The Related Suttas Collection 35.145

14. At Devadaha

Exterior and Cause Are Not-Self

“Bhikkhus, sights are not-self. The cause and reason that gives rise to sights is also not-self. Since sights are produced by what is not-self, how could they be self?

Sounds …

Smells …

Tastes …

Touches …

Thoughts are not-self. The cause and reason that gives rise to thoughts is also not-self. Since thoughts are produced by what is not-self, how could they be self?

Seeing this … Being disillusioned, desire fades away. When desire fades away they’re freed. When they’re freed, they know they’re freed.

They understand: ‘Rebirth is ended, the spiritual journey has been completed, what had to be done has been done, there is no return to any state of existence.’”