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7. Chakka (Sixes)

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The Sixes of the Saṅgītisutta (8D/10): twenty-two sets of six Dhammas, from the six sense bases to the six roots of dispute and the six escapes by mental liberation, recited by āyasmā Sāriputta for the bhikkhū to chant together. Translated from the Dīghanikāya.

Original text: 8D/10.6 Chakka 976–1010 in the World Tipitaka Edition

The sixth of the Saṅgītisutta’s lists: āyasmā Sāriputta recites twenty-two sets of six Dhammas for the bhikkhū to chant together. They begin with the six sense bases and what arises through them, consciousness, contact, feeling, apperception, volitional thoughts and craving, and go on to the life of a community: respect and disrespect, the six pleasant Dhammas that make for unity, the six roots of dispute, the six escapes by mental liberation, and the apperceptions that lead to penetrating insight.

flowchart TB
    S["twenty-two sets of six"]
    subgraph E["Sense experience"]
        E1["six sense bases, internal and external"]
        E2["consciousness, contact, feeling"]
        E3["apperception, volitional thoughts, craving"]
        E4["explorations with pleasure, displeasure, equanimity"]
        E5["continuous modes of living"]
    end
    subgraph C["Life in the community"]
        C1["respect and disrespect"]
        C2["six pleasant Dhammas"]
        C3["six roots of dispute"]
    end
    subgraph L["The way out"]
        L1["six components"]
        L2["six escapes by mental liberation"]
        L3["supreme things and recollections"]
        L4["six classes of birth"]
        L5["apperceptions for penetrating insight"]
    end
    S --> E
    S --> C
    S --> L

(323.)

976. Āvuso, there are six Dhammas well proclaimed by the Bhagavā, the liberated one, the perfectly awakened one, who knows and sees. Therein all should recite in harmony, not quarrel, so that this optimal life may endure long and last for a long time, which would be for the welfare and happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans. What six?

977. Six internal āyatanāni (sense bases): of the eye, of the ear, of the nose, of the tongue, of the body, and of the mind. (1)

978. Six external sense bases: of forms, of sounds, of odours, of tastes, of tangibles, and of mind-objects. (2)

979. Six classes of viññāṇa (consciousness): eye-consciousness, ear-consciousness, nose-consciousness, tongue-consciousness, body-consciousness, and mind-consciousness. (3)

980. Six classes of phassa (contact): eye-contact, ear-contact, nose-contact, tongue-contact, body-contact, and mind-contact. (4)

981. Six classes of vedanā (feeling): feeling arisen from eye-contact, feeling arisen from ear-contact, feeling arisen from nose-contact, feeling arisen from tongue-contact, feeling arisen from body-contact, and feeling arisen from mind-contact. (5)

982. Six classes of saññā (apperception): apperception of forms, apperception of sounds, apperception of odours, apperception of tastes, apperception of tangibles, and apperception of mind-objects. (6)

983. Six classes of sañcetanā (volitional thoughts): thoughts about forms, thoughts about sounds, thoughts about odours, thoughts about tastes, thoughts about tangibles, and thoughts about mind-objects. (7)

984. Six classes of taṇhā (craving): craving for forms, craving for sounds, craving for odours, craving for tastes, craving for tangibles, and craving for mind-objects. (8)

(324.)

985. Six kinds of disrespect. Here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu dwells without respect and reverence for the Teacher; dwells without respect and reverence for the Dhamma; dwells without respect and reverence for the Saṅgha; dwells without respect and reverence for the training; dwells without respect and reverence for diligence; dwells without respect and reverence for hospitality. (9)

986. Six kinds of respect. Here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu dwells with respect and reverence for the Teacher; dwells with respect and reverence for the Dhamma; dwells with respect and reverence for the Saṅgha; dwells with respect and reverence for the training; dwells with respect and reverence for diligence; dwells with respect and reverence for hospitality. (10)

987. Six explorations with mental pleasure. When one sees a form with the eye, one explores a form that serves as a basis for mental pleasure; when one hears a sound with the ear… when one smells an odour with the nose… when one tastes a taste with the tongue… when one touches a tangible with the body. When one cognises a mind-object with the mind, one explores a mind-object that serves as a basis for mental pleasure. (11)

988. Six explorations with displeasure. When one sees a form with the eye, one explores a form that serves as a basis for displeasure … and so on … when one cognises a mind-object with the mind, one explores a mind-object that serves as a basis for displeasure. (12)

989. Six explorations with equanimity. When one sees a form with the eye, one explores a form that serves as a basis for equanimity … and so on … when one cognises a mind-object with the mind, one explores a mind-object that serves as a basis for equanimity. (13)

990. Six pleasant Dhammas. Here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu’s bodily action of goodwill is present towards his companions in the optimal life, both openly and in private. This Dhamma too is pleasant, creating affection and creating respect, and leads to support, to non-dispute, to concord, and to unity. (14.1)

991. And furthermore, Āvuso, a bhikkhu’s verbal action of goodwill is present towards his companions in the optimal life, both openly and in private. This Dhamma too is pleasant … and so on … and leads to unity. (14.2)

