“Monks, I will teach you about new kamma and old kamma, about the ceasing of kamma and the path that leads to the ceasing of kamma. Listen well, pay close attention and I will speak.

“What, monks, is old kamma?

“The eye [ear, nose tongue, body (touch), mind],(1) monks, is to be regarded as old kamma, brought into existence and created by volition,(2) forming a basis for feeling.(3) This, monks, is called 'old kamma.'

“And what, monks, is new kamma?

“The action(4) one performs now by body, speech and mind. This monks, is called 'new kamma.'

“When, monks, by ceasing actions of body, speech and mind, one touches liberation,(5) this, monks, is called 'the ceasing of kamma.'

“And what, monks, is the path that leads to the ceasing of kamma?

“It is the Noble Eightfold Path, namely Right View, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action,(6) Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration. This, monks, is called 'the path that leads to the ceasing of kamma.'(7)

“Whatever, monks, a teacher ought to do out of compassion, for the profit of his disciples, that I have done, having compassion for you.

“Here monks, are the roots of trees! Here are lonely places! Meditate monks. Do not be slothful, have no subsequent regrets. Thus we charge you.”

Notes