AN4.177 — The Rahula Sutta

At one time, the venerable Rahula approached the Blessed One. After approaching, he paid homage to the Blessed One and sat down to one side.

While sitting there, the Blessed One spoke to the venerable Rahula:

Rahula, there are two types of earth element: the internal earth element and the external earth element. This earth element is not mine, I am not this, this is not my self. This should be seen as it truly is with right understanding.

Seeing this as it truly is with right understanding, one becomes disenchanted with the earth element and the mind is liberated from it.

Rahula, there are two types of water element: the internal water element and the external water element. This water element is not mine, I am not this, this is not my self. This should be seen as it truly is with right understanding.

Seeing this as it truly is with right understanding, one becomes disenchanted with the water element and the mind is liberated from it.

Rahula, there are two types of fire element: the internal fire element and the external fire element. This fire element is not mine, I am not this, this is not my self. This should be seen as it truly is with right understanding.

Seeing this as it truly is with right understanding, one becomes disenchanted with the fire element and the mind is liberated from it.

Rahula, there are two types of air element: the internal air element and the external air element. This air element is not mine, I am not this, this is not my self. This should be seen as it truly is with right understanding.

Seeing this as it truly is with right understanding, one becomes disenchanted with the air element and the mind is liberated from it.

When, Rahula, a disciple does not regard these four elements as self or belonging to self, it is said that the disciple has cut off craving, has dispelled the fetters, and has made an end of suffering through right understanding.

Back