​Chapter 2 Vedana Samyutta

SN 36.1 Samādhi Sutta: Concentration

"Bhikkhus, there are these three feelings. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These are the three feelings."

A disciple of the Buddha, mindful, Concentrated, comprehending clearly,
Understands feelings And the origin of feelings, Where they finally cease,
And the path leading to their destruction. With the destruction of feelings
A bhikkhu is hungerless and fully quenched.

(There are three feelings, and a meditator practicing immersion can understand them.)

SN 36.2 Sukha Sutta: Pleasure

"Bhikkhus, there are these three feelings. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These are the three feelings."
Whether it be pleasant or painful Along with the neither-painful-nor-pleasant,
Both the internal and the external, Whatever kind of feeling there is:
Having known, "This is suffering, Perishable, disintegrating," 
Having touched and touched them, seeing their fall, Thus one loses one's passion for them.

(There are three feelings, and all of them are suffering.)

​SN 36.3 Pahāna Sutta: Abandonment

"Bhikkhus, there are these three feelings. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. The underlying tendency to lust should be abandoned in regard to pleasant feeling. The underlying tendency to aversion should be abandoned in regard to painful feeling. The underlying tendency to ignorance should be abandoned in regard to neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling."

"When, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu has abandoned the underlying tendency to lust in regard to pleasant feeling, the underlying tendency to aversion in regard to painful feeling, and the underlying tendency to ignorance in regard to neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, then he is called a bhikkhu without underlying tendencies, one who sees rightly. He has cut off craving, severed the fetters, and by completely breaking through conceit, he has made an end to suffering."

When one experiences pleasure, If one does not understand feeling
The tendency to lust is present For one not seeing the escape from it.

When one experiences pain, If one does not understand feeling
The tendency to aversion is present For one not seeing the escape from it.

The One of Broad Wisdom has taught With reference to that peaceful feeling,
Neither-painful-nor-pleasant: If one seeks delight even in this,
One is still not released from suffering.
But when a bhikkhu who is ardent Does not neglect clear comprehension,
Then that wise man fully understands Feelings in their entirety. 

Having fully understood feelings, He is taintless in this very life.
Standing in Dhamma, with the body's breakup The knowledge-master cannot be reckoned.

(One should give up desire for pleasant feeling, aversion for painful feeling, and ignorance regarding neutral feeling.)

SN 36.4 Pātāla Sutta: The Bottomless Abyss

"Bhikkhus, when the uninstructed worldling makes the statement, 'In the great ocean there is a bottomless abyss,' he makes such a statement about something that is nonexistent and unreal. This, bhikkhus, is rather a designation for painful bodily feelings, that is, 'bottomless abyss.' "

"When the uninstructed worldling is contacted by a painful bodily feeling, he sorrows, grieves, and laments; he weeps and beats his breast and becomes distraught. This is called an uninstructed worldling who has not risen up in the bottomless abyss, one who has not gained a foothold. "

"But, bhikkhus, when the instructed noble disciple is contacted by a painful bodily feeling, he does not sorrow, grieve, or lament; he does not weep and beat his breast and become distraught. This is called an instructed noble disciple who has risen up in the bottomless abyss, one who has gained a foothold."

One who cannot endure The arisen painful feelings,
Bodily feelings that sap one's life, Who trembles when they touch him,
A weakling of little strength Who weeps out loud and wails:
He has not risen up in the bottomless abyss, Nor has he even gained a foothold.
But one who is able to endure them. The arisen painful feelings, Bodily feelings that sap one's life
Who trembles not when they touch him: He has risen up in the bottomless abyss, And he has also gained a foothold. 

(Ordinary people think the ocean is a bottomless abyss; but really, it is the three feelings.)

SN 36.5 Daṭṭhabba Sutta: Should Be Seen

"Bhikkhus, there are these three feelings. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Pleasant feeling, bhikkhus, should be seen as painful; painful feeling should be seen as a dart; neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling should be seen as impermanent. "

"When, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu has seen pleasant feeling as painful, painful feeling as a dart, and neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling as impermanent, he is called a bhikkhu who sees rightly. He has cut off craving, severed the fetters, and by completely breaking through conceit, he has made an end to suffering."

One who has seen the pleasant as painful And the painful as a dart,
Seen as impermanent the peaceful feeling Neither painful nor pleasant:
He is a bhikkhu who sees rightly, . One who fully understands feelings.

Having fully understood feelings, He is taintless in this very life.
Standing in Dhamma, with the body's breakup The knowledge-master cannot be reckoned.

(See pleasant feeling as painful, painful feeling as a dart, and neutral feeling as impermanent.)

SN 36.6 Salla Sutta: The Dart
​​
"Bhikkhus, the uninstructed worldling feels a pleasant feeling, a painful feeling, and a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. The instructed noble disciple too feels a pleasant feeling, a painful feeling, and a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Therein, bhikkhus, what is the distinction, the disparity, the difference between the instructed noble disciple and the uninstructed worldling?"

"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One, guided by the Blessed One, take recourse in the Blessed One. It would be good if the Blessed One would clear up the meaning of this statement. Having heard it from him, the bhikkhus will remember it." 

