Exterior and Cause Are Not-Self (SN35.145)

Linked Discourses 35.145

14. At Devadaha

Exterior and Cause Are Not-Self

“Mendicants, sights are not-self.

The cause and reason that gives rise to sights is also not-self.

Since sights are produced by what is not-self, how could they be self?

Sounds …

Smells …

Tastes …

Touches …

Ideas are not-self.

The cause and reason that gives rise to ideas is also not-self.

Since ideas are produced by what is not-self, how could they be self?

Seeing this …

Being disillusioned, desire fades away. When desire fades away they’re freed. When they’re freed, they know they’re freed.

They understand: ‘Rebirth is ended, the spiritual journey has been completed, what had to be done has been done, there is nothing further for this place.’”