SN 22.93 · A River
SN 22.93 · Nadīsutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
“Suppose, mendicants, there was a mountain river that flowed swiftly, going far, carrying all before it. If wild sugarcane, kusa grass, reeds, vetiver, or trees grew on either bank, they’d overhang the river. And if a person who was being swept along by the current grabbed the wild sugarcane, kusa grass, reeds, vetiver, or trees, it’d fall apart, and they’d come to ruin because of that.
“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, nadī pabbateyyā ohārinī dūraṅgamā sīghasotā. Tassā ubhosu tīresu kāsā cepi jātā assu, te naṁ ajjholambeyyuṁ; kusā cepi jātā assu, te naṁ ajjholambeyyuṁ; pabbajā cepi jātā assu, te naṁ ajjholambeyyuṁ; bīraṇā cepi jātā assu, te naṁ ajjholambeyyuṁ; rukkhā cepi jātā assu, te naṁ ajjholambeyyuṁ. Tassā puriso sotena vuyhamāno kāse cepi gaṇheyya, te palujjeyyuṁ. So tatonidānaṁ anayabyasanaṁ āpajjeyya. Kuse cepi gaṇheyya, pabbaje cepi gaṇheyya, bīraṇe cepi gaṇheyya, rukkhe cepi gaṇheyya, te palujjeyyuṁ. So tatonidānaṁ anayabyasanaṁ āpajjeyya.
In the same way, an unlearned ordinary person has not seen the noble ones, and is neither skilled nor trained in the teaching of the noble ones. They’ve not seen true persons, and are neither skilled nor trained in the teaching of the true persons.
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, assutavā puthujjano ariyānaṁ adassāvī ariyadhammassa akovido ariyadhamme avinīto, sappurisānaṁ adassāvī sappurisadhammassa akovido sappurisadhamme avinīto
They regard form as self, self as having form, form in self, or self in form. But their form falls apart, and they come to ruin because of that. They regard feeling … perception … choices … consciousness as self, self as having consciousness, consciousness in self, or self in consciousness. But their consciousness falls apart, and they come to ruin because of that.
rūpaṁ attato samanupassati, rūpavantaṁ vā attānaṁ; attani vā rūpaṁ, rūpasmiṁ vā attānaṁ. Tassa taṁ rūpaṁ palujjati. So tatonidānaṁ anayabyasanaṁ āpajjati. Vedanaṁ … saññaṁ … saṅkhāre … viññāṇaṁ attato samanupassati, viññāṇavantaṁ vā attānaṁ; attani vā viññāṇaṁ, viññāṇasmiṁ vā attānaṁ. Tassa taṁ viññāṇaṁ palujjati. So tatonidānaṁ anayabyasanaṁ āpajjati.
What do you think, mendicants? Is form permanent or impermanent?”
Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave, rūpaṁ niccaṁ vā aniccaṁ vā”ti?
“Impermanent, sir.” …
“Aniccaṁ, bhante”. …pe…
“Is feeling … perception … choices … consciousness permanent or impermanent?”
“Vedanā … saññā … saṅkhārā … viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ vā aniccaṁ vā”ti?
“Impermanent, sir.”
“Aniccaṁ, bhante”.
“So you should truly see … Seeing this … They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”
“Tasmātiha …pe… evaṁ passaṁ …pe… nāparaṁ itthattāyāti pajānātī”ti.
Paṭhamaṁ.
SN 22.94 · Flowers
SN 22.94 · Pupphasutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
“Mendicants, I do not dispute with the world; it is the world that disputes with me. When your speech is in line with the teaching you do not dispute with anyone in the world. What the astute deem as not existing, I too say does not exist. What the astute deem as existing, I too say exists.
“Nāhaṁ, bhikkhave, lokena vivadāmi, lokova mayā vivadati. Na, bhikkhave, dhammavādī kenaci lokasmiṁ vivadati. Yaṁ, bhikkhave, natthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ, ahampi taṁ ‘natthī’ti vadāmi. Yaṁ, bhikkhave, atthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ, ahampi taṁ ‘atthī’ti vadāmi.
And what do the astute deem as not existing, which I too say does not exist? Form that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, and imperishable.
Kiñca, bhikkhave, natthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ, yamahaṁ ‘natthī’ti vadāmi? Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ natthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ; ahampi taṁ ‘natthī’ti vadāmi.
Consciousness that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, and imperishable. This is what the astute deem as not existing, which I too say does not exist.
viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ natthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ; ahampi taṁ ‘natthī’ti vadāmi. Idaṁ kho, bhikkhave, natthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ; ahampi taṁ ‘natthī’ti vadāmi.
And what do the astute deem as existing, which I too say exists? Form that is impermanent, suffering, and perishable.
Kiñca, bhikkhave, atthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ, yamahaṁ ‘atthī’ti vadāmi? Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, aniccaṁ dukkhaṁ vipariṇāmadhammaṁ atthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ; ahampi taṁ ‘atthī’ti vadāmi.
Feeling … Perception … Choices …
Vedanā aniccā …pe…
Consciousness that is impermanent, suffering, and perishable. This is what the astute deem as existing, which I too say exists.
viññāṇaṁ aniccaṁ dukkhaṁ vipariṇāmadhammaṁ atthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ; ahampi taṁ ‘atthī’ti vadāmi. Idaṁ kho, bhikkhave, atthisammataṁ loke paṇḍitānaṁ; ahampi taṁ ‘atthī’ti vadāmi.
