5.
The Discourse on the Monk
186.
At Sāvatthī.
Then a certain monk approached the Blessed One, etc.
Seated to one side, that monk said this to the Blessed One -
"'Factors of enlightenment, factors of enlightenment', venerable sir, is said.
In what way, venerable sir, are they called 'factors of enlightenment'?"
"They lead to enlightenment, monk, therefore they are called 'factors of enlightenment'.
Here, monk, one develops the enlightenment factor of mindfulness, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc.
He develops the enlightenment factor of equanimity, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release.
For one developing these seven factors of enlightenment, the mind becomes liberated from the mental corruption of sensuality, the mind becomes liberated from the mental corruption of existence, the mind becomes liberated from the mental corruption of ignorance.
When liberated, there is the knowledge: 'Liberated.'
He understands: 'Birth is eliminated, the holy life has been lived, what had to be done has been done, there is no more coming back to any state of being.'
They lead to enlightenment, monk, therefore they are called 'factors of enlightenment'."
The fifth.