The Recognition of Unsatisfactoriness (Dukkhasaññā)
AN 7.49 Dutiyasaññā Sutta:
‘The recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, monks, when developed and cultivated, is of great fruit and benefit; it merges with the death-free, has the death-free as its end.’ Thus it was said. In reference to what was it said?
Monks, when a monk’s mind frequently remains acquainted with the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, an acute recognition of dread is established in him toward laziness, idleness, indolence, carelessness, lack of practice, and lack of consideration, just as if toward an executioner with a raised sword.
If, monks, when a monk’s mind frequently remains acquainted with the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, there is not an acute recognition of dread established in him toward laziness, idleness, indolence, carelessness, lack of practice, and lack of consideration, just as if toward an executioner with a raised sword, then he should know, ‘I have not developed the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, there is no stepwise distinction in me, I have not obtained the strength of development.’ In that way he is fully aware there. But if, monks, when a monk’s mind frequently remains acquainted with the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, there is an acute recognition of dread established in him toward laziness, idleness, indolence, carelessness, lack of practice, and lack of consideration, just as if toward an executioner with a raised sword, then he should know, ‘I have developed the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, there is stepwise distinction in me, I have obtained the strength of development.’ In that way he is fully aware there.
‘The recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, monks, when developed and cultivated, is of great fruit and benefit; it merges with the death-free, has the death-free as its end.’ Thus it was said. And in reference to this it was said.
The Recognition of Unsatisfactoriness In What Is Impermanent and the Seven Factors of Awakening (Satta Bojjhaṅgā)
Sustained, dedicated practice of the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent will gradually create the optimal conditions for the arising of all seven factors of awakening. SN 46.72 Dukkha Sutta (abridged):
Here monks, a monk develops the awakening factor of mindfulness accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of dhamma-investigation accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of energy accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of joy accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of tranquility accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of meditative composure accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go. He develops the awakening factor of equanimity accompanied by the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent, dependent upon seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, resulting in letting go.
It is in this way that the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent is developed and cultivated so that it is of great fruit and benefit. It is in this way that the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent is developed and cultivated so that one of two fruits is to be expected: either final gnosis in this very life or, if there is a residue of clinging, the state of nonreturning. It is in this way that the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent is developed and cultivated so that it leads to great good. It is in this way that the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent is developed and cultivated so that it leads to great security from bondage. It is in this way that the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent is developed and cultivated so that it leads to a great sense of urgency. It is in this way that the recognition of unsatisfactoriness in what is impermanent is developed and cultivated so that it leads to dwelling in great comfort.
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