There is a worldly phenomenon in the world that the Realized One understands and comprehends. Then he explains, teaches, asserts, establishes, clarifies, analyzes, and discloses it.
Atthi, bhikkhave, loke lokadhammo, taṁ tathāgato abhisambujjhati abhisameti; abhisambujjhitvā abhisametvā taṁ ācikkhati deseti paññapeti paṭṭhapeti vivarati vibhajati uttānīkaroti.
And what is that worldly phenomenon in the world? Form is a worldly phenomenon in the world that the Realized One understands and comprehends. Then he explains, teaches, asserts, establishes, clarifies, analyzes, and discloses it.
Kiñca, bhikkhave, loke lokadhammo, taṁ tathāgato abhisambujjhati abhisameti, abhisambujjhitvā abhisametvā ācikkhati deseti paññapeti paṭṭhapeti vivarati vibhajati uttānīkaroti? Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, loke lokadhammo taṁ tathāgato abhisambujjhati abhisameti. Abhisambujjhitvā abhisametvā ācikkhati deseti paññapeti paṭṭhapeti vivarati vibhajati uttānīkaroti.
This being so, what can I do about a foolish ordinary person, blind and sightless, who does not know or see?
Yo, bhikkhave, tathāgatena evaṁ ācikkhiyamāne desiyamāne paññapiyamāne paṭṭhapiyamāne vivariyamāne vibhajiyamāne uttānīkariyamāne na jānāti na passati tamahaṁ, bhikkhave, bālaṁ puthujjanaṁ andhaṁ acakkhukaṁ ajānantaṁ apassantaṁ kinti karomi.
Feeling …
Vedanā, bhikkhave, loke lokadhammo …pe…
Perception …
saññā, bhikkhave …
Choices …
saṅkhārā, bhikkhave …
Consciousness is a worldly phenomenon in the world that the Realized One understands and comprehends. Then he explains, teaches, asserts, establishes, clarifies, analyzes, and discloses it.
viññāṇaṁ, bhikkhave, loke lokadhammo taṁ tathāgato abhisambujjhati abhisameti. Abhisambujjhitvā abhisametvā ācikkhati deseti paññapeti paṭṭhapeti vivarati vibhajati uttānīkaroti.
This being so, what can I do about a foolish ordinary person, blind and sightless, who does not know or see?
Yo, bhikkhave, tathāgatena evaṁ ācikkhiyamāne desiyamāne paññapiyamāne paṭṭhapiyamāne vivariyamāne vibhajiyamāne uttānīkariyamāne na jānāti na passati tamahaṁ, bhikkhave, bālaṁ puthujjanaṁ andhaṁ acakkhukaṁ ajānantaṁ apassantaṁ kinti karomi.
Suppose there was a blue water lily, or a pink or white lotus. Though it sprouted and grew in the water, it would rise up above the water and stand with no water clinging to it. In the same way, though I was born and grew up in the world, I live having mastered the world, unsullied by the world.”
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, uppalaṁ vā padumaṁ vā puṇḍarīkaṁ vā udake jātaṁ udake saṁvaḍḍhaṁ udakā accuggamma ṭhāti anupalittaṁ udakena; evameva kho, bhikkhave, tathāgato loke jāto loke saṁvaḍḍho lokaṁ abhibhuyya viharati anupalitto lokenā”ti.
Dutiyaṁ.
SN 22.95 · A Lump of Foam
SN 22.95 · Pheṇapiṇḍūpamasutta
At one time the Buddha was staying near Ayodhya on the bank of the Ganges River. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants:
Ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā ayujjhāyaṁ viharati gaṅgāya nadiyā tīre. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:
“Mendicants, suppose this Ganges River was carrying along a big lump of foam. And a person with clear eyes would see it and contemplate it, examining it rationally. And it would appear to them as completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in a lump of foam?
“Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, ayaṁ gaṅgā nadī mahantaṁ pheṇapiṇḍaṁ āvaheyya. Tamenaṁ cakkhumā puriso passeyya nijjhāyeyya yoniso upaparikkheyya. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyeyya, tucchakaññeva khāyeyya, asārakaññeva khāyeyya. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, pheṇapiṇḍe sāro?
In the same way, a mendicant sees and contemplates any kind of form at all—past, future, or present; internal or external; solid or subtle; inferior or superior; far or near—examining it rationally. And it appears to them completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in form?
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, yaṁ kiñci rūpaṁ atītānāgatapaccuppannaṁ …pe… yaṁ dūre santike vā taṁ bhikkhu passati nijjhāyati yoniso upaparikkhati. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyati, tucchakaññeva khāyati, asārakaññeva khāyati. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, rūpe sāro?
Suppose it was autumn, when the heavens rain heavily, and a bubble on the water forms and pops right away. And a person with clear eyes would see it and contemplate it, examining it rationally. And it would appear to them as completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in a water bubble?
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, saradasamaye thullaphusitake deve vassante udake udakapubbuḷaṁ uppajjati ceva nirujjhati ca. Tamenaṁ cakkhumā puriso passeyya nijjhāyeyya yoniso upaparikkheyya. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyeyya, tucchakaññeva khāyeyya, asārakaññeva khāyeyya. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, udakapubbuḷe sāro?
