|
Atta
ownership “Bhikkhus, the possession that
one might possess that were permanent, everlasting ... do you see any such
possession?” “No, Lord” “... The atta-theory
clinging whereby one might cling that would never arouse sorrow and ... despair in him who clung thereby;
do you see any such atta-theory clinging?” “No Lord.” “... The view as support
that one might take that would never arouse sorrow and ... despair in him who
took it as support; do you see any such view as support?” “No, Lord” “... Bhikkhus, there being
atta, would there be atta's property?” “Yes, Lord.” “And there being atta's property, would there be atta?” “Yes, Lord.” “Bhikkhus, atta and atta's property
are unapprehendable as true and
established, then would not this view: ‘This is the world, this the atta;
after death I shall be permanent, everlasting, eternal, not subject to
change, I shall endure as long as eternity’— be the pure perfection of a
fool's idea?” “How could it not be, Lord? It would be the pure perfection a fool’s idea.” M 22 The permanent ownership
issue → The 3 characteristics sutta |