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<poem>
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[[Majjhima Nikaya]]
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[[Collection of Medium Length Discourses of the Buddha]].
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This [[collection of medium length discourses]] is made up of one hundred and fifty two [[suttas]] in three [[books]] known as [[pannasa]]. The first [[book]], [[Mulapannasa]], deals with the first fifty [[suttas]] in five [[vaggas]], the second [[book]], [[Majjhimapannasa]] consists of the second fifty [[suttas]] in five [[vaggas]] too; and the last fifty two [[suttas]] are dealt with in five [[vaggas]] of the third [[book]], [[Uparipannasa]], which means more than fifty.
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The [[suttas]] in this [[Nikaya]] throw much {{Wiki|light}} on the {{Wiki|social}} [[ideas]] and {{Wiki|institutions}} of those days, and also provide general [[information]] on the economic and {{Wiki|political}} [[life]].
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(a) [[Mulapannasa]] [[Pali]]
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I. [[Mulapariyaya Vagga]]
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(1) [[Mulapariyaya Sutta]]
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The [[Buddha]] explained the [[basis of all]] [[phenomena]], specifying twenty four categories such as the [[four elements]] ([[earth]], [[water]], [[fire]], [[wind]]); [[sentient beings]], [[devas]]; the seen, the heard, the [[thought]] of, the known; the [[oneness]], the multiplicity, the whole; and the [[reality]] of [[Nibbana]]. The uninstructed [[worldling]] cannot {{Wiki|perceive}} the [[true nature]] of these [[phenomena]]; only the [[enlightened ones]] can see them in true {{Wiki|perspective}}.
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(2) [[Sabbasava Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]], [[mental intoxicants]] that beset the uninstructed [[worldling]] are defined, and seven practices for eradicating them are explained.
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(3) [[Dhammadayada sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] contains two separate [[discourses]], the first one given by the [[Buddha]], the second by the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]]. The [[Buddha]] urged the [[bhikkhus]] to receive as their legacy from him the [[Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma]] only, and not material things like the four requisites. The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] advised the [[bhikkhus]] to lead a {{Wiki|solitary}} [[life]] for [[attainment]] of [[jhana]] and to strive for the [[attainment]] of [[Nibbana]] by [[abandoning]] [[greed]], [[ill will]], and [[delusion]].
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(4) [[Bhayabherava Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] describes how a [[bhikkhu]] leading a {{Wiki|solitary}} [[life]] in a secluded {{Wiki|forest}} invites harm and [[danger]] to himself by his impure [[thoughts]], words and [[deeds]], and how the [[Buddha]] had lived a [[peaceful]] {{Wiki|forest}} [[life]] harmlessly by [[cultivating]] [[pure thoughts]], words and [[deeds]] which finally led him to [[enlightenment]].
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(5) [[Anangana Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]] given on the request of the [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]], the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] explained four types of {{Wiki|individuals}}:
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    (i) an impure [[person]] who [[knows]] he is impure;
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    (ii) an impure [[person]] who does not know he is impure;
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    (iii) a [[pure]] [[person]] who [[knows]] his [[own]] [[purity]];
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    (iv) a [[pure]] [[person]] who does not know his [[own]] [[purity]].
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(6) [[Akankheyya Sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] describes how a [[bhikkhu]] should develop [[sila]], [[samadhi]] and [[panna]], instead of hankering after gain and [[fame]]; how he should restrain his [[faculties]], [[seeing]] [[danger]] in the slightest fault.
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(7) [[Vattha Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]] the [[Buddha]] explained the difference between an impure [[mind]] and a [[pure mind]] by giving the example of dirty cloth and clean cloth. Only the clear cloth will absorb dye; so also only the [[pure mind]] will retain the [[dhamma]].
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(8) [[Sallekha Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]] the [[Buddha]] explained to [[Maha Cunda]] how [[wrong views]] about [[atta]] and [[loka]] can be removed only by [[vipassana]] [[insight]]. [[Jhanic]] [[practice]] is not the austerity [[practice]] that removes [[moral]] [[defilements]]; [[jhanic]] [[practice]] only leads to a [[blissful]] [[existence]]. Only refraining from forty-four kinds of [[bad deeds]] constitutes austerity [[practice]] for removing [[moral]] [[defilements]]. The [[Wikipedia:Volition (psychology)|volition]] alone to do a good [[deed]] is enough to produce a good result; when it is accompanied by the actual [[deed]], the beneficial result accruing is [[immeasurable]]. One immersed in the mire of [[sensuous]] [[impurities]] cannot rescue others immersed likewise in the mire.
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(9) [[Samma-ditthi Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] is an [[exposition]] on the [[right view]] delivered by the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] at [[Savatthi]]. When [[physical]], [[verbal]] and [[mental]] [[actions]] are motivated by [[greed]], [[hatred]] and [[delusion]], they are deemed to be bad. When they arise through [[non-greed]], [[non-hatred]] and [[non-delusion]], the [[actions]] are deemed to be good. [[Right View]] is [[understanding]] what a good [[deed]] is and what a bad [[deed]] is; it is the full [[comprehension]] of the [[Four Noble Truths]] and not holding on to {{Wiki|eternity}} [[views]] concerning [[atta]].
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(10) [[Mahasatipatthana Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] given at [[Kammasadhamma]] market town is the most important [[sutta]] which gives {{Wiki|practical}} guidance for [[cultivation]] of [[mindfulness]]. It describes the [[Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness]], namely, [[contemplating]] the [[body]], [[contemplating]] [[sensation]], [[contemplating]] the [[mind]], and [[contemplating]] the [[dhamma]] as the one and only way for the [[purification]] of [[beings]], for the [[overcoming]] of [[sorrow]] and [[lamentation]], for the complete destruction of [[pain]] and {{Wiki|distress}}, for the [[attainment]] of the [[Noble Magga]] and for the [[realization of Nibbana]].
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This [[sutta]] appears in [[identical]] [[form]] in the [[Digha Nikaya]].
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II. [[Sihanada Vagga]]
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(1) [[Culasinhanada Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]], given at [[Savatthi]], the [[Buddha]] made the bold statement that the [[four Categories of Ariyas]], namely;
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the [[Stream-winner]],
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the [[Once-returner]],
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the [[Non-returner]] and
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the [[Arahat]] [[exist]] only in his [[Teaching]] and not in any other.
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(2) [[Mahasihanda Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]], given at [[Vesali]], the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] reported to the [[Buddha]] about the disparagement of the [[Buddha's]] [[virtues]] made by [[Sunakkhatta]] who had left the [[Teaching]]. The [[Buddha]] said that [[Sunakkhatta]] was not intellectually equipped to have the faintest glimpse of the [[Buddha's]] [[virtues]] such as the [[Ten Strengths]], the four kinds of supreme Self-Confidence, the Non-decline of [[Sabbannuta Nana]] till the [[time]] of [[parinibbana]]. He then described the [[five destinations]] and the [[actions]] which lead to them as well as the wrong [[beliefs]] and practices of the naked [[ascetics]] to whose camp [[Sunakkhatta]] now belonged.
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(3) [[Mahadukkhakkhandha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]] to refute the naked [[ascetics]] when they tried to make out that they followed the same [[path]] and [[taught]] the same [[dhammas]] the [[Buddha]]. The [[Buddha]] also explained to the [[bhikkhus]] what the [[pleasures]] of the [[senses]] wore, what their faults and dangers were, and the way of escape from them. The [[Buddha]] explained further that outside of his [[Teaching]], these [[dhammas]] were not known and no one but the [[Buddha]] and his [[disciples]] could teach such [[dhamnas]].
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(4) [[Culadukkhakkhandha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]], at [[Kapilavatthu]] to the [[Sakyan]] {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Mahanama]] to explain to him on his request, how [[greed]], [[ill will]] and [[ignorance]] [[caused]] [[moral]] [[defilements]] and [[suffering]].
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(5) [[Anumana Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]] to many [[bhikkhus]] at [[Susumaragira]] in the country of [[Bhagga]]. They were urged to see if they had purged themselves of sixteen kinds of [[stubbornness]] such as inordinate [[desire]], humiliating others while praising oneself, [[wrathfulness]], etc. If these sixteen kinds of [[unwholesome]] [[dhammas]] were detected in oneself, a determined [[effort]] should bo made to get rid of them.
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(6) [[Cetokhila Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]], mentions the five kinds of [[mental]] thorns: [[doubt]] about the [[Buddha]], [[doubt]] about the [[Dhamma]], [[doubt]] about the [[Sahgha]], [[doubt]] about the efficacy of the [[practice]] in [[sila]], [[samadhi]] and [[panna]], [[ill will]] and [[animosity]] towards fellow [[bhikkhus]]. It also mentions the [[five fetters]]: [[attachment to sensual desires]], [[attachment to oneself]], [[attachment to material objects]]; [[immoderation in eating and sleeping]], and [[adopting the holy life with the limited objective of attaining to blissful existences]] only. These [[mental]] thorns and [[fetters]] are [[obstacles]] to [[liberation]] from [[dukkha]]. They should be removed and eradicated for [[realization of Nibbana]].
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(7) [[Vanapattha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given at [[Savatthi]], is concerned with tha choice of a suitable place for a [[bhikkhu]]. A [[bhikkhu]] has to depend on a {{Wiki|forest}} glade or a village, or a town or an {{Wiki|individual}} for his residence and support.If he finds out any particular place is not satisfactory for his [[spiritual]] [[development]] or for material support, he should abandon that place at once.
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If he finds it satisfactory with [[respect]] to material support, but not beneficial for [[spiritual]] [[development]], he should abandon that place, too. But when it proves beneficial for [[spiritual]] [[development]], even if the material support is meagre, the [[bhikkhu]] should stay on in that place. When [[conditions]] are satisfactory both for [[spiritual]] [[development]] and material support, he should live for the whole of his [[life]] in such a place.
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(8) [[Madhupindika Sutta]]
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A [[Sakyan]] {{Wiki|Prince}} named [[Dandapani]], once asked the [[Buddha]] at [[Kapilatthu]] what [[doctrine]] he taught.The [[Buddha]] replied that his [[doctrine]] was one which could not be grasped by any [[brahman]] nor by the [[Mara]]. It is this: not living in discord with any one in the [[world]]; not [[obsessed]] by [[sense]] [[impressions]] ([[sanna]]); not troubled by [[doubts]]; and rot [[craving]] for any [[form]] of [[existence]]
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(9) [[Dvedavitakka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] to explain two kinds of [[thinking]]: [[wholesome]] and [[unwholesome]]. [[Bhikkhus]] should [[practice]] to see the advantages of engaging in [[wholesome]] [[thoughts]] and the dangers of [[unwholesome]] [[thoughts]].
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(10) [[Vitakkasanthana Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] on how to combat the [[arising]] of [[unwholesome]] [[thoughts]] with [[wholesome]] [[thoughts]]. For example, [[greed]] and [[sensuous]] [[thoughts]] should be banished by [[contemplating]] on unpleasentness and [[impermanency]] of the [[object]] of [[desire]]; illwill and [[hatred]] must be countered by [[thoughts]] of [[loving-kindness]]; and [[ignorance]] may be overcome by seeking [[illumination]] and guidance from the [[teacher]].
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III. [[Opamna Vagga]]
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(1) [[Kakacupama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] in [[connection]] with [[Bhikkhu]] [[Moliyaphagguna]] who was friendly with [[bhikkhunis]]. When others censured him for being too friendly with [[bhikkhunis]], he lost his temper and broke into quarrel with [[bhikkhus]] who criticized him.
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When the [[Buddha]] admonished and advised him to keep away from [[bhikkhunis]] and to control his temper, he remained recalcitrant. The [[Buddha]] showed the {{Wiki|harmfulness}} of ill temper and advised other [[bhikkhus]] to keep a tight check on their temper, not losing it even when some one was sawing away their limbs into bits.
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(2) [[Alagaddupama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]]. [[Bhikkhu]] [[Arittha]] misunderstood the [[Buddha's Teaching]] and maintained that the [[Buddha]] showed how to enjoy [[sensuous]] [[pleasure]] without jeopardising one's progress in the [[Path]]. When the [[Buddha]] remonstrated with him for his [[wrong views]] he remained unrepentent.
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The [[Buddha]] then spoke to the [[bhikkhus]] on the wrong way and the right way of {{Wiki|learning}} the [[dhamma]], giving the simile of a {{Wiki|snake}} catcher, and the simile of the raft.
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(3) [[Vammika Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]]. [[Venerable]] [[Kumarakassapa]] was asked by a [[deva]] a set of fifteen questions which he brought to the [[Buddha]] for elucidation. The [[Buddha]] explained to him the meaning of the questions and assisted him in their {{Wiki|solution}}.
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(4) [[Rathavinita Sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] recounts the {{Wiki|dialogue}} between the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] and the [[Venerable]] [[Punna]] at [[Savatthi]] on the seven stages of [[purity]], such as [[purity]] of [[sila]], [[purity]] of [[mind]], [[purity]] of view etc., that must be passed before [[attainment]] to [[Nibbana]].
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(5) [[Nivapa Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] on the snares that waylay [[bhikkhus]] on their [[path]], making use of the simile of the {{Wiki|hunter}}, the hunter's followers, the [[green]] pasture and four different herds of {{Wiki|deer}}. The {{Wiki|hunter}} was likened to [[Mara]], the hunter's crowd to [[Mara's]] followers, the [[green]] pasture he had set up to the [[sensuous]] [[pleasures]], and four different herds of {{Wiki|deer}} to four different types of recluses who left homelife.
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(6) [[Pasarasi Sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] is also known by the [[name]] of [[Ariyapariyesana Sutta]]. The [[Buddha]] recounted his [[life]] from the [[time]] he was born in the [[human world]] as the son of [[King Suddhodana]] till the [[moment]] of the great [[discourse]] on the [[Turning of the Wheel]] of [[Dhamma]], giving details of his [[renunciation]], initial wrong practices of severe [[asceticism]] and final discovery of the [[Noble Path of Eight Constituents]]. In particular, [[stress]] was laid on two different types of quests, the [[Noble]] and the [[Ignoble]]. He explained that it was extremely unwise to go after [[sensual pleasures]] which [[subject]] one to [[ageing]], {{Wiki|disease}} and [[death]]. The most [[noble]] quest was to seek out that which will {{Wiki|liberate}} one from [[ageing]], {{Wiki|disease}} and [[death]].
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(7) [[Culahatthipadopama Sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]]. The [[Brahmin Janussoni]] asked the [[wandering ascetic]] [[Pilotika]], who had just come back from the [[Buddha]], whether he knew all the [[virtues]] and accomplishments of the [[Buddha]]. The [[wandering ascetic]] replied that only a [[Buddha]] who could match another [[Buddha]] in [[attainments]] could know all the [[virtues]] of the other. As for him, he could only exercise his [[imagination]] in this [[respect]] just as a {{Wiki|hunter}} would [[judge]] the measurements of an [[elephant]] from the size of its footprints.
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Later when the [[Brahmin Janussoni]] went to see the [[Buddha]], and recounted his [[conversation]] with the [[wandering ascetic]] the [[buddha]] told him that the size of an elephant's footprint might still be misleading. Only when one followed the footprints, and the [[animal]] was seen grazing in the open, its true measurements could be accurately judged. So also the [[virtues]] of the [[Buddha]] and his [[Teaching]] could be fully appreciated and understood only when one followed his [[Teaching]] and practised as [[taught]] by him until the final goal of [[Arahatship]] was reached.
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(8) [[Mahahatthipadopama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] to the [[bhikkhus]] at [[Savatthi]] using the simile of the elephant's footprint. He explained that just as the footprint of all [[animals]] could be contained within the footprint of an [[elephant]], all [[wholesome]] [[dhammas]] were comprised in the [[Four Noble Truths]].
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(9) [[Mahasaropama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Rajagaha]] in [[connection]] with [[Devadatta]] who remained contened with gain and [[fame]] because of his [[attainment]] of [[supernormal powers]] and left the [[Teaching]] to [[cause]] [[schism]] in the [[Order]]. The [[Buddha]] said that this [[Teaching]] was not for the {{Wiki|purpose}} of gain and [[fame]] which were like the external shoots and branches of a [[tree]]; nor just for the [[accomplishment]] in [[sila]] which may be likened to the outer crust of a [[tree]]; nor for mere establishing of [[concentration]] to achieve [[supernormal powers]] which were like the bark of a [[tree]]. The [[Dhamma]] was [[taught]] for the [[attainment]] of [[Arahatship]], the [[noble]] [[liberation]] which alone resembled the inner [[path]] of a [[tree]].
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(10) [[Culasaropama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] in [[connection]] with the [[Brahmin]] [[Pingalakoccha]] who asked the [[Buddha]] whether all the six [[teachers]] claiming to be [[Buddhas]] were really [[enlightened]]. The [[Buddha]] explained that the [[Brahmacariya]] [[practice]] [[taught]] by a [[Buddha]] led to [[Arahatship]], not just to the [[achievement]] of gain and [[fame]], or [[supernormal powers]].
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IV. [[Mahayamaka Vagga]]
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(1) [[Culagosinga Sutta]]
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The [[Venerable]] [[Anuruddha]], the [[Venerable]] [[Nandiya]] and the [[Venerable]] [[Kimila]] were staying in the [[Gosinga]] {{Wiki|Sal tree}} woodland. The [[Buddha]] visited them and praised them on their way of living, practicing the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]] with {{Wiki|perfect}} [[harmony]] and [[concord]] amongst themselves, thus forming an adornment to the lovely woodland park.
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(2) [[Mahagosinga Sutta]]
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Once while the [[Buddha]] was residing in the [[Gosinga]] {{Wiki|Sal tree}} woodland, the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] asked the [[Buddha]], 'Who would most adorn this woodland park and enhance its [[beauty]]?' The [[discourse]] records the different answers provided by the [[Venerables]] [[Revata]], [[Anuruddha]], [[Maha Kassapa]], [[Maha Moggallana]], [[Sariputta]] and by the [[Buddha]] himself.
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(3) [[Mahagopalaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]], explains the [[conditions]] under which the [[Teaching]] would grow and prosper and the [[conditions]] under which it would {{Wiki|decline}} and [[decay]]. The example of a cowherd is given. When a cowherd is equipped with eleven skills of managing and tending his cattle, there is progress and growth in his work. So also when the [[bhikkhu]] is [[skilled]] and accomplished in eleven factors such as [[knowledge]] of [[truth]] about the [[khandhas]], [[practice]] of [[sila]], [[samadhi]] and [[panna]], etc., the [[Teaching]] will grow and prosper.
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(4) [[Culagopalaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] deals with eleven factors, the failure to fulfil which would contribute to the down fall and ruin of the [[Teaching]]. Just as the cattle under the [[care]] of an unwise and unskilful cowherd crossed the [[river]] from a wrong quay on the bank and met with destruction instead of [[reaching the other shore]], so also the followers of the [[teachers]] who were not accomplished in the [[knowledge]] of [[truth]], [[khandhas]], etc.,would end up only in {{Wiki|disaster}}.
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(5) [[Culasaccaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given at [[Vesali]], gives an account of the [[debate]] between the [[Buddha]] and [[Saccaka]] the [[wandering ascetic]] on the [[subject]] of [[atta]]. [[Saccaka]] maintained that [[rupa]], [[vedana]], [[sanna]], [[sankhara]] and [[vivvana]] were one's [[atta]]. It was [[atta]] which enjoyed the {{Wiki|fruits}} of [[good deeds]] and [[suffered]] the {{Wiki|consequences}} of [[bad deeds]]. The [[Buddha]] refuted his {{Wiki|theory}}, pointing out that none of the [[khandhas]] was [[atta]] each being subjected to the laws of [[anicca]], [[dukkha]], and [[anatta]], and not amenable to anyone's control. [[Saccaka]] had to admit his defeat in the presence of his followers.
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(6) [[Mahasaccaka Sutta]]
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The same [[Saccaka]], the [[wandering ascetic]], came again to the [[Buddha]] the next day and asked about the [[cultivation]] of [[mind]] and [[body]]. He knew only the wrong [[methods]] of developing [[concentration]]. The [[Buddha]] explained to [[Saccaka]] the various practices he himself had followed and mistakes he had made until he found the middle [[Path]] that finally led him to the [[realization]] of [[Nibbana]].