"Then listen and attend closely, bhikkhus, I will speak."
"Yes, venerable sir," the bhikkhus replied.
The Blessed One said this: "Bhikkhus, when the uninstructed worldling is being contacted by a painful feeling, he sorrows, grieves, and laments; he weeps beating his breast and becomes distraught. He feels two feelings-a bodily one and a mental one. Suppose they were to strike a man with a dart, and then they would strike him immediately afterwards with a second dart, so that the man would feel a feeling caused by two darts. So too, when the uninstructed worldling is being contacted by a painful feeling ... he feels two feelings-a bodily one and a mental one."

"Being contacted by that same painful feeling, he harbors aversion towards it. When he harbors aversion towards painful feeling, the underlying tendency to aversion towards painful feeling lies behind this. Being contacted by painful feeling, he seeks delight in sensual pleasure. For what reason? Because the uninstructed worldling does not know of any escape from painful feeling other than sensual pleasure. When he seeks delight in sensual pleasure, the underlying tendency to lust for pleasant feeling lies behind this. He does not understand as it really is the origin and the passing away, the gratification, the danger, and the escape in the case of these feelings. When he does not understand these things, the underlying tendency to ignorance in regard to neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling lies behind this. "

"If he feels a pleasant feeling, he feels it attached. If he feels a painful feeling, he feels it attached. If he feels a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he feels it attached. This, bhikkhus, is called an uninstructed worldling who is attached to birth, aging, and death; who is attached to sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair; who is attached to suffering, I say. "

"Bhikkhus, when the instructed noble disciple is contacted by a painful feeling, he does not sorrow, grieve, or lament; he does not weep beating his breast and become distraught. He feels one feeling-a bodily one, not a mental one. Suppose they were to strike a man with a dart, but they would not strike him immediately afterwards with a second dart, so that the man would feel a feeling caused by one dart only. So too, when the instructed noble disciple is contacted by a painful feeling .. , he feels one feeling-a bodily one, not a mental one. "

"Being contacted by that same painful feeling, he harbours no aversion towards it. Since he harbours no aversion towards painful feeling, the underlying tendency to aversion towards painful feeling does not lie behind this. Being contacted by painful feeling, he does not seek delight in sensual pleasure. For what reason? Because the instructed noble disciple knows of an escape from painful feeling other than sensual pleasure. Since he does not seek delight in sensual pleasure, the underlying tendency to lust for pleasant feeling does not lie behind this. He understands as it really is the origin and the passing away, the gratification, the danger, and the escape in the case of these feelings. Since he understands these things, the underlying tendency to ignorance in regard to neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling does not lie behind this. "

"If he feels a pleasant feeling, he feels it detached. If he feels a painful feeling, he feels it detached. If he feels a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he feels it detached. This, bhikkhus, is called a noble disciple who is detached from birth, aging, and death; who is detached from sorrow, lamentation, pain, displeasure, and despair; who is detached from suffering, I say. "

"This, bhikkhus, is the distinction, the disparity, the difference between the instructed noble disciple and the uninstructed worldling."

The wise one, learned, does not feel The pleasant and painful [mental] feeling.
This is the great difference between The wise one and the worldling.
For the learned one who has comprehended Dhamma, Who clearly sees this world and the next,
Desirable things do not provoke his mind, Towards the undesired he has no aversion.

For him attraction and repulsion no more exist; Both have been extinguished, brought to an end.
Having known the dust-free, sorrow less state, The transcender of existence rightly understands. 

(Both ordinary and awakened people experience the three feelings. The difference is that when an ordinary person is stricken with feeling, they react, creating more suffering, whereas an awakened person responds with equanimity.)

SN 36.7 Paṭhamagelañña Sutta The Sick Ward (1)

On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Vesali in the Great Wood in the Hall with the Peaked Roof. Then, in the evening, the Blessed One emerged from seclusion and went to the sick ward, where he sat down in the appointed seat and addressed the bhikkhus thus: "Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu should await his time mindful and clearly comprehending. This is our instruction to you. "

"And how, bhikkhus, is a bhikkhu mindful? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu dwells contemplating the body in the body, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having put away covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world. He dwells contemplating feelings in feelings ... mind in mind ... phenomena in phenomena, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, having put away covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world. It is in such a way that a bhikkhu is mindful. "

"And how, bhikkhus, does a bhikkhu exercise clear comprehension? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu is one who acts with clear comprehension when going forward and returning; when looking ahead and looking aside; when drawing in and extending the limbs; when wearing his robes and carrying his outer robe and bowl; when eating, drinking, chewing his food, and tasting; when defecating and urinating; when walking, standing, sitting, falling asleep, waking up, speaking, and keeping silent. It is in such a way that a bhikkhu exercises clear comprehension. "

