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← Itivuttaka

Observing Ugliness

Iti 85 · Asubhānupassīsutta

Morning reflections on a pond bordered by reeds.

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

“Mendicants, meditate observing the ugliness of the body. Let mindfulness of breathing be well-established internally on the present. Meditate observing the impermanence of all conditions. As you meditate observing the ugliness of the body, you will give up desire for the body. When mindfulness of breathing is well-established internally on the present, there will be no distressing external thoughts or wishes. When you meditate observing the impermanence of all conditions, ignorance is given up and knowledge arises.”

The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

“Observing the ugliness of the body, mindful of the breath, one always keen sees the stilling of all activities.

That mendicant sees rightly, and when freed in regards to that, that peaceful sage, with perfect insight, has truly slipped their yoke.”

This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.

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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.