[315] Bhikkhus, this simile has been made by me in order to convey a meaning. And this is the meaning here: "The four vipers of fierce heat and deadly venom" — this, bhikkhus, is a designation (adhivacana) for the four great elements (mahābhūta): the earth element (dhātu), the water element, the fire element, and the wind element. "The five murderous enemies" — this, bhikkhus, is a designation for the five aggregates subject to clinging (upādānakkhandha), that is: the form aggregate subject to clinging, the feeling (vedanā) aggregate subject to clinging, the perception aggregate subject to clinging, the volitional formations aggregate subject to clinging, and the consciousness aggregate subject to clinging. "The sixth murderer, the intimate companion with drawn sword" — this, bhikkhus, is a designation for delight and lust (nandirāga). "The empty village" — this, bhikkhus, is a designation for the six internal sense bases (āyatana).
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.