The Buddha describes the three quests of sensual pleasure, renewed existence, and spiritual life.

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

"Bhikkhus, there are these three quests (searches, pursuits [esanā]). What three? The quest for sensual pleasure, the quest for renewed existence, and the quest for spiritual life. These are the three quests."

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

"Collected (composed, settled [samāhita]) and fully aware (clearly comprehending [sampajāna]),

the mindful [1] disciple of the Buddha;

Understands quests,

and the source of quests.

Where these [quests] cease (finish, vanish, reach an end [nirujjhati]),

and the way of practice leading to their cessation (leading to their wearing away [khayagāmī]);

With the cessation of quests, the bhikkhu,

is satiated (satisfied, desireless [nicchāta]) and completely quenched [2]."

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

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[1] mindful = remembering to be present with continuous effort, observing the body in and of itself, feelings in and of itself, mind in and of itself, mental qualities in and of itself

[2] completely quenched in the context of mental defilements = completely cooled, with the fetters never arising again regardless of the exposure to objects that previously or potentially should lead to the arising of fetters on contact.

The state of being collected, fully aware, and mindful during all times of the day corresponds to the guideline 5 per the Gradual Training, Gradual Practice, and Gradual Progress (MN 107).

1. Training in ethical conduct

2. Training in sense restraint

3. Training in moderation in eating

4. Training in wakefulness

precede this guideline. When practiced in gradually as per each of these guidelines, one at a time, approaching each guideline as a formation of a new habit until its practice becomes easy, automatic and second nature, is the ideal way to cultivate the faculties mentioned in this teaching to understand the different quests, their causes and their ending.

Picture: Spiral head, Pavel Tchelitchew, 1950

Related Teachings:

Diversity of external contacts (SN 14.9) - The Buddha describes how dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of perceptions, intentions, contacts, sensations connected with contact, desires, fevers, quests, and acquisitions.

Six Directions: A teaching on purifying ethical conduct (DN 31) - Purification of ethical conduct is the first training guideline that the Buddha shares for gradually cultivating right view. This is not a rule or a commandment, rather, a guideline that one can independently verify for its efficacy by practicing for a period of time and observing for the growth of positive mental qualities.