"A bhikkhu should await his time mindful and clearly comprehending. This is our instruction to you. "Bhikkhus, while a bhikkhu dwells thus, mindful and clearly comprehending, diligent, ardent, and resolute, if there arises in him a pleasant feeling, he understands thus: 'There has arisen in me a pleasant feeling. Now that is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on this very body. But this body is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen. So when the pleasant feeling has arisen in dependence on a body that is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, how could it be permanent?' He dwells contemplating impermanence in the body and in pleasant feeling, he dwells contemplating vanishing, contemplating fading away, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. As he dwells thus,  the underlying tendency to lust in regard to the body and in regard to pleasant feeling is abandoned by him. "Bhikkhus, while a bhikkhu dwells thus, mindful and clearly comprehending, diligent, ardent, and resolute, if there arises in him a painful feeling, he understands thus: 'There has arisen in me a painful feeling. Now that is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on just this body. But this body is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen. So when the painful feeling has arisen in dependence on a body that is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, how could it be permanent?' He dwells contemplating impermanence in the body and in painful feeling, he dwells contemplating vanishing, contemplating fading away, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. As he dwells thus, the underlying tendency to aversion in regard to the body and in regard to painful feeling is abandoned by him."

"Bhikkhus, while a bhikkhu dwells thus, mindful and clearly comprehending, diligent, ardent, and resolute, if there arises in him a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he understands thus: There has arisen in me a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Now that is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on just this body. But this body is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen. So when the neither-painful-norpleasant feeling has arisen in dependence on a body that is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, how could it be permanent?' He dwells contemplating impermanence in the body and in neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he dwells contemplating vanishing, contemplating fading away, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. As he dwells thus, the underlying tendency to ignorance in regard to the body and in regard to neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling is abandoned by him."

"If he feels a pleasant feeling, he understands: 'It is impermanent'; he understands: 'It is not held to'; he understands: 'It is not delighted in.' If he feels a painful feeling, he understands: 'It is impermanent'; he understands: 'It is not held to'; he understands: 'It is not delighted in: If he feels a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he understands: 'It is impermanent'; he understands: 'It is not held to'; he understands: 'It is not delighted in: "If he feels a pleasant feeling, he feels it detached; if he feels a ​painful feeling, he feels it detached; if he feels a neither-painful_ nor-pleasant feeling, he feels it detached. ""

"When he feels a feeling terminating with the body, he understands: 'I feel a feeling terminating with the body.' When he feels a feeling terminating with life, he understands: 'I feel a feeling terminating with life.' He understands: 'With the breakup of the body, following the exhaustion of life, all that is felt, not being delighted in, will become cool right here.' "

"Just as, bhikkhus, an oil lamp bums in dependence on the oil and the wick, and with the exhaustion of the oil and the wick it is extinguished through lack of fuel, so too, bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu feels a feeling terminating with the body ... terminating with life ... He understands: 'With the breakup of the body, following the exhaustion of life, all that is felt, not being delighted in, will become cool right here.'"

(A monk should await their death mindful and aware. They should bear the feelings of approaching death with wisdom and equanimity.)

SN 36.8 Dutiyagelañña Sutta: The Sick Ward (2)

(As in preceding sutta down to the second injunction: )
"A bhikkhu should await his time mindful and dearly comprehending. This is our instruction to you. "Bhikkhus, while a bhikkhu dwells thus, mindful and dearly comprehending, diligent, ardent, and resolute, if there arises in him a pleasant feeling, he understands thus: 'There has arisen in me a pleasant feeling. Now that is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on just this contact. But this contact is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen. So when the pleasant feeling has arisen in dependence on a contact that is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, how could it be permanent?' He dwells contemplating impermanence in contact and in pleasant feeling, he dwells contemplating vanishing, contemplating fading away, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. As he dwells thus, the underlying tendency to lust in regard to contact and in regard to pleasant feeling is abandoned by him. "

"Bhikkhus, while a bhikkhu dwells thus, mindful and dearly comprehending, diligent, ardent, and resolute, if there arises in him a painful feeling, he understands thus: 'There has arisen in me a painful feeling. Now that is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on just this contact. But this contact is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen. So when the painful feeling has arisen in dependence on a contact that is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, how could it be permanent?' He dwells contemplating impermanence in contact and in painful feeling, he dwells contemplating vanishing, contemplating fading away, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. As he dwells thus, the underlying tendency to aversion in regard to contact and in regard to painful feeling is abandoned by him. "

"Bhikkhus, while a bhikkhu dwells thus, mindful and clearly comprehending, diligent, ardent, and resolute, if there arises in him a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he understands thus: 'There has arisen in me a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Now that is dependent, not independent. Dependent on what? Dependent on just this contact. But this contact is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen. So when the neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling has arisen in dependence on a contact that is impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, how could it be permanent?' He dwells contemplating impermanence in contact and in neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, he dwells contemplating vanishing, contemplating fading away, contemplating cessation, contemplating relinquishment. As he dwells thus, the underlying tendency to ignorance in regard to contact and in regard to neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling is abandoned by him. "

"If he feels a pleasant feeling ... (all as in preceding sutta) . .. He understands: 'With the breakup of the body, following the exhaustion of life, all that is felt, not being delighted in, will become cool right here.'"

(A monk should await their death mindful and aware. They should bear the feelings of approaching death with wisdom and equanimity.)

SN 36.9 Anicca Sutta: Impermanent

"Bhikkhus, these three feelings are impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, subject to destruction, subject to vanishing, subject to fading away, subject to cessation. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These three feelings are impermanent, conditioned, dependently arisen, subject to destruction, subject to vanishing, subject to fading away, subject to cessation."