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(7) [[Culatanhasankhaya Sutta]]
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On enquiry by the [[king]] of [[devas]] how a [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]] trained himself to realize [[Nibbana]], the [[Buddha]] gave him a short description of how a house holder, after leaving his home, put himself on a course of {{Wiki|training}} that gradually [[purified]] his [[mind]] of all [[moral]] [[defilements]] and led him to the final goal.
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(8) [[Mahatanhasankhaya Sutta]]
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A [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]], [[Sati]] by [[name]], held the view that the [[Buddha]] [[taught]]: "The same [[consciousness]] transmigrates and wanders about.." Other [[disciples]] tried to rid him of this [[wrong view]] but to no avail. The [[Buddha]] told him that he never [[taught]] such [[wrong views]]. He only [[taught]] "[[Consciousness]] arises out of [[conditions]]; there is no [[arising]] of [[Consciousness]] without [[conditions]]."
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(9) [[Maha-assapura Sutta]]
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The [[people]] of [[Assapura]], a market town of [[Anga]] country, were ardently devoted to the [[Buddha]], the [[Dhamma]] and the [[Samgha]], helping and assisting the members of the Order by [[offering]] them the [[bhikkhu]] requisites. Out of [[gratitude]] for such support, the [[Buddha]] urged the [[bhikkhus]] to make strenuous efforts in their {{Wiki|training}} and [[practice]] of [[Dhamma]], gradually going up stage by stage: starting from avoiding [[evil]] [[deeds]] by {{Wiki|restraint}} of [[physical]] and {{Wiki|vocal}} [[actions]], to proceed to [[mental]] {{Wiki|restraint}} through [[meditation]], then progressing towards [[attainment]] of four stages of [[jhana]], and finally to the stage where all [[moral]] defilemsnts were eliminated and [[Nibbana]] was [[attained]].
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(10) [[Cula-assapura Sutta]]
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Out of [[gratitude]] for the support given by the lay {{Wiki|devotees}} of [[Assapura]], a market town in the country of [[Anga]], the [[buddha]] urged the [[bhikkhus]] to be [[worthy]] of the [[name]] of [[samana]] and [[brahmana]]. [[Samana]] means one who has stilled his [[passions]]; [[brahmana]] one who has rid him [[self]] of [[defilements]]. A [[bhikkhu]] should therefore [[subject]] himself to the course of [[discipline]] and [[practice]] as laid down by the [[Buddha]] until he had eliminated the twelve [[defilements]] such as [[envy]], [[ill will]], [[deceit]], [[wrong views]]. etc.
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V. [[Culayamaka Vagga]]
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(1) [[Saleyyaka Sutta]]
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This [[exposition]] was given to villagers of Sala on ten [[demeritorious]] [[deeds]] that would lead to states of [[misery]] and woe and [[ten meritorious deeds]] that would give rise to [[rebirth]] in [[happy]] [[realms]].
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(2) Veranjaka [[Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given to the householders of [[Veranja]] dealing with [[identical]] [[subjects]] as in the [[Saleyyaka Sutta]].
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(3) [[Mahavedalla Sutta]]
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The [[Venerable]] [[Mahakotthika]] asked many questions to the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] at [[Savatthi]] regarding an Uninstructed, [[person]] with no [[panna]], and instructed persons with [[panna]]; many questions on [[vinnana]] and [[vedana]], on the difference between [[panna]] and [[vinnana]], and many other things. The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] obliged him with detailed answers.
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(4) [[Culavedalla Sutta]]
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[[Theri]] [[Dhammadinna]] was asked many questions by the [[householder]] [[Visakha]] about [[personality]], [[Sakkaya]], the origin of [[Sakkaya]], the [[cessation]] of [[Sakkaya]] and the way leading to [[cessation]] of [[Sakkaya]]. All the questions were satisfactorily answered by the [[Theri]].
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(5) [[Culadhammasamadana Sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] describes four practices involving: (i) [[happy]] living now, followed by dire {{Wiki|consequences}} in the {{Wiki|future}}; (ii) [[unhappy]] living now, followed by dire {{Wiki|consequences}} in the {{Wiki|future}}; (iii) [[unhappy]] living now, followed by a [[happy]] [[life]] in the {{Wiki|future}}; (iv) [[happy]] living now, followed by a [[happy]] [[life]] in the {{Wiki|future}}.
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(6) [[Mahadhammasamadana Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]], the four practices as described in [[Culadhammasamadana Sutta]] are explained with more details giving similes of poisoned fruit juice,delicious cordial and {{Wiki|medicinal}} preparation of cow's {{Wiki|urine}}.
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(7) [[Vimamsaka Sutta]]
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Any claim to [[Buddhahood]] may be put to acid tests as provided in this [[sutta]]. A detailed procedure to scrutinize such claim is laid down here.
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(8) [[Kosambiya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] on how [[loving-kindness]] should be the basis of their relations was given by the [[Buddha]] to the [[bhikkhus]] of [[Kosambi]] who were living in discord because of disagreement over trifling matters.
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(9) [[Brahmanimantanika Sutta]]
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The [[Brahma Baka]] held the [[wrong view]] of {{Wiki|eternity}}, believing in [[permanence]], stability and [[endurance]]. The [[Buddha]] showed him how wrong his [[belief]] was.
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(10) [[Maratajjaniya Sutta]]
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This is an account given by the [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]] of how [[Mara]] once troubled him by causing [[pains]] and aches in the {{Wiki|stomach}}. He had to coax him to stop annoying him by telling him that he had been Marais uncle at the [[time]] of [[Kakusandha Buddha]].
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(b) [[Majjhima Pannasa Pali]].
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I. [[Gahapati Vagga]]
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(1) [[Kandaraka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was delivered at [[Campa]] in [[connection]] with [[Kandaraka]], the [[wandering ascetic]], and [[Pessa]], son of [[elephant]] rider, who marvelled at the [[silence]] maintained by the huge congregation of [[bhikkhus]], not making any [[sound]], not even a sneeze nor a cough. The [[Buddha]] explained that their [[silence]] was due to their accomplishments in [[samadhi]] and to their {{Wiki|training}} on four [[Methods]] of Steadfast [[Mindfulness]]. The [[Buddha]] also elucidated the four types of {{Wiki|individuals}} engaged in [[meditation]].
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(2) [[Atthakanagara Sutta]]
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The [[householder]] Dasama of Attahaka wanted to know if there was a single [[dhamma]] which could [[cause]] [[liberation]] and [[realization]] of [[Nibbana]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] informed him there was a group of dhammas,eleven in number, namely, the [[four jhanas]], the four [[Brahmavihara]] practices and [[Akasanankayatana]], [[Vinnanancayatana]], [[Akincannayatana]]. Contemplating the [[impermanent]] [[nature]] of each of those [[dhammas]] would lead one to [[Nibbana]].
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(3) [[Sekha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] to the [[Sakyans]] headed by {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Mahanama]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] explained the [[path]] consisting of three steps, [[sila]], [[samadhi]] and [[panna]] to be followed by an aspirant to [[higher knowledge]] culminating in the [[knowledge]] of [[cessation]] of [[asava]]
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(4) [[Potaliya Sutta]]
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[[Potaliya]] had left [[worldly]] affairs behind with a view to lead the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]]. When the [[Buddha]] saw him dressed in ordinary everyday attire, the [[Buddha]] addressed him as '[[Gahapati]]', [[householder]], which [[Potaliya]] resented. The [[Buddha]] explained to him that in the vocabulary of the [[Vinaya]] one was said to have cut oneself off from the [[world]] only when one refrained from {{Wiki|killing}}, [[stealing]], telling lies, [[slandering]], and only when one was abstemious, not conceited, and controlled in one's temper.
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(5) [[Jivaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Rajagaha]] in [[connection]] with [[Jivaka]], the great [[physician]], who enquired whether it was true that the [[Buddha]] ate the [[meat]] of [[animals]] killed purposely for him. The [[Buddha]] told him that he had made it a {{Wiki|rule}} for the [[bhikkhus]] not to partake of any [[meat]] which they saw or heard or had [[reason]] to suspect to be especially prepared for them. Further, a [[bhikkhu]] should not show [[eagerness]] for [[food]] nor be [[greedy]] in eating; he should eat with {{Wiki|reflection}} that he took the meal only to sustain the [[body]] in order to pur sue the [[path of liberation]].
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(6) [[Upali Sutta]]
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A prominent, wealthy lay [[disciple]] of [[Nigantha Nataputta]] was sent by his [[master]] to meet the [[Buddha]] and defeat him in argument on certain aspects of the {{Wiki|Theory}} of [[Kamma]]. Whereas the [[Nigantha]] stressed on the [[physical]] and {{Wiki|vocal}} [[actions]] being more {{Wiki|productive}} of resultant effects, the [[Buddha]] maintained that it was [[Wikipedia:Volition (psychology)|volition]] or [[mental action]] that was paramount. By means of his [[discourse]] the [[Buddha]] converted [[Upali]], and overwhelmed by intense [[wrath]] over the loss of his most prominent [[disciple]], [[Nataputta]] [[died]].
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(7) [[Kukkuravatika Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]] to two naked [[ascetics]] named [[Punna]] and [[Seniya]] at the market town of [[Koliya]], deals with four kinds of [[actions]] and four kinds of resultant effects [[arising]] therefrom: (i) black [[deed]] leading to black result, (ii) white [[deed]] leading to white result, (iii) [[deed]] which is both black and white leading to result which is both black and white and (iv) [[deed]] which is neither black nor white leading to result which is neither black nor white.
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(8) [[Abhayarajakumara Sutta]]
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{{Wiki|Prince}} [[Abhayarajakumara]] was sent by [[Niganttha Nataputta]] to ask the [[Buddha]] whether he uttered [[unpleasant]] words about the [[destiny]] of [[Devadatta]]. The [[Buddha]] enumerated six modes of utterances out of which he would make two modes of utterances: words which are true, profitable but not [[pleasant]] to others and words which are true, profitable and [[pleasant]] to others.
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(9) [[Bahuvedaniya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]] to explain the various kinds of [[vedana]], which might be two in number: [[sukha]] and [[dukkha]] [[vedanas]] or three in number by [[including]] the [[upekkha]] [[vedana]] or five, six, eighteen or thirty six, or one hundred and eight, depending on the method of {{Wiki|enumeration}}. Ordinarily [[sensations]] that arise from [[pleasures]] of the [[senses]] are regarded as [[sukha]], or [[happiness]]. But the [[Buddha]] explains that the acme of [[happiness]] is [[attainment]] of [[nirodha samapatti]].
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(10) [[Apannaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] to the villagers of [[Sala]] in the country of [[Kosala]] who had not yet accepted any of the teachings [[taught]] by leaders of the various sects visiting their village. The [[Buddha]] showed them the right [[path]] which would not lead them astray. The [[wrong views]] of the sectarians were contrasted against the [[right views]] propounded by the [[Buddha]]; the disadvantages of [[wrong views]], and the advantages of [[right views]] were explained.
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II. [[Bhikkhu Vagga]]
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(1) [[Abalatthikarahulovada Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]], given at [[Rajagaha]], the [[Buddha]] exhorted his [[son Rahu1a]], a [[samanera]] aged seven, on the necessity of observing the fundamental noral [[precept]] of [[truthfulness]], and of practising mindfulness,by giving the similes of the upturned [[water]] pot, the {{Wiki|royal}} [[elephant]] and the [[mirror]].
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(2) [[Maharahulovada Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] on the [[five khandhas]], was given at [[Savatthi]] by the [[Buddha]] to [[Rahula]] at the age of eighteen. The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] also [[taught]] [[Rahula]] the [[meditation]] on [[anapana]]. The [[Buddha]] further explained to him the advantages of [[Anapana]] [[meditation]] and gave him another [[discourse]] on the [[four great elements]].
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(3) [[Culamalukya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]] to the [[bhikkhu]] [[Malukya]]. [[Bhikkhu Malukya]] interrupted his [[meditation]] one afternoon, went to the [[Buddha]] and asked him the well known classical questions: Is the [[universe]] [[eternal]] or not etc.; is the [[soul]] the same as the [[body]], is [[soul]] one thing and [[body]] another, etc.; does [[life]] [[exist]] after [[death]], or does it not [[exist]] after [[death]].
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The [[Buddha]] explained to him that the [[practice]] of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]] did not dapend upon these views.What ever view one may hold about them, there would still be [[birth]], [[ageing]], [[decay]], [[death]], [[sorrow]], [[lamentation]], [[pain]], [[grief]], {{Wiki|distress}}. The [[Buddha]] said that he [[taught]] only about [[dukkha]], the [[cause]] of [[dukkha]], the [[cessation]] of [[dukkha]] and the way leading to the [[cessation]] of [[dukkha]].
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(4) [[Mahamalukya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given to [[bhikkhu]] [[Malukya]] at [[Savatthi]] to explain the [[five fetters]], namely, [[personality belief]], [[doubt]], [[attachment]] to wrong [[practice]], [[sensual desires]] and [[ill will]], which lead [[beings]] to lower destinations.
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(5) [[Bhaddali Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given at [[Savatthi]], is an exhortation to [[bhikkhu]] [[Bhaddali]] who refused to obey the disciplinary {{Wiki|rule}} of not eating after midday and in the evening; the [[Buddha]] explained why [[bhikkhus]] in the [[Teaching]] should [[respect]] the disciplinary {{Wiki|rules}} laid down by him.
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(6) [[Latukikopama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given to the [[Venerable]] [[Udayi]]. in [[connection]] with [[observance]] of disciplinary {{Wiki|rules}} and [[precepts]]. When the [[five strengths]] ([[balas]]), namely, [[faith]], [[energy]], [[mindfulness]], [[concentration and insight]] are not well developed, the [[bhikkhu]] finds even a paltry {{Wiki|restraint}} like refraining from eating meals in the afternoon and in the evening very irksome and onerous. But when the five [[Balas]] are fully developed, even stringent {{Wiki|rules}} can be observed without any difficulty or discomfort
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(7) [[Catuma Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Catuma]] to the [[disciples]] of the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] and the [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]], who came with five hundred [[bhikkhus]] to see the [[Buddha]]. The five hundred [[bhikkhus]] made a lot of noise while settling down. The [[Buddha]] refused to see them at first, but later relented and [[taught]] them the dangers in the [[life]] of a [[bhikkhu]]. Just as there are dangers and hazards in a sea like stormy waves, crocodiles, whirlpools, and sharks, so also there are dangers against which the [[bhikkhu]] must be always on guard, namely, [[ill will]] against those who instruct them and [[guide]] them; [[dissatisfaction]] with [[training rules]] such as those concerning taking of meals or dealing with womenfolk; and [[pleasures]] of [[senses]].
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(8) [[Nalakapana Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given to the [[Venerable]] [[Anuruddha]] and to the villagers of [[Nalakapana]] to explain that unless a [[bhikkhu]] had [[attained]] the higher stages of [[Magga]] and [[Phala]], accomplishments in {{Wiki|supernormal}} [[psychic powers]] may prove to be harmful to him. The [[Buddha]] him [[self]] talked about the destinations of the departed persons not to earn praise and admiration but to arouse [[enthusiasm]] and [[faith]] in his [[disciples]].
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(9) [[Goliyani Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Rajagaha]] by the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] to Goliyani [[Bhikkhu]] concerning eighteen [[dhammas]] which a {{Wiki|forest}} dwelling [[bhikkhu]] should observe.
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(10) Kitagiri [[Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at the market town of Kitagiri on the advantages of taking meals only before noon and the disadvantages of eating in the evening.
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III. [[Paribbajaka Vagga]]
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(1) [[Tevijjavaccha Sutta]]
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[[Vacchagotta]], the [[wandering ascetic]], questioned the [[Buddha]] whether it would be true to say that [[Sabbannuta Nana]] was constantly and continuosly {{Wiki|present}} to him all the [[time]], while walking or [[standing]], asleep or awake. The [[Buddha]] replied that it would not be true to say so. It would be true to say only that the [[Buddha]] was accomplished in the [[three kinds of knowledge]], namely, [[knowledge]] of the {{Wiki|past}}, power of [[divine]] [[seeing]], and [[knowledge]] of [[liberation]].
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(2) [[Aggivaccha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] in [[connection]] with [[Vacchagotta]] who approached the [[Buddha]] quite often to ask many questions about [[atta]]. On this [[occasion]] too he asked the [[Buddha]] whether there was [[atta]], whether [[atta]] was [[permanent]], etc. The [[Buddha]] told him he held no theories about [[atta]] because he had seen the [[nature]] of things as they really were. Then he explained to him the [[dhamma]] in some detail..
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(3) [[Mahavaccha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] to [[Vaccha]] [[gotta]] at [[Rajagaha]]. On his visit to the [[Buddha]] after a long {{Wiki|interval}}, [[Vacchagotta]] no longer troubled the [[Buddha]] with his speculations about [[atta]], [[loka]] etc.; in stead, he requested to be [[taught]] on [[good and bad]] [[deeds]] ([[Kusalakusalam Kammam]]) in brief. The [[Buddha]] explained to him the [[dhamma]] on [[good and bad]] [[deeds]] in brief as well as in detail.
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[[Vacchagotta]] became a [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]] and received admission into the [[Order]]. Then practising the [[dhammas]] as instructed, he ultimately [[attained]] [[Arahatship]], [[realizing]] [[Nibbana]]. The problems of [[atta]], [[loka]] etc., no longer [[obsessed]] him.
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(4) [[Dighanakha Sutta]]
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This important [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] in the [[Sukarakhata]] {{Wiki|cave}} near [[Rajagaha]], to [[Dighanakha]], the [[wandering ascetic]], a nephew of the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]], in order to remove his [[wrong views]] of {{Wiki|annihilation}}. As the [[Buddha]] [[taught]] him the [[dhamma]] on [[contemplation of the body]] and contemplation of [[sensation]] ([[sukha]], [[dukkha]], [[adukkhamasukha]]), his uncle the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] was [[standing]] behind the [[Buddha]], fanning him. It was only fifteen days ago that the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] had been admitted into the [[Order]] by the [[Buddha]]. While following the progress of the [[discourse]], as though sharing the [[food]] prepared for another, the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] advanced rapidly from the stage of a [[Sotapanna]] which he had already reached, and [[attained]] the {{Wiki|perfect}} [[state]] of [[Arahatship]] with the fourfold [[Analytical Knowledge]] ([[Patisambhida Nana]]). At the end of the [[discourse]] his nephew, the [[wandering ascetic]] [[Dighanakha]], became a [[Sotapanna]].
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(5) [[Magandiya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at the market town of [[Kammasadhamma]] in the [[Kuru]] country in [[connection]] with [[Magandiya]], the [[wandering ascetic]], who resented the [[Buddha's]] [[criticism]] of his wrong [[beliefs]]. The [[Buddha]] exhorted him to practise control of the [[senses]] and [[sensuous]] [[thoughts]]. He told the [[wandering ascetic]] the story of his [[renunciation]], how he had left his luxurious {{Wiki|palaces}} and how, on discovering the [[Truth]], he found [[happiness]] in [[Arahattaphala]] which was far {{Wiki|superior}} to any of the [[sensuous]] [[pleasures]]. [[Magandiya]] gave up his [[wrong views]] to become a [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]].
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(6) [[Sandaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Kosambi]] to [[Sandaka]], the [[wandering ascetic]], and his followers by the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] explained to them the four [[wrong views]] of sect-leaders who held there was [[no existence]] after [[death]], that there was no [[evil]] nor good, no [[cause]] for any [[phenomena]], and that there are only [[aggregate]] of seven [[elements]]. Finally he [[taught]] the wandering [[ascetics]] the [[dhamma]] as expounded by the [[Buddha]]. As a consequence of his [[teaching]], [[Sandaka]] and his followers abandoned their [[wrong views]] and became [[disciples]] of the [[Buddha]].
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    1.Vide., [[Majjhimapannasa Pali]].
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    3. [[Paribbajaka Vagga]].
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    6. [[Sandaka Sutta]], Para. 228.
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(7) [[Mahasakuludayi Sutta]]
