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Elements

SN 18.9 · Dhātusutta

Fresh silver-green shoots growing from an ancient olive tree.

At Sāvatthī.

“What do you think, Rāhula? Is the earth element permanent or impermanent?”

“Impermanent, sir.” …

“… the water element … the fire element … the air element … the space element … Is the consciousness element permanent or impermanent?”

“Impermanent, sir.” …

“Seeing this, a learned noble disciple grows disillusioned with the earth element, water element, fire element, air element, space element, and consciousness element …”

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Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato · SuttaCentral · CC0

This translation is an expression of an ancient spiritual text that has been passed down by the Buddhist tradition for the benefit of all sentient beings. It is dedicated to the public domain via Creative Commons Zero (CC0). You are encouraged to copy, reproduce, adapt, alter, or otherwise make use of this translation. The translator respectfully requests that any use be in accordance with the values and principles of the Buddhist community. In particular, please do not use this work in AI training datasets, for the development of any AI model or algorithm, or in any AI-derived technologies.

Published source. Translation wording and order are preserved; source headings and notes are retained, with navigation and formatting adapted for this reader.

The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork for Buddhist Atlas, an evocative companion rather than a historical depiction.