SN5_9: Selā Sutta

Selā Sutta - translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

“By whom         was this doll created?

Where      is the doll’s maker?

Where      has the doll originated?

Where      does it cease?”

“This doll isn’t self-made,

nor is this misery made by another.*

In dependence on a cause

it comes into play.

With the dissolution of the cause

it ceases.

Just as a seed grows

—when planted in a field—

because of the soil’s savor

together with moisture;

in the same way, these

aggregates,

properties,

sense media

—in dependence on a cause—

come into play.

With the dissolution of the cause

they cease.”

*Alternative reading:

This doll, this misery,

isn’t created.

Origin URL: https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/SN/SN5_9.html