For What Purpose?

1. At one time venerable Sāriputta was living with the Vajjis on the bank of river Ukkavela.

2. Then the wandering ascetic Sāmaṇḍakā approached venerable Sāriputta, exchanged friendly greetings and sat on a side.

3. “Sitting on a side the wandering ascetic Sāmaṇḍakā said to venerable Sāriputta: “Friend Sāriputta, for what purpose do you lead the holy life in the dispensation of Gotama?”

“Friend, for the accurate and exact comprehension, .of unpleasantness, I lead the holy life in the dispensation of the Blessed One.”

4. “Friend, is there a path and method for the accurate and exact comprehension, .of unpleasantness?”

“Friend, there is a path and method for the accurate and exact comprehension, .of unpleasantness.”

5. “Friend, what is the path and method for the accurate and exact comprehension, .of unpleasantness?”

“Friend, it is this same Noble Eightfold Path such as right view, right thoughts, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right establishment of mindfulness and right concentration, the path for the accurate and exact comprehension of unpleasantness,”

6. “Friend, the path and method is excellent for the accurate and exact comprehension of unpleasantness It is suitable that I should be diligent.”