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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

Exterior and Cause Are Impermanent

SN 35.143 · Bāhirāniccahetusutta

Young plants growing beneath a broad old tree.

“Mendicants, sights are impermanent. The cause and reason that gives rise to sights is also impermanent. Since sights are produced by what is impermanent, how could they be permanent?

Sounds …

Smells …

Tastes …

Touches …

Ideas are impermanent. The cause and reason that gives rise to ideas is also impermanent. Since ideas are produced by what is impermanent, how could they be permanent?

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.