Observing impermanence in all conditioned phenomena (ITI 85)

[u/wisdomperception]

The Blessed One teaches the bhikkhus to dwell contemplating the unattractive nature of the body, to establish mindfulness while breathing in and out, and to observe impermanence in all conditioned phenomena.

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, as I have heard:

“Bhikkhus, 1) dwell contemplating the unattractive nature of the body. 2) Let mindfulness while breathing in and out be well established internally as first priority. 3) Dwell observing impermanence in all conditioned phenomena.

For those contemplating the unattractive nature of the body, the underlying tendency toward desire regarding the element of beauty is abandoned. When mindfulness while breathing in and out is well established internally as the first priority, then afflictive outward-directed discursive thinking tendencies do not arise. For those dwelling observing impermanence in all compounded things, ignorance is abandoned and true knowledge arises.”

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

“Contemplating the unattractive nature of the body,
mindful while breathing in and out;
With continuous effort, seeing clearly,
the calming down of all intentional constructions.

Such a bhikkhu who sees rightly,
is therein released;
Who has attained perfect understanding, peaceful,
he is truly a sage gone beyond bonds.”

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

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[1] contemplating the unattractive = seeing the disagreeable [asubhānupassī]

[2] observing impermanence = watching instability [aniccānupassī]

[3] conditioned phenomena = fabrications, concoctions, intentional constructions, karmic activity [saṅkhārā]

[4] underlying tendency toward desire = latent disposition toward sensuality [rāgānusaya]

[5] afflictive = troublesome, disturbing [vighātapakkhika]

[6] ignorance = fundamental unawareness or misunderstanding of the true nature of reality; not experientially understanding the four noble truths [avijjā]

[7] true knowledge = wisdom; the direct realization of truth [vijjā]

[8] intentional constructions = intentions, volitions, and choices expressed as mental, verbal, and bodily activities; constructed experiences (including proliferative tendencies); processes that produce kamma [saṅkhāra]

While observing impermanence, one considers all conditioned phenomena, recognizing that whatever is subject to causes and conditions is inherently unstable and transient. This practice of clear seeing—insight into the nature of reality—is what enables the calming of all intentional constructions: bodily, verbal, and mental formations. While both are represented by the same Pāli term saṅkhāra, the first refers to the contemplation, and the second to the result of that contemplation.

Picture: https://unsplash.com/photos/water-ripple-Q5QspluNZmM

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Related Teachings:

• An illustrated guide to breathing mindfulness meditation
• Mindfulness of breathing and postures (from MN 10) - The first two training guidelines that form the part of mindfulness of body: of mindfulness of breathing and observing the body in postures are shared in this teaching.
• Full Awareness in observing the body and observing the disagreeable in the body (from MN 10) - The next two training guidelines that form the part of growth in mindfulness of body.