← SN

SN 12.48

A Cosmologist

Lokāyatikasutta

from: 5. Householders

A Cosmologist

At Sāvatthī.

Then a brahmin cosmologist went up to the Buddha … Seated to one side he said to the Buddha:

“Worthy Gotama, does all exist?”

“‘All exists’: this is the oldest cosmology, brahmin.”

“Then does all not exist?”

“‘All does not exist’: this is the second cosmology.

“Well, is all oneness?”

“‘All is oneness’: this is the third cosmology.

“Then is all expansiveness?”

“‘All is expansiveness’: this is the fourth cosmology.

Avoiding these two extremes, the Realized One teaches by the middle way: ‘Ignorance is a requirement for choices.

Choices are a requirement for consciousness. … That is how this entire mass of suffering originates. When ignorance fades away and ceases with nothing left over, choices cease. When choices cease, consciousness ceases. … That is how this entire mass of suffering ceases.’”

When he said this, the brahmin cosmologist said to the Buddha, “Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent! … From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”

Translation: German (Ayyā Sabbamittā), English (Bhikkhu Sujato). Source: SuttaCentral / Bilara (public domain, CC0).

These texts are freely available — anyone who wishes can support the work with a gift.