In the same way, a mendicant sees and contemplates any kind of feeling at all … examining it rationally. And it appears to them completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in feeling?
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, yā kāci vedanā atītānāgatapaccuppannā …pe… yā dūre santike vā taṁ bhikkhu passati nijjhāyati yoniso upaparikkhati. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyati, tucchakaññeva khāyati, asārakaññeva khāyati. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, vedanāya sāro?
Suppose that in the last month of summer, at noon, a shimmering mirage appears. And a person with clear eyes would see it and contemplate it, examining it rationally. And it would appear to them as completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in a mirage?
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, gimhānaṁ pacchime māse ṭhite majjhanhike kāle marīcikā phandati. Tamenaṁ cakkhumā puriso passeyya nijjhāyeyya yoniso upaparikkheyya. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyeyya, tucchakaññeva khāyeyya …pe… kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, marīcikāya sāro?
In the same way, a mendicant sees and contemplates any kind of perception at all … examining it carefully. And it appears to them completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what substance could there be in perception?
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, yā kāci saññā …pe….
Suppose there was a person in need of heartwood. Wandering in search of heartwood, they’d take a sharp axe and enter a forest. There they’d see a big banana trunk, straight and young and grown unskewed. They’d cut it down at the base, cut off the top, and unroll the coiled sheaths. But they wouldn’t even find sapwood, much less heartwood. And a person with clear eyes would see it and contemplate it, examining it rationally. And it would appear to them as completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in a banana trunk?
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, puriso sāratthiko sāragavesī sārapariyesanaṁ caramāno tiṇhaṁ kuṭhāriṁ ādāya vanaṁ paviseyya. So tattha passeyya mahantaṁ kadalikkhandhaṁ ujuṁ navaṁ akukkukajātaṁ. Tamenaṁ mūle chindeyya; mūle chetvā agge chindeyya, agge chetvā pattavaṭṭiṁ vinibbhujeyya. So tassa pattavaṭṭiṁ vinibbhujanto pheggumpi nādhigaccheyya, kuto sāraṁ. Tamenaṁ cakkhumā puriso passeyya nijjhāyeyya yoniso upaparikkheyya. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyeyya, tucchakaññeva khāyeyya, asārakaññeva khāyeyya. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, kadalikkhandhe sāro?
In the same way, a mendicant sees and contemplates any kind of choices at all … examining them rationally. And they appear to them as completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in choices?
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, ye keci saṅkhārā atītānāgatapaccuppannā …pe… ye dūre santike vā taṁ bhikkhu passati nijjhāyati yoniso upaparikkhati. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyati, tucchakaññeva khāyati, asārakaññeva khāyati. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, saṅkhāresu sāro?
Suppose an illusionist or their apprentice was to demonstrate an illusion at the crossroads. And a person with clear eyes would see it and contemplate it, examining it rationally. And it would appear to them as completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in an illusion?
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, māyākāro vā māyākārantevāsī vā catumahāpathe māyaṁ vidaṁseyya. Tamenaṁ cakkhumā puriso passeyya nijjhāyeyya yoniso upaparikkheyya. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyeyya, tucchakaññeva khāyeyya, asārakaññeva khāyeyya. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, māyāya sāro?
In the same way, a mendicant sees and contemplates any kind of consciousness at all—past, future, or present; internal or external; solid or subtle; inferior or superior; far or near—examining it rationally. And it appears to them completely vacuous, hollow, and insubstantial. For what essence could there be in consciousness?
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, yaṁ kiñci viññāṇaṁ atītānāgatapaccuppannaṁ …pe… yaṁ dūre santike vā, taṁ bhikkhu passati nijjhāyati yoniso upaparikkhati. Tassa taṁ passato nijjhāyato yoniso upaparikkhato rittakaññeva khāyati, tucchakaññeva khāyati, asārakaññeva khāyati. Kiñhi siyā, bhikkhave, viññāṇe sāro?
Seeing this, a learned noble disciple grows disillusioned with form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness. Being disillusioned, desire fades away. When desire fades away they’re freed. When they’re freed, they know they’re freed. They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”
Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako rūpasmimpi nibbindati, vedanāyapi … saññāyapi … saṅkhāresupi … viññāṇasmimpi nibbindati. Nibbindaṁ virajjati; virāgā vimuccati. Vimuttasmiṁ vimuttamiti ñāṇaṁ hoti …pe… nāparaṁ itthattāyāti pajānāti”.
That is what the Buddha said. Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:
Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
“Form is like a lump of foam;feeling is like a bubble;perception seems like a mirage;choices like a banana plant;and consciousness like an illusion:so taught the Kinsman of the Sun.
“Pheṇapiṇḍūpamaṁ rūpaṁ,vedanā bubbuḷūpamā;Marīcikūpamā saññā,saṅkhārā kadalūpamā;Māyūpamañca viññāṇaṁ,desitādiccabandhunā.
However you contemplate them,examining them rationally,they’re vacuous and hollowwhen you look at them closely.
Yathā yathā nijjhāyati,yoniso upaparikkhati;Rittakaṁ tucchakaṁ hoti,yo naṁ passati yoniso.
Concerning this body,he of vast wisdom has taughtthat when three things are given up,you’ll see this form discarded.
