41(11)A Block of Wood
Thus have I heard.On one occasion the Venerable Sariputta was dwelling at Rajagaha on Mount Vulture Peak.
Then,in the morning,the Venerable Sariputta dressed,took his bowl and robe,and descended from Mount Vulture Peak together with a number of bhikkhus.In a certain place he saw a large block of wood
and addressed the bhikkhus:
"Do you see,friends,that large block of wood?"
"Yes,friend."
(1)"If he so wished,friends,a bhikkhu possessing psychic potency who has attained mastery of mind might focus on that block of wood as earth.
What [341]is the basis for this?
Because the earth element exists in that block of wood.On this basis a bhikkhu possessing psychic potency who has attained mastery of mind might focus on it as earth.
(2)-(4)"If he so wished,friends,a bhikkhu possessing psychicpotency who has attained mastery of mind might focus on that block of wood as water...as fire...as air.What is the basis for this?Because the water element...the fire element...the air element exists in that block of wood.On this basis a bhikkhupossessing psychic potency who has attained mastery of mindmight focus on it as air,
(5)-(6)"If he so wished,friends,abhikkhu possessing psychicpotency who has attained mastery of mind might focus on that block of wood as beautiful...as unattractive.
For what reason?
Because the element of beauty...the element of the unattractive exists in that block of wood.On this basis a bhikkhu possessing psychic potency who has attained mastery of mind might focus on that block of wood as unattractive."