18 explorations of the intellect

18 explorations of the intellect:

Seeing a form via the eye, one explores a form that can act as the basis for happiness, one explores a form that can act as the basis for unhappiness, one explores a form that can act as the basis for equanimity. (Similarly with the other senses; all six senses by examining for happiness, unhappiness, and equanimity, totaling 18.)

(from Majjhima Nikaya 137, Anguttara Nikaya 3.61)

References

• The Complete Book of Buddha's Lists -- Explained. David N. Snyder, Ph.D., 2006.
• http://www.thedhamma.com/