The Buddha describes how dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of contacts, and dependent on the diversity of contacts, there arises a diversity of sensations. However, diversity of contacts does not arise dependent on the diversity of sensations, and diversity of elements does not arise dependent on the diversity of contacts.
Dutiyavedanānānatta sutta - Diversity Of Sensations (Second)
At Sāvatthi.
"Bhikkhus, dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of contacts, dependent on the diversity of contacts, there arises a diversity of sensations. Diversity of contacts does not arise dependent on the diversity of sensations, and diversity of elements does not arise dependent on the diversity of contacts.
And what is the diversity of elements? The objects of vision, sounds, smells, tastes, physical sensations, and mental objects. This is called the diversity of elements.
How is it, bhikkhus, that dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of contacts, that dependent on the diversity of contacts, there arises a diversity of sensations, that diversity of contacts does not arise dependent on the diversity of sensations, that diversity of elements does not arise dependent on the diversity of contacts?
1. Objects of vision
Dependent on the objects of vision, there arises a contact with the eye, dependent on the contact with the eye, there arises a sensation connected with form. Contact with the eye does not arise dependent on a sensation connected with form, and objects of vision do not arise dependent on a contact with the eye.
2. Sounds
Dependent on sounds, there arises a contact with the ear, dependent on the contact with the ear, there arises a sensation connected with sound. Contact with the ear does not arise dependent on a sensation connected with sound, and sounds do not arise dependent on a contact with the ear.
3. Smells
Dependent on smells, there arises a contact with the nose, dependent on the contact with the nose, there arises a sensation connected with smell. Contact with the nose does not arise dependent on a sensation connected with smell, and smells do not arise dependent on a contact with the nose.
4. Tastes
Dependent on tastes, there arises a contact with the tongue, dependent on the contact with the tongue, there arises a sensation connected with taste. Contact with the tongue does not arise dependent on a sensation connected with taste, and tastes do not arise dependent on a contact with the tongue.
5. Physical sensations
Dependent on physical sensations, there arises a physical contact, dependent on the physical contact, there arises a sensation connected with touch. Physical contact does not arise dependent on a sensation connected with touch, and physical sensations do not arise dependent on a physical contact.
6. Mental objects
Dependent on mental objects, there arises a contact with the mind, dependent on the contact with the mind, there arises a sensation connected with mental objects. Contact with the mind does not arise dependent on a sensation connected with mental objects, and mental objects do not arise dependent on a contact with the mind.
Thus, bhikkhus, dependent on the diversity of elements, there arises a diversity of contacts, dependent on the diversity of contacts, there arises a diversity of sensations. Diversity of contacts does not arise dependent on the diversity of sensations, and diversity of elements does not arise dependent on the diversity of contacts."