One is incapable of ending suffering without directly knowing, not completely comprehending greed, without the mind not detaching from it and without abandoning it. One is capable of ending suffering by directly knowing, by fully comprehending greed, with the mind detaching from it, and by abandoning it.

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, as I have heard:

Bhikkhus, without directly knowing, without fully comprehending greed (lust, wanting, desire [lobha]), with the mind not detaching (not losing interest, not losing desire for, remaining passionate [avirājayanta]) from it, and without abandoning (not giving up, not letting go of [appajahaṁ]) it, one is incapable of ending suffering.

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

"Overcome by greed, through which,

beings go to an unfortunate destination;

Completely comprehending greed,

those seeing clearly abandon it;

Having abandoned it, they do not return,

to this world at any time."

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

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Picture: Lilacs, Peonies, Tulips, Roses, Irises and other Flowers with Fruit and a Bird's Nest on a Marble Ledge, Arnoldus Bloemers, 1840

Related Teachings:

The Fading Away of Lust (SN 45.41-48) - If others ask why you follow the spiritual path, say it’s for the fading away for lust, for giving up fetters, for final extinguishment without anything left over.

Why does the Buddha teach the removal of desire and lust (SN 22.2) - This teachings shares a rational analysis on why the Buddha teaches the removal of desire and lust.

Understanding 30 mental qualities that lead to enlightenment - Greed, hate and delusion are the last layer of the ten layers of three mental qualities each to be uprooted to get to enlightenment. This teaching can be used to see the next layer of qualities to uproot and its antidote qualities to be cultivated.