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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

Not-Self With Its Cause

SN 22.20 · Sahetuanattasutta

A wild bee approaching a pale clover blossom in a meadow.

At Sāvatthī.

“Mendicants, form is not-self. The cause and reason that gives rise to form is also not-self. Since form is produced by what is not-self, how could it be self?

Feeling is not-self …

Perception is not-self …

Choices are not-self …

Consciousness is not-self. The cause and reason that gives rise to consciousness is also not-self. Since consciousness is produced by what is not-self, how could it be self?

Seeing this … They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”

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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.