(The three feelings are impermanent.)

SN 36.10 Phassamūlaka Sutta: Rooted in Contact

"Bhikkhus, these three feelings are born of contact, rooted in contact with contact as their source and condition. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. In dependence on a contact to be experienced as pleasant bhikkhus, a pleasant feeling arises. With the cessation of that contact to be experienced as pleasant, the corresponding feeling-the pleasant feeling that arose in dependence on that contact to be experienced as pleasant--ceases and subsides. "

"In dependence on a contact to be experienced as painful, a painful feeling arises. With the cessation of that contact to be experienced as painful, the corresponding feeling-the painful feeling that arose in dependence on that contact to be experienced as painful--ceases and subsides. "

"In dependence on a contact to be experienced as neither-painful-nor-pleasant, a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling arises. With the cessation of that contact to be experienced as neither-painful-nor-pleasant, the corresponding feeling-the neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling that arose in dependence on that contact to be experienced as neither-painful-nor-pleasant--ceases and subsides. "

"Bhikkhus, just as heat is generated and fire is produced from the conjunction and friction of two fire-sticks, but when the sticks are separated and laid aside the resultant heat ceases and subsides; so too, these three feelings are born of contact, rooted in contact, with contact as their source and condition. In dependence on the appropriate contacts the corresponding feelings arise; with the cessation of the appropriate contacts the corresponding feelings cease.

(The three feelings are each produced by the appropriate contact.)

SN 36.11 Rahogata Sutta: Alone

Then a certain bhikkhu approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him: "Here, venerable sir, while I was alone in seclusion, a reflection arose in my mind thus: 'Three feeling have been spoken of by the Blessed One: pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These three feelings have been spoken of by the Blessed One. But the Blessed One has said: "Whatever is felt is included in suffering." Now with reference to what was this stated by the Blessed One?'"

​"Good, good, bhikkhu! These three feelings have been spoken of by me: pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These three feelings have been spoken of by me. And I have also said: 'Whatever is felt is included in suffering: That has been stated by me with reference to the impermanence of formations. That has been stated by me with reference to formations being subject to destruction ... to formations being subject to vanishing ... to formations being subject to fading away  ... to formations being subject to cessation ... to formations being subject to change."

"Then, bhikkhu, I have also taught the successive cessation of formations. For one who has attained the first jhana, speech has ceased. For one who has attained the second jhana, thought and examination have ceased. For one who has attained the third jhana, rapture has ceased. For one who has attained the fourth jhana, in-breathing and out-breathing have ceased. For one who has attained the base of the infinity of space, the perception of form has ceased. For one who has attained the base of the infinity of consciousness, the perception pertaining to the base of the infinity of space has ceased. For one who has attained the base of nothingness, the perception pertaining to the base of the infinity of consciousness has ceased. For one who has attained the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, the perception pertaining to the base of nothingness has ceased. For one who has attained the cessation of perception and feeling, perception and feeling have ceased. For a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed, lust has ceased, hatred has ceased, delusion has ceased. "

"Then, bhikkhu, I have also taught the successive subsiding of formations. For one who has attained the first jhana speech has subsided ... . For one who has attained the cessation of perception and feeling, perception and feeling have subsided. For a bhikkhu Whose taints are destroyed, lust has subsided, hatred has subsided, delusion has subsided."

''There are, bhikkhu, these six kinds of tranquilization. For one who has attained the first jhana, speech has been tranquilized. For one who has attained the second jhana, thought and examination ​have been tranquilized. For one who has attained the third jhana, rapture has been tranquilized. For one who has attained the fourth jhana, in-breathing and out-breathing have been tranquilized. For one who has attained the cessation of perception and feeling, perception and feeling have been tranquilized. For a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed, lust has been tranquilized, hatred has been tranquilized, delusion has been tranquilized."

(A monk wonders how there can be three kinds of feeling, yet all of them are suffering.)

SN 36.12 Paṭhamaākāsa Sutta: The Sky (1)
​
"Bhikkhus, just as various winds blow in the sky: winds from the east, winds from the west, winds from the north, winds from the south, dusty winds and dustless winds, cold winds and hot winds, mild winds and strong winds; so too, various feelings arise in this body: pleasant feeling arises, painful feeling arises, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling arises."

"Just as many diverse winds Blow back and forth across the sky,
Easterly winds and westerly winds, Northerly winds and southerly winds,
Dusty winds and dustless winds, Sometimes cold, sometimes hot,
Those that are strong and others mild Winds of many kinds that blow;

So in this very body here Various kinds of feelings arise, Pleasant ones and painful ones,
And those neither painful nor pleasant. But when a bhikkhu who is ardent
Does not neglect clear comprehension, Then that wise man fully understands Feelings in their entirety.

Having fully understood feelings, He is taintless in this very life.
Standing in Dhamma, with the body's breakup, The knowledge-master cannot be reckoned.

(Feelings arise in the body like winds blowing in the sky. With illustrative verses.)

