The Buddha teaches on impermanence in the three times, applying the analysis of the five aggregates—form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness—to insight and release.

SN 22.9 Impermanence in the Three Times

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

“Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, aniccaṁ 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 aniccā …pe…

saññā aniccā

saṅkhārā aniccā atītānāgatā; ko pana vādo paccuppannānaṁ.

Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako atītesu saṅkhāresu anapekkho hoti; anāgate saṅkhāre nābhinandati; paccuppannānaṁ saṅkhārānaṁ nibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya paṭipanno hoti. Viññāṇaṁ aniccaṁ 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.

Navamaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

At Sāvatthī.

“Rūpaṁ, bhikkhave, aniccaṁ atītānāgataṁ;

“Mendicants, form of the past and future is impermanent,

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 aniccā …pe…

Feeling …

saññā aniccā

Perception …

saṅkhārā aniccā atītānāgatā;

Choices …

ko pana vādo paccuppannānaṁ.

Evaṁ passaṁ, bhikkhave, sutavā ariyasāvako atītesu saṅkhāresu anapekkho hoti;

anāgate saṅkhāre nābhinandati;

paccuppannānaṁ saṅkhārānaṁ nibbidāya virāgāya nirodhāya paṭipanno hoti.

Viññāṇaṁ aniccaṁ atītānāgataṁ;

Consciousness of the past and future is impermanent,

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 disillusionment, dispassion, and cessation regarding present consciousness.”

Navamaṁ.

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