace.

Seek the true self.

V. Specific Guidance for Practice:

1. Daily Observations:

Be aware of your cravings.

Examine the objects of attachment.

Experience the ease of letting go.

2. Methods of Practice:

Cultivate mindfulness and awareness.

Practice wise observation.

Learn to let go in a timely manner.

VI. Deep Reflections on Life:

1. Essence of Life:

Our lives are like oil lamps, needing new expectations and pursuits to sustain them. However, this maintenance itself is a burden, like the effort of constantly adding oil.

2. Truth of Happiness:

The happiness we seek resembles light; it appears bright but requires constant maintenance. True happiness may lie in relinquishing the effort to sustain it.

3. Wisdom of Liberation:

Understand the principle of impermanence.

Accept the necessity of letting go.

Experience the joy of ease.

VII. Suggestions for Modern Application:

1. Attitude Towards Life:

Maintain simplicity and purity.

Reduce unnecessary pursuits.

Enjoy the tranquility of the present.

2. Work Aspects:

Pursue achievements moderately.

Do not be trapped by ambition.

Find internal balance.

3. Interpersonal Relationships:

Maintain a suitable distance.

Avoid excessive attachment.

Learn to be independent.

This sutra, through the simple metaphor of the oil lamp, reveals profound truths about life: our suffering often stems from the relentless effort to maintain, while liberation lies in learning to let go. This is not only a religious wisdom but also a practical life philosophy that guides us to find inner peace and freedom amidst the complexities of modern life. It enlightens us that true wisdom is not in acquiring more, but in knowing when to let go.