SN 36.13 Dutiyaākāsa Sutta The Sky (2)

(Same as the preceding, but without the verses.)

SN 36.14 Agāra Sutta: The Guest House

"Bhikkhus, suppose there is a guest house. People come from the east, west, north, and south and lodge there; khattiyas, brahmins, vessas, and suddas come and lodge there. So too, bhikkhus, various feelings arise in this body: pleasant feeling arises, painful feeling arises, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling arises; carnal pleasant feeling arises; carnal painful feeling arises; carnal neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling arises; spiritual pleasant feeling arises; spiritual painful feeling arises; spiritual neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling arises."

(Feelings arise in the body like guests in a hotel.)

SN 36.15 Paṭhamaānanda Sutta: Ananda (1)

Then the Venerable Ananda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him: "Venerable sir, what now is feeling? What is the origin of feeling? What is the cessation of feeling? What is the way leading to the cessation of feeling? What is the gratification in feeling? What is the danger? What is the escape?"

"Ananda, these three feelings-pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling-are called feeling. With the arising of contact there is the arising of feeling. With the cessation of contact there is the cessation of feeling. This Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the cessation of feeling; that is, right view ... right concentration. The pleasure and joy that arise in dependence on feeling: this is the gratification in feeling. That feeling is impermanent, suffering, and subject to change: this is the danger in feeling. The removal and abandonment of desire and lust for feeling: this is the escape from feeling. "

"Then, Ananda, I have also taught the successive cessation of formations ... (as in §11) ... . For a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed, lust has been tranquilized, hatred has been tranquilized, delusion has been tranquilized." 

(The Buddha explains the feelings to Ānanda in terms of arising, ending, gratification, drawback, and escape.)

SN 36.​16 Dutiyaānanda Sutta: Ananda (2)

Then the Venerable Ananda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, and sat down to one side. The Blessed One then said to the Venerable Ananda as he was sitting to one side: "Ananda, what now is feeling? What is the origin of feeling? What is the cessation of feeling? What is the way leading to the cessation of feeling? What is the gratification in feeling? What is the danger? What is the escape?"

"Venerable sir, our teachings are rooted in the Blessed One, guided by the Blessed One, take recourse in the Blessed One. It would be good if the Blessed One would clear up the meaning of this statement. Having heard it from him, the bhikkhus will remember it."

"Then listen and attend closely, Ananda. I will speak."
"Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Ananda replied.
The Blessed One said this: "Ananda, these three feelings-pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling-are called feeling ... . " (All as in the preceding sutta.)

(The Buddha asks about the feelings to Ānanda in terms of arising, ending, gratification, drawback, and escape.)

SN 36.17 -18 : A Number of Bhikkhus

(These two suttas are identical with §§15-16 except that in each "a number ofbhikkhus" is the interlocutor in place of Ananda.)

SN 36.19 Pañcakaṅga Sutta: Pancakanga

Then the carpenter Pancakanga approached the Venerable Udayi, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and asked him: "Venerable Udayi, how many kinds of feelings have been spoken of by the Blessed One?"
"Three kinds of feelings, carpenter, have been spoken of by the Blessed One: pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These are the three kinds of feelings that have been spoken of by the Blessed One."

When this was said, the carpenter Pancakanga said to the Venerable Udayi: "The Blessed One did not speak of three kinds of feelings, Venerable Udayi. He spoke of two kinds of feelings: pleasant feeling and painful feeling. As to this neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling, venerable sir, the Blessed One has said that this is included in the peaceful and sublime pleasure." A second time and a third time the Venerable Udayi stated his position, and a second time and a third time the carpenter Pancakatiga stated his, but the Venerable Udayi could not convince the carpenter Pancakanga nor could the carpenter Pancakanga convince the Venerable Udayi.

The Venerable Ananda heard this conversation between the Venerable Udayi and the carpenter Pancakanga. Then he approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and reported to the Blessed One the entire conversation.

The Blessed One said: "kanda, it was a true method of exposition that the carpenter Pancakanga would not approve of from the bhikkhu Udayi, and it was a true method of exposition that the bhikkhu Udayi would not approve of from the carpenter Pancakanga. I have spoken of two kinds of feelings by [one] method of exposition; I have spoken of three kinds of feelings by [another] method of exposition; I have spoken of five kinds of feelings ... six kinds of feelings ... eighteen kinds of feelings ... thirty-six kinds of feelings by [another] method of exposition; and I have spoken of one hundred and eight kinds of feelings by [still another] method of exposition. Thus, kanda, the Dhamma has been taught by me through [different] methods of exposition."

"When the Dhamma has been taught by me in such a way through [different] methods of exposition, it may be expected of those who will not concede, allow, and approve of what is well stated and well spoken by others that they will become contentious and quarrelsome and engage in disputes, and that they will dwell stabbing each other with verbal daggers. But when the Dhamma has been taught by me in such a way through [different] methods of exposition, it may be expected of those who will concede, allow, and approve of what is well stated and well spoken by others that they will live in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes. "

​"Ananda, there are these five cords of sensual pleasure. What five? Forms cognizable by the eye that are desirable, lovely, agreeable, pleasing, sensually enticing, tantalizing. Sounds cognizable by the ear ... Odors cognizable by the nose ... Tastes cognizable by the tongue . .. Tactile objects cognizable by the body that are desirable, lovely, agreeable, pleasing, sensually enticing, tantalizing. These are the five cords of sensual pleasure. The pleasure and joy that arise in dependence on these five cords of sensual pleasure: this is called sensual pleasure. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the first jhana, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of seclusion. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness."

