sn.22.18 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Impermanent with Cause

At Savatthi. “Bhikkhus, form is impermanent. The cause and condition for the arising of form is also impermanent. As form has originated from what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?

“Feeling is impermanent…. Perception is impermanent…. Volitional formations are impermanent…. Consciousness is impermanent. The cause and condition for the arising of consciousness is also impermanent. As consciousness has originated from what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?

“Seeing thus … He understands: ‘… there is no more for this state of being.’”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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Impermanence With Its Cause

At Sāvatthī.
“Mendicants, form is impermanent.
The cause and reason that gives rise to form is also impermanent.
Since form is produced by what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?
Feeling is impermanent …


Perception is impermanent …
Choices are impermanent …


Consciousness is impermanent.
The cause and reason that gives rise to consciousness is also impermanent.
Since consciousness is produced by what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?
Seeing this …
They understand: ‘… there is no return to any state of existence.’”