SN22.95 — Foam Lump Simile Sutta
Once, the Blessed One was dwelling at Ayujjhā on the bank of the Ganges river. There, the Blessed One addressed the disciples:
Just as this Ganges river carries a great lump of foam. A discerning person would observe it, thoroughly investigate it, and examine it wisely. For that person observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in a lump of foam, disciples?
In the same way whatever form, past, future, or present... whether far or near, a disciple observes, investigates, and examines it wisely. For that disciple observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in form, disciples?
Just as in the autumn when the rain pours down in thick drops, a water bubble forms and bursts. A discerning person would observe it, thoroughly investigate it, and examine it wisely. For that person observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in a water bubble, disciples?
In the same way whatever feeling, past, future, or present... whether far or near, a disciple observes, investigates, and examines it wisely. For that disciple observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in feeling, disciples?
Just as in the last month of summer, at midday, a mirage shimmers. A discerning person would observe it, thoroughly investigate it, and examine it wisely. For that person observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance... What substance could there be in a mirage, disciples?
In the same way whatever perception...
Just as a person seeking heartwood, searching for heartwood, undertaking a quest for heartwood, would take a sharp axe and enter a forest. There he would see a large banana tree, straight, fresh, and without a crooked trunk. He would cut it at the root; having cut it at the root, he would cut it at the top, and having cut it at the top, he would peel it layer by layer.
Peeling it, he would not even find softwood, let alone heartwood. A discerning person would observe it, thoroughly investigate it, and examine it wisely. For that person observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in a banana tree, disciples?
In the same way whatever formations, past, future, or present... whether far or near, a disciple observes, investigates, and examines it wisely. For that disciple observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in formations, disciples?
Just as a magician or a magician's apprentice at a crossroads would conjure a magical illusion. A discerning person would observe it, thoroughly investigate it, and examine it wisely. For that person observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in an illusion, disciples?
In the same way whatever consciousness, past, future, or present... whether far or near, a disciple observes, investigates, and examines it wisely. For that disciple observing, investigating, and examining wisely, it would appear empty, void, and without substance. What substance could there be in consciousness, disciples?
Seeing in this way the learned noble disciple becomes disenchanted with form, feeling... perception... formations... consciousness.
Disenchanted, one becomes dispassionate; through dispassion, one is liberated. In liberation, there is the knowing that one is liberated...
no further becoming is understood.
This was said by the Blessed One.
Having said this, the Fortunate One, the Teacher, further said:
Form is like a lump of foam.
Feeling like a water bubble.
Perception is like a mirage.
Formations like a banana tree.
Consciousness is like an illusion.
So taught the Kinsman of the Sun.
As one wisely investigates.
And thoroughly examines.
It appears empty and void.
To one who sees wisely.
Regarding this body.
Taught by one of great wisdom.
Abandoning these three things.
See the discarded form.
Life, warmth, and consciousness.
When one leaves this body.
It lies discarded then.
Like a log, lifeless, ownerless.
Such is this continuum.
This illusion, conjured up.
A babbler.
He is called a killer, there is no essence here.
Thus, one should look into the aggregates.
A disciple with aroused effort.
Whether by day or by night.
Mindful and fully aware.
He should abandon all fetters.
Make himself his refuge.
Walk as if his head were on fire.
Seeking the deathless state.