The Buddha answers Rāhula’s request by teaching on the four material elements in light of the three characteristics.At Sāvatthī. “What do you think, Rāhula? Is the earth element permanent or impermanent?” “Impermanent, sir.” … “… the water element … the fire element … the air element … the space element … Is the consciousness element permanent or impermanent?” “Impermanent, sir.” … “Seeing this, a learned noble disciple grows disillusioned with the earth element, water element, fire element, air element, space element, and consciousness element …”