992. And furthermore, Āvuso, a bhikkhu’s mental action of goodwill is present towards his companions in the optimal life, both openly and in private. This Dhamma too is pleasant … and so on … and leads to unity. (14.3)

993. And furthermore, Āvuso, whatever gains a bhikkhu has that are legitimate and justly acquired, even so much as the mere contents of the bowl, he is one who shares such gains without reservation, one who enjoys them in common with his virtuous companions in the optimal life. This Dhamma too is pleasant … and so on … and leads to unity. (14.4)

994. And furthermore, Āvuso, whatever virtues a bhikkhu has that are unbroken, flawless, unspotted, unblemished, liberating, praised by the wise, not grasped, and leading to focus, he dwells in such virtues with virtue in common with his companions in the optimal life, both openly and in private. This Dhamma too is pleasant … and so on … and leads to unity. (14.5)

995. And furthermore, Āvuso, whatever view a bhikkhu has that is of the liberated and emancipating, which leads the one who acts accordingly to the complete destruction of suffering, he dwells in such a view with view in common with his companions in the optimal life, both openly and in private. This Dhamma too is pleasant, creating affection and creating respect, and leads to support, to non-dispute, to concord, and to unity. (14.6)

(325.)

996. Six roots of dispute. Here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu is angry and resentful. That bhikkhu, Āvuso, who is angry and resentful dwells without respect and reverence even for the Teacher, dwells without respect and reverence even for the Dhamma, dwells without respect and reverence even for the Saṅgha, and does not even fulfil the training. That bhikkhu, Āvuso, who dwells without respect and reverence for the Teacher, dwells without respect and reverence for the Dhamma, dwells without respect and reverence for the Saṅgha, and does not fulfil the training, generates dispute in the Saṅgha. A dispute which is for the harm of many people, for the unhappiness of many people, for the harm, disadvantage, and suffering of gods and humans. If you, Āvuso, should see such a root of dispute inwardly or outwardly. In that case, Āvuso, you should strive for the giving up of that very bad root of dispute. If you, Āvuso, should not see such a root of dispute inwardly or outwardly. In that case, Āvuso, you should practise so that that very bad root of dispute has no outflow in the future. Thus there is the giving up of this bad root of dispute. Thus there is no outflow of this bad root of dispute in the future.

997. And furthermore, Āvuso, a bhikkhu is slandering and contentious … and so on … is jealous and selfish … and so on … is devious and deceitful… has evil wishes and wrong view… clings to his own view, holds on tightly, and gives it up with difficulty … and so on … That bhikkhu, Āvuso, who clings to his own view, holds on tightly, and gives it up with difficulty dwells without respect and reverence even for the Teacher, dwells without respect and reverence even for the Dhamma, dwells without respect and reverence even for the Saṅgha, and does not even fulfil the training. That bhikkhu, Āvuso, who dwells without respect and reverence for the Teacher, dwells without respect and reverence for the Dhamma, dwells without respect and reverence for the Saṅgha, and does not fulfil the training, generates dispute in the Saṅgha. A dispute which is for the harm of many people, for the unhappiness of many people, for the harm, disadvantage, and suffering of gods and humans. If you, Āvuso, should see such a root of dispute inwardly or outwardly. In that case, Āvuso, you should strive for the giving up of that very bad root of dispute. If you, Āvuso, should not see such a root of dispute inwardly or outwardly. In that case, Āvuso, you should practise so that that very bad root of dispute has no outflow in the future. Thus there is the giving up of this bad root of dispute. Thus there is no outflow of this bad root of dispute in the future. (15)

998. Six components: the earth component, the water component, the fire component, the wind component, the space component, and the consciousness component. (16)

(326.)

999. Six components related to escape. Here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu might say: ‘The mental liberation of goodwill has indeed been cultivated by me, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken, and yet ill will remains overpowering my mind.’ He should be told: ‘Not so!’ ‘Let the āyasmant not speak thus, let him not misrepresent the Bhagavā, for misrepresenting the Bhagavā is not good, and the Bhagavā would not speak thus. It is impossible, Āvuso, there is no chance, that when the mental liberation of goodwill has been cultivated, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken. And yet ill will would remain overpowering his mind — this possibility does not exist. For this, Āvuso, is the escape from ill will, namely the mental liberation of goodwill.’ (17.1)

1000. And here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu might say: ‘The mental liberation of compassion has indeed been cultivated by me, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken. And yet cruelty remains overpowering my mind.’ He should be told: ‘Not so!’ ‘Let the āyasmant not speak thus, let him not misrepresent the Bhagavā, for misrepresenting the Bhagavā is not good, and the Bhagavā would not speak thus. It is impossible, Āvuso, there is no chance, that when the mental liberation of compassion has been cultivated, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken, cruelty would yet remain overpowering his mind — this possibility does not exist. For this, Āvuso, is the escape from cruelty, namely the mental liberation of compassion.’ (17.2)