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At one [[time]] the [[Buddha]] and his company of [[bhikkhus]] were residing at [[Rajagaha]] where six leaders of sects were also spending the rains with their respective followers. Then [[Udayi]], the [[wandering ascetic]], who was visited by the [[Buddha]], extolled the [[virtues]] of the [[Buddha]] saying that other leaders were sometimes criticised even by their followers, whereas the [[Buddha]] was the exception. Even if the [[Buddha's disciples]] left the Order, they did not find fault with the [[Buddha]] nor the [[Dhamma]]. They only blamed themselves for not being able to follow his [[Teaching]]. [[Udayi]] attributed this difference in reverential [[respect]] enjoyed by the [[Buddha]] to five aspects of his [[virtues]]. The [[Buddha]] rejected [[Udayi's]] {{Wiki|enumeration}} of his [[virtues]] which were mostly attributed to [[ascetic]] practices, and explained to him the real [[cause]] of the total veneration bestowed on him by his followers.
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(8) [[Samanamundika Sutta]]
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The [[wandering ascetic]] [[Uggahamana]], son of [[Samana mundika]], was [[teaching]] that any [[recluse]] who refrained from wrong [[deed]], wrong [[word]], [[wrong thought]], and [[wrong livelihood]] was a [[fully accomplished]] [[Arahat]]. The [[Buddha]] rejected his [[assertion]], saying that in that case, even an {{Wiki|infant}} [[sleeping]] innocently upon his bed could claim to [[Arahatship]]. He then explained that it was only the [[Noble Path of Eight Constituents]] leading to [[Right Knowledge]] and [[Right Liberation]] that could bring about [[realization]] of [[Arahatship]].
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(9) [[Culasakuludayi Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Rajagaha]]. The [[wandering ascetic]] Sakuludayi asked the [[Buddha]] many questions about [[atta]] and [[sila]], and the [[Buddha]] explained to him the [[practice]] in the [[Teaching]] beginning with the [[precept]] of not taking the [[life]] of a being and ending with the [[realization]] of [[Nibbana]].
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(10) [[Vekhanasa Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]]. The [[Buddha]] explained to Vekhanasa, the [[wandering ascetic]], how [[happiness]] accruing from [[spiritual]] [[attainments]] was {{Wiki|superior}} to that derived from [[sensuous]] [[pleasures]]. The [[Buddha]] also gave the assurance that any honest worker who would follow his instructions sincerely could enjoy the [[bliss]] of [[spiritual]] [[attainments]].
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IV. [[Raja Vagga]]
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(1) [[Ghatikara Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]] while journeying in [[Kosala]], recounts the story of high [[devotion]] of [[Ghatikara]], the potter, who looked after his [[blind]] [[parents]] and who at the same [[time]] attended upon [[Kassapa Buddha]] with utter reverence. There was also the account of how [[Ghatikara]] forcibly pulled along his [[friend]], young [[Jotipala]], to where [[Kassapa Buddha]] was, to pay [[respect]]. After hearing the [[dhamma]] [[discourses]] young [[Jotipala]] left the [[household life]] to be admitted into the [[Order]] by [[Kassapa Buddha]]. This [[interesting]] [[ancient]] episode that had happened in [[Kassapa Buddha's]] [[time]] many [[aeons]] ago was recounted to the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] by [[Gotama Buddha]] [[standing]] on the very spot where once stood, a long, long [[time]] ago, the house of [[Ghatikara]], the potter. The [[Buddha]] concluded his story by revealing that young [[Jotipala]] was none other than the {{Wiki|present}} [[Gotama Buddha]].
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(2) [[Ratthapala Sutta]]
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[[Ratthapala]], the son of a wealthy [[brahmin]] obtained his [[parents]]' permission with great difficulty to become a [[bhikkhu]] under the guidance of the [[Buddha]]. After twelve years of strenuous endeavour, when he became a full-fledged [[Arahat]], he visited his [[parents]]' home. His [[parents]] attempted to entice him with [[wealth]] and wife, back to [[household life]] but to no avail. He [[taught]] his [[parents]] the law of [[impermanence]], [[anicca]]; he said he saw nothing alluring in the [[wealth]] and the wife.
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(3) [[Maghadeva Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at the {{Wiki|Royal}} [[mango grove]] at [[Mithila]]. The [[Buddha]] told the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] about the [[noble]] [[tradition]] laid down by the righteous [[King]] [[Maghadeva]]. When his [[hair]] began to turn white, he gave up the [[household life]] leaving his dominions to his eldest son. This [[tradition]] was handed down from [[king]] to son for generations and generations, over thousands and thousands of years until the reign of [[King]] [[Nimi]]. [[King]] [[Nimi]] had a son by the [[name]] of [[Kalarajanaka]] who did not go forth from home [[life]] into homelessness when the [[time]] came like his predecessors. [[Kalarajanaka]] terminated the [[noble]] [[practice]] laid down by the [[tradition]]. He thus became the last [[person]] of that [[tradition]]. The [[Buddha]] revealed that he was the [[King]] [[Maghadeva]] of that [[ancient]] [[time]] laying down the [[noble]] [[tradition]]. The [[Buddha]] said that that [[noble]] [[tradition]] did not lead to [[calm]], to [[higher knowledge]]. It only led to the [[realm]] of [[Brahmas]]. But the [[noble]] [[practice]] which he was leading now as a [[Buddha]] certainly led to the disillusionment with the [[five khandhas]], the [[abandonment]] of [[attachment]] and the [[cessation]] of [[dukkha]]; to [[calm]], [[higher knowledge]], penetrative [[insight]] and [[realization]] of [[Nibbana]]. The [[Buddha]] then exhorted, "[[Ananda]], continue to follow this good [[practice]] which I have laid down. Let you not be the [[person]] with whom my [[tradition]] ends."
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(4) [[Madhura Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Mahakaccana]] at [[Madhura]], He refuted the [[brahmins]]' claim that only [[brahmins]] were [[noble]] and {{Wiki|superior}}, and that others were {{Wiki|inferior}}. He explained to [[King]] [[Madhura]] that it was one's [[Morality]], not [[birth]] that established one's [[nobility]]. Anyone whether [[Brahmin]], [[Khattiya]], [[Vessa]] or [[Sudda]], committing a wrong [[deed]] would be born again in the states of woe; anyone doing a good [[deed]] would be born again in a [[happy realm]]. After this [[discourse]] by the [[Venerable]] [[Mahakaccana]], [[King]] [[Madhura]], formerly of another [[faith]], took [[refuge]] in the [[Buddha]], the [[Dhamma]] and the [[Samgha]].
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(5) [[Bodhirajakumara Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Susumaragira]] in the country of [[Bhagga]] in [[connection]] with the statement made by {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Bodhi]] that "[[sukha]], [[happiness]], cannot be [[attained]] through [[sukha]]; [[sukha]] can be [[attained]] only through [[dukkha]]". The [[Buddha]] said he had also once [[thought]] in a similar [[manner]], and recounted the whole story of his [[renunciation]], his struggles with wrong practices, frantic search for the [[Truth]], and [[ultimate enlightenment]]. When asked by the {{Wiki|prince}} how long would it take a [[bhikkhu]] to achieve, in this very [[lifetime]], the supreme goal of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]], [[Arahatship]], the [[Buddha]] stipulated [[five attributes for the aspiring bhikkhu]]. If he was equipped with five [[attributes]]: [[faith]], [[good health]], [[integrity]] (not being deceitful), [[unrelenting zeal]], and sufficient {{Wiki|intellect}} to understand the [[phenomena]] of '[[arising]] and passing away', and having the [[Tathagata]] as his instructor and [[guide]], a [[bhikkhu]] would [[achieve the Arahatship within seven years at most]]. Under the most [[favourable]] circumstances he could become accomplished within half a day.
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(6) [[Angulimala Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]], describes how [[Angulimala]], the notorious robber and murderer, was tamed by the [[Buddha]], and how he took [[refuge]] in the [[Buddha]], the [[Dhamma]] and the [[Samgha]]. Although he had the [[name]] of [[Ahimsaka]], [[Non-violence]], he was formerly {{Wiki|cruel}} and murderous and was called [[Angulimala]] by [[people]]. Being tamed now by the [[Buddha]], he ceased hurting anyone, and started living a [[life]] true to his [[name]]. He had become an [[Arahat]].
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(7) [[Piyajatika Sutta]]
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A [[householder]] of [[Savatthi]] whose son had [[died]] went to see the [[Buddha]] who told him that dear beloved ones formed a source of [[sorrow]] as they brought [[pain]] and [[grief]]. The [[householder]] was displeased with what the [[Buddha]] said. Gamblers playing with dice just close by the [[Buddha's]] [[monastery]] told him differently. They said that loved ones surely brought [[joy]] and [[happiness]]. [[King]] [[Wikipedia:Pasenadi|Pasenadi]] concurred with the gamblers but his [[Wikipedia:Queen consort|queen]] [[Mallika]] maintained that only what the [[Buddha]] said must be true. She justified her [[faith]] in the [[Buddha]] by giving many illustrations of the [[Buddha's]] penetrating and [[illuminating]] [[wisdom]]. [[King]] [[Wikipedia:Pasenadi|Pasenadi]] was finally won over to her view.
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(8) [[Bahitika Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]] by the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] to [[King]] [[Wikipedia:Pasenadi|Pasenadi]] on the bank of the [[River]] {{Wiki|Aciravati}}. He dealt with [[unwholesome]] [[deeds]], words and [[thoughts]] which were blameworthy and [[wholesome]] [[deeds]], words and [[thoughts]] which were praiseworthy. [[King]] [[Wikipedia:Pasenadi|Pasenadi]] was [[pleased]] with the [[discourse]] and made a [[gift]] of cloth from the country of [[Bahiti]] to the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]].
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(9) [[Dhammacetiya Sutta]]
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[[King Pasenadi of Kosala]] once came to see the [[Buddha]]. Entering the dwelling where the [[Buddha]] was staying, he fell on his {{Wiki|forehead}} at the feet of the [[Buddha]] . When asked by the [[Buddha]] why he was showing such extreme humbleness and [[respect]] to the [[body]] of the [[Buddha]], the [[king]] launched eloquently on a {{Wiki|eulogy}} of the [[Buddha]], praising his [[virtues]]. The [[Buddha]] told his [[bhikkhus]] that the words uttered by the [[king]] constituted a memorial in honour of the [[Dhamma]] and urged them to learn this memorial and recite it frequently.
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(10) [[Kannakatthala Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]], given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Urunna]], contains answers to [[King]] [[Wikipedia:Pasenadi|Pasenadi]] Kosala's questions about four classes of [[people]] and their destinations after [[death]], about [[Sabbannuta]] [[Nana]], and about the great [[Brahma]].
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V. [[Brahmana Vagga]]
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(1) [[Brahmayu Sutta]]
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The [[Brahmin Brahmayu]] was one hundred and twenty years old when he heard of the [[fame]] of the [[Buddha]]. He sent his [[disciple]] [[Uttara]] who was well versed in [[Vedas]] to find out by examining the thirty two [[physical]] [[characteristics]] of a great man whether [[Gotama]] was indeed an [[Enlightened Buddha]]. On [[Uttara's]] good report testifying to the [[Buddha]] having the requisite [[characteristics]] of a [[Buddha]], Brahmayu went himself to see the [[Buddha]]. Fully satisfied, after hearing the graduated [[discourse]], that [[Gotama]] was indeed an [[enlightened]] [[Buddha]], he became a devoted [[disciple]] and, achieving the [[third stage]] of the [[Path]] and [[Fruition]], an [[Anagami]] before he passed away.
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(2) [[Sela Sutta]]
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[[Sela]] was a [[brahmin]] of [[Apana]] market-town, who on hearing about the [[fame]] of the [[Buddha]] from Keniya the [[hermit]] went to see the [[Buddha]] accompanied by three hundred young [[brahmins]]. After hearing a [[discourse]] from the [[Buddha]] he became fully convinced that he had indeed seen a truly [[enlightened]] [[Buddha]]. All of them requested for and received permission from the [[Buddha]] to join the Order.
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(3) [[Assalayana Sutta]]
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Some five hundred [[brahmins]] who had come to [[Savatthi]] on business attempted to challenge the [[Buddha]] on his [[views]] with regard to the [[purity]] and [[nobility]] of the four classes of [[people]]. They sent [[Assalayana]], a highly talented young man well-versed in the [[Vedas]], to contest with the [[Buddha]]. The young man's meeting with the [[Buddha]] ended up in his [[conversion]].
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(4) [[Ghotamukha Sutta]]
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A [[discussion]] took place between the [[Venerable]] [[Udena]] and a [[brahmin]] by the [[name]] of [[Ghotamukha]] on the [[subject]] of the [[practice]] of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Udena]] described four kinds of persons engaged in [[ascetic]] practices. After the [[discourse]] the [[Brahmin]] became a [[disciple]] of the [[Venerable]] [[Udena]] and took his [[refuge]] in the [[Buddha]], the [[Dhamma]] and the [[Samgha]].
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(5) [[Canki Sutta]]
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[[Canki]], a [[brahmin]] of [[Opasada]] Village, came to see the [[Buddha]] with a large crowd amongst whom was a young [[brahmin]] by the [[name]] of [[Kapatika]]. The young man entered into a [[discussion]] with the [[Buddha]] about the 'Three [[Vedas]]' which had been handed down from generation to generation in unbroken [[tradition]]. The [[tradition]] which the [[brahmins]] believed to be the only [[Truth]] was likened by the [[Buddha]] to a line of [[blind]] man each one [[clinging]] on to the preceding one.
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(6) [[Esukari Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]] in [[connection]] with a [[brahmin]] named [[Esukari]]. In this [[sutta]] too the [[Buddha]] rejected the [[brahmin]] {{Wiki|classification}} of {{Wiki|society}} into four classes claiming the [[highest]] position for the [[brahmins]]. It was not only the [[brahmins]] who could develop [[loving-kindness]], free from [[enmity]] and [[ill will]]. Members of other classes also could develop [[loving-kindness]]. It was not [[birth]] but the [[practice]] of [[wholesome]] [[dhamma]] that made a [[person]] [[noble]].
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(7) [[Dhananjani Sutta]]
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[[Dhananjani]] was an old devoted lay [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]]. After the [[death]] of his first wife who had great [[faith]] in the [[Buddha]], the [[Dhamma]] and the [[Samgha]], he was no longer diligent in and [[mindful]] of the [[practice]] of [[dhamma]]. His second wife was without [[faith]] in the [[Teaching of the Buddha]]. To maintain his [[family]] he resorted to wrongful means of [[livelihood]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] put him back on the [[right path]]. On his [[death]] bed, he sent for the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] who solaced him with the [[dhamma]]. This [[caused]] him on his [[death]] to be [[reborn]] in the [[Brahma world]]. The [[Buddha]] asked the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] why he had put the old [[brahmin]] only on the way to the {{Wiki|inferior}} [[Brahma world]] when a higher [[attainment]] was possible for him.
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(8) [[Vasettha Sutta]]
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A [[discussion]] had arisen between two [[brahmin]] youths, [[Vasettha]] and [[Bharadvaja]] on the origin of a [[brahmana]]. [[Bharadvaja]] maintained it was [[birth]], [[lineage]] and [[caste]] that made a [[person]] a [[brahmana]]. [[Vasettha]] believed [[moral conduct]] and performance of customary duties were [[essential]] qualifications to be a [[brahmana]]. They went to the [[Buddha]] for settlement of their dispute. The [[Buddha]] told them that a [[person]] was not a [[brahmana]] just because of his [[birth]] if he was full of [[worldly]] [[attachments]], or was harnessed to [[greed]], [[ill will]], [[craving]], and [[ignorance]]. A [[person]] became a [[brahmana]] whatever his [[birth]], when he had cut off his [[fetters]] of [[defilements]], removed the [[obstacles]] of [[ignorance]] and [[attained]] the [[knowledge]] of the [[Four Noble Truths]]. The most {{Wiki|perfect}} [[brahmana]] was an [[Arahat]].
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(9) [[Subha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given on account of [[Subha]], son of the [[brahmin]] [[Todeyya]], at [[Savatthi]]. Like other [[brahmins]], [[Subha]] believed that only householders could accomplish [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] in a right [[manner]], not those who had gone forth from the [[household life]]. The {{Wiki|occupation}} of householders produced great benefits whereas the {{Wiki|occupation}} of the [[recluse]] brought little benefits. The [[Buddha]] removed his [[wrong views]] and [[Subha]] became a devoted [[disciple]] of the [[Buddha]].
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(10) [[Sangarava Sutta]]
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[[Sangarava]] was a young [[brahmin]] who was full of [[pride]] with {{Wiki|learning}} in the [[Vedas]], entertaining [[wrong views]] of his [[birth]]. He went to ask the [[Buddha]] whether the [[Buddha]] claimed, like some [[samanas]] and [[brahmanas]], to have [[attained]] in this very [[life]], special [[knowledge]] and [[vision]], and reached the other shore. The [[Buddha]] explained that there were three kinds of [[samanas]] and [[brahmanas]] who made such claims: those who made the claim through hearsay, having learnt things by hearsay only; those who made the claim by mere {{Wiki|reasoning}} and [[logic]]; and finally those who made the claim by personally [[realizing]] the penetrative [[insight]] of the [[Dhamma]] unheard of before.
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The [[Buddha]] told [[Sangarava]] that he was of this third type and recounted how he had become accomplished in the [[dhamma]] by [[practice]] and [[self-realization]].
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(c) [[Uparipannasa Pali]]
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I. [[Devadaha Vagga]]
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(1) [[Devadaha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Devadaha]] in the country of the [[Sakyans]] to refute the [[wrong views]] of the [[Niganthas]]. The [[Niganthas]] believed that whatever a [[person]] [[experienced]] in this [[life]] was [[caused]] by former [[action]]. They practised austerity as a penance to put an end to the result of former [[action]]. The [[Buddha]] [[taught]] them the right [[path]] that would lead to the end of [[suffering]].
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(2) [[Pancattaya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] to [[bhikkhus]] at [[Savatthi]] to explain the wrong [[beliefs]] of other sects speculating on whether the [[world]] is finite or [[infinite]], etc.
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(3) [[Kinti Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Pisinara]]. The [[Buddha]] explained that he [[taught]] the [[dhamma]] not for the [[sake]] of gain, such as [[robes]], [[alms-food]], lodgings, etc., nor in expectation of {{Wiki|future}} [[happy]] [[existences]]. His teachings, namely, the [[Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness]], the [[Four Right Efforts]], etc., in short, the [[Thirty-seven Factors of Enlightenment]] were for the [[attainment]] of [[higher knowledge]] leading to the end of [[suffering]]. Whenever there was a dispute over the [[doctrine]] with regard to meanings and words, it should be resolved strictly in accordance with these [[dhammas]].
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(4) [[Samagama Sutta]]
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[[Nigantha Nataputta]] had recently [[died]] at [[Pava]] and his followers had split into two groups. On being informed by [[Ananda]] that he was worried lest there be such a [[schism]] among the Order, after the passing away of the [[Buddha]], the [[Buddha]] [[taught]] this [[discourse]] on imperfect and {{Wiki|perfect}} [[teachers]] and [[disciples]], on [[disputes]] and their origin, and on the [[essentials]] of his [[Teaching]].
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(5) [[Sunakkhatta Sutta]]
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[[Bhikkhu]] [[Sunakkhatta]], a former [[Licchavi]] {{Wiki|prince}}, once enquired of the [[Buddha]] whether all the [[bhikkhus]] who came to the [[Buddha]] and declared their [[attainment]] of [[Arahatship]] actually [[attained]] it. The [[Buddha]] said some of them actually did attain [[Arahatship]] whereas some deceived themselves; again others claimed [[Arahatship]], [[knowing]] full well that they were not entitled to it, simply to trouble him with unnecessary questions. The [[Buddha]] then [[taught]] him the [[essential]] [[dhamma]] in which one must become accomplished before one could claim [[Arahatship]].
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(6) [[Anenja-sappaya Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] while he was staying once at [[Kammasadhama]], in the country of the {{Wiki|Kurus}}. The [[Buddha]] explained to the [[bhikkhus]] the dangers of enjoying [[sensual pleasures]], which were transitory, [[empty]] and deceptive. He said he had shown them the [[path]] leading to imperturbability ([[Anenja-sappaya]]), to the [[realm of Nothingness]], to the [[realm of Neither Consciousness nor Non-Consciousness]], and ultimately to [[Nibbana]]. He then urged the [[bhikkhus]]: "GO to the {{Wiki|forest}}, to [[solitude]]. Strive hard in [[meditation]]."
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(7) [[Ganakamoggallana Sutta]]
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The [[Buddha]] was once asked by the [[Brahmin]] [[Gankamoggallana]] whether there were systematic {{Wiki|rules}}, practices and [[methods]] in his [[Teaching]], just as there were [[training rules]], manuals, guidances in various branches of [[worldly]] [[knowledge]]. The [[Buddha]] told him about the [[Dhamma]] giving details about [[precepts]] to be observed, disciplinary {{Wiki|rules}} to be followed, various concentrations to be developed and [[jhanas]] and pannas to be achieved step by step.
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(8) [[Gopakamoggallana Sutta]]
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The leading [[brahmins]] of [[Rajagaha]] asked the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] whether the [[Buddha]] had appointed a particular [[thera]] to be the head of the [[Samgha]] after he passed away. [[Ananda]] informed them there was no such [[person]]. No [[person]] could substitute the [[Buddha]]. They wanted to know then if the [[Samgha]] had agreed upon a certain [[bhikkhu]] to be their head. When [[Ananda]] told them there was no such [[person]], they wondered how the [[Samgha]] could remain in agreement and {{Wiki|unity}}. [[Ananda]] then explained to them that they had indeed [[refuge]] in the [[Dhamma]] and how the [[Samgha]] of each locality recited together the [[Patimokkha]], the summary of disciplinary {{Wiki|rules}}, every half month.
