Bhikkhu Bodhi: Shorter Discourse to Saccaka, Part 2 of 3

In this podcast episode, we dive into a fascinating debate between the Buddha and a boastful sophist named Saccaka. Confident in his skills, Saccaka challenges the Buddha's views on the self. Through insightful questioning, the Buddha exposes the flaws in Saccaka's belief that the five aggregates—form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness—make up a permanent self. He illustrates how we don’t have complete control over these aggregates, emphasizing their transient and suffering nature. By the end of the discussion, Saccaka's arrogance gives way to shame as he begins to accept the Buddha's teachings on non-self.