DiscoverSNSN 22–34SN 25SN 25.3

The six classes of consciousness are impermanent, changing, and becoming otherwise. Accepting this through faith or wisdom guarantees stream-entry.

SN 25.3  Viññāṇa sutta - Consciousness

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

At Sāvatthi.

“Cakkhuviññāṇaṁ, bhikkhave, aniccaṁ vipariṇāmi aññathābhāvi; sotaviññāṇaṁ … ghānaviññāṇaṁ … jivhāviññāṇaṁ … kāyaviññāṇaṁ … manoviññāṇaṁ aniccaṁ vipariṇāmi aññathābhāvi.

“|Eye-consciousness::awareness of visible forms; it does not interpret or recognize meaning—only cognizes and distinguishes [cakkhuviññāṇa]||, bhikkhus,::::| is |impermanent::not lasting, transient, unreliable [anicca]|, changing, becoming otherwise; |ear-consciousness::auditory awareness; it does not interpret or recognize meaning—only cognizes and distinguishes [sotaviññāṇa]| ... |nose-consciousness::olfactory awareness; it does not interpret or recognize meaning—only cognizes and distinguishes [ghānaviññāṇa]| ... |tongue-consciousness::gustatory awareness; it does not interpret or recognize meaning—only cognizes and distinguishes [jivhāviññāṇa]| ... |body-consciousness::tactile awareness; it does not interpret or recognize meaning—only cognizes and distinguishes [kāyaviññāṇa]| ... |mind-consciousness::mental awareness; it does not interpret or recognize meaning—only cognizes and distinguishes [manoviññāṇa]| is impermanent, changing, becoming otherwise.

Yo bhikkhave …pe… sambodhiparāyano”ti.

Anyone, bhikkhus, who |knows::distinguishes, understands, discerns clearly [pajānāti]| and |sees::observes, perceives [passati]| these phenomena in this way is called a stream-enterer, no longer bound to the lower world, fixed in destiny, with awakening as their destination.”

Topics & Qualities:

Consciousness

Consciousness

topic

Consciousness, the fifth aggregate, has two key meanings in the discourses: 1.) The distinctive quality of awareness which knows and arises in dependence on the meeting of eye and form, ear and sound, nose and odor, tongue and taste, body and tangible object, mind and mind object. 2.) A seed that finds a footing in a realm, established by ignorance and intention, leading to renewed existence.

Also known as: awareness, the faculty that distinguishes
Pāli: viññāṇa
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Recognition of impermanence

Recognition of impermanence

☀️ bright quality

Perceiving all conditioned things as unstable and transient. This recognition weakens attachment by revealing the continual arising and ceasing of phenomena, turning the mind toward wisdom and release.

Also known as: perception of impermanence, perception of instability, realization of transience
Pāli: aniccasaññā
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Stream Entry

Stream Entry

topic

The first stage of awakening, where one overcomes the fetters of 1.) personal existence view: view of being someone, that one is an embodied being, 2.) doubt or perplexity regarding suffering, its arising, its ending, and the way of practice leading to the end of suffering, and 3.) adherence to rules and observances as a means of liberation. One who has entered the stream is no longer bound for the lower realms, is fixed in destiny, and is bound for full awakening. The four factors of stream-entry are: 1.) association with persons of integrity, 2.) hearing the true teaching, 3.) wise attention, and 4.) practice in accordance with the Dhamma.

Also known as: entering the stream, fruition of stream-entry
Pāli: sotāpatti, sotāpanna
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Last updated on May 20, 2026

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