At Sāvatthī.
Then a brahmin cosmologist went up to the Buddha … Seated to one side he said to the Buddha:
“Worthy Gotama, does all exist?”
“‘All exists’: this is the oldest cosmology, brahmin.”
“Then does all not exist?”
“‘All does not exist’: this is the second cosmology.”
“Well, is all oneness?”
“‘All is oneness’: this is the third cosmology.”
“Then is all expansiveness?”
“‘All is expansiveness’: this is the fourth cosmology.
Avoiding these two extremes, the Realized One teaches by the middle way: ‘Ignorance is a requirement for choices.
Choices are a requirement for consciousness. … That is how this entire mass of suffering originates. When ignorance fades away and ceases no residue left behind, choices cease. When choices cease, consciousness ceases. … That is how this entire mass of suffering ceases.’”
When he said this, the brahmin cosmologist said to the Buddha, “Excellent, worthy Gotama! Excellent! … From this day forth, may the worthy Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life.”