sn.35.142 Saṁyutta Nikāya (Linked Discourses)

Nonself with Cause Internal

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

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

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

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

---

Interior and Cause Are Not-Self

“Mendicants, the eye is not-self.
The cause and reason that gives rise to the eye is also not-self.
Since the eye is produced by what is not-self, how could it be self?
The ear … nose … tongue … body …


mind is not-self.
The cause and reason that gives rise to the mind is also not-self.
Since the mind is produced by what is not-self, how could it be self?
Seeing this …
They understand: ‘… there is no return to any state of existence.’”