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, with the subsiding of thought and examination, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the second jhana, which has internal confidence and unification of mind, is without thought and examination, and has rapture and happiness born of concentration. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, with the fading away as well of rapture, a bhikkhu dwells equanimous and, mindful and clearly comprehending, he experiences happiness with the body; he enters and dwells in the third jhana of which the noble ones declare: 'He is equanimous, mindful, one who dwells happily.' This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, with the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and with the previous passing away of·joy and displeasure, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the fourth jhana, which is neither painful nor pleasant and includes the purification of mindfulness by equanimity. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness."

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, with the complete transcendence of perceptions of forms, with the passing away of perceptions of sensory impingement, with non-attention to perceptions of diversity, aware that 'space is infinite,' a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the base of the infinity of space. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, by completely transcending the base of the infinity of space, aware that 'consciousness is infinite,' a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the base of the infinity of consciousness. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, by completely transcending the base of the infinity of consciousness, aware that 'there is nothing,' a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the base of nothingness. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, by completely transcending the base of nothingness, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness. "

"Though some may say, 'This is the supreme pleasure and joy that beings experience,' I would not concede this to them. Why is that? Because there is another kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than that happiness. And what is that other kind of happiness? Here, Ananda, by completely transcending the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the cessation of perception and feeling. This is that other kind of happiness more excellent and sublime than the previous kind of happiness."

"Now it is possible, Ananda, that wanderers of other sects might speak thus: 'The ascetic Gotama speaks of the cessation of perception and feeling, and he maintains that it is included in happiness. What is that? How is that?' When wanderers of other sects speak thus, Ananda, they should be told: 'The Blessed One, friends, does not describe a state as included in happiness only with reference to pleasant feeling. But rather, friends, wherever happiness is found and in whatever way, the Tathagata describes that as included in happiness."'

​(The carpenter Pañcakaṅga disagreed with Venerable Udāyī about how many kinds of feeling the Buddha taught. The Buddha affirms that each is a genuine teaching, valid in different contexts.)

SN 36.20 Bhikkhu Sutta: Bhikkhus

"Bhikkhus, I have spoken of two kinds of feelings by [one] method of exposition ... . Thus, bhikkhus, the Dhamma has been taught by me through [different] methods of exposition . . .. " (Complete as in the preceding sutta.)

SN 36.21 Sīvaka Sutta: Sivaka

On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rajagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrel Sanctuary. Then the wanderer Moliyasivaka approached the Blessed One and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and said to the Blessed One: "Master Gotama, there are some ascetics and brahmins who​ hold such a doctrine and view as this: 'Whatever a person experiences, whether it be pleasant or painful or neither-painful-norpleasant, all that is caused by what was done in the past.' What does Master Gotama say about this?"

"Some feelings, Sivaka, arise here originating from bile disorders: that some feelings arise here originating from bile disorders one can know for oneself, and that is considered to be true in the world. Now when those ascetics and brahmins hold such a doctrine and view as this, 'Whatever a person experiences, whether it be pleasant or painful or neither-painful-nor-pleasant, all that is caused by what was done in the past,' they overshoot what one knows by oneself and they overshoot what is considered to be true in the world. Therefore I say that this is wrong on the part of those ascetics and brahmins."

"Some feelings, Sivaka, arise here originating from phlegm disorders ... originating from wind disorders ... originating from an imbalance [of the three] ... produced by change of climate .,. produced by careless behaviour .. , caused by assault ... produced as the result of kamma: how some feelings arise here produced as the result of kamma one can know for oneself, and that is considered to be true in the world. Now when those ascetics and brahmins hold such a doctrine and view as this, 'Whatever a person experiences, whether it be pleasant or painful or neither-painful-nor-pleasant, all that is caused by what was done in the past,' they overshoot what one knows by oneself and they overshoot what is considered to be true in the world. Therefore I say that this is wrong on the part of those ascetics and brahmins."

When this was said, the wanderer Moliyasivaka said to the Blessed One: "Magnificent, Master Gotama! Magnificent, Master Gotama!. .. From today let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life."

Bile, phlegm, and also wind, Imbalance and climate too,
Carelessness and assault, With kamma result as the eighth. ​

(When the wanderer Moḷiyasīvaka asks if all feelings are caused by karma in past lives. The Buddha denies this, asserting that feelings have many different causes.)

