Notes on MN 5: Anaṅgaṇa Sutta - Unblemished
Summary, Notes, & Applications
Despite outward appearances, what truly distinguishes a person on the path is their relationship with inner blemishes: those subtle stains of craving, anger, and delusion. In the Anaṅgaṇa Sutta (MN 5), Venerable Sāriputta explains how the recognition or ignorance of one’s faults leads to either further defilement or growing purity. Through similes and dialogue, the sutta guides practitioners to the importance of self-honesty and ongoing effort in abandoning unskillful tendencies.
Summary Outline
Etymology: Anaṅgaṇa means “unblemished” or “spotless,” pointing to a mind free of stains or defilements.
Four Kinds of Individuals: The sutta describes four types, emphasizing that awareness is superior in categories 2 and 4.
blemished and unaware
blemished and aware
unblemished and unaware
unblemished and aware
Importance of Recognition: The ability to recognize one’s own faults is what motivates transformation and leads toward purification.
Simile of the Bronze Bowl: Just as an unused and uncleaned bronze bowl accumulates dirt, so does an unexamined mind collect further stains. In contrast, regular care brings increasing purity.
Nature of Blemish: Blemishes refer to unskillful wishes and intentions, such as anger, jealousy, self-seeking, and subtle forms of pride.
Impact on Community: Outward observances are insufficient; when unskillful wishes persist, respect and trust are lost, no matter one’s status or practice.
Practicing During Meditation
Cultivating Self-Honesty: Bring a spirit of gentle but searching honesty to your sitting practice.
Ask: What subtle stains are present in my mind right now?
Recognizing Blemishes: Watch for the arising of irritation, longing for special treatment, competitiveness, or regret. See if there are hidden motives or subtle resistance.
Abandoning Unwholesome Qualities: When a blemish is recognized, do not condemn yourself. Instead, acknowledge it, set the intention to abandon it, and gently return the mind to wholesome qualities, such as patience, kindness, or renunciation.
Cleaning the Bowl Over Time: Understand that purification is gradual. Each session of meditation is an opportunity to notice and polish the mind, just as a bowl is slowly cleaned with repeated attention.
Avoiding Complacency: Even advanced practitioners can become unaware of subtle stains. Make ongoing self-inquiry part of your practice, regardless of perceived progress.
Off the Cushion
Daily Life as Practice: Notice when defilements arise in daily interactions, for example jealousy at others’ success, irritation at not being recognized, or resentment when things do not go your way.
Owning Your Faults: Instead of hiding or rationalizing blemishes, practice acknowledging them openly, at least to yourself. This humility is itself a form of purification.
Letting Go of Comparison: Recognize the tendency to seek status, special treatment, or praise. Notice if your happiness depends on outshining others, and gently let go.
Community and Relationships: Remember that even with outward discipline, if inner stains persist, others will sense it. Sincere effort to overcome unskillful wishes fosters genuine respect and harmony in any group.
Transforming Blemishes into Opportunities: Treat every moment of irritation or envy as a chance to develop the opposite quality. Each day offers countless opportunities to clean the bowl a little more.
Conclusion
Awareness is Purification: Only by recognizing our faults do we begin to abandon them.
Effort Matters More Than Appearance: Outward asceticism means little if inner stains remain unaddressed.
Humility and Openness: The willingness to see and work with one’s own blemishes is the mark of a mature practitioner.
Consistent Practice: Like cleaning a bowl, regular attention and honest effort gradually bring clarity and ease to the mind.
In the end, being “unblemished” is not about perfection, but about the willingness to see ourselves as we are and to keep cleaning the bowl, moment by moment, with kindness and resolve.