1001. And here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu might say: ‘The mental liberation of happiness for others has indeed been cultivated by me, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken. And yet dissatisfaction remains overpowering my mind.’ He should be told: ‘Not so!’ ‘Let the āyasmant not speak thus, let him not misrepresent the Bhagavā, for misrepresenting the Bhagavā is not good, and the Bhagavā would not speak thus. It is impossible, Āvuso, there is no chance, that when the mental liberation of happiness for others has been cultivated, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken, dissatisfaction would yet remain overpowering his mind — this possibility does not exist. For this, Āvuso, is the escape from dissatisfaction, namely the mental liberation of happiness for others.’ (17.3)

1002. And here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu might say: ‘The mental liberation of equanimity has indeed been cultivated by me, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken. And yet passion remains overpowering my mind.’ He should be told: ‘Not so!’ ‘Let the āyasmant not speak thus, let him not misrepresent the Bhagavā, for misrepresenting the Bhagavā is not good, and the Bhagavā would not speak thus. It is impossible, Āvuso, there is no chance, that when the mental liberation of equanimity has been cultivated, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken, passion would yet remain overpowering his mind — this possibility does not exist. For this, Āvuso, is the escape from passion, namely the mental liberation of equanimity.’ (17.4)

1003. And here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu might say: ‘The signless mental liberation has indeed been cultivated by me, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken. And yet my consciousness follows signs.’ He should be told: ‘Not so!’ ‘Let the āyasmant not speak thus, let him not misrepresent the Bhagavā, for misrepresenting the Bhagavā is not good, and the Bhagavā would not speak thus. It is impossible, Āvuso, there is no chance, that when the signless mental liberation has been cultivated, practised often, mastered, made a foundation, practised, consolidated, and resolutely undertaken, his consciousness would yet follow signs — this possibility does not exist. For this, Āvuso, is the escape from all signs, namely the signless mental liberation.’ (17.5)

1004. And here, Āvuso, a bhikkhu might say: ‘“I am” has indeed gone from me, I do not see “I am this”, and yet the arrow of doubt and perplexity remains overpowering my mind.’ He should be told: ‘Not so!’ ‘Let the āyasmant not speak thus, let him not misrepresent the Bhagavā, for misrepresenting the Bhagavā is not good, and the Bhagavā would not speak thus. It is impossible, Āvuso, there is no chance, that when “I am” is gone and one does not see “I am this”, the arrow of doubt and perplexity would yet remain overpowering his mind — this possibility does not exist. For this, Āvuso, is the escape from the arrow of doubt and perplexity, namely the eradication of the conceit “I am”.’ (17.6)

(327.)

1005. Six supreme things: supreme vision, supreme hearing, supreme gain, supreme training, supreme service, and supreme recollection. (18)

1006. Six subjects for recollection: recollection of the Buddha, recollection of the Dhamma, recollection of the Saṅgha, recollection of virtue, recollection of generosity, and recollection of the deities. (19)

(328.)

1007. Six continuous modes of living. Here, Āvuso, when a bhikkhu sees a form with the eye, he is neither glad nor dejected; he remains equanimous, aware, and clearly comprehending. When he hears a sound with the ear … and so on … when he cognises a mind-object with the mind, he is neither glad nor dejected; he remains equanimous, aware, and clearly comprehending. (20)

(329.)

1008. Six classes of birth. Here, Āvuso, someone, being of dark birth, produces a dark characteristic. And here, Āvuso, someone, being of dark birth, produces a bright characteristic. And here, Āvuso, someone, being of dark birth, produces nibbāna (extinguishment), which is neither dark nor bright. And here, Āvuso, someone, being of bright birth, produces a bright characteristic. And here, Āvuso, someone, being of bright birth, produces a dark characteristic. And here, Āvuso, someone, being of bright birth, produces nibbāna, which is neither dark nor bright. (21)

1009. Six apperceptions conducive to penetrating insight: the apperception of impermanence in the impermanent, the apperception of suffering in suffering, the apperception of not-self, the apperception of giving up, the apperception of dispassion, and the apperception of cessation. (22)

1010. Āvuso, these are the six Dhammas well proclaimed by the Bhagavā, the liberated one, the perfectly awakened one, who knows and sees. Therein all should recite in harmony, not quarrel, so that this optimal life may endure long and last for a long time, which would be for the welfare and happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.

  • The Sixes go from sense experience to the conduct that keeps a Saṅgha together; the analysis of the recitation’s lists is on the sutta’s index page.
  • sāraṇīya is rendered “pleasant”, the DPD’s first sense; the commentarial “to be remembered”, behind the usual title of the six, is the alternative.
  • The six escapes (17) set the four brahmavihārā, the signless and the uprooting of the conceit “I am” against their opposites; “the mental liberation of goodwill” follows the hindrances page, and the not-self teaching is in the textbook.
  • The sense formula “when he sees a form with the eye” keeps the wording of the gradual training.
  • In (22) the edition’s commas give “impermanence in the impermanent, suffering in suffering”; the Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyana punctuation construes “suffering in the impermanent, not-self in suffering”.

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