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(9) [[Mahapunnama Sutta]]
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The [[Buddha]] was sitting in the midst of a large number of [[bhikkhus]] out in the open on a [[fullmoon]] night. All the [[bhikkhus]] were intently engaged in [[meditation]]. The [[silence]] of the night was broken by the oldest of the [[meditating]] [[bhikkhus]] who, with the permission of the [[Buddha]], asked him about the [[five aggregates]] of [[grasping]], how [[craving]] developed with [[respect]] to each [[aggregate]], and how [[craving]] would cease. The [[Buddha]] explained each point raised by the [[bhikkhu]] to the great [[benefit]] of the assembled [[Samgha]].
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(10) [[Culapunnama Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given on how to differentiate between a good man and a bad man, with detailed description of the [[characteristics]] of [[good and bad]] man.
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II. [[Anupada Vagga]]
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(1) [[Anupada Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given at [[Savatthi]]. The [[Buddha]] brought out in full detail the [[virtues]] of one of his two Chief [[Disciples]], the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]], extolling his [[wisdom]] which was extensive like the big [[earth]], describing how, unlike other ordinary [[disciples]] who had [[attained]] [[arahatship]], the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] went through the practices for [[development]] of [[sila]], [[samadhi]] and [[panna]] in a very thorough [[manner]], step by step, [[contemplating]] very intensely on the minutest [[phenomenon]] of '[[arising]] and perishing' until he gained the [[highest]] goal of the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]]. The [[Buddha]] explained also how the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] was [[fully accomplished]] in the [[Dhamma]] to deserve the honour of being a Chief [[Disciple]] of the [[Buddha]].
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(2) [[Chabbisodhana Sutta]]
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The [[Buddha]] said that when any [[bhikkhu]] claimed to the [[attainment]] of [[Arahatship]], his claim should not be admitted or rejected outright. His claim should be carefully scrutinized according to the guiding {{Wiki|principles}} provided in this [[discourse]].
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(3) [[Sappurisa Sutta]]
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This describes how a good, [[worthy]] man is to be {{Wiki|distinguished}} from a bad, unworthy [[person]] enumerating twenty six [[characteristics]] by which each {{Wiki|individual}} is to be judged.
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(4) [[Sevitabbasevitabba Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given briefly by the [[Buddha]], and the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] continued to expound it in more detail. It deals with practices and [[actions]] which a [[bhikkhu]] should or should not resort to. Whatever [[action]] or [[practice]] or [[object]] is conducive to one's [[spiritual]] progress and [[development]] should be resorted to and made use of; whatever is detrimental to one's [[spiritual]] advancement should be rejected.
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(5) [[Bahudhatuka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] is an analytical study of [[elements]], [[dhatu]]; bases, [[ayatana]]; the [[law of dependent origination]]; and the right or wrong [[causes]]. Only the [[bhikkhu]] [[skilled]] in these studies may be reckoned as a [[wise person]].
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(6) [[Isigili Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Isigili]], one of the hills surrounding [[Rajagaha]]. This is an account of why this [[hill]] was called by that [[name]] and of the many [[Paccekabuddhas]] who used to dwell there.
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(7) [[Mahacattarisaka Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] is a detailed [[exposition]] on [[Right Concentration]] which has its base in the other seven constituent parts of the [[Noble Path]], on twenty [[meritorious]] [[dhammas]] and on twenty [[demeritorious]] [[dhammas]].
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(8) [[Anapanassati Sutta]]
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[[Anapanassati]] as a method of [[meditation]] was explained to a large [[gathering]] of [[bhikkhus]] [[including]] nearly all well-known senior [[disciples]] such as the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]], [[Maha Moggallana]], [[Maha Kassapa]], [[Anuruddha]], [[Ananda]] etc. [[Development]] of [[mindfulness]] of respiration establishes a [[person]] in the [[Four Methods of Steadfest Mindfulness]]. The [[Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness]], being developed, establishes a [[person]] in the [[Seven Factors of Enlightenment]]. The [[Seven Factors of Enlightenment]], being developed, bring about [[Insight Knowledge]] and {{Wiki|emancipation}}.
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(9) [[Kayagatasati Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] dcscribes the [[meditation practice]] involving contemplation on the thirty two parts of the [[body]]. The {{Wiki|practical}} steps in the method as well as its advantages are fully explained.
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(10) [[Sankharupapatti Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] explains how it is possible to have one's wish fulfilled if one is well established in the five [[wholesome]] [[dhammas]], namely, [[faith]], [[moral conduct]], {{Wiki|learning}}, liberality and [[wisdom]].
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III. [[Sunnata Vagga]]
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(1) [[Culasunnata Sutta]]
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The [[Buddha]] once told [[Ananda]] that he often dwelt in the [[liberation]] of the [[void]], [[Sunnata-vihara]]. When requested by [[Ananda]], he explained what [[liberation]] of the [[void]] meant - [[Liberation]] through [[Insight]] that discerns [[voidness]] of [[self]].
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(2) [[Mahasunnata Sutta]]
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[[Seeing]] many [[bhikkhus]] living together in a crowded dwelling place, the [[Buddha]] told [[Ananda]] that a [[bhikkhu]] should not like living in company. [[Solitude]] is most beneficial for a [[bhikkhu]]. He urged [[bhikkhus]] to look upon him as a {{Wiki|sincere}} [[friend]] who would repeatedly point out their faults to help correct them.
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(3) [[Acchariya-Abbhuta Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] is an account of the twenty marvellous [[attributes]] of the [[Buddha]] as extolled by the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]].
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(4) [[Bakula Sutta]]
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[[Bhikkhu Bakula]], aged one hundred and sixty years, met his old [[friend]], the [[naked ascetic]] [[Kassapa]], after he had been in the Order of the [[Buddha]] for eighty years. [[Kassapa]] asked him how often he had indulged in {{Wiki|sexual}} intercourse during those eighty years. [[Bakula]] told his [[friend]] the marvellous [[attributes]] he possessed as an [[Arahat]], [[including]] the fact that he became an [[Arahat]] after seven days of strenuous endeavour, after which he was completely rid of [[moral]] [[defilements]].
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(5) [[Dantabhumi Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]] the [[Buddha]] explained to the {{Wiki|novice}} [[Aciravata]] how a young {{Wiki|prince}} like {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Jayasena]], son of [[King Bimbisara]], could not {{Wiki|hope}} to know, to see, to realize such [[dhammas]] as [[concentration]] and [[jhanas]], living as he did in the lap of {{Wiki|luxury}}, surrounded by [[pleasures]] of [[senses]], enjoying the [[pleasures]] of [[senses]] and consumed and overwhelmed by the flames of [[desires]]. The [[Buddha]] pointed out the difference in out look between an [[Arahat]] and an ordinary uninstructed [[person]] giving the simile of a tamed [[elephant]] and a wild [[elephant]] of the {{Wiki|forest}}.
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(6) [[Bhumija Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Bhumija]] to his nephew, {{Wiki|Prince}} [[Jayasena]] to explain how [[Fruition]] would result by practising the [[Noble Path of Eight Constituents]]. The [[Buddha]] confirmed that only by following the [[right Path]], namely, the [[Noble Path of Eight Constituents]] and not any other [[Path]], [[Fruition]] would result. The [[Buddha]] gave the similes of attempting to make oil out of sand, squeezing the horns of a {{Wiki|cow}} for milk, churning [[water]] to make butter, and rubbing two pieces of wet [[green]] [[wood]] to make [[fire]].
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(7) [[Anuruddha Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Anuruddha]] to [[Pancakanga]], the {{Wiki|carpenter}}, to explain the difference between Appamana [[Cetovimutti]], [[liberation]] through [[practice]] of four [[Brahmavihara]] [[Meditation]] and Mahaggata [[Cetovimutti]], [[liberation]] through [[Kasina]] [[Meditation]] using a [[meditational]] device.
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(8) [[Upakkilesa Sutta]]
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Once the [[Buddha]] left [[Kosambi]] because of quarrelling, contentious [[bhikkhus]] and went to [[Pacinavamsa Park]] where the [[Venerable]] [[Anuruddha]], the [[Venerable]] [[Nandiya]] and the [[Venerable]] [[Kimila]] were staying. When these [[bhikkhus]] informed the [[Buddha]] about the [[Wikipedia:aura (paranormal)|aura]] (obhasa) and [[vision]] ([[dassana]]) of various shapes and [[forms]] they [[perceived]] in the course of their [[meditation]], the [[Buddha]] [[taught]] them about [[Upakkilesa]], [[mental defilements]], that appear at a certain stage in [[meditation]] process. They should be on their guard not to be led astray by these deceptive [[defilements]].
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(9) [[Balapandita Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] at [[Savatthi]] on fools and [[characteristic]] behviourof fools; on how [[evil]] [[thoughts]], words and [[deeds]] of fools harm themselves and others; and on how these [[evil actions]] lead fools to states of [[misery]] and woe. The utter wretchedness and intense [[suffering]] in such states {{Wiki|beggar}} description. Once a fool, through his [[evil actions]], found himself in one of the nether regions, there was very little likelihood for him to rise again to the upper [[realms]]. The chances are more remote than that of a [[blind]] [[turtle]] to get his head through a single hole in a [[yoke]] which was being tossed about in a stormy sea.
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The [[discourse]] deals also with the [[wise]] and their [[characteristics]]; the [[wholesome]] [[thoughts]], words and [[deeds]] of the [[wise]], the [[wholesome]] effects resulting from such [[meritorious actions]] and [[bliss]] enjoyed by them in the [[realms]] of [[happiness]].
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(10) [[Devaduta Sutta]]
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This is a [[discourse]] on [[evil]] results [[arising]] from [[evil action]], giving details of [[suffering]] in [[realms]] of [[misery]] and woe.
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IV. [[Vibanga Vagga]]
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(1) [[Bhaddekaratta Sutta]]
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This [[sutta]] which means 'a [[discourse]] on a night of good [[meditation]]' gives a detailed description of [[Vipassana]] [[meditation]]. The [[Buddha]] urged the [[bhikkhus]] not to dwell in the {{Wiki|past}} which was gone, nor to seek the {{Wiki|future}} which was unattained yet, but to {{Wiki|perceive}} the [[dhamma]] in the [[phenomena]] presently occurring, at the same [[time]] not becoming involved in and [[attached]] to them.
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(2) [[Ananda-bhaddekaratta Sutta]]
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This is a discoarse in which the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] repeated to the [[bhikkhus]] the [[Bhaddekaratta Sutta]], for which performance he was highly commended by the [[Buddha]].
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(3) [[Mahakaccana-bhaddekaratta Sutta]]
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This is a detailed [[exposition]] by the [[Venerable]] [[Mahakaccana]] on [[Vipassana]] [[meditation]] of the [[five khandhas]] as explained by the [[Buddha]] in the [[Bhaddekaratta Sutta]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Mahakaccana]] was commended by the [[Buddha]] for his [[exposition]].
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(4) [[Lomasakangiya-bhaddekaratta Sutta]]
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This is a detailed [[exposition]] by the [[Venerable]] [[Lomasakangiya]] on [[Vipassana]] [[meditation]] of the [[five khandhas]] as explained in the [[Bhaddekaratta Sutta]].
 +
 +
(5) [[Culakamma-vibhanga Sutta]]
 +
 +
Young [[Subha]], son of the [[Brahmin]] [[Todeyya]], was curious to know why some were born in high class families, some in low class families; why some were born rich, others poor; why some were beautiful, others ugly; why some were of good [[health]] with a long span of [[life]], others of poor [[health]] with a short span of [[life]], etc. He approached the [[Buddha]] and asked fourteen questions in all to satisfy his {{Wiki|curiosity}}. The [[Buddha]] gave a long [[discourse]] on [[Kamma]] and its resultant effects. Deeds,words and [[thoughts]] have [[endless]] {{Wiki|consequences}} of [[joy]] and [[sorrow]] to be [[experienced]] in this very [[life]] ard hereafter. Men depend on their [[own]] [[deeds]] and nothing else for their [[condition]] and {{Wiki|status}} in [[life]].
 +
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(6) [[Mahakamma-vibhanga Sutta]]
 +
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This is another [[discourse]] on [[kamma]] and its result ant effects which are most difficult to foresee. How the workings of [[Kamma]] were most strange and surprising were explained with reference to four types of {{Wiki|individuals}}.
 +
 +
(7) [[Salayatana-vibhanga Sutta]]
 +
 +
This [[discourse]] is a detailed analytical [[exposition]] on [[six internal sense bases]], [[six external sense bases]], six types of [[consciousness]] [[arising]] from six types of [[contact]], etc., by the [[Buddha]].
 +
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(8) [[Uddesa-vibhanga Sutta]]
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In this [[discourse]], the [[Buddha]] [[taught]] briefly how {{Wiki|restraint}} of the [[mind]] with regard to external [[sense bases]] and [[non-attachment]] to internal [[sense bases]] led to the [[cessation of suffering]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Kaccana]] gave an [[exposition]] on this [[subject]] which earned him praise from the [[Buddha]].
 +
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(9) [[Arana-vibhanga Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] is an exhortation on the [[practice]] of the [[Middle Path]], avoiding the [[two extremes]] of {{Wiki|indulgence}} in [[sensual pleasures]] and [[practice]] of [[self]] {{Wiki|mortification}}, and on [[modes of conduct]] not indulging in backbiting; not keeping to colloquial vocabulary only and not spurning the [[Wikipedia:Convention (norm)|conventional]] usage of the [[language]], but {{Wiki|speaking}} gently, slowly.
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(10) [[Dhatu-vibhanga Sutta]]
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This is an important [[discourse]] [[taught]] to [[Pukkusati]], a [[recluse]] who had left the homelife inspired by the [[fame]] of [[Gotama Buddha]] whom he had not yet met and whom he was on his way to see. The [[Buddha]] went purposely to meet this [[recluse]] in a potter's hut to teach this [[discourse]]: A man is made up of [[six elements]], namely, {{Wiki|solidity}}, {{Wiki|fluidity}}, heat, {{Wiki|motion}}, [[space]] and [[consciousness]]. On analysis, none of these [[elements]] is found to be 'mine' or 'me' or 'my [[self]]'. All of them are [[subject]] to the law of [[impermanence]], so are the three types of [[sensation]]. When a [[bhikkhu]] [[perceives]] the real [[nature]] of the [[physical]] and [[mental phenomena]], he becomes endowed with [[absolute wisdom]], [[Knowledge]] of the [[Noble Truth]].
 +
 +
(11) [[Sacca-vibhanga Sutta]]
 +
 +
In this [[discourse]] the [[Buddha]] [[taught]] the [[bhikkhus]] the [[Four Noble Truths]] as he had done at the [[time]] of giving the [[discourse]] on the [[Turning of the Wheel]] of [[Dhamma]] at [[Isipatana]] in [[Baranasi]]. He then urged the [[bhikkhus]] to seek guidance from the two [[theras]], the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] and the [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]],likening the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] to a mother and the [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]] to a foster mother.The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] could analyse and explain the [[Four Noble Truths]] in detail and lead them to the stage of the first [[Path]] and [[Fruition]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Maha Moggallana]] could then lead them on till the [[highest]] [[Path]] and [[Fruition]], the [[Arahatship]], was achieved.
 +
 +
(12) [[Dakkhinavibhanga Sutta]]
 +
 +
This [[discourse]] was given to the [[Buddha's]] foster mother [[Mahapajapati]] on the [[occasion]] of her [[offering]] to the [[Buddha]] a set of [[robes]] made by her [[own]] hand. The [[Buddha]] urged his foster mother to make the [[offering]] to the [[Samgha]], the {{Wiki|community}} of [[bhikkhus]]. He enumerated fourteen kinds of {{Wiki|donations}} to {{Wiki|individuals}} and seven kinds of {{Wiki|donations}} to the [[Samgha]], explaining the {{Wiki|superior}} [[benefit]] accruing from [[offerings]] made to the [[Samgha]].
 +
 +
V. [[Salayatana Vagga]]
 +
 +
(1) [[Anathapindikovada Sutta]]
 +
 +
This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] to [[Anathapindka]] on his death-bed. The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] enjoined him not to [[grasp]] at the [[six internal sense bases]], nor the [[six external sense bases]], nor the [[feelings]] that arise in [[relation]] to them, nor at the [[six elements]] ([[including]] [[space]] and [[consciousness]]), nor at the [[five aggregates]], nor the [[realms]] of [[Infinite Space]], of [[Infinite Consciousness]], of [[Nothingness]], of Neither [[Consciousness]] Nor Non-Consciousness. With no [[attachment]] to any of them, there would come [[liberation]].
 +
 +
(2) [[Channovada Sutta]]
 +
 +
The [[Venerable]] [[Channa]] was very ill. The [[Venerable]] [[Sariputta]] and [[Cunda]] paid him a visit. They gave him solace by giving instruction on [[Vipassana]] [[meditation]]. The [[Venerable]] [[Channa]] [[died]] an [[Arahat]].
 +
 +
(3) [[Punnovada Sutta]]
 +
 +
This [[discourse]] was given to [[Bhikkhu]] [[Punna]] by the [[Buddha]] on how to practise the {{Wiki|holy}} [[life]] in [[solitude]]. When the [[Buddha]] asked him how he would contend with the dangers which infested the locality where he was going to stay, he told the [[Buddha]] of the six categories of fortitude he was endowed with, [[including]] [[indifference]] to an attack even on his [[life]].
 +
 +
(4) [[Nandakovada Sutta]]
 +
 +
This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Venerable]] [[Nandaka]] to five hundred [[bhikkhunis]] in the presence of the [[Buddha]] one [[fullmoon]] night. He dealt with the twelve categories of internal and external [[sense bases]], the six types of [[consciousness]], their [[impermanent nature]] and how to practise the [[Seven Factors of Enlightenment]]. He won the approval of the [[Buddha]] for his lucid [[exposition]] of the [[Dhamma]].
 +
 +
(5) [[Cularahulovada Sutta]]
 +
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] to his [[son Rahula]] who was then a [[bhikkhu]] of the Order fully mature to receive the [[highest]] [[dhamma]]. The [[Buddha]] exhorted him, in the [[form]] of question and answers on the [[impermanent]] [[nature]] of the [[twelve sense bases]], in consequence of which the [[Venerable]] [[Rahula]] [[attained]] to [[Arahatship]].
 +
 +
(6) [[Chachakka Sutta]]
 +
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This [[discourse]] was given by the [[Buddha]] frequently to many [[bhikkhus]] on the [[six internal sense bases]], the [[six external sense bases]], six types of [[consciousness]], six types of contacts, six types of [[sensation]], six kinds of [[craving]] and on how their interrelationship led to continuity of [[phenomena]] from one [[existence]] to another.
 +
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(7) [[Mahasalayatanika Sutta]]
 +
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This [[discourse]] is an [[exposition]] on how the [[ignorance]] of the six categories of [[dhamma]] such as the [[six internal sense bases]], etc.,gives rise to [[craving]], and [[craving]] to [[suffering]]. It also explains how, when they are seen as they really are by following the [[Noble Path of Eight Constituents]], the [[knowledge]] of the [[Seven Factors of Enlightenment]] arises resulting in the [[perfect Peace]] of [[Nibbana]].
 +
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(8) [[Nagaravindeyya Sutta]]
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This is a [[discourse]] in which the [[Buddha]] explained to the villagers of [[Nagaravinda]] the {{Wiki|distinction}} between [[samanas]] and [[brahmanas]] who deserved honour and homage and those who did not. Only those [[religious]] [[teachers]] who had discarded the [[craving]] that arose out of [[ayatana]] [[dhammas]] were [[worthy]] of veneration.
 +
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(9) [[Pindapataparisuddhi Sutta]]
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This is an exhortation to [[bhikkhus]] to keep themselves [[pure]] in [[mind]] while going on [[alms]] round or while eating their meal, by discarding [[craving]], removing [[hindrances]] and developing the [[knowledge]] of the [[Seven Factors of Enlightenment]] through continuous [[practice]].
 +
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{10) [[Indriyabhavana Sutta]]
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This [[discourse]] was given to the [[Venerable]] [[Ananda]] by the [[Buddha]] showing the difference between the control of [[senses]] proctised by an [[Arahat]] and that practised by one still under {{Wiki|training}}. The [[buddha]] explained that [[feeling]] of liking, disliking or [[indifference]] that arise from. [[conditioned phenomena]] could be soon eliminated by the [[practice]] of [[Vipassana]] [[Meditation]].
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</poem>
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{{R}}
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[http://www.budsas.org/ebud/guide-tipitaka/guidetipitaka-05.htm www.budsas.org]
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{{NewSourceBreak}}
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[[File:Buddha11.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Buddha11.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
<poem>
 
