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← Aṅguttara Nikāya

Extinguishment

AN 7.19 · Nibbānasutta

A still pool reflects willow branches within a dry stony streambed.

“One meditates observing the happiness in extinguishment. They perceive happiness and experience happiness. Constantly, continually, and without interruption, they apply the mind and fathom with wisdom. They’ve realized the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom, and live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements. This is the first individual worthy of offerings.

Next, take an individual who meditates observing the happiness in extinguishment. They perceive happiness and experience happiness. Constantly, continually, and without interruption, they apply the mind and fathom with wisdom. Their defilements and their life come to an end at exactly the same time. This is the second individual.

Next, take an individual who meditates observing the happiness in extinguishment. They perceive happiness and experience happiness. Constantly, continually, and without interruption, they apply the mind and fathom with wisdom.

With the ending of the five lower fetters they’re extinguished between one life and the next. …

With the ending of the five lower fetters they’re extinguished upon landing. …

With the ending of the five lower fetters they’re extinguished without extra effort. …

With the ending of the five lower fetters they’re extinguished with extra effort. …

With the ending of the five lower fetters they head upstream, going to the Akaniṭṭha realm. This is the seventh individual.

These are the seven individuals who are worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of greeting with cupped palms, and are the supreme field of merit for the world.”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.