The identical structure as SN 23.13/15, with not-self as the third and final mark
Length
Very short — the closing formula elided
Northern parallel
Applies this vagga's established template to anattā, completing the classic three-mark sequence
Difficulty
Approachable — best read as the completion of this vagga's own catalog
Why this discourse
Completes this vagga's progression through the three marks: what is not-self? The aggregates, stated with the same bluntness already given to Māra, impermanence, and suffering — the third and final member of the Canon's most familiar threefold formula now given the same treatment as its predecessors.
Reading guide
The third mark, the identical method
"They speak of 'not-self'. What is not-self?" — the same question-and-bare-answer structure as SN 23.13 and SN 23.15, now applied to anattā, completing the classic impermanent/suffering/not-self sequence.
Not-self stated with the same bluntness
"Form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness are not-self" — no elaboration, matching this vagga's own established directness for every prior term.
Why treating not-self identically to the other marks matters
Not-self is often given more extended, argumentative treatment elsewhere in this book (as at SN 22.59, the second sermon) — this discourse's willingness to state it with the same bare economy as Māra or impermanence confirms that, once the underlying reasoning is established elsewhere, even this most philosophically loaded mark can be stated as a simple fact requiring no further argument.
Setting up the sequence's own close
SN 23.18 will ask about "naturally not-self" rather than not-self itself, completing this vagga's third pair and, with it, the entire three-mark progression begun at SN 23.13.
Key terms
anattā — not-self — the characterizing term this discourse examines, the third and final of the three marks
dukkha — suffering — the term examined in SN 23.15-16, the previous pair in this vagga's catalog
khandha — aggregate — form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness, each named as not-self
anattadhamma — naturally not-self — the grammatical variant SN 23.18 will examine next
peyyāla — an elision mark, compressing the standard closing formula throughout this vagga
The text
The complete discourse as given in the source, applying this vagga's established template to not-self. Translation: Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0, SuttaCentral).
§1At Sāvatthī. Seated to one side, Venerable Rādha said to the Buddha: “Sir, they speak of ‘not-self’. What is not-self?”
§2“Rādha, form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness are not-self.
§3Seeing this … They understand: ‘… there is nothing further for this place.’”
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Self-check quiz
Ten questions. Click an answer to see immediate feedback. No score is recorded — this is for your own checking.
Question 1 of 10
What characterizing term does this discourse examine, completing the three marks?
Correct: A. The third and final of the three marks, following impermanence and suffering.
Question 2 of 10
How does the Buddha answer this discourse's question?
Correct: A. The same bluntness already given to Māra, impermanence, and suffering.
Question 3 of 10
Where else in this book is not-self given more extended, argumentative treatment?
Correct: A. This discourse's bare economy is possible because the underlying reasoning is established elsewhere.
Question 4 of 10
What does treating not-self identically to the other marks confirm?
Correct: A. The bare treatment relies on argument already made in earlier discourses.
Question 5 of 10
What discourse is this discourse's direct companion?
Correct: A. Repeating the same grammatical variation seen throughout this vagga.
Question 6 of 10
How many aggregates does this discourse's identification apply to?
Correct: A. Form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness.
Question 7 of 10
How is the closing formula presented in this discourse?
Correct: A. Compressed throughout this vagga after SN 23.11's own full statement.
Question 8 of 10
What three marks has this vagga now given identical treatment to, by this discourse?
Correct: A. The classic threefold formula, each mark treated with the same bare economy.
Question 9 of 10
Where is this discourse set?
Correct: A. Matching SN 23.11-16's own setting.
Question 10 of 10
Who asks the question in this discourse?
Correct: A. Continuing this saṃyutta's own central questioner.