<poem>
−
The Majjhima Nikaya (-nikāya; "Collection of Middle-length Discourses") is a Buddhist scripture, the second of the five nikayas, or collections, in the Sutta Pitaka, which is one of the "three baskets" that compose the Pali Tipitaka of Theravada Buddhism. This nikaya consists of 152 discourses attributed to the Buddha and his chief disciples.  
+
The [[Majjhima Nikaya]] (-[[Nikāya]]; "[[Collection of Middle-length Discourses]]") is a [[Buddhist scripture]], the second of the five [[Nikayas]], or collections, in the [[Sutta Pitaka]], which is one of the "[[three baskets]]" that compose the [[Pali]] [[Tipitaka]] of [[Theravada Buddhism]]. This [[Nikaya]] consists of 152 [[discourses]] attributed to The [[Buddha]] and his chief [[disciples]].  
  
−
The Majjhima Nikaya corresponds to the Madhyama Āgama found in the Sutra Pitikas of various Sanskritic early Buddhist schools, fragments of which survive in Sanskrit and in Tibetan translation. A complete Chinese translation from the Sarvāstivādin recension appears in the Chinese Buddhist canon, where it is known as the Zhōng Ahánjīng (中阿含經). The Madhyama Āgama of the Sarvāstivāda school contains 222 sūtras, in contrast to the 152 suttas in the Pāli Majjhima Nikāya.  
+
The [[Majjhima Nikaya]] corresponds to the [[Madhyama Āgama]] found in the [[Sutra Pitikas]] of various [[Sanskritic]] [[early Buddhist schools]], fragments of which survive in [[Sanskrit]] and in [[Tibetan]] translation. A complete {{Wiki|Chinese}} translation from the [[Sarvāstivādin]] recension appears in [[The Chinese Buddhist Canon]], where it is known as the [[Zhōng Ahánjīng]] ([[中阿含經]]). The [[Madhyama Āgama]] of the [[Sarvāstivāda]] school contains 222 [[sūtras]], in contrast to the 152 [[suttas]] in the [[Pāli]] [[Majjhima]] [[Nikāya]].  
  
