Once, the World-Honored One was dwelling in the city of Kammasadhamma in the Kuru country. At that time, Venerable Ananda approached the World-Honored One, paid his respects, and sat to one side. After being seated, Ananda said to the World-Honored One: "How remarkable, Lord! How extraordinary, Lord! This dependent origination is so profound, and its manifestation is so profound, yet to me it seems so easy to understand."

"Do not say so, Ananda! Do not say so! This dependent origination is indeed profound, and its manifestation is profound. Ananda, it is because beings cannot realize and penetrate this truth that they are like a tangled ball of string, like knotted grass, unable to transcend the unfortunate realms, evil paths, lower realms, and the cycle of rebirth."

"Ananda, regarding phenomena that lead to attachment, if one dwells observing their pleasurable nature, craving increases. Conditioned by craving, there is clinging; conditioned by clinging, there is becoming; conditioned by becoming, there is birth; conditioned by birth, there arise aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair. Thus arises this entire mass of suffering."

"Ananda, it is like a great tree. Its roots growing downward and spreading horizontally all transport nutrients upward. Because of these nutrients and support, this great tree can survive for a long time. Similarly, Ananda, regarding phenomena that lead to attachment, if one dwells observing their pleasurable nature, craving increases. Conditioned by craving, there is clinging... Thus arises this entire mass of suffering."

"Ananda, regarding phenomena that lead to attachment, if one dwells observing their disadvantages, craving ceases. With the cessation of craving, clinging ceases; with the cessation of clinging, becoming ceases... Thus ceases this entire mass of suffering."

"Ananda, it is like a great tree. At this time, a person comes with a spade and basket. He cuts the roots, digs around it, pulls out all the roots, even those as fine as grass roots. He cuts the tree into pieces, splits them into fragments, dries them, and burns them to ashes. He then scatters the ashes in strong wind or throws them into a swift stream. In this way, this great tree is uprooted like a palm stump, made non-existent, never to grow again. Similarly, Ananda, regarding phenomena that lead to attachment, if one dwells observing their disadvantages, craving ceases. With the cessation of craving, clinging ceases; with the cessation of clinging, becoming ceases; with the cessation of becoming, birth ceases; with the cessation of birth, aging and death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair cease. Thus ceases this entire mass of suffering."

End of the Tenth Discourse.

Deep Analysis and Reflection on this Sutra:

I. The Profundity of Dependent Origination

1. Difference between Appearance and Reality

- Ananda's attitude of finding it easy to understand reflects a superficial understanding of dependent origination

- The Buddha's serious reminder reveals the unfathomable depth of dependent origination

- This highlights the vast gap between "knowing" and "truly understanding"

2. Root of the Predicament

- Beings are like a "tangled ball of string," illustrating life's complex entanglements

- The "knotted grass" metaphor suggests we are bound by our own attachments

- The inability to transcend samsara stems from insufficient understanding of dependent origination

II. The Truth of Life Revealed

1. The Nature of Craving

- Craving is the root of suffering

- It grows through observing the "pleasurable nature" of things

- Forms a self-reinforcing cyclic system

2. The Chain of Dependent Origination

- Craving → Clinging → Becoming → Birth → Aging and Death

- Each link is tightly connected

- Forms the complete picture of life's cycle

III. The Wisdom of Liberation

1. The Importance of Observation

- Not about denying feelings, but changing the way of observation

- Shifting from observing "pleasurable nature" to observing "disadvantages"

- This transformation is key to liberation

2. Complete Eradication

- Like the metaphor of completely uprooting a large tree

- Leaving no remnant roots to ensure no regrowth

- Shows that liberation requires thorough effort

IV. Modern Implications

1. Personal Practice

- Cultivating correct methods of observation

- Recognizing the dangers of craving

- Maintaining continuous effort

2. Life Applications

- Being mindful of attachments in daily life

- Cultivating wise observation

- Gradually reducing craving

V. Deep Contemplation

1. Levels of Understanding

- Surface understanding can be misleading

- True understanding requires deep experience

- Wisdom must be gained through practice

2. The Meaning of Life

- Not about satisfying desires, but transcending them

- Not about increasing attachments, but reducing them

- The ultimate goal is complete liberation

VI. Practical Guidance

1. Methods of Observation

- Maintaining continuous awareness

- Observing the disadvantages of things

- Not being deceived by appearances

2. Gradual Practice

- Starting with small steps

- Maintaining patience and perseverance

- Pursuing complete transformation

VII. Contemporary Significance

1. Implications for Modern Life

- This wisdom is even more needed in our materially abundant age

- Helps avoid the traps of consumerism

- Finds true direction in life

2. Guidance for Mental Health

- Provides methods for handling desires

- Helps reduce psychological stress

- Leads to true mental freedom

Although this sutra is ancient, its wisdom remains profoundly relevant for modern people. It not only reveals the truth about life but also provides practical methods to help us walk the path to true liberation. Through deep understanding and practice of these teachings, we can find balance in modern life and ultimately achieve genuine inner freedom.