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SN 35.145

Exterior and Cause Are Not-Self

Bāhirānattahetusutta

from: 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.’”

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

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