Theory of Self
At Sāvatthī.
“Mendicants, when what exists, because of grasping what and insisting on what, does theory of self arise?” [1]
“Our teachings are rooted in the Buddha. …”
“When form exists, because of grasping form and insisting on form, theory of self arises.
When feeling …
perception …
choices …
consciousness exists, because of grasping consciousness and insisting on consciousness, theory of self arises.
What do you think, mendicants?
Is form permanent or impermanent?”
“Impermanent, sir.” …
“But by not grasping what’s impermanent, suffering, and perishable, would theory of self arise?”
“No, sir.”
“Is feeling …
perception …
choices …
consciousness permanent or impermanent?”
“Impermanent, sir.” …
“But by not grasping what’s impermanent, suffering, and perishable, would theory of self arise?”
“No, sir.”
“Seeing this …
They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”
