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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

A Skeleton

SN 46.57 · Aṭṭhikamahapphalasutta

Layered mountain rock above a misty valley.

At Sāvatthī.

“Mendicants, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated it’s very fruitful and beneficial. How so? It’s when a mendicant develops the perception of a skeleton together with the awakening factors of mindfulness, investigation of principles, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion, and equanimity, which rely on seclusion, fading away, and cessation, and ripen as letting go. That’s how the perception of a skeleton, when developed and cultivated, is very fruitful and beneficial.”

“When the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated you can expect one of two results: enlightenment in this very life, or if there’s residue left behind, non-return. How so? …”

“Mendicants, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated it leads to great benefit. How so? …”

“Mendicants, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated it leads to great sanctuary from the yoke. How so? …”

“Mendicants, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated it leads to great inspiration. How so? …”

“Mendicants, when the perception of a skeleton is developed and cultivated it leads to dwelling in great ease. How so? …”

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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.