[173] "Bhikkhus, before my awakening, while I was still an unawakened Bodhisatta, this occurred to me: 'The five cords of sensual pleasure (pañca kāmaguṇā) that my mind (citta) has formerly contacted, which are past, ceased, and changed — toward these my mind, in its going, might go frequently; or [it might go] toward those presently existing, or a little toward those in the future.' Then, bhikkhus, this occurred to me: 'With regard to those five cords of sensual pleasure that my mind has formerly contacted, which are past, ceased, and changed — there, diligence should be practised by me, as one desiring my own good, together with mindfulness (sati) as a guard for the mind.' Therefore, bhikkhus, in your case too, the five cords of sensual pleasure that your minds have formerly contacted, which are past, ceased, and changed — toward these your minds, in their going, might go frequently; or toward those presently existing, or a little toward those in the future. Therefore, bhikkhus, in your case too, with regard to those five cords of sensual pleasure that your minds have formerly contacted, which are past, ceased, and changed — there, diligence should be practised by you, as ones desiring your own good, together with mindfulness as a guard for the mind.
"Therefore, bhikkhus, that base (āyatana) should be known: where the eye ceases and perception of forms fades away, that base should be known … where the tongue ceases and perception of tastes fades away … that base should be known. Where the mind ceases and perception of dhammas fades away, that base should be known."
Having said this, the Blessed One rose from his seat and entered his dwelling. Then, not long after the Blessed One had departed, this occurred to those bhikkhus: "Friends, the Blessed One, having recited this summary (uddesa) in brief without analyzing its meaning in detail, has risen from his seat and entered his dwelling, saying: 'Therefore, bhikkhus, that base should be known: where the eye ceases and perception of forms fades away, that base should be known … where the tongue ceases and perception of tastes fades away, that base should be known … where the mind ceases and perception of dhammas fades away, that base should be known.' Who, now, could analyze in detail the meaning of this summary recited in brief by the Blessed One, whose meaning has not been analyzed in detail?" Then this occurred to those bhikkhus: "This venerable Ānanda is praised by the Teacher himself and esteemed by his wise fellow monks; and the venerable Ānanda is capable of analyzing in detail the meaning of this summary recited in brief by the Blessed One, whose meaning has not been analyzed in detail. Suppose we were to approach the venerable Ānanda and, having approached, question the venerable Ānanda about this matter."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.