Imañca kāyaṁ ārabbha,bhūripaññena desitaṁ;Pahānaṁ tiṇṇaṁ dhammānaṁ,rūpaṁ passatha chaḍḍitaṁ.
When vitality, warmth, and consciousnessleave this body,it lies dumped there,food for others, insentient.
Āyu usmā ca viññāṇaṁ,yadā kāyaṁ jahantimaṁ;Apaviddho tadā seti,parabhattaṁ acetanaṁ.
Such is this continuity,this illusion, this lament of fools.It’s said to be a killer,for no core is found here.
Etādisāyaṁ santāno,māyāyaṁ bālalāpinī;Vadhako esa akkhāto,sāro ettha na vijjati.
An energetic mendicantshould examine the aggregates like this,with situational awareness and mindfulnesswhether by day or by night.
Evaṁ khandhe avekkheyya,bhikkhu āraddhavīriyo;Divā vā yadi vā rattiṁ,sampajāno paṭissato.
They should give up all fetters,and make a refuge for themselves.They should live as though their head was on fire,aspiring to the state that does not pass.”
Jaheyya sabbasaṁyogaṁ,kareyya saraṇattano;Careyyādittasīsova,patthayaṁ accutaṁ padan”ti.
Tatiyaṁ.
SN 22.96 · A Lump of Cow Dung
SN 22.96 · Gomayapiṇḍasutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
Seated to one side, that mendicant said to the Buddha:
Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
“Sir, is there any form at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever? Is there any feeling … perception … choices … consciousness at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever?”
“atthi nu kho, bhante, kiñci rūpaṁ yaṁ rūpaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kāci vedanā yā vedanā niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kāci saññā yā saññā …pe… atthi nu kho, bhante, keci saṅkhārā ye saṅkhārā niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassanti? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kiñci viññāṇaṁ, yaṁ viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassatī”ti?
“Mendicant, there is no form at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever. There’s no feeling … perception … choices … consciousness at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever.”
“Natthi kho, bhikkhu, kiñci rūpaṁ, yaṁ rūpaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Natthi kho, bhikkhu, kāci vedanā … kāci saññā … keci saṅkhārā … kiñci viññāṇaṁ, yaṁ viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassatī”ti.
Then the Buddha, picking up a lump of cow dung, said to the mendicant:
Atha kho bhagavā parittaṁ gomayapiṇḍaṁ pāṇinā gahetvā taṁ bhikkhuṁ etadavoca:
“There’s not even this much of any incarnation that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever. If there were, this living of the spiritual life for the complete ending of suffering would not be found. But since there isn’t, this living of the spiritual life for the complete ending of suffering is found.
“ettakopi kho, bhikkhu, attabhāvapaṭilābho natthi nicco dhuvo sassato avipariṇāmadhammo sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Ettako cepi, bhikkhu, attabhāvapaṭilābho abhavissa nicco dhuvo sassato avipariṇāmadhammo, nayidaṁ brahmacariyavāso paññāyetha sammā dukkhakkhayāya. Yasmā ca kho, bhikkhu, ettakopi attabhāvapaṭilābho natthi nicco dhuvo sassato avipariṇāmadhammo, tasmā brahmacariyavāso paññāyati sammā dukkhakkhayāya.
Once upon a time I was an anointed aristocratic king. I had 84,000 cities, with the capital Kusāvatī the foremost. I had 84,000 palaces, with the Palace of Principle the foremost. I had 84,000 chambers, with the Chamber of the Grand Tower the foremost. I had 84,000 couches made of ivory or heartwood or gold or silver, spread with woolen covers—shag-piled or embroidered with flowers—and spread with a fine deer hide, with a canopy above and red pillows at both ends. I had 84,000 bull elephants with gold adornments and banners, covered with snow gold netting, with the royal bull elephant named Sabbath the foremost. I had 84,000 horses with gold adornments and banners, covered with snow gold netting, with the royal steed named Thundercloud the foremost. I had 84,000 chariots with gold adornments and banners, covered with snow gold netting, with the chariot named Triumph the foremost. I had 84,000 jewels, with the jewel-treasure the foremost. I had 84,000 women, with Queen Subhaddā the foremost. I had 84,000 aristocrat vassals, with the commander-treasure the foremost. I had 84,000 milk cows with muslin halter and bronze pails. I had 8,400,000,000 cloths of delicate linen, cotton, silk, and wool. I had 84,000 servings of food, which were presented to me as offerings at daybreak and dusk.
