1-4. Impermanent, Painful, Empty, and Not Self (SA1)

Related Discourses 1

1-4. Impermanent, Painful, Empty, and Not Self

Thus I have heard:

One time, the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in Jeta’s Grove of Śrāvastī.

It was then that the Bhagavān addressed the monks,

“You should observe that form is [1] impermanent … [2] painful … [3] empty … [4] not self.

Such observation then is right view.

Correctly observing it gives rise to disillusionment.

Being disillusioned, delight and greed [for form] will end.

When delight and greed [for form] have ended, that’s said to be the mind’s liberation.

“Thus observe that feeling … perception … volition … consciousness is [1] impermanent … [2] painful … [3] empty … [4] not self.

Such observation then is right view.

Correctly observing it gives rise to disillusionment.

Being disillusioned, delight and greed [for consciousness] will end.

When delight and greed [for consciousness] have ended, that’s said to be the mind’s liberation.

“Thus, monks, someone wanting to realize the mind’s liberation for themselves then can realize it:

‘My births have been ended, the religious practice has been established, and the task has been accomplished.

I myself know that I won’t be subject to a later existence.’”

When the monks heard what the Buddha taught, they rejoiced and approved.