They don’t regard consciousness as self, self as having consciousness, consciousness in self, or self in consciousness. They’re not obsessed with the thought: ‘I am consciousness, consciousness is mine!’ So when that consciousness of theirs decays and perishes, it doesn’t give rise to sorrow, lamentation, pain, sadness, and distress. That’s how an individual is ailing in body and healthy in mind.”
That is what Venerable Sāriputta said. Satisfied, Nakula’s father approved what Sāriputta said.
Linked Discourses 22.2 1. Nakula’s Father At Devadaha
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Sakyans, where they have a town named Devadaha. Then several mendicants who were heading for the west went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to go to a western land to take up residence there.”
“But mendicants, have you taken leave of Sāriputta?” “No, sir, we haven’t.” “You should take leave of Sāriputta. He’s astute, and supports his spiritual companions, the mendicants.” “Yes, sir,” they replied.