(2) Two Views
Thus I have heard: One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan said to the bhikshus: “There are these two views. What are the two views? They are the view of existence and the view of non-existence.
What is meant by the view of existence? It refers to the belief in existence regarding the realm of desire, the realm of form, and the formless realm.”
“What is meant by the view of existence in the realm of desire?
It refers to the attachment to the five sensual desires.
What are the five sensual desires?
They are as follows:
• The eye perceives forms and becomes deeply attached, cherishing and remembering them, never willing to abandon them, as they are revered by worldly people.
• The ear hears sounds…
• The nose smells fragrances…
• The tongue tastes flavours…
• The body experiences smooth and pleasant sensations…
• The mind perceives various phenomena…
This is called the view of existence.”
“What is meant by the view of non-existence?
It refers to beliefs such as:
• The view that things are eternal,
• The view that things are not-eternal,
• The view of annihilation after death,
• The view that there is no annihilation,
• The view that the world is finite,
• The view that the world is infinite,
• The view that the self exists,
• The view that the self does not exist,
• The view that life and body are the same,
• The view that life and body are different,
and other such perspectives—these sixty-two views are called the view of non-existence. They are also not the true view.
This is what is called the view of non-existence.”
“Therefore, bhikshus, you should abandon these two views.
Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this way.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.