Attānudiṭṭhi sutta: Theory of Self

At Sāvatthī.

“Mendicants, when what exists, because of grasping what and insisting on what, does theory of self arise?”

“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.’”