SN 36.22 Aṭṭhasata Sutta: The Theme of the Hundred and Eight

"Bhikkhus, I will teach you a Dhamma exposition on the theme of the hundred and eight. Listen to that.. .. And what, bhikkhus, is the Dhamma exposition on the theme of the hundred and eight? I have spoken of two kinds of feelings by [one] method of exposition; I have spoken of three kinds of feelings by [another] method of exposition; I have spoken of five kinds of feelings ... six kinds of feelings ... eighteen kinds of feelings ... thirty-six kinds of feelings by [another] method of exposition; and I have spoken of one hundred and eight kinds of feelings by [still another] method of exposition. "

"And what, bhikkhus, are the two kinds of feelings? Bodily and mental. These are called the two kinds of feelings. And what, bhikkhus, are the three kinds of feelings? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. These are called the three kinds of feelings.
And what, bhikkhus, are the five kinds of feelings? The pleasure faculty, the pain faculty, the joy faculty, the displeasure faculty, the equanimity faculty. These are called the five kinds of feelings."

"And what, bhikkhus, are the six kinds of feelings? Feeling born of eye-contact ... feeling born of mind-contact. These are called the six kinds of feeling.
And what, bhikkhus, are the eighteen kinds of feelings? Six examinations accompanied by joy, six examinations accompanied by displeasure, six examinations accompanied by equanimity. These are called the eighteen kinds of feelings.
And what, bhikkhus, are the thirty-six kinds of feelings? Six types of joy based on the household life, six types of joy based on renunciation; six types of displeasure based on the household life, six types of displeasure based on renunciation; six types of equanimity based on the household life, six types of equanimity based on renunciation. These are called the thirty-six kinds of feelings."

"And what, bhikkhus, are the hundred and eight kinds of feelings? The [above] thirty-six feelings in the past, the [above] thirty-six feelings in the future, the [above] thirty-six feelings at present. These are called the hundred and eight kinds of feelings. "This, bhikkhus, is the Dhamma exposition on the theme of the hundred and eight." 

(The Buddha explains the different kinds of feelings analyzed into 108 aspects.)

​SN 36.23 Aññatarabhikkhu Sutta: A Certain Bhikkhu

Then a certain bhikkhu approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him: "Venerable sir, what now is feeling? What is the origin of feeling? What is the way leading to the origination of feeling? What is the cessation of feeling? What is the way leading to the cessation of feeling? What is the gratification in feeling? What is the danger? What is the escape?"

"There are, bhikkhu, these three feelings: pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. This is called feeling. With the arising of contact there is the arising of feeling. Craving is the way leading to the origination of feeling. With the cessation of contact there is the cessation of feeling. This Noble Eightfold Path is the way leading to the cessation of feeling; that is, right view ... right concentration. "

"The pleasure and joy that arise in dependence on feeling: this is the gratification in feeling. That feeling is impermanent, suffering, and subject to change: this is the danger in feeling. The removal and abandonment of desire and lust for feeling: this is the escape from feeling."

(A monk asks the Buddha to explain the feelings in terms of the four noble truths.)

SN 36.24 Pubba Sutta: Before

"Bhikkhus, before my enlightenment, while I was still a bodhisatta, not yet fully enlightened, it occurred to me: "What now is feeling? What is the origin of feeling? What is the way leading to the origination of feeling? What is the cessation of feeling? What is the way leading to the cessation of feeling? What is the gratification in feeling? What is the danger? What is the escape?"

"Then, bhikkhus, it occurred to me: 'There are these three feelings '" (all as in preceding sutta) . .. this is the escape from feeling.'"

(Before his awakening the Buddha reflected on feeling in terms of arising, ending, gratification, drawback, and escape.)

SN 36.25 Ñāṇa Sutta: Knowledge

"'These are feelings': thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light. "

'This is the origin of feeling': thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision ... and light
"'This is the way leading to the origination of feeling': thus bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision ... and light. "

"'This is the cessation of feeling': thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision ... and light. 'This is the way leading to the cessation of feeling': thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision ... and light. "'This is the gratification in feeling' ... 'This is the danger in feeling' ... 'This is the escape from feeling': thus, bhikkhus, in regard to things unheard before, there arose in me vision, knowledge, wisdom, true knowledge, and light." 

(At his awakening, the Buddha saw feeling in terms of arising, ending, gratification, drawback, and escape.)

​SN 36.26 Sambahulabhikkhu Sutta: A Number of Bhikkhus

(Identical with §23 except that " a number of bhikkhus" are the interlocutors rather than "a certain bhikkhu.")

SN 36.27 Paṭhamasamaṇabrāhmaṇa Sutta: Ascetics and Brahmins (1)

"Bhikkhus, there are these three feelings. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. Those ascetics or brahmins, bhikkhus, who do not understand as they really are the gratification, the danger, and the escape in the case of these three feelings: these I do not consider to be ascetics among ascetics or brahmins among brahmins, and these venerable ones do not, by realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, in this very life enter and dwell in the goal of asceticism or the goal of brahminhood. "

"But, bhikkhus, those ascetics and brahmins who understand these things as they really are: these I consider to be ascetics among ascetics and brahmins among brahmins, and these venerable ones, by realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, in this very life enter and dwell in the goal of asceticism and the goal of brahminhood."

(One who does not truly understand feeling is no true ascetic.)