 
Translations
 
Translations
  
−
     Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi (trans.), The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya, 1995, Somerville: Wisdom Publications ISBN 0-86171-072-X.
+
     [[Bhikkhu Nanamoli]] and [[Bhikkhu Bodhi]] (trans.), The [[Middle Length Discourses of The Buddha]]: A Translation of the [[Majjhima Nikaya]], 1995, Somerville: [[Wisdom Publications]] ISBN 0-86171-072-X.
−
    Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan had translated Majjhima Nikaya from Prakrit to Hindi.
 
−
    Lord Chalmers (trans.), Further Dialogues of the Buddha, 1926–7, 2 volumes, Ann Arbor: Books on Demand, University of Michigan.
 
−
    I.B. Horner (trans.), The Book of Middle Length Sayings, 1954–9, 3 volumes, Bristol: Pali Text Society.
 
−
    David W. Evans (trans.), Discourses of Gotama Buddha: Middle Collection, 1991, Janus Pubns. "Translation in an abridged form ... just about one third the size of Horner's translation, but with well over 90% of the significant content"
 
  
−
In a review of this most recent translation, L. S. Cousins (before getting down to details) makes various general criticisms:
+
    [[Mahapandit]] {{Wiki|Rahul Sankrityayan}} had translated [[Majjhima Nikaya]] from {{Wiki|Prakrit}} to {{Wiki|Hindi}}.
 +
    [[Lord]] Chalmers (trans.), [[Further Dialogues of The Buddha]], 1926–7, 2 volumes, [[Ann Arbor]]: [[Books]] on Demand, {{Wiki|University of Michigan}}.
 +
    [[I.B. Horner]] (trans.), The [[Book of Middle Length Sayings]], 1954–9, 3 volumes, [[Bristol]]: [[Pali]] Text {{Wiki|Society}}.
  
−
     the translation does not make clear what Pali text it is translating
+
    [[David W. Evans]] (trans.), [[Discourses of Gotama Buddha]]: [[Middle Collection]], 1991, Janus Pubns. "Translation in an abridged [[form]] ... just about one third the size of Horner's translation, but with well over 90% of the significant content"
−
     being largely the work of Nanamoli, who died in 1960, it does not take much account of recent scholarship
+
 
 +
In a review of this most recent translation, [[L. S. Cousins]] (before getting down to details) makes various general {{Wiki|criticisms}}:
 +
 
 +
     the translation does not make clear what [[Pali]] text it is translating
 +
     being largely the work of [[Nanamoli]], who [[died]] in 1960, it does not take much account of recent {{Wiki|scholarship}}
 
     in order to fit in one volume it cuts a lot of repetitions, thus altering the emphases of the text
 
     in order to fit in one volume it cuts a lot of repetitions, thus altering the emphases of the text
−
     it tends to follow traditional commentarial interpretations too uncritically
+
     it tends to follow [[traditional]] {{Wiki|commentarial}} interpretations too uncritically
−
     Bodhi has undone improvements Nanamoli was trying to make before he died, to restore "standard" translations of terminology. Cousins says that these translations (or some) are "quite unacceptable" and "promulgate widespread misunderstandings", and that Nanamoli understood this. Cousins says that "what is needed is much more creativity and variety" in translation to try better to convey early Buddhist concepts
+
 
 +
     [[Bodhi]] has undone improvements [[Nanamoli]] was trying to make before he [[died]], to restore "standard" translations of {{Wiki|terminology}}. Cousins says that these translations (or some) are "quite unacceptable" and "promulgate widespread misunderstandings", and that [[Nanamoli]] understood this. Cousins says that "what is needed is much more {{Wiki|creativity}} and variety" in translation to try better to convey early [[Buddhist]] [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]]
  
 
Nevertheless, Cousins judges the translation a valuable contribution.
 
Nevertheless, Cousins judges the translation a valuable contribution.
 
Selections
 
Selections
  
−
     A Treasury of the Buddha's Words, tr Nanamoli, revised Khantipalo, Bangkok; later revised & expanded to give MLDB above
+
     A [[Treasury of The Buddha's Words]], tr [[Nanamoli]], revised [[Khantipalo]], {{Wiki|Bangkok}}; later revised & expanded to give MLDB above
−
     Twenty-Five Suttas from Mula-Pannasa, Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, 1986?; reprinted Sri Satguru, Delhi
+
     Twenty-Five [[Suttas]] from [[Mula-Pannasa]], [[Burma Pitaka Association]], {{Wiki|Rangoon}}, 1986?; reprinted Sri [[Satguru]], {{Wiki|Delhi}}
−
     Twenty-Five Suttas from Majjhima-Pannasa, Myanmar Pitaka Association, Rangoon, 1987; reprinted Sri Satguru, DElhi
+
     Twenty-Five [[Suttas]] from [[Majjhima-Pannasa]], [[Myanmar Pitaka Association]], {{Wiki|Rangoon}}, 1987; reprinted Sri [[Satguru]], DElhi
−
     Twenty-Five Suttas from Upari-Pannasa, Myanmar Pitaka Association, Rangoon, 1988?; reprinted Sri Satguru, Delhi
+
     Twenty-Five [[Suttas]] from [[Upari-Pannasa]], [[Myanmar Pitaka Association]], {{Wiki|Rangoon}}, 1988?; reprinted Sri [[Satguru]], {{Wiki|Delhi}}
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
 
{{W}}
 
{{W}}
 
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
 
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]]
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[[Category:Sutras]]
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[[Category:Buddhist Texts]]
 
[[Category:Buddhist Texts]]
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[[Category:Majjhima Nikaya]]

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 Majjhima Nikaya

Collection of Medium Length Discourses of the Buddha.

This collection of medium length discourses is made up of one hundred and fifty two suttas in three books known as pannasa. The first book, Mulapannasa, deals with the first fifty suttas in five vaggas, the second book, Majjhimapannasa consists of the second fifty suttas in five vaggas too; and the last fifty two suttas are dealt with in five vaggas of the third book, Uparipannasa, which means more than fifty.

The suttas in this Nikaya throw much light on the social ideas and institutions of those days, and also provide general information on the economic and political life.

(a) Mulapannasa Pali

I. Mulapariyaya Vagga

(1) Mulapariyaya Sutta

The Buddha explained the basis of all phenomena, specifying twenty four categories such as the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind); sentient beings, devas; the seen, the heard, the thought of, the known; the oneness, the multiplicity, the whole; and the reality of Nibbana. The uninstructed worldling cannot perceive the true nature of these phenomena; only the enlightened ones can see them in true perspective.

(2) Sabbasava Sutta

In this discourse, mental intoxicants that beset the uninstructed worldling are defined, and seven practices for eradicating them are explained.

(3) Dhammadayada sutta

This sutta contains two separate discourses, the first one given by the Buddha, the second by the Venerable Sariputta. The Buddha urged the bhikkhus to receive as their legacy from him the Bodhipakkhiya Dhamma only, and not material things like the four requisites. The Venerable Sariputta advised the bhikkhus to lead a solitary life for attainment of jhana and to strive for the attainment of Nibbana by abandoning greed, ill will, and delusion.

(4) Bhayabherava Sutta

This discourse describes how a bhikkhu leading a solitary life in a secluded forest invites harm and danger to himself by his impure thoughts, words and deeds, and how the Buddha had lived a peaceful forest life harmlessly by cultivating pure thoughts, words and deeds which finally led him to enlightenment.

(5) Anangana Sutta

In this discourse given on the request of the Venerable Maha Moggallana, the Venerable Sariputta explained four types of individuals:

    (i) an impure person who knows he is impure;

    (ii) an impure person who does not know he is impure;

    (iii) a pure person who knows his own purity;

    (iv) a pure person who does not know his own purity.

(6) Akankheyya Sutta

This sutta describes how a bhikkhu should develop sila, samadhi and panna, instead of hankering after gain and fame; how he should restrain his faculties, seeing danger in the slightest fault.

(7) Vattha Sutta

In this discourse the Buddha explained the difference between an impure mind and a pure mind by giving the example of dirty cloth and clean cloth. Only the clear cloth will absorb dye; so also only the pure mind will retain the dhamma.

(8) Sallekha Sutta

In this discourse the Buddha explained to Maha Cunda how wrong views about atta and loka can be removed only by vipassana insight. Jhanic practice is not the austerity practice that removes moral defilements; jhanic practice only leads to a blissful existence. Only refraining from forty-four kinds of bad deeds constitutes austerity practice for removing moral defilements. The volition alone to do a good deed is enough to produce a good result; when it is accompanied by the actual deed, the beneficial result accruing is immeasurable. One immersed in the mire of sensuous impurities cannot rescue others immersed likewise in the mire.

(9) Samma-ditthi Sutta

This discourse is an exposition on the right view delivered by the Venerable Sariputta at Savatthi. When physical, verbal and mental actions are motivated by greed, hatred and delusion, they are deemed to be bad. When they arise through non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion, the actions are deemed to be good. Right View is understanding what a good deed is and what a bad deed is; it is the full comprehension of the Four Noble Truths and not holding on to eternity views concerning atta.

(10) Mahasatipatthana Sutta

This discourse given at Kammasadhamma market town is the most important sutta which gives practical guidance for cultivation of mindfulness. It describes the Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness, namely, contemplating the body, contemplating sensation, contemplating the mind, and contemplating the dhamma as the one and only way for the purification of beings, for the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, for the complete destruction of pain and distress, for the attainment of the Noble Magga and for the realization of Nibbana.

This sutta appears in identical form in the Digha Nikaya.

II. Sihanada Vagga

(1) Culasinhanada Sutta

In this discourse, given at Savatthi, the Buddha made the bold statement that the four Categories of Ariyas, namely;


the Stream-winner,
the Once-returner,
the Non-returner and
the Arahat exist only in his Teaching and not in any other.


(2) Mahasihanda Sutta


In this discourse, given at Vesali, the Venerable Sariputta reported to the Buddha about the disparagement of the Buddha's virtues made by Sunakkhatta who had left the Teaching. The Buddha said that Sunakkhatta was not intellectually equipped to have the faintest glimpse of the Buddha's virtues such as the Ten Strengths, the four kinds of supreme Self-Confidence, the Non-decline of Sabbannuta Nana till the time of parinibbana. He then described the five destinations and the actions which lead to them as well as the wrong beliefs and practices of the naked ascetics to whose camp Sunakkhatta now belonged.

(3) Mahadukkhakkhandha Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi to refute the naked ascetics when they tried to make out that they followed the same path and taught the same dhammas the Buddha. The Buddha also explained to the bhikkhus what the pleasures of the senses wore, what their faults and dangers were, and the way of escape from them. The Buddha explained further that outside of his Teaching, these dhammas were not known and no one but the Buddha and his disciples could teach such dhamnas.

(4) Culadukkhakkhandha Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha, at Kapilavatthu to the Sakyan Prince Mahanama to explain to him on his request, how greed, ill will and ignorance caused moral defilements and suffering.

(5) Anumana Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Maha Moggallana to many bhikkhus at Susumaragira in the country of Bhagga. They were urged to see if they had purged themselves of sixteen kinds of stubbornness such as inordinate desire, humiliating others while praising oneself, wrathfulness, etc. If these sixteen kinds of unwholesome dhammas were detected in oneself, a determined effort should bo made to get rid of them.

(6) Cetokhila Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha at Savatthi, mentions the five kinds of mental thorns: doubt about the Buddha, doubt about the Dhamma, doubt about the Sahgha, doubt about the efficacy of the practice in sila, samadhi and panna, ill will and animosity towards fellow bhikkhus. It also mentions the five fetters: attachment to sensual desires, attachment to oneself, attachment to material objects; immoderation in eating and sleeping, and adopting the holy life with the limited objective of attaining to blissful existences only. These mental thorns and fetters are obstacles to liberation from dukkha. They should be removed and eradicated for realization of Nibbana.

(7) Vanapattha Sutta

This discourse, given at Savatthi, is concerned with tha choice of a suitable place for a bhikkhu. A bhikkhu has to depend on a forest glade or a village, or a town or an individual for his residence and support.If he finds out any particular place is not satisfactory for his spiritual development or for material support, he should abandon that place at once.

If he finds it satisfactory with respect to material support, but not beneficial for spiritual development, he should abandon that place, too. But when it proves beneficial for spiritual development, even if the material support is meagre, the bhikkhu should stay on in that place. When conditions are satisfactory both for spiritual development and material support, he should live for the whole of his life in such a place.

(8) Madhupindika Sutta

A Sakyan Prince named Dandapani, once asked the Buddha at Kapilatthu what doctrine he taught.The Buddha replied that his doctrine was one which could not be grasped by any brahman nor by the Mara. It is this: not living in discord with any one in the world; not obsessed by sense impressions (sanna); not troubled by doubts; and rot craving for any form of existence

(9) Dvedavitakka Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi to explain two kinds of thinking: wholesome and unwholesome. Bhikkhus should practice to see the advantages of engaging in wholesome thoughts and the dangers of unwholesome thoughts.

(10) Vitakkasanthana Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi on how to combat the arising of unwholesome thoughts with wholesome thoughts. For example, greed and sensuous thoughts should be banished by contemplating on unpleasentness and impermanency of the object of desire; illwill and hatred must be countered by thoughts of loving-kindness; and ignorance may be overcome by seeking illumination and guidance from the teacher.

III. Opamna Vagga

(1) Kakacupama Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi in connection with Bhikkhu Moliyaphagguna who was friendly with bhikkhunis. When others censured him for being too friendly with bhikkhunis, he lost his temper and broke into quarrel with bhikkhus who criticized him.

When the Buddha admonished and advised him to keep away from bhikkhunis and to control his temper, he remained recalcitrant. The Buddha showed the harmfulness of ill temper and advised other bhikkhus to keep a tight check on their temper, not losing it even when some one was sawing away their limbs into bits.

(2) Alagaddupama Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi. Bhikkhu Arittha misunderstood the Buddha's Teaching and maintained that the Buddha showed how to enjoy sensuous pleasure without jeopardising one's progress in the Path. When the Buddha remonstrated with him for his wrong views he remained unrepentent.

The Buddha then spoke to the bhikkhus on the wrong way and the right way of learning the dhamma, giving the simile of a snake catcher, and the simile of the raft.

(3) Vammika Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi. Venerable Kumarakassapa was asked by a deva a set of fifteen questions which he brought to the Buddha for elucidation. The Buddha explained to him the meaning of the questions and assisted him in their solution.

(4) Rathavinita Sutta

This sutta recounts the dialogue between the Venerable Sariputta and the Venerable Punna at Savatthi on the seven stages of purity, such as purity of sila, purity of mind, purity of view etc., that must be passed before attainment to Nibbana.

(5) Nivapa Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi on the snares that waylay bhikkhus on their path, making use of the simile of the hunter, the hunter's followers, the green pasture and four different herds of deer. The hunter was likened to Mara, the hunter's crowd to Mara's followers, the green pasture he had set up to the sensuous pleasures, and four different herds of deer to four different types of recluses who left homelife.

(6) Pasarasi Sutta

This sutta given by the Buddha at Savatthi is also known by the name of Ariyapariyesana Sutta. The Buddha recounted his life from the time he was born in the human world as the son of King Suddhodana till the moment of the great discourse on the Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma, giving details of his renunciation, initial wrong practices of severe asceticism and final discovery of the Noble Path of Eight Constituents. In particular, stress was laid on two different types of quests, the Noble and the Ignoble. He explained that it was extremely unwise to go after sensual pleasures which subject one to ageing, disease and death. The most noble quest was to seek out that which will liberate one from ageing, disease and death.

(7) Culahatthipadopama Sutta

This sutta was given by the Buddha at Savatthi. The Brahmin Janussoni asked the wandering ascetic Pilotika, who had just come back from the Buddha, whether he knew all the virtues and accomplishments of the Buddha. The wandering ascetic replied that only a Buddha who could match another Buddha in attainments could know all the virtues of the other. As for him, he could only exercise his imagination in this respect just as a hunter would judge the measurements of an elephant from the size of its footprints.

Later when the Brahmin Janussoni went to see the Buddha, and recounted his conversation with the wandering ascetic the buddha told him that the size of an elephant's footprint might still be misleading. Only when one followed the footprints, and the animal was seen grazing in the open, its true measurements could be accurately judged. So also the virtues of the Buddha and his Teaching could be fully appreciated and understood only when one followed his Teaching and practised as taught by him until the final goal of Arahatship was reached.

(8) Mahahatthipadopama Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Sariputta to the bhikkhus at Savatthi using the simile of the elephant's footprint. He explained that just as the footprint of all animals could be contained within the footprint of an elephant, all wholesome dhammas were comprised in the Four Noble Truths.

(9) Mahasaropama Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Rajagaha in connection with Devadatta who remained contened with gain and fame because of his attainment of supernormal powers and left the Teaching to cause schism in the Order. The Buddha said that this Teaching was not for the purpose of gain and fame which were like the external shoots and branches of a tree; nor just for the accomplishment in sila which may be likened to the outer crust of a tree; nor for mere establishing of concentration to achieve supernormal powers which were like the bark of a tree. The Dhamma was taught for the attainment of Arahatship, the noble liberation which alone resembled the inner path of a tree.

(10) Culasaropama Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi in connection with the Brahmin Pingalakoccha who asked the Buddha whether all the six teachers claiming to be Buddhas were really enlightened. The Buddha explained that the Brahmacariya practice taught by a Buddha led to Arahatship, not just to the achievement of gain and fame, or supernormal powers.

IV. Mahayamaka Vagga

(1) Culagosinga Sutta

The Venerable Anuruddha, the Venerable Nandiya and the Venerable Kimila were staying in the Gosinga Sal tree woodland. The Buddha visited them and praised them on their way of living, practicing the holy life with perfect harmony and concord amongst themselves, thus forming an adornment to the lovely woodland park.

(2) Mahagosinga Sutta

Once while the Buddha was residing in the Gosinga Sal tree woodland, the Venerable Sariputta asked the Buddha, 'Who would most adorn this woodland park and enhance its beauty?' The discourse records the different answers provided by the Venerables Revata, Anuruddha, Maha Kassapa, Maha Moggallana, Sariputta and by the Buddha himself.

