I put this recent query on our forum into GPT Chat and got this reply:
The Pali Canon is a vast and extensive collection of Buddhist texts, and as such, there are many suttas (teachings) that deal with the topic of moha, or delusion. In particular, the Dhammapada, which is a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to the Buddha, contains several passages that deal with the topic of moha. For example, in verse 277 of the Dhammapada, the Buddha says:
“Through not seeing the Four Noble Truths,
People go on wandering in Samsara.
But when these truths are seen,
Then the root of craving is destroyed.”This verse suggests that one of the ways in which people become deluded and continue to wander in the cycle of suffering (Samsara) is by not understanding and seeing the Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths are one of the central teachings of Buddhism, and they are: (1) the truth of suffering, (2) the truth of the cause of suffering, (3) the truth of the end of suffering, and (4) the truth of the path leading to the end of suffering. By understanding and seeing these truths, one can break free from the root of craving, which is one of the causes of moha.
Another teaching from the Pali Canon that deals with moha is the Anattalakkhana Sutta, which is found in the Majjhima Nikaya (a collection of middle-length discourses of the Buddha). In this sutra, the Buddha teaches that the root of moha is the mistaken belief in a self or an ego. He says:
“The eye is not the self,
nor is the ear, nor the nose, nor the tongue, nor the body, nor the mind.
And whatever is felt or experienced through these six senses is also not the self.”This teaching suggests that when we believe in the existence of a self or an ego, we become deluded and attached to things that are not ultimately real or lasting. By understanding the true nature of reality and the lack of an inherent self, we can break free from moha and attain true liberation.
In summary, the Pali Canon contains many teachings that deal with the topic of moha, or delusion. These teachings often emphasize the importance of understanding the Four Noble Truths and the true nature of reality in order to break free from delusion and attain liberation.
- Dhp277 is actually:
“All conditioned things are impermanent” — when one sees this with wisdom, one turns away from suffering. This is the path to purification.
The verse cited is very close to SN56.21 … perhaps others?
- The Anattalakkhana Sutta is SN 22.59 not in the MN and doesn’t exactly contain the quote mentioned…
So, @Thito - Seems it isn’t quite the research assistant you were hoping for!