Bhūtapubbāhaṁ, bhikkhu, rājā ahosiṁ khattiyo muddhāvasitto. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītinagarasahassāni ahesuṁ kusāvatīrājadhānippamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītipāsādasahassāni ahesuṁ dhammapāsādappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītikūṭāgārasahassāni ahesuṁ mahābyūhakūṭāgārappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītipallaṅkasahassāni ahesuṁ dantamayāni sāramayāni sovaṇṇamayāni goṇakatthatāni paṭikatthatāni paṭalikatthatāni kadalimigapavarapaccattharaṇāni sauttaracchadāni ubhatolohitakūpadhānāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītināgasahassāni ahesuṁ sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇaddhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni uposathanāgarājappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītiassasahassāni ahesuṁ sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇaddhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni valāhakaassarājappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītirathasahassāni ahesuṁ sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇaddhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni vejayantarathappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu, rañño sato khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa caturāsītimaṇisahassāni ahesuṁ maṇiratanappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu …pe… caturāsītiitthisahassāni ahesuṁ subhaddādevippamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu …pe… caturāsītikhattiyasahassāni ahesuṁ anuyantāni pariṇāyakaratanappamukhāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu …pe… caturāsītidhenusahassāni ahesuṁ dukūlasandānāni kaṁsūpadhāraṇāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu …pe… caturāsītivatthakoṭisahassāni ahesuṁ khomasukhumāni koseyyasukhumāni kambalasukhumāni kappāsikasukhumāni. Tassa mayhaṁ, bhikkhu …pe… caturāsītithālipākasahassāni ahesuṁ; sāyaṁ pātaṁ bhattābhihāro abhihariyittha.
Of those 84,000 cities, I only stayed in one, the capital Kusāvatī. Of those 84,000 palaces, I only dwelt in one, the Palace of Principle. Of those 84,000 chambers, I only dwelt in one, the Chamber of the Grand Tower. Of those 84,000 couches, I only used one, made of ivory or heartwood or gold or silver. Of those 84,000 bull elephants, I only rode one, the royal bull elephant named Sabbath. Of those 84,000 horses, I only rode one, the royal horse named Thundercloud. Of those 84,000 chariots, I only rode one, the chariot named Triumph. Of those 84,000 women, I was only served by one, an aristocrat maiden or a coquette. Of those 8,400,000,000 cloths, I only wore one pair, made of delicate linen, cotton, silk, and wool. Of those 84,000 servings of food, I only had one, eating at most a cup of rice with suitable sauce.
Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā nagarasahassānaṁ ekaññeva taṁ nagaraṁ hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena ajjhāvasāmi—kusāvatī rājadhānī. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā pāsādasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so pāsādo hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena ajjhāvasāmi—dhammo pāsādo. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā kūṭāgārasahassānaṁ ekaññeva taṁ kūṭāgāraṁ hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena ajjhāvasāmi—mahābyūhaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā pallaṅkasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so pallaṅko hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena paribhuñjāmi—dantamayo vā sāramayo vā sovaṇṇamayo vā rūpiyamayo vā. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā nāgasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so nāgo hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena abhiruhāmi—uposatho nāgarājā. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā assasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so asso hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena abhiruhāmi—valāhako assarājā. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā rathasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so ratho hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena abhiruhāmi—vejayanto ratho. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā itthisahassānaṁ ekāyeva sā itthī hoti yā maṁ tena samayena paccupaṭṭhāti—khattiyānī vā velāmikā vā. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā vatthakoṭisahassānaṁ ekaññeva taṁ vatthayugaṁ hoti yamahaṁ tena samayena paridahāmi—khomasukhumaṁ vā koseyyasukhumaṁ vā kambalasukhumaṁ vā kappāsikasukhumaṁ vā. Tesaṁ kho pana, bhikkhu, caturāsītiyā thālipākasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so thālipāko hoti yato nāḷikodanaparamaṁ bhuñjāmi tadupiyañca sūpeyyaṁ.
And so all those conditioned phenomena have passed, ceased, and perished. So impermanent are conditions, so unstable are conditions, so unreliable are conditions. This is quite enough for you to become disillusioned, dispassionate, and freed regarding all conditions.”
Iti kho, bhikkhu, sabbe te saṅkhārā atītā niruddhā vipariṇatā. Evaṁ aniccā kho, bhikkhu, saṅkhārā. Evaṁ addhuvā kho, bhikkhu, saṅkhārā. Evaṁ anassāsikā kho, bhikkhu, saṅkhārā. Yāvañcidaṁ, bhikkhu, alameva sabbasaṅkhāresu nibbindituṁ, alaṁ virajjituṁ, alaṁ vimuccitun”ti.
Catutthaṁ.
SN 22.97 · A Fingernail
SN 22.97 · Nakhasikhāsutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
Seated to one side, that mendicant said to the Buddha:
Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
“Sir, is there any form at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever? Is there any feeling … perception … choices … consciousness at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever?”
“atthi nu kho, bhante, kiñci rūpaṁ yaṁ rūpaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kāci vedanā yā vedanā niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kāci saññā …pe… keci saṅkhārā, ye saṅkhārā niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassanti? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kiñci viññāṇaṁ, yaṁ viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassatī”ti?
“Mendicant, there is no form at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever. There’s no feeling … perception … choices … consciousness at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever.”
“Natthi kho, bhikkhu, kiñci rūpaṁ, yaṁ rūpaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Natthi kho, bhikkhu, kāci vedanā … kāci saññā … keci saṅkhārā …pe… kiñci viññāṇaṁ, yaṁ viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassatī”ti.
Then the Buddha, picking up a little bit of dirt on his fingernail, said to that mendicant:
Atha kho bhagavā parittaṁ nakhasikhāyaṁ paṁsuṁ āropetvā taṁ bhikkhuṁ etadavoca:
“There’s not even this much of any form that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever. If there were, this living of the spiritual life for the complete ending of suffering would not be found. But since there isn’t, this living of the spiritual life for the complete ending of suffering is found.
