sn.35.140 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Impermanent with Cause Internal

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

“The ear is impermanent…. The mind is impermanent. The cause and condition for the arising of the mind is also impermanent. As the mind has originated from what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?

“Seeing thus, bhikkhus, the instructed noble disciple experiences revulsion towards the eye … towards the mind. Experiencing revulsion, he becomes dispassionate. Through dispassion his mind is liberated. When it is liberated there comes the knowledge: ‘It’s liberated.’ He understands: ‘Destroyed is birth, the holy life has been lived, what had to be done has been done, there is no more for this state of being.’”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

---

Interior and Cause Are Impermanent

“Mendicants, the eye is impermanent.
The cause and reason that gives rise to the eye is also impermanent.
Since the eye is produced by what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?
The ear … nose … tongue … body …


mind is impermanent.
The cause and reason that gives rise to the mind is also impermanent.
Since the mind is produced by what is impermanent, how could it be permanent?
Seeing this, a learned noble disciple grows disillusioned with the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind.
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 no return to any state of existence.’”