(3) Mahagopalaka Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha at Savatthi, explains the conditions under which the Teaching would grow and prosper and the conditions under which it would decline and decay. The example of a cowherd is given. When a cowherd is equipped with eleven skills of managing and tending his cattle, there is progress and growth in his work. So also when the bhikkhu is skilled and accomplished in eleven factors such as knowledge of truth about the khandhas, practice of sila, samadhi and panna, etc., the Teaching will grow and prosper.

(4) Culagopalaka Sutta

This discourse deals with eleven factors, the failure to fulfil which would contribute to the down fall and ruin of the Teaching. Just as the cattle under the care of an unwise and unskilful cowherd crossed the river from a wrong quay on the bank and met with destruction instead of reaching the other shore, so also the followers of the teachers who were not accomplished in the knowledge of truth, khandhas, etc.,would end up only in disaster.

(5) Culasaccaka Sutta

This discourse, given at Vesali, gives an account of the debate between the Buddha and Saccaka the wandering ascetic on the subject of atta. Saccaka maintained that rupa, vedana, sanna, sankhara and vivvana were one's atta. It was atta which enjoyed the fruits of good deeds and suffered the consequences of bad deeds. The Buddha refuted his theory, pointing out that none of the khandhas was atta each being subjected to the laws of anicca, dukkha, and anatta, and not amenable to anyone's control. Saccaka had to admit his defeat in the presence of his followers.

(6) Mahasaccaka Sutta

The same Saccaka, the wandering ascetic, came again to the Buddha the next day and asked about the cultivation of mind and body. He knew only the wrong methods of developing concentration. The Buddha explained to Saccaka the various practices he himself had followed and mistakes he had made until he found the middle Path that finally led him to the realization of Nibbana.

(7) Culatanhasankhaya Sutta

On enquiry by the king of devas how a disciple of the Buddha trained himself to realize Nibbana, the Buddha gave him a short description of how a house holder, after leaving his home, put himself on a course of training that gradually purified his mind of all moral defilements and led him to the final goal.

(8) Mahatanhasankhaya Sutta

A disciple of the Buddha, Sati by name, held the view that the Buddha taught: "The same consciousness transmigrates and wanders about.." Other disciples tried to rid him of this wrong view but to no avail. The Buddha told him that he never taught such wrong views. He only taught "Consciousness arises out of conditions; there is no arising of Consciousness without conditions."

(9) Maha-assapura Sutta

The people of Assapura, a market town of Anga country, were ardently devoted to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha, helping and assisting the members of the Order by offering them the bhikkhu requisites. Out of gratitude for such support, the Buddha urged the bhikkhus to make strenuous efforts in their training and practice of Dhamma, gradually going up stage by stage: starting from avoiding evil deeds by restraint of physical and vocal actions, to proceed to mental restraint through meditation, then progressing towards attainment of four stages of jhana, and finally to the stage where all moral defilemsnts were eliminated and Nibbana was attained.

(10) Cula-assapura Sutta

Out of gratitude for the support given by the lay devotees of Assapura, a market town in the country of Anga, the buddha urged the bhikkhus to be worthy of the name of samana and brahmana. Samana means one who has stilled his passions; brahmana one who has rid him self of defilements. A bhikkhu should therefore subject himself to the course of discipline and practice as laid down by the Buddha until he had eliminated the twelve defilements such as envy, ill will, deceit, wrong views. etc.

V. Culayamaka Vagga

(1) Saleyyaka Sutta

This exposition was given to villagers of Sala on ten demeritorious deeds that would lead to states of misery and woe and ten meritorious deeds that would give rise to rebirth in happy realms.

(2) Veranjaka Sutta

This discourse was given to the householders of Veranja dealing with identical subjects as in the Saleyyaka Sutta.

(3) Mahavedalla Sutta

The Venerable Mahakotthika asked many questions to the Venerable Sariputta at Savatthi regarding an Uninstructed, person with no panna, and instructed persons with panna; many questions on vinnana and vedana, on the difference between panna and vinnana, and many other things. The Venerable Sariputta obliged him with detailed answers.

(4) Culavedalla Sutta

Theri Dhammadinna was asked many questions by the householder Visakha about personality, Sakkaya, the origin of Sakkaya, the cessation of Sakkaya and the way leading to cessation of Sakkaya. All the questions were satisfactorily answered by the Theri.

(5) Culadhammasamadana Sutta

This sutta describes four practices involving: (i) happy living now, followed by dire consequences in the future; (ii) unhappy living now, followed by dire consequences in the future; (iii) unhappy living now, followed by a happy life in the future; (iv) happy living now, followed by a happy life in the future.

(6) Mahadhammasamadana Sutta

In this discourse, the four practices as described in Culadhammasamadana Sutta are explained with more details giving similes of poisoned fruit juice,delicious cordial and medicinal preparation of cow's urine.

(7) Vimamsaka Sutta

Any claim to Buddhahood may be put to acid tests as provided in this sutta. A detailed procedure to scrutinize such claim is laid down here.

(8) Kosambiya Sutta

This discourse on how loving-kindness should be the basis of their relations was given by the Buddha to the bhikkhus of Kosambi who were living in discord because of disagreement over trifling matters.

(9) Brahmanimantanika Sutta

The Brahma Baka held the wrong view of eternity, believing in permanence, stability and endurance. The Buddha showed him how wrong his belief was.

(10) Maratajjaniya Sutta

This is an account given by the Venerable Maha Moggallana of how Mara once troubled him by causing pains and aches in the stomach. He had to coax him to stop annoying him by telling him that he had been Marais uncle at the time of Kakusandha Buddha.

(b) Majjhima Pannasa Pali.

I. Gahapati Vagga

(1) Kandaraka Sutta

This discourse was delivered at Campa in connection with Kandaraka, the wandering ascetic, and Pessa, son of elephant rider, who marvelled at the silence maintained by the huge congregation of bhikkhus, not making any sound, not even a sneeze nor a cough. The Buddha explained that their silence was due to their accomplishments in samadhi and to their training on four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness. The Buddha also elucidated the four types of individuals engaged in meditation.

(2) Atthakanagara Sutta

The householder Dasama of Attahaka wanted to know if there was a single dhamma which could cause liberation and realization of Nibbana. The Venerable Ananda informed him there was a group of dhammas,eleven in number, namely, the four jhanas, the four Brahmavihara practices and Akasanankayatana, Vinnanancayatana, Akincannayatana. Contemplating the impermanent nature of each of those dhammas would lead one to Nibbana.

(3) Sekha Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Ananda to the Sakyans headed by Prince Mahanama. The Venerable Ananda explained the path consisting of three steps, sila, samadhi and panna to be followed by an aspirant to higher knowledge culminating in the knowledge of cessation of asava

(4) Potaliya Sutta

Potaliya had left worldly affairs behind with a view to lead the holy life. When the Buddha saw him dressed in ordinary everyday attire, the Buddha addressed him as 'Gahapati', householder, which Potaliya resented. The Buddha explained to him that in the vocabulary of the Vinaya one was said to have cut oneself off from the world only when one refrained from killing, stealing, telling lies, slandering, and only when one was abstemious, not conceited, and controlled in one's temper.

(5) Jivaka Sutta

This discourse was given at Rajagaha in connection with Jivaka, the great physician, who enquired whether it was true that the Buddha ate the meat of animals killed purposely for him. The Buddha told him that he had made it a rule for the bhikkhus not to partake of any meat which they saw or heard or had reason to suspect to be especially prepared for them. Further, a bhikkhu should not show eagerness for food nor be greedy in eating; he should eat with reflection that he took the meal only to sustain the body in order to pur sue the path of liberation.

(6) Upali Sutta

A prominent, wealthy lay disciple of Nigantha Nataputta was sent by his master to meet the Buddha and defeat him in argument on certain aspects of the Theory of Kamma. Whereas the Nigantha stressed on the physical and vocal actions being more productive of resultant effects, the Buddha maintained that it was volition or mental action that was paramount. By means of his discourse the Buddha converted Upali, and overwhelmed by intense wrath over the loss of his most prominent disciple, Nataputta died.

(7) Kukkuravatika Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha to two naked ascetics named Punna and Seniya at the market town of Koliya, deals with four kinds of actions and four kinds of resultant effects arising therefrom: (i) black deed leading to black result, (ii) white deed leading to white result, (iii) deed which is both black and white leading to result which is both black and white and (iv) deed which is neither black nor white leading to result which is neither black nor white.

(8) Abhayarajakumara Sutta

Prince Abhayarajakumara was sent by Niganttha Nataputta to ask the Buddha whether he uttered unpleasant words about the destiny of Devadatta. The Buddha enumerated six modes of utterances out of which he would make two modes of utterances: words which are true, profitable but not pleasant to others and words which are true, profitable and pleasant to others.

(9) Bahuvedaniya Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi to explain the various kinds of vedana, which might be two in number: sukha and dukkha vedanas or three in number by including the upekkha vedana or five, six, eighteen or thirty six, or one hundred and eight, depending on the method of enumeration. Ordinarily sensations that arise from pleasures of the senses are regarded as sukha, or happiness. But the Buddha explains that the acme of happiness is attainment of nirodha samapatti.

(10) Apannaka Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha to the villagers of Sala in the country of Kosala who had not yet accepted any of the teachings taught by leaders of the various sects visiting their village. The Buddha showed them the right path which would not lead them astray. The wrong views of the sectarians were contrasted against the right views propounded by the Buddha; the disadvantages of wrong views, and the advantages of right views were explained.

II. Bhikkhu Vagga

(1) Abalatthikarahulovada Sutta

In this discourse, given at Rajagaha, the Buddha exhorted his son Rahu1a, a samanera aged seven, on the necessity of observing the fundamental noral precept of truthfulness, and of practising mindfulness,by giving the similes of the upturned water pot, the royal elephant and the mirror.

(2) Maharahulovada Sutta

This discourse on the five khandhas, was given at Savatthi by the Buddha to Rahula at the age of eighteen. The Venerable Sariputta also taught Rahula the meditation on anapana. The Buddha further explained to him the advantages of Anapana meditation and gave him another discourse on the four great elements.

(3) Culamalukya Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi to the bhikkhu Malukya. Bhikkhu Malukya interrupted his meditation one afternoon, went to the Buddha and asked him the well known classical questions: Is the universe eternal or not etc.; is the soul the same as the body, is soul one thing and body another, etc.; does life exist after death, or does it not exist after death.

The Buddha explained to him that the practice of the holy life did not dapend upon these views.What ever view one may hold about them, there would still be birth, ageing, decay, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, distress. The Buddha said that he taught only about dukkha, the cause of dukkha, the cessation of dukkha and the way leading to the cessation of dukkha.

(4) Mahamalukya Sutta

This discourse was given to bhikkhu Malukya at Savatthi to explain the five fetters, namely, personality belief, doubt, attachment to wrong practice, sensual desires and ill will, which lead beings to lower destinations.

(5) Bhaddali Sutta

This discourse, given at Savatthi, is an exhortation to bhikkhu Bhaddali who refused to obey the disciplinary rule of not eating after midday and in the evening; the Buddha explained why bhikkhus in the Teaching should respect the disciplinary rules laid down by him.

(6) Latukikopama Sutta

This discourse was given to the Venerable Udayi. in connection with observance of disciplinary rules and precepts. When the five strengths (balas), namely, faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration and insight are not well developed, the bhikkhu finds even a paltry restraint like refraining from eating meals in the afternoon and in the evening very irksome and onerous. But when the five Balas are fully developed, even stringent rules can be observed without any difficulty or discomfort

(7) Catuma Sutta

This discourse was given at Catuma to the disciples of the Venerable Sariputta and the Venerable Maha Moggallana, who came with five hundred bhikkhus to see the Buddha. The five hundred bhikkhus made a lot of noise while settling down. The Buddha refused to see them at first, but later relented and taught them the dangers in the life of a bhikkhu. Just as there are dangers and hazards in a sea like stormy waves, crocodiles, whirlpools, and sharks, so also there are dangers against which the bhikkhu must be always on guard, namely, ill will against those who instruct them and guide them; dissatisfaction with training rules such as those concerning taking of meals or dealing with womenfolk; and pleasures of senses.

(8) Nalakapana Sutta

This discourse was given to the Venerable Anuruddha and to the villagers of Nalakapana to explain that unless a bhikkhu had attained the higher stages of Magga and Phala, accomplishments in supernormal psychic powers may prove to be harmful to him. The Buddha him self talked about the destinations of the departed persons not to earn praise and admiration but to arouse enthusiasm and faith in his disciples.

(9) Goliyani Sutta

This discourse was given at Rajagaha by the Venerable Sariputta to Goliyani Bhikkhu concerning eighteen dhammas which a forest dwelling bhikkhu should observe.

(10) Kitagiri Sutta

This discourse was given at the market town of Kitagiri on the advantages of taking meals only before noon and the disadvantages of eating in the evening.


III. Paribbajaka Vagga


(1) Tevijjavaccha Sutta

Vacchagotta, the wandering ascetic, questioned the Buddha whether it would be true to say that Sabbannuta Nana was constantly and continuosly present to him all the time, while walking or standing, asleep or awake. The Buddha replied that it would not be true to say so. It would be true to say only that the Buddha was accomplished in the three kinds of knowledge, namely, knowledge of the past, power of divine seeing, and knowledge of liberation.

(2) Aggivaccha Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi in connection with Vacchagotta who approached the Buddha quite often to ask many questions about atta. On this occasion too he asked the Buddha whether there was atta, whether atta was permanent, etc. The Buddha told him he held no theories about atta because he had seen the nature of things as they really were. Then he explained to him the dhamma in some detail..

(3) Mahavaccha Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha to Vaccha gotta at Rajagaha. On his visit to the Buddha after a long interval, Vacchagotta no longer troubled the Buddha with his speculations about atta, loka etc.; in stead, he requested to be taught on good and bad deeds (Kusalakusalam Kammam) in brief. The Buddha explained to him the dhamma on good and bad deeds in brief as well as in detail.

Vacchagotta became a disciple of the Buddha and received admission into the Order. Then practising the dhammas as instructed, he ultimately attained Arahatship, realizing Nibbana. The problems of atta, loka etc., no longer obsessed him.

(4) Dighanakha Sutta

This important discourse was given by the Buddha in the Sukarakhata cave near Rajagaha, to Dighanakha, the wandering ascetic, a nephew of the Venerable Sariputta, in order to remove his wrong views of annihilation. As the Buddha taught him the dhamma on contemplation of the body and contemplation of sensation (sukha, dukkha, adukkhamasukha), his uncle the Venerable Sariputta was standing behind the Buddha, fanning him. It was only fifteen days ago that the Venerable Sariputta had been admitted into the Order by the Buddha. While following the progress of the discourse, as though sharing the food prepared for another, the Venerable Sariputta advanced rapidly from the stage of a Sotapanna which he had already reached, and attained the perfect state of Arahatship with the fourfold Analytical Knowledge (Patisambhida Nana). At the end of the discourse his nephew, the wandering ascetic Dighanakha, became a Sotapanna.

(5) Magandiya Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at the market town of Kammasadhamma in the Kuru country in connection with Magandiya, the wandering ascetic, who resented the Buddha's criticism of his wrong beliefs. The Buddha exhorted him to practise control of the senses and sensuous thoughts. He told the wandering ascetic the story of his renunciation, how he had left his luxurious palaces and how, on discovering the Truth, he found happiness in Arahattaphala which was far superior to any of the sensuous pleasures. Magandiya gave up his wrong views to become a disciple of the Buddha.

(6) Sandaka Sutta

This discourse was given at Kosambi to Sandaka, the wandering ascetic, and his followers by the Venerable Ananda. The Venerable Ananda explained to them the four wrong views of sect-leaders who held there was no existence after death, that there was no evil nor good, no cause for any phenomena, and that there are only aggregate of seven elements. Finally he taught the wandering ascetics the dhamma as expounded by the Buddha. As a consequence of his teaching, Sandaka and his followers abandoned their wrong views and became disciples of the Buddha.

    1.Vide., Majjhimapannasa Pali.

    3. Paribbajaka Vagga.

    6. Sandaka Sutta, Para. 228.

(7) Mahasakuludayi Sutta

At one time the Buddha and his company of bhikkhus were residing at Rajagaha where six leaders of sects were also spending the rains with their respective followers. Then Udayi, the wandering ascetic, who was visited by the Buddha, extolled the virtues of the Buddha saying that other leaders were sometimes criticised even by their followers, whereas the Buddha was the exception. Even if the Buddha's disciples left the Order, they did not find fault with the Buddha nor the Dhamma. They only blamed themselves for not being able to follow his Teaching. Udayi attributed this difference in reverential respect enjoyed by the Buddha to five aspects of his virtues. The Buddha rejected Udayi's enumeration of his virtues which were mostly attributed to ascetic practices, and explained to him the real cause of the total veneration bestowed on him by his followers.

(8) Samanamundika Sutta

The wandering ascetic Uggahamana, son of Samana mundika, was teaching that any recluse who refrained from wrong deed, wrong word, wrong thought, and wrong livelihood was a fully accomplished Arahat. The Buddha rejected his assertion, saying that in that case, even an infant sleeping innocently upon his bed could claim to Arahatship. He then explained that it was only the Noble Path of Eight Constituents leading to Right Knowledge and Right Liberation that could bring about realization of Arahatship.