“ettakampi kho, bhikkhu, rūpaṁ natthi niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Ettakañcepi, bhikkhu, rūpaṁ abhavissa niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ, nayidaṁ brahmacariyavāso paññāyetha sammā dukkhakkhayāya. Yasmā ca kho, bhikkhu, ettakampi rūpaṁ natthi niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ, tasmā brahmacariyavāso paññāyati sammā dukkhakkhayāya”.
There’s not even this much of any feeling …
Ettakāpi kho, bhikkhu, vedanā natthi niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Ettakā cepi, bhikkhu, vedanā abhavissa niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā, na yidaṁ brahmacariyavāso paññāyetha sammā dukkhakkhayāya. Yasmā ca kho, bhikkhu, ettakāpi vedanā natthi niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā, tasmā brahmacariyavāso paññāyati sammā dukkhakkhayāya.
perception …
Ettakāpi kho, bhikkhu, saññā natthi …pe…
choices …
ettakāpi kho, bhikkhu, saṅkhārā natthi niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassanti. Ettakā cepi, bhikkhu, saṅkhārā abhavissaṁsu niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā, na yidaṁ brahmacariyavāso paññāyetha sammā dukkhakkhayāya. Yasmā ca kho, bhikkhu, ettakāpi saṅkhārā natthi niccā dhuvā sassatā avipariṇāmadhammā, tasmā brahmacariyavāso paññāyati sammā dukkhakkhayāya.
consciousness that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever. If there were, this living of the spiritual life for the complete ending of suffering would not be found. But since there isn’t, this living of the spiritual life for the complete ending of suffering is found.
Ettakampi kho, bhikkhu, viññāṇaṁ natthi niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Ettakampi kho, bhikkhu, viññāṇaṁ abhavissa niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ, na yidaṁ brahmacariyavāso paññāyetha sammā dukkhakkhayāya. Yasmā ca kho, bhikkhu, ettakampi viññāṇaṁ natthi niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ, tasmā brahmacariyavāso paññāyati sammā dukkhakkhayāya.
What do you think, mendicant? Is form permanent or impermanent?”
Taṁ kiṁ maññasi, bhikkhu, rūpaṁ niccaṁ vā aniccaṁ vā”ti?
“Impermanent, sir.”
“Aniccaṁ, bhante”.
“Is feeling … perception … choices … consciousness permanent or impermanent?”
“Vedanā … saññā … saṅkhārā … viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ vā aniccaṁ vā”ti?
“Impermanent, sir.” …
“Aniccaṁ, bhante” …pe…
“So you should truly see … Seeing this … They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”
“tasmātiha …pe… evaṁ passaṁ …pe… nāparaṁ itthattāyāti pajānātī”ti.
Pañcamaṁ.
SN 22.98 · Plain Version
SN 22.98 · Suddhikasutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
Seated to one side, that mendicant said to the Buddha:
Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho so bhikkhu bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:
“Sir, is there any form at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever? Is there any feeling … perception … choices … consciousness at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever?”
“atthi nu kho, bhante, kiñci rūpaṁ, yaṁ rūpaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati? Atthi nu kho, bhante, kāci vedanā …pe… kāci saññā … keci saṅkhārā … kiñci viññāṇaṁ, yaṁ viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassatī”ti?
“Mendicant, there is no form at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever. There’s no feeling … perception … choices … consciousness at all that’s permanent, everlasting, eternal, imperishable, and will last forever and ever.”
“Natthi kho, bhikkhu, kiñci rūpaṁ yaṁ rūpaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassati. Natthi kho, bhikkhu, kāci vedanā … kāci saññā … keci saṅkhārā … kiñci viññāṇaṁ, yaṁ viññāṇaṁ niccaṁ dhuvaṁ sassataṁ avipariṇāmadhammaṁ sassatisamaṁ tatheva ṭhassatī”ti.
Chaṭṭhaṁ.
SN 22.99 · A Leash
SN 22.99 · Gaddulabaddhasutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
“Mendicants, this transmigration has no known beginning. No first point is found of sentient beings roaming and transmigrating, shrouded by ignorance and fettered by craving.
“Anamataggoyaṁ, bhikkhave, saṁsāro. Pubbā koṭi na paññāyati avijjānīvaraṇānaṁ sattānaṁ taṇhāsaṁyojanānaṁ sandhāvataṁ saṁsarataṁ.
There comes a time when the ocean dries up and evaporates and is no more. But in any case, there is no making an end of suffering for sentient beings roaming and transmigrating, shrouded by ignorance and fettered by craving, I say.
Hoti so, bhikkhave, samayo yaṁ mahāsamuddo ussussati visussati na bhavati; na tvevāhaṁ, bhikkhave, avijjānīvaraṇānaṁ sattānaṁ taṇhāsaṁyojanānaṁ sandhāvataṁ saṁsarataṁ dukkhassa antakiriyaṁ vadāmi.
There comes a time when Sineru the king of mountains is burned up and destroyed, and is no more. But in any case, there is no making an end of suffering for sentient beings roaming and transmigrating, shrouded by ignorance and fettered by craving, I say.
