Puṇṇamasutta

Suttapiṭaka · Saṁyuttanikāya · Khandhavaggasaṁyutta · Vol. 17 · Section 192

[192] Now on that occasion this reflection arose in the mind (citta) of a certain bhikkhu: "So it seems, sirs, form is not-self; feeling (vedanā) … perception … volitional formations … consciousness is not-self. What self, then, will deeds done by what is not-self touch?" Then the Blessed One, knowing with his own mind the reflection in that bhikkhu's mind, addressed the bhikkhus: "It is possible, bhikkhus, that some foolish man here, sunk in ignorance (avijjā), with a mind possessed by craving (taṇhā), might imagine that the Teacher's teaching can be outstripped thus: 'So it seems, sirs, form is not-self; feeling … perception … volitional formations … consciousness is not-self. What self, then, will deeds done by what is not-self touch?' You, bhikkhus, have been trained by me through interrogation, here and there, in regard to these various dhammas. "What do you think, bhikkhus: is form permanent or impermanent?" "Impermanent, venerable sir." "Is feeling … perception … volitional formations … consciousness permanent or impermanent?" "Impermanent, venerable sir." "But that which is impermanent — is that suffering (dukkha) or happiness?" "Suffering, venerable sir." "But that which is impermanent, suffering, and subject to change — is it fitting to regard it thus: 'This is mine, this I am, this is my self'?" "No indeed, venerable sir." "Therefore, … Seeing thus, … he understands: '… there is no more coming to any state of being.'" Two on the aggregates (khandha); whether it might be that very [thing]; designation, and the cause; two are spoken with reference to identity, and with gratification and consciousness: these are said to be tenfold — such is the bhikkhu's questioning. The Khajjanīya Chapter, the third. Its summary: Gratification, two on Origin, two more with the Arahants; the Lion, Being Devoured, Piṇḍolya, with Pālileyya, and the Full Moon. ______________ In the Middle Fifty of the Khandhasaṃyutta, the Elders' Chapter (Theravagga) is the fourth.

English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.

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