Wynn,

The answer here lies in the following teachings:

(1) pa~nca-k,khandha, the five aggregagtes (which refer to all sentient beings in general);
(2) pa~nc'upaadaana-k,khandha, the five grasping aggregates (which refere only to unenlightened beings).

Arhats and Buddhas do have feelings in the general sense. You cut them they feel pain, and so on. However, they do not react to the pain in a negative sense as unenlightened people do. To them (as the Buddhist teachings goes) feeling is simply feeling, nothing more, nothing less.

Some Abhidharma exponents will probably give you a more profound discourse. But this is the gist.

In short, Buddhas and Arhats are compassionate, etc, with positive feelings.

If you have more questions, please visit ww.dharma.per.sg.

P.


wynn wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Can you explain this to me?
> Does it means that Arahants do not have feeling/sensation?
> Can Pali experts share some light on this if you have come across this passage before?
>
> ===
>
> Regarding the experience of the arahant, the Suttanipata states that by the destruction of all feelings/sensations a monk lives desireless and at peace. [1] Once Sariputta was asked what happiness there can be when there is no feeling/sensation.[2] He explained that the absence of feeling/sensation itself is happiness. [3]
>
> 1. Vedananam khaya bhikkhu nicchato parinibbuto: Sn 739
> 2. Kim pan'ettha n'atthi vedayitan ti: A IV 415
> 3. Etad eva khv'ettha sukham yad ettha n'atthi vedayitam
>
> ===
>
> Thank you,
> Wynn
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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