Hoti so, bhikkhave, samayo yaṁ sineru pabbatarājā ḍayhati vinassati na bhavati; na tvevāhaṁ, bhikkhave, avijjānīvaraṇānaṁ sattānaṁ taṇhāsaṁyojanānaṁ sandhāvataṁ saṁsarataṁ dukkhassa antakiriyaṁ vadāmi.
There comes a time when the great earth is burned up and destroyed, and is no more. But in any case, there is no making an end of suffering for sentient beings roaming and transmigrating, shrouded by ignorance and fettered by craving, I say.
Hoti so, bhikkhave, samayo yaṁ mahāpathavī ḍayhati vinassati na bhavati; na tvevāhaṁ, bhikkhave, avijjānīvaraṇānaṁ sattānaṁ taṇhāsaṁyojanānaṁ sandhāvataṁ saṁsarataṁ dukkhassa antakiriyaṁ vadāmi.
Suppose a hound on a leash was tethered to a strong post or pillar. It would just keep running and circling around that post or pillar.
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, sā gaddulabaddho daḷhe khīle vā thambhe vā upanibaddho tameva khīlaṁ vā thambhaṁ vā anuparidhāvati anuparivattati;
In the same way, take an unlearned ordinary person who has not seen the noble ones, and is neither skilled nor trained in their teaching. They’ve not seen true persons, and are neither skilled nor trained in their teaching. They regard form … feeling … perception … choices … consciousness as self, self as having consciousness, consciousness in self, or self in consciousness. They just keep running and circling around form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness. Doing so, they’re not freed from form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness. They’re not freed from rebirth, old age, and death, from sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress. They’re not freed from suffering, I say.
evameva kho, bhikkhave, assutavā puthujjano ariyānaṁ adassāvī …pe… sappurisadhamme avinīto rūpaṁ attato samanupassati …pe… vedanaṁ attato samanupassati … saññaṁ attato samanupassati … saṅkhāre attato samanupassati … viññāṇaṁ attato samanupassati, viññāṇavantaṁ vā attānaṁ; attani vā viññāṇaṁ, viññāṇasmiṁ vā attānaṁ. So rūpaññeva anuparidhāvati anuparivattati, vedanaññeva …pe… saññaññeva … saṅkhāreyeva … viññāṇaññeva anuparidhāvati anuparivattati. So rūpaṁ anuparidhāvaṁ anuparivattaṁ, vedanaṁ …pe… saññaṁ … saṅkhāre … viññāṇaṁ anuparidhāvaṁ anuparivattaṁ, na parimuccati rūpamhā, na parimuccati vedanāya, na parimuccati saññāya, na parimuccati saṅkhārehi, na parimuccati viññāṇamhā, na parimuccati jātiyā jarāmaraṇena sokehi paridevehi dukkhehi domanassehi upāyāsehi. ‘Na parimuccati dukkhasmā’ti vadāmi.
A learned noble disciple has seen the noble ones, and is skilled and trained in the teaching of the noble ones. They’ve seen true persons, and are skilled and trained in the teaching of the true persons. They don’t regard form … feeling … perception … choices … or consciousness as self, self as having consciousness, consciousness in self, or self in consciousness. They don’t keep running and circling around form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness. By not doing so, they’re freed from form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness. They’re freed from rebirth, old age, and death, from sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress. They’re freed from suffering, I say.”
Sutavā ca kho, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako ariyānaṁ dassāvī …pe… sappurisadhamme suvinīto, na rūpaṁ attato samanupassati …pe… na vedanaṁ … na saññaṁ … na saṅkhāre … na viññāṇaṁ attato samanupassati, na viññāṇavantaṁ vā attānaṁ; na attani vā viññāṇaṁ, na viññāṇasmiṁ vā attānaṁ. So rūpaṁ nānuparidhāvati nānuparivattati, vedanaṁ … saññaṁ … saṅkhāre … viññāṇaṁ nānuparidhāvati nānuparivattati. So rūpaṁ ananuparidhāvaṁ ananuparivattaṁ, vedanaṁ … saññaṁ … saṅkhāre … viññāṇaṁ ananuparidhāvaṁ ananuparivattaṁ; parimuccati rūpamhā, parimuccati vedanāya, parimuccati saññāya, parimuccati saṅkhārehi, parimuccati viññāṇamhā, parimuccati jātiyā jarāmaraṇena sokehi paridevehi dukkhehi domanassehi upāyāsehi. ‘Parimuccati dukkhasmā’ti vadāmī”ti.
Sattamaṁ.
SN 22.100 · A Leash (2nd)
SN 22.100 · Dutiyagaddulabaddhasutta
At Sāvatthī.
Sāvatthinidānaṁ.
“Mendicants, this transmigration has no known beginning. No first point is found of sentient beings roaming and transmigrating, shrouded by ignorance and fettered by craving. Suppose a mutt on a leash was tethered to a strong post or pillar. Whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, it stays right beside that post or pillar.
“Anamataggoyaṁ, bhikkhave, saṁsāro. Pubbā koṭi na paññāyati avijjānīvaraṇānaṁ sattānaṁ taṇhāsaṁyojanānaṁ sandhāvataṁ saṁsarataṁ. Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, sā gaddulabaddho daḷhe khīle vā thambhe vā upanibaddho. So gacchati cepi tameva khīlaṁ vā thambhaṁ vā upagacchati; tiṭṭhati cepi tameva khīlaṁ vā thambhaṁ vā upatiṭṭhati; nisīdati cepi tameva khīlaṁ vā thambhaṁ vā upanisīdati; nipajjati cepi tameva khīlaṁ vā thambhaṁ vā upanipajjati.
