The Buddha teaches on not-self in the three times, applying the analysis of the five aggregates—form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness—to insight and release.

SN 22.11 Not-Self in the Three Times -

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

“Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, anattā atītānāgataṁ; ko pana vādo paccuppannassa.

Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako atītasmiṁ rūpasmiṁ anapekkho hoti; anāgataṁ rūpaṁ nābhinandati; paccuppannassa rūpassa nibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya paṭipanno hoti.

Vedanā anattā

saññā anattā

saṅkhārā anattā

viññāṇaṁ anattā atītānāgataṁ; ko pana vādo paccuppannassa.

Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako atītasmiṁ viññāṇasmiṁ anapekkho hoti; anāgataṁ viññāṇaṁ nābhinandati; paccuppannassa viññāṇassa nibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya paṭipanno hotī”ti.

Ekādasamaṁ.

Nakulapituvaggo paṭhamo.

Tassuddānaṁ

Nakulapitā devadahā,
Dvepi hāliddikāni ca;
Samādhipaṭisallāṇā,
Upādāparitassanā duve;
Atītānāgatapaccuppannā,
Vaggo tena pavuccati.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

At Sāvatthī.

“Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, anattā atītānāgataṁ;

“Mendicants, form of the past and future is not-self,

ko pana vādo paccuppannassa.

let alone the present.

Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako atītasmiṁ rūpasmiṁ anapekkho hoti;

Seeing this, a learned noble disciple is not concerned with past form,

anāgataṁ rūpaṁ nābhinandati;

doesn’t look forward to enjoying future form,

paccuppannassa rūpassa nibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya paṭipanno hoti.

and they practice for disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding present form.

Vedanā anattā

Feeling …

saññā anattā

Perception …

saṅkhārā anattā

Choices …

viññāṇaṁ anattā atītānāgataṁ;

Consciousness of the past and future is not-self,

ko pana vādo paccuppannassa.

let alone the present.

Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako atītasmiṁ viññāṇasmiṁ anapekkho hoti;

Seeing this, a learned noble disciple is not concerned with past consciousness,

anāgataṁ viññāṇaṁ nābhinandati;

doesn’t look forward to enjoying future consciousness,

paccuppannassa viññāṇassa nibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya paṭipanno hotī”ti.

and they practice for the disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding present consciousness.”

Ekādasamaṁ.

Nakulapituvaggo paṭhamo.

Tassuddānaṁ

Nakulapitā devadahā,

Dvepi hāliddikāni ca;

Samādhipaṭisallāṇā,

Upādāparitassanā duve;

Atītānāgatapaccuppannā,

Vaggo tena pavuccati.

Qualities:

Dispassion

Dispassion

The fading of desire and attraction toward conditioned things. It arises through seeing the impermanent and unsatisfactory nature of experience. It is the natural fragrance of understanding and the forerunner of release.

Also known as: detachment, disinterest, fading of desire, disentanglement
Pāli: virāga, visaṁyutta
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Ending

Ending

The complete exhaustion and ending of craving, aversion, and delusion—the three roots of suffering. It refers to both the gradual wearing away of defilements through practice and the final cessation that constitutes Nibbāna.

Also known as: cessation, exhaustion, gradual ending, wearing away
Pāli: khaya, khīṇa, nirodha
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Learning

Learning

One who has broad learning and retention of the Dhamma, gained through hearing, reciting, and carefully investigating the teachings. Such learning penetrates their meaning through discernment and serves as a strong support for practice.

Also known as: having knowledge, well studied
Pāli: bahussuta, suta
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Last updated on July 27, 2026