The body is fragile, consciousness is of a fading nature. All substrates of existence are impermanent, dissatisfactory, and subject to change.

Bhidura sutta - Fragile

This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard:

“Bhikkhus, this body is fragile; |consciousness::quality of awareness — subjective awareness of experiences and the knowing of objects through the six sense doors [sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mind] [viññāṇa]| is of a fading nature. All substrates of |existence::attachments, assets [upadhi]| are |impermanent::not lasting, transient, unreliable [anicca]|, |dissatisfactory::uncomfortable, unpleasant [dukkha]|, and |subject to change::of the nature of alteration, decay [vipariṇāmadhamma]|.”

The Blessed One spoke on this matter. In this regard, it is said:

“Having known the body as fragile,
and consciousness as of a fading nature;
Having seen the danger in substrates [of existence],
one overcomes birth and death;
Having attained the supreme peace,
the Awakened One calmly awaits his time [until final passing].”

This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One, as I have heard.

Last updated on April 29, 2025

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