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← Saṃyutta Nikāya

Giving Up Theory of Self

SN 35.167 · Attānudiṭṭhipahānasutta

A small island of river foam drifting on quiet water.

Then a mendicant went up to the Buddha … and said to him:

“Sir, how does one know and see so that theory of self is given up?”

“Mendicant, knowing and seeing the eye, sights, eye consciousness, and eye contact as not-self, theory of self is given up. …

And also knowing and seeing the pleasant, painful, or neutral feeling that arises dependent on mind contact as not-self, theory of self is given up.”

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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.