[411] Bhikkhus, if this earth element (paṭhavīdhātu) were exclusively pleasant, followed by pleasure, steeped in pleasure, and not steeped in suffering (dukkha), beings would not become disenchanted with the earth element. But because, bhikkhus, the earth element is suffering, followed by suffering, steeped in suffering, and not steeped in pleasure, therefore beings become disenchanted with the earth element.
Bhikkhus, if this water element (āpodhātu) … Bhikkhus, if this fire element (tejodhātu) … Bhikkhus, if this air element (vāyodhātu) were exclusively pleasant, followed by pleasure, steeped in pleasure, and not steeped in suffering, beings would not become disenchanted with the air element. But because, bhikkhus, the air element is suffering, followed by suffering, steeped in suffering, and not steeped in pleasure, therefore beings become disenchanted with the air element.
The Fifth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.