One is incapable of ending suffering without directly knowing and fully understanding the five aggregates (SN 22.18)

One is incapable of ending suffering without directly knowing and fully understanding the five aggregates, without becoming dispassionate towards them and without abandoning them.

Lotus in the wind, from the series: Ehon noyamagusa: Illustrated book of mountain grasses

At Sāvatthi.

"Bhikkhus, without directly knowing (not knowing for oneself [anabhijānanta]) and without fully understanding form ^([1]), without becoming dispassionate (without experiencing fading of desire [avirājayanta]) towards it and without abandoning it, one is incapable of achieving the complete ending of suffering (extinction of stress, complete wearing away of discontentment [dukkhakkhaya]);

without directly knowing and without fully understanding sensation ^([2]), without becoming dispassionate towards it and without abandoning it, one is incapable of achieving the complete ending of suffering;

without directly knowing and without fully understanding perception ^([3]), without becoming dispassionate towards it and without abandoning it, one is incapable of achieving the complete ending of suffering;

without directly knowing and without fully understanding volitional formations ^([4]), without becoming dispassionate towards it and without abandoning it, one is incapable of achieving the complete ending of suffering;

without directly knowing and without fully understanding consciousness ^([5]), without becoming dispassionate towards it and without abandoning it, one is incapable of achieving.

Indeed, bhikkhus, by directly knowing, by fully understanding form, by becoming dispassionate towards it, and by abandoning it, one is capable of achieving the complete ending of suffering;

by directly knowing, by fully understanding sensation, by becoming dispassionate towards it, and by abandoning it, one is capable of achieving the complete ending of suffering;

by directly knowing, by fully understanding perception, by becoming dispassionate towards it, and by abandoning it, one is capable of achieving the complete ending of suffering;

by directly knowing, by fully understanding volitional formations, by becoming dispassionate towards it, and by abandoning it, one is capable of achieving

by directly knowing, by fully understanding consciousness, by becoming dispassionate towards it, and by abandoning it, one is capable of achieving the complete ending of suffering.

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[1] form = physical body and external matter, encompassing both one's body and external objects [rūpa]

[2] sensation = pleasant, neutral or painful felt experience, feeling; second of the five aggregates [vedanā]

[3] perception = interpretation and recognition of oneself, of things. It can involve concepts, labels, and judgments; third of the five aggregates [sañña]

[4] volitional formations = intentions, choices, decisions, karmic activity; fourth of the five aggregates [saṅkhāra]

[5] consciousness = quality of awareness — subjective awareness of experiences and the knowing of objects through the six sense doors [sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mind]; fifth of the five aggregates [viññāṇa]

Related Teachings:

• The Path and the Way of Practice for removal of five lower fetters (MN 64) - In this teaching, the Buddha shares the path and the way of practice for removal of the five lower fetters of: 1.) self-identity view, 2.) doubt regarding teachings, 3.) adherence to rites and rituals, 4.) sensual desires, and 5.) ill-will.
• The defining characteristic of living beings (SN 23.2) - Rādha asks the Buddha about a the term "being", and the Buddha explains in terms of craving for the five aggregates. He compares such craving to a child playing with sandcastles.
• Consciousness stands dependent on the other four aggregates (SN 22.53) - Consciousness stands dependent on the other four aggregates, and this attachment is what fuels the continuation of the cycle of birth, aging and death.