38(7)Analytical Knovledges(1)
"Bhikkhus,when he possesses seven qualities,a bhikkhu might soon realize for himself with direct knowledge the four analytical knowledges and acquire mastery over them.
On the four analytical knowledges (patisambhida),see 4:172.
What seven?
"Here,(1)a bhikkhu understands as it really is:'This is mental sluggishness in me.'
I translate the text exactly as it has come down,but it seems that in the course of transmission a phrase dropped out suggesting that mental' sluggishness has arisen on a particular occasion.Mp thus provides the missing phrase,up panne cetaso Linatte,"when mental sluggishness has arisen."
(2)Or when the mind is constricted internally,he understands as it really is:My mind is constricted internally.'
(3)Or when his mind is distracted externally,he understands as it really is:'My mind isdistracted externally.
Mp connects internal constriction with dullness and drowsiness,and external distraction with attraction toward the five objects of sensual pleasure.See in this connection SN 51:20,279,28-280,4.
(4)He knows feelings as they arise,as they remain present,as they disappear;
(5)he knows perceptions as they arise,as they remain present,[33]as they disappear;
(6)he knows thoughts as they arise,as they remain present,as they disappear.
At 4:41S3,this is called"the development of concentration that leads to mindfulness and clear comprehension."Mp:"Feeling, etc.,are the roots of mental proliferation(papañca).For feeling is the root of craving,which arises in relation to pleasure.Perception is the root of views,which arise toward an unclear object. And thought is the root of conceit,which arises through the thought,'I am."(7)Then,among qualities suitable and unsuitable,inferior and superior,dark and bright along with their counterparts,he has grasped the mark well,attended to it well,reflected upon it well,and penetrated it well with wisdom.
Mp explains"mark"(nimitta)here as cause(karana).
When he possesses these seven qualities,a bhikkhu might soon realize for himself with direct knowledge the four analytical knowledges and acquire mastery over them."