Linked Discourses 12.11

1. Fuel

Fuel

So I have heard.

At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. …

“Mendicants, these four fuels maintain sentient beings that have been born and help those about to be born.

What four?

Edible food, whether solid or subtle; contact is the second, mental intention the third, and consciousness the fourth.

These are the four fuels that maintain sentient beings that have been born and help those about to be born.

What is the source, origin, birthplace, and inception of these four fuels?

Craving.

And what is the source, origin, birthplace, and inception of craving?

Feeling.

And what is the source of feeling?

Contact.

And what is the source of contact?

The six sense fields.

And what is the source of the six sense fields?

Name and form.

And what is the source of name and form?

Consciousness.

And what is the source of consciousness?

Choices.

And what is the source of choices?

Ignorance.

And so, mendicants, ignorance is a requirement for choices.

Choices are a requirement for consciousness. …

That is how this entire mass of suffering originates.

When ignorance fades away and ceases with no residue left behind, choices cease.

When choices cease, consciousness ceases. …

That is how this entire mass of suffering ceases.”