SN 36. 28 Dutiyasamaṇabrāhmaṇa Sutta: Ascetics and Brahmins (2)

"Those ascetics or brahmins, bhikkhus, who do not understand as they really are the origination and the passing away, the gratification, the danger, and the escape in the case of these three feelings: these I do not consider to be ascetics among ascetics or brahmins among brahmins, and these venerable ones do not, by realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, in this very life enter and dwell in the goal of asceticism or the goal of brahminhood. "

"But, bhikkhus, those ascetics and brahmins who understand these things as they really are: these I consider to be ascetics among ascetics and brahmins among brahmins, and these venerable ones, by realizing it for themselves with direct knowledge, in this very life enter and dwell in the goal of asceticism and the goal of brahminhood." 

(One who does not truly understand feeling is no true ascetic.)

SN 36.29 Tatiyasamaṇabrāhmaṇa Sutta: Ascetics and Brahmins (3)

"Those ascetics or brahmins, bhikkhus, who do not understand feeling, its origin, its cessation, and the way leading to its cessation: these I do not consider to be ascetics among ascetics ... nor do they enter and dwell in the goal of asceticism or the goal of brahminhood."

"But, bhikkhus, those ascetics and brahmins who understand feeling, its origin, its cessation, and the way leading to its cessation: these I consider to be ascetics among ascetics ... and they enter and dwell in the goal of asceticism and the goal of brahminhood."

(One who does not truly understand feeling is no true ascetic.)

SN 36.30 Suddhika Sutta: Simple Version

"Bhikkhus, there are these three feelings. What three? Pleasant feeling, painful feeling, neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling."

SN 36.31 Nirāmisa Sutta: Spiritual

"Bhikkhus, there is carnal rapture, there is spiritual rapture, there is rapture more spiritual than the spiritual. There is carnal happiness, there is spiritual happiness, there is happiness more spiritual than the spiritual. There is carnal equanimity, there is spiritual equanimity, there is equanimity more spiritual than the spiritual. There is carnal deliverance, there is spiritual deliverance, there is deliverance more spiritual than the spiritual. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is carnal rapture? There are, bhikkhus, ​these five cords of sensual pleasure. What five? Forms cognizable by the eye ... tactile objects cognizable by the body that are desirable, lovely, agreeable, pleasing, sensually enticing, tantalizing. These are the five cords of sensual pleasure. The rapture that arises in dependence on these five cords of sensual pleasure: this is called carnal rapture. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is spiritual rapture? Here, secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the first jhana, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of seclusion. With the subsiding of thought and examination, he enters and dwells in the second jhana, which has internal confidence and unification of mind, is without thought and examination, and has rapture and happiness born of concentration. This is called spiritual rapture. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is rapture more spiritual than the spiritual? When a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed reviews his mind liberated from lust, liberated from hatred, liberated from delusion, there arises rapture. This is called rapture more spiritual than the spiritual."

" And what, bhikkhus, is carnal happiness? There are, bhikkhus, these five cords of sensual pleasure. What five? Forms cognizable by the eye ... tactile objects cognizable by the body that are desirable, lovely, agreeable, pleasing, sensually enticing, tantalizing. These are the five cords of sensual pleasure. The happiness that arises in dependence on these five cords of sensual pleasure: this is called carnal happiness. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is spiritual happiness? Here, bhikkhus, secluded from sensual pleasures ... a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the first jhana ... the second jhana ... . With the fading away as well of rapture, he dwells equanimous and, mindful and clearly comprehending, he experiences happiness with the body; he enters and dwells in the third jhana of which the noble ones declare: 'He is equanimous, mindful, one who dwells happily.' This is called spiritual happiness. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is happiness more spiritual than the spiritual? When a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed reviews his mind liberated from lust, liberated from hatred, liberated from delusion, there arises happiness. This is called happiness more spiritual than the spiritual. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is carnal equanimity? There are, bhikkhus, these five cords of sensual pleasure. What five? Forms cognizable by the eye .. , tactile objects cognizable by the body that are desirable, lovely, agreeable, pleasing, sensually enticing, tantalizing. These are the five cords of sensual pleasure. The equanimity that arises in dependence on these five cords of sensual pleasure: this is called carnal equanimity. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is spiritual equanimity? With the abandoning of pleasure and pain, and with the previous passing away of joy and displeasure, a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the fourth jhana, which is neither painful nor pleasant and includes the purification of mindfulness by equanimity. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is equanimity more spiritual than the spiritual? When a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed reviews his mind liberated from lust, liberated from hatred, liberated from delusion, there arises equanimity. This is called equanimity more spiritual than the spiritual. "

"And what, bhikkhus, is carnal deliverance? Deliverance connected with the form sphere is carnal deliverance. And what, bhikkhus, is spiritual deliverance? Deliverance connected with the formless sphere is spiritual deliverance."

"And what, bhikkhus, is deliverance more spiritual than the spiritual? When a bhikkhu whose taints are destroyed reviews his mind liberated from lust, liberated from hatred, liberated from delusion, there arises deliverance. This is called deliverance more spiritual than the spiritual." ​

(The Buddha explains feelings as spiritual and carnal, associated with worldly states and with deep meditation.)

​​​​​​​​​​​​References 
1. www.accesstoinsight.org
2. https://suttacentral.net/
3. The connected discourses of the Buddha (Bhikkhu Bodhi)