In the same way, an unlearned ordinary person regards form like this: ‘This is mine, I am this, this is my self.’ They regard feeling … perception … choices … consciousness like this: ‘This is mine, I am this, this is my self.’ When walking, they walk right beside the five grasping aggregates. When standing … sitting … lying down, they lie down right beside the five grasping aggregates.
Evameva kho, bhikkhave, assutavā puthujjano rūpaṁ ‘etaṁ mama, esohamasmi, eso me attā’ti samanupassati. Vedanaṁ … saññaṁ … saṅkhāre … viññāṇaṁ ‘etaṁ mama, esohamasmi, eso me attā’ti samanupassati. So gacchati cepi ime pañcupādānakkhandhe upagacchati; tiṭṭhati cepi ime pañcupādānakkhandhe upatiṭṭhati; nisīdati cepi ime pañcupādānakkhandhe upanisīdati; nipajjati cepi ime pañcupādānakkhandhe upanipajjati.
So you should regularly check your own mind: ‘For a long time this mind has been corrupted by greed, hate, and delusion.’ Sentient beings are corrupted because the mind is corrupted. Sentient beings are purified because the mind is purified.
Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, abhikkhaṇaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ paccavekkhitabbaṁ: ‘dīgharattamidaṁ cittaṁ saṅkiliṭṭhaṁ rāgena dosena mohenā’ti. Cittasaṅkilesā, bhikkhave, sattā saṅkilissanti; cittavodānā sattā visujjhanti.
Mendicants, have you seen the painting named ‘Conduct’?”
Diṭṭhaṁ vo, bhikkhave, caraṇaṁ nāma cittan”ti?
“Yes, sir.”
“Evaṁ, bhante”.
“That painting was devised by the mind, but the mind is even more diverse than that.
“Tampi kho, bhikkhave, caraṇaṁ nāma cittaṁ citteneva cittitaṁ. Tenapi kho, bhikkhave, caraṇena cittena cittaññeva cittataraṁ.
So you should regularly check your own mind: ‘For a long time this mind has been corrupted by greed, hate, and delusion.’ Sentient beings are corrupted because the mind is corrupted. Sentient beings are purified because the mind is purified.
Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, abhikkhaṇaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ paccavekkhitabbaṁ: ‘dīgharattamidaṁ cittaṁ saṅkiliṭṭhaṁ rāgena dosena mohenā’ti. Cittasaṅkilesā, bhikkhave, sattā saṅkilissanti; cittavodānā sattā visujjhanti.
I don’t see any other order of beings as elaborate as the animal realm. The creatures in the animal realm were devised by the mind, but the mind is even more diverse than that.
Nāhaṁ, bhikkhave, aññaṁ ekanikāyampi samanupassāmi evaṁ cittaṁ yathayidaṁ, bhikkhave, tiracchānagatā pāṇā. tepi kho, bhikkhave, tiracchānagatā pāṇā citteneva cittitā, tehipi kho, bhikkhave, tiracchānagatehi pāṇehi cittaññeva cittataraṁ.
So you should regularly check your own mind: ‘For a long time this mind has been corrupted by greed, hate, and delusion.’ Sentient beings are corrupted because the mind is corrupted. Sentient beings are purified because the mind is purified.
Tasmātiha, bhikkhave, abhikkhaṇaṁ sakaṁ cittaṁ paccavekkhitabbaṁ: ‘dīgharattamidaṁ cittaṁ saṅkiliṭṭhaṁ rāgena dosena mohenā’ti. Cittasaṅkilesā, bhikkhave, sattā saṅkilissanti; cittavodānā sattā visujjhanti.
Suppose an artist or painter had some dye, red lac, turmeric, indigo, or rose madder. And on a polished plank or a wall or a canvas they’d create the form of a woman or a man, whole in its major and minor limbs.
Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, rajako vā cittakārako vā rajanāya vā lākhāya vā haliddiyā vā nīliyā vā mañjiṭṭhāya vā suparimaṭṭhe phalake vā bhittiyā vā dussapaṭṭe vā itthirūpaṁ vā purisarūpaṁ vā abhinimmineyya sabbaṅgapaccaṅgiṁ;
In the same way, when an unlearned ordinary person generates a future life, all they generate is form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness.
evameva kho, bhikkhave, assutavā puthujjano rūpaññeva abhinibbattento abhinibbatteti, vedanaññeva …pe… saññaññeva … saṅkhāreyeva … viññāṇaññeva abhinibbattento abhinibbatteti.
What do you think, mendicants? Is form permanent or impermanent?”
Taṁ kiṁ maññatha, bhikkhave, rūpaṁ niccaṁ vā aniccaṁ vā”ti?
“Impermanent, sir.”
“Aniccaṁ, bhante”.
“Is feeling … perception … choices … consciousness permanent or impermanent?” …
“Vedanā … saññā … saṅkhārā … viññāṇaṁ …pe…
“So you should truly see … Seeing this … They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”
“tasmātiha, bhikkhave …pe… evaṁ passaṁ …pe… nāparaṁ itthattāyāti pajānātī”ti.
Aṭṭhamaṁ.