Below is a concise English translation and summary of the
Apatha Sutta (also known as the Kirimananda Sutta) that explains the “ten
perceptions” the Buddha taught to relieve the grave illness of Venerable
Kirimananda. This version strives to retain the full meaning while being
succinct.
Background
When the Buddha was staying at Chetawan Arama, Venerable Kirimananda fell
gravely ill. Moved by compassion, Venerable Ānanda was sent by the Buddha to
visit him and recite these ten perceptions. It is said that upon hearing them,
Kirimananda’s affliction immediately subsided.
The Ten Perceptions
- Perception
of Impermanence (Anicca Sanyā)
The practitioner reflects on the transient nature of all things—body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness—realizing that nothing lasts.Perception of Non-Self (Anatta Sanyā) - One observes that the senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind) and their objects are not “self,” thereby letting go of self-identification with any phenomenon.Perception of Ugliness (Asubha Sanyā)
- By closely examining one’s own body—from the hair to the nails and internal organs—the practitioner sees its inherent unloveliness and impurity, reducing attachment to physical beauty.Perception of Danger (Ātineva Sanyā)
- Reflecting on the body’s vulnerability to countless afflictions (such as various diseases and discomforts), one understands the inherent danger in clinging to the body.Perception of Abandonment (Pahāna Sanyā)
-
This involves the active renunciation of arising unwholesome thoughts and
attachments, letting go of sensual desires, ill will, and harmful states.
- Perception
of Dispassion (Virāga Sanyā)
The practitioner observes how relinquishing desire, and attachment leads to a state of peace, where the mind becomes free from the burning passions of craving. - Perception
of Cessation (Nirodha Sanyā)
Here one contemplates the possibility of completely ending suffering by abandoning all attachments, which is seen as the ultimate relief from affliction. - Perception
of Non-Attachment to the World (Sabbaloke Anupirita Sanyā) By letting go of all clinging and preoccupation with worldly phenomena,
the mind becomes unburdened by the attractions of the world.
- Perception of Repulsion Toward All Conditioned Phenomena (Sabbasaṅkhāresu Anicca Sanyā) The practitioner develops a sense of repulsion and detachment from all conditioned formations, recognizing their constant flux and unsatisfactory nature.
- Mindfulness of Breathing (Ānāpānasati) Through attentive observation of one’s breath—knowing whether it is long or short—and continuously returning to this awareness, one calms both body and mind, paving the way for deeper concentration.
Summary
In this sutta, the Buddha instructs Ānanda to recite these ten contemplative perceptions
to Kirimananda. Each perception guides the mind to see the impermanent,
unsatisfactory, and non-self-nature of existence while fostering mindfulness.
The cumulative effect is a profound disidentification from one’s physical and
mental afflictions. When Kirimananda heard these teachings, his severe illness
was immediately alleviated, illustrating the transformative power of deep
insight and renunciation.
This condensed translation preserves the core teachings
of the sutta while presenting the material in a clear, accessible manner in
English.
