[122] "And what, bhikkhus, are volitional formations (saṅkhārā)? There are these six classes of volition (cetanā): volition regarding forms … volition regarding dhammas. These, bhikkhus, are called volitional formations. With the origin of contact (phassa) there is the origin of volitional formations; with the cessation of contact there is the cessation of volitional formations. This very Noble Eightfold Path is the way of practice leading to the cessation of volitional formations, that is: right view … right concentration (samādhi).
"The pleasure and gladness that arise in dependence on volitional formations — this is the gratification (assāda) in volitional formations. That volitional formations are impermanent, suffering (dukkha), and subject to change — this is the danger (ādīnava) in volitional formations. The removal of desire and lust, the abandonment of desire and lust for volitional formations — this is the escape (nissaraṇa) from volitional formations.
"Bhikkhus, whatever ascetics or brahmins, having thus directly known volitional formations, having thus directly known the origin of volitional formations, having thus directly known the cessation of volitional formations, having thus directly known the way of practice leading to the cessation of volitional formations, … are practising for disenchantment with volitional formations, for dispassion towards them, for their cessation — they are practising well. Those who are practising well have gained a footing in this Dhamma and Discipline. … For them there is no round of existence by which they might be described."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.