(9) Culasakuludayi Sutta

This discourse was given at Rajagaha. The wandering ascetic Sakuludayi asked the Buddha many questions about atta and sila, and the Buddha explained to him the practice in the Teaching beginning with the precept of not taking the life of a being and ending with the realization of Nibbana.

(10) Vekhanasa Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi. The Buddha explained to Vekhanasa, the wandering ascetic, how happiness accruing from spiritual attainments was superior to that derived from sensuous pleasures. The Buddha also gave the assurance that any honest worker who would follow his instructions sincerely could enjoy the bliss of spiritual attainments.

IV. Raja Vagga

(1) Ghatikara Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha while journeying in Kosala, recounts the story of high devotion of Ghatikara, the potter, who looked after his blind parents and who at the same time attended upon Kassapa Buddha with utter reverence. There was also the account of how Ghatikara forcibly pulled along his friend, young Jotipala, to where Kassapa Buddha was, to pay respect. After hearing the dhamma discourses young Jotipala left the household life to be admitted into the Order by Kassapa Buddha. This interesting ancient episode that had happened in Kassapa Buddha's time many aeons ago was recounted to the Venerable Ananda by Gotama Buddha standing on the very spot where once stood, a long, long time ago, the house of Ghatikara, the potter. The Buddha concluded his story by revealing that young Jotipala was none other than the present Gotama Buddha.

(2) Ratthapala Sutta

Ratthapala, the son of a wealthy brahmin obtained his parents' permission with great difficulty to become a bhikkhu under the guidance of the Buddha. After twelve years of strenuous endeavour, when he became a full-fledged Arahat, he visited his parents' home. His parents attempted to entice him with wealth and wife, back to household life but to no avail. He taught his parents the law of impermanence, anicca; he said he saw nothing alluring in the wealth and the wife.

(3) Maghadeva Sutta

This discourse was given at the Royal mango grove at Mithila. The Buddha told the Venerable Ananda about the noble tradition laid down by the righteous King Maghadeva. When his hair began to turn white, he gave up the household life leaving his dominions to his eldest son. This tradition was handed down from king to son for generations and generations, over thousands and thousands of years until the reign of King Nimi. King Nimi had a son by the name of Kalarajanaka who did not go forth from home life into homelessness when the time came like his predecessors. Kalarajanaka terminated the noble practice laid down by the tradition. He thus became the last person of that tradition. The Buddha revealed that he was the King Maghadeva of that ancient time laying down the noble tradition. The Buddha said that that noble tradition did not lead to calm, to higher knowledge. It only led to the realm of Brahmas. But the noble practice which he was leading now as a Buddha certainly led to the disillusionment with the five khandhas, the abandonment of attachment and the cessation of dukkha; to calm, higher knowledge, penetrative insight and realization of Nibbana. The Buddha then exhorted, "Ananda, continue to follow this good practice which I have laid down. Let you not be the person with whom my tradition ends."

(4) Madhura Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Mahakaccana at Madhura, He refuted the brahmins' claim that only brahmins were noble and superior, and that others were inferior. He explained to King Madhura that it was one's Morality, not birth that established one's nobility. Anyone whether Brahmin, Khattiya, Vessa or Sudda, committing a wrong deed would be born again in the states of woe; anyone doing a good deed would be born again in a happy realm. After this discourse by the Venerable Mahakaccana, King Madhura, formerly of another faith, took refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha.

(5) Bodhirajakumara Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Susumaragira in the country of Bhagga in connection with the statement made by Prince Bodhi that "sukha, happiness, cannot be attained through sukha; sukha can be attained only through dukkha". The Buddha said he had also once thought in a similar manner, and recounted the whole story of his renunciation, his struggles with wrong practices, frantic search for the Truth, and ultimate enlightenment. When asked by the prince how long would it take a bhikkhu to achieve, in this very lifetime, the supreme goal of the holy life, Arahatship, the Buddha stipulated five attributes for the aspiring bhikkhu. If he was equipped with five attributes: faith, good health, integrity (not being deceitful), unrelenting zeal, and sufficient intellect to understand the phenomena of 'arising and passing away', and having the Tathagata as his instructor and guide, a bhikkhu would achieve the Arahatship within seven years at most. Under the most favourable circumstances he could become accomplished within half a day.

(6) Angulimala Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha at Savatthi, describes how Angulimala, the notorious robber and murderer, was tamed by the Buddha, and how he took refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha. Although he had the name of Ahimsaka, Non-violence, he was formerly cruel and murderous and was called Angulimala by people. Being tamed now by the Buddha, he ceased hurting anyone, and started living a life true to his name. He had become an Arahat.

(7) Piyajatika Sutta

A householder of Savatthi whose son had died went to see the Buddha who told him that dear beloved ones formed a source of sorrow as they brought pain and grief. The householder was displeased with what the Buddha said. Gamblers playing with dice just close by the Buddha's monastery told him differently. They said that loved ones surely brought joy and happiness. King Pasenadi concurred with the gamblers but his queen Mallika maintained that only what the Buddha said must be true. She justified her faith in the Buddha by giving many illustrations of the Buddha's penetrating and illuminating wisdom. King Pasenadi was finally won over to her view.

(8) Bahitika Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi by the Venerable Ananda to King Pasenadi on the bank of the River Aciravati. He dealt with unwholesome deeds, words and thoughts which were blameworthy and wholesome deeds, words and thoughts which were praiseworthy. King Pasenadi was pleased with the discourse and made a gift of cloth from the country of Bahiti to the Venerable Ananda.

(9) Dhammacetiya Sutta

King Pasenadi of Kosala once came to see the Buddha. Entering the dwelling where the Buddha was staying, he fell on his forehead at the feet of the Buddha . When asked by the Buddha why he was showing such extreme humbleness and respect to the body of the Buddha, the king launched eloquently on a eulogy of the Buddha, praising his virtues. The Buddha told his bhikkhus that the words uttered by the king constituted a memorial in honour of the Dhamma and urged them to learn this memorial and recite it frequently.

(10) Kannakatthala Sutta

This discourse, given by the Buddha at Urunna, contains answers to King Pasenadi Kosala's questions about four classes of people and their destinations after death, about Sabbannuta Nana, and about the great Brahma.

V. Brahmana Vagga

(1) Brahmayu Sutta

The Brahmin Brahmayu was one hundred and twenty years old when he heard of the fame of the Buddha. He sent his disciple Uttara who was well versed in Vedas to find out by examining the thirty two physical characteristics of a great man whether Gotama was indeed an Enlightened Buddha. On Uttara's good report testifying to the Buddha having the requisite characteristics of a Buddha, Brahmayu went himself to see the Buddha. Fully satisfied, after hearing the graduated discourse, that Gotama was indeed an enlightened Buddha, he became a devoted disciple and, achieving the third stage of the Path and Fruition, an Anagami before he passed away.

(2) Sela Sutta

Sela was a brahmin of Apana market-town, who on hearing about the fame of the Buddha from Keniya the hermit went to see the Buddha accompanied by three hundred young brahmins. After hearing a discourse from the Buddha he became fully convinced that he had indeed seen a truly enlightened Buddha. All of them requested for and received permission from the Buddha to join the Order.

(3) Assalayana Sutta

Some five hundred brahmins who had come to Savatthi on business attempted to challenge the Buddha on his views with regard to the purity and nobility of the four classes of people. They sent Assalayana, a highly talented young man well-versed in the Vedas, to contest with the Buddha. The young man's meeting with the Buddha ended up in his conversion.

(4) Ghotamukha Sutta

A discussion took place between the Venerable Udena and a brahmin by the name of Ghotamukha on the subject of the practice of the holy life. The Venerable Udena described four kinds of persons engaged in ascetic practices. After the discourse the Brahmin became a disciple of the Venerable Udena and took his refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha.

(5) Canki Sutta

Canki, a brahmin of Opasada Village, came to see the Buddha with a large crowd amongst whom was a young brahmin by the name of Kapatika. The young man entered into a discussion with the Buddha about the 'Three Vedas' which had been handed down from generation to generation in unbroken tradition. The tradition which the brahmins believed to be the only Truth was likened by the Buddha to a line of blind man each one clinging on to the preceding one.

(6) Esukari Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi in connection with a brahmin named Esukari. In this sutta too the Buddha rejected the brahmin classification of society into four classes claiming the highest position for the brahmins. It was not only the brahmins who could develop loving-kindness, free from enmity and ill will. Members of other classes also could develop loving-kindness. It was not birth but the practice of wholesome dhamma that made a person noble.

(7) Dhananjani Sutta

Dhananjani was an old devoted lay disciple of the Buddha. After the death of his first wife who had great faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha, he was no longer diligent in and mindful of the practice of dhamma. His second wife was without faith in the Teaching of the Buddha. To maintain his family he resorted to wrongful means of livelihood. The Venerable Sariputta put him back on the right path. On his death bed, he sent for the Venerable Sariputta who solaced him with the dhamma. This caused him on his death to be reborn in the Brahma world. The Buddha asked the Venerable Sariputta why he had put the old brahmin only on the way to the inferior Brahma world when a higher attainment was possible for him.

(8) Vasettha Sutta

A discussion had arisen between two brahmin youths, Vasettha and Bharadvaja on the origin of a brahmana. Bharadvaja maintained it was birth, lineage and caste that made a person a brahmana. Vasettha believed moral conduct and performance of customary duties were essential qualifications to be a brahmana. They went to the Buddha for settlement of their dispute. The Buddha told them that a person was not a brahmana just because of his birth if he was full of worldly attachments, or was harnessed to greed, ill will, craving, and ignorance. A person became a brahmana whatever his birth, when he had cut off his fetters of defilements, removed the obstacles of ignorance and attained the knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. The most perfect brahmana was an Arahat.

(9) Subha Sutta

This discourse was given on account of Subha, son of the brahmin Todeyya, at Savatthi. Like other brahmins, Subha believed that only householders could accomplish meritorious deeds in a right manner, not those who had gone forth from the household life. The occupation of householders produced great benefits whereas the occupation of the recluse brought little benefits. The Buddha removed his wrong views and Subha became a devoted disciple of the Buddha.

(10) Sangarava Sutta

Sangarava was a young brahmin who was full of pride with learning in the Vedas, entertaining wrong views of his birth. He went to ask the Buddha whether the Buddha claimed, like some samanas and brahmanas, to have attained in this very life, special knowledge and vision, and reached the other shore. The Buddha explained that there were three kinds of samanas and brahmanas who made such claims: those who made the claim through hearsay, having learnt things by hearsay only; those who made the claim by mere reasoning and logic; and finally those who made the claim by personally realizing the penetrative insight of the Dhamma unheard of before.

The Buddha told Sangarava that he was of this third type and recounted how he had become accomplished in the dhamma by practice and self-realization.

(c) Uparipannasa Pali

I. Devadaha Vagga

(1) Devadaha Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Devadaha in the country of the Sakyans to refute the wrong views of the Niganthas. The Niganthas believed that whatever a person experienced in this life was caused by former action. They practised austerity as a penance to put an end to the result of former action. The Buddha taught them the right path that would lead to the end of suffering.

(2) Pancattaya Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha to bhikkhus at Savatthi to explain the wrong beliefs of other sects speculating on whether the world is finite or infinite, etc.

(3) Kinti Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Pisinara. The Buddha explained that he taught the dhamma not for the sake of gain, such as robes, alms-food, lodgings, etc., nor in expectation of future happy existences. His teachings, namely, the Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness, the Four Right Efforts, etc., in short, the Thirty-seven Factors of Enlightenment were for the attainment of higher knowledge leading to the end of suffering. Whenever there was a dispute over the doctrine with regard to meanings and words, it should be resolved strictly in accordance with these dhammas.

(4) Samagama Sutta

Nigantha Nataputta had recently died at Pava and his followers had split into two groups. On being informed by Ananda that he was worried lest there be such a schism among the Order, after the passing away of the Buddha, the Buddha taught this discourse on imperfect and perfect teachers and disciples, on disputes and their origin, and on the essentials of his Teaching.

(5) Sunakkhatta Sutta

Bhikkhu Sunakkhatta, a former Licchavi prince, once enquired of the Buddha whether all the bhikkhus who came to the Buddha and declared their attainment of Arahatship actually attained it. The Buddha said some of them actually did attain Arahatship whereas some deceived themselves; again others claimed Arahatship, knowing full well that they were not entitled to it, simply to trouble him with unnecessary questions. The Buddha then taught him the essential dhamma in which one must become accomplished before one could claim Arahatship.

(6) Anenja-sappaya Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha while he was staying once at Kammasadhama, in the country of the Kurus. The Buddha explained to the bhikkhus the dangers of enjoying sensual pleasures, which were transitory, empty and deceptive. He said he had shown them the path leading to imperturbability (Anenja-sappaya), to the realm of Nothingness, to the realm of Neither Consciousness nor Non-Consciousness, and ultimately to Nibbana. He then urged the bhikkhus: "GO to the forest, to solitude. Strive hard in meditation."

(7) Ganakamoggallana Sutta

The Buddha was once asked by the Brahmin Gankamoggallana whether there were systematic rules, practices and methods in his Teaching, just as there were training rules, manuals, guidances in various branches of worldly knowledge. The Buddha told him about the Dhamma giving details about precepts to be observed, disciplinary rules to be followed, various concentrations to be developed and jhanas and pannas to be achieved step by step.

(8) Gopakamoggallana Sutta

The leading brahmins of Rajagaha asked the Venerable Ananda whether the Buddha had appointed a particular thera to be the head of the Samgha after he passed away. Ananda informed them there was no such person. No person could substitute the Buddha. They wanted to know then if the Samgha had agreed upon a certain bhikkhu to be their head. When Ananda told them there was no such person, they wondered how the Samgha could remain in agreement and unity. Ananda then explained to them that they had indeed refuge in the Dhamma and how the Samgha of each locality recited together the Patimokkha, the summary of disciplinary rules, every half month.

(9) Mahapunnama Sutta

The Buddha was sitting in the midst of a large number of bhikkhus out in the open on a fullmoon night. All the bhikkhus were intently engaged in meditation. The silence of the night was broken by the oldest of the meditating bhikkhus who, with the permission of the Buddha, asked him about the five aggregates of grasping, how craving developed with respect to each aggregate, and how craving would cease. The Buddha explained each point raised by the bhikkhu to the great benefit of the assembled Samgha.

(10) Culapunnama Sutta

This discourse was given on how to differentiate between a good man and a bad man, with detailed description of the characteristics of good and bad man.

II. Anupada Vagga

(1) Anupada Sutta

This discourse was given at Savatthi. The Buddha brought out in full detail the virtues of one of his two Chief Disciples, the Venerable Sariputta, extolling his wisdom which was extensive like the big earth, describing how, unlike other ordinary disciples who had attained arahatship, the Venerable Sariputta went through the practices for development of sila, samadhi and panna in a very thorough manner, step by step, contemplating very intensely on the minutest phenomenon of 'arising and perishing' until he gained the highest goal of the holy life. The Buddha explained also how the Venerable Sariputta was fully accomplished in the Dhamma to deserve the honour of being a Chief Disciple of the Buddha.

(2) Chabbisodhana Sutta

The Buddha said that when any bhikkhu claimed to the attainment of Arahatship, his claim should not be admitted or rejected outright. His claim should be carefully scrutinized according to the guiding principles provided in this discourse.

(3) Sappurisa Sutta

This describes how a good, worthy man is to be distinguished from a bad, unworthy person enumerating twenty six characteristics by which each individual is to be judged.

(4) Sevitabbasevitabba Sutta

This discourse was given briefly by the Buddha, and the Venerable Sariputta continued to expound it in more detail. It deals with practices and actions which a bhikkhu should or should not resort to. Whatever action or practice or object is conducive to one's spiritual progress and development should be resorted to and made use of; whatever is detrimental to one's spiritual advancement should be rejected.

(5) Bahudhatuka Sutta

This discourse is an analytical study of elements, dhatu; bases, ayatana; the law of dependent origination; and the right or wrong causes. Only the bhikkhu skilled in these studies may be reckoned as a wise person.

(6) Isigili Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Isigili, one of the hills surrounding Rajagaha. This is an account of why this hill was called by that name and of the many Paccekabuddhas who used to dwell there.

(7) Mahacattarisaka Sutta

This discourse is a detailed exposition on Right Concentration which has its base in the other seven constituent parts of the Noble Path, on twenty meritorious dhammas and on twenty demeritorious dhammas.

(8) Anapanassati Sutta

Anapanassati as a method of meditation was explained to a large gathering of bhikkhus including nearly all well-known senior disciples such as the Venerable Sariputta, Maha Moggallana, Maha Kassapa, Anuruddha, Ananda etc. Development of mindfulness of respiration establishes a person in the Four Methods of Steadfest Mindfulness. The Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness, being developed, establishes a person in the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. The Seven Factors of Enlightenment, being developed, bring about Insight Knowledge and emancipation.

(9) Kayagatasati Sutta

This discourse dcscribes the meditation practice involving contemplation on the thirty two parts of the body. The practical steps in the method as well as its advantages are fully explained.

(10) Sankharupapatti Sutta

This discourse explains how it is possible to have