SN22.97 — Nakhasikhāsutta
Originating in Sāvatthi.
While sitting to one side, that disciple said to the Blessed One:
Is there, venerable sir, any form that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity?
Is there, venerable sir, any feeling that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity?
Is there, venerable sir, any perception...
any formations that are permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as they are for all eternity?
Is there, venerable sir, any consciousness that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity?
There is no form, disciple, that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity.
There is no feeling...
no perception...
no formations...
no consciousness that is permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity.
Then the Blessed One, having taken a little bit of dust on his fingernail, said to that disciple:
Even this much form is not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity.
If even this much form were permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, then the holy life would not be discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
But because even this much form is not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, therefore the holy life is discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
Even this much feeling is not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity.
If even this much feeling were permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, then the holy life would not be discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
But because even this much feeling is not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, therefore the holy life is discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
Even this much perception is not...
Even this much formations are not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as they are for all eternity.
If even this much formations were permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, then the holy life would not be discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
But because even this much formations are not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, therefore the holy life is discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
Even this much consciousness is not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, that will remain just as it is for all eternity.
If even this much consciousness were permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, then the holy life would not be discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
But because even this much consciousness is not permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to change, therefore the holy life is discerned for the complete ending of suffering.
What do you think, disciple, is form permanent or impermanent?
Impermanent, venerable sir.
Is feeling...
perception...
formations...
consciousness permanent or impermanent?
Impermanent, venerable sir.
Therefore...
seeing thus...
he understands: There is no more for this state of being.