The world is attached to continued existence, <j>overcome by continued existence, taking pleasure only in continued existence, <j>yet it becomes something else. What it enjoys, that is the fear; what it fears, that is the suffering. But this spiritual life is led in order to give up continued existence.
Of the ascetics and brahmins who say that through continued existence one is freed from continued existence, none are themselves freed from continued existence, I say. Of the ascetics and brahmins who say that through nonexistence one escapes from existence, none have themselves escaped from existence, I say.
For this suffering originates dependent on all attachment. With the ending of all grasping there is no origination of suffering. Just look at this world! Mired in many ways by ignorance, beings in love with being are not released from continued existence. Whatever states of continued existence there are—everywhere, all over—all are impermanent, suffering, and perishable.
One who sees truly like this, with right wisdom, gives up craving for continued existence, while not looking forward to nonexistence. Extinguishment comes <j>from the ending of all cravings; fading away and cessation no residue left behind.
There is no further existence for that mendicant extinguished by not grasping. Victorious in battle, such a one has defeated Māra; they’ve gone beyond all states of existence.”
Heartfelt Sayings 4.1 With Meghiya
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Cālikā, on the Cālikā mountain. Now, at that time Venerable Meghiya was the Buddha’s attendant. Then Venerable Meghiya went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and said to him, “Sir, I’d like to enter Jantu village for alms.” “Please, Meghiya, go at your convenience.”
Then Meghiya robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Jantu village for alms. After the meal, on his return from almsround in Jantu village, he went to the shore of Kimikālā River. As he was going for a walk along the shore of the river he saw a lovely and delightful mango grove. Seeing this, it occurred to him, “Oh, this mango grove is lovely and delightful! This is good enough for striving for a gentleman wanting to strive. If the Buddha allows me, I’ll come back to this mango grove to meditate.”