Only by mastering sensations (vedanā)

Only by mastering sensations (vedanā) can one attain Nibbāna. The closest path to Nibbāna is the contemplation of sensations (vedanānupassanā). Sensations give rise to craving (vedanā paccayā taṇhā). If sensations cease, craving ceases (vedanā nirodhā taṇhā nirodho). The cessation of craving is itself Nibbāna (taṇhā nirodho nibbānaṃ). According to these teachings, one can only understand the cessation of sensations (vedanā nirodha) by understanding sensations themselves. Without understanding sensations, one cannot understand their cessation. This means that only by knowing the arising of sensations can one know their cessation. The places where sensations arise have already been discussed for the purpose of understanding them. Now, I would like to briefly explain again how the three types of sensations manifest. Throughout the entire body, except in places like the nails, hair tips, and other areas where the sense organs (kāyapasāda) cannot arise, pleasant sensations (sukha vedanā) ...