[229] 2. This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard:
"Bhikkhus, there are these three elements (dhātu). What three? The form element (rūpadhātu), the formless element (arūpadhātu), and the cessation element (nirodhadhātu). These, bhikkhus, are the three elements."
The Blessed One spoke this meaning. In that connection, this is said:
Those who, having fully understood the form element,
are not settled in the formless states,
and who are released in cessation—
they are the people who leave death behind.
Having touched with the body
the deathless element (amatā dhātu), free of acquisitions (upadhi),
having realized the relinquishment of acquisitions,
the Fully Self-Enlightened One, free of taints (āsava),
teaches the sorrowless, stainless state.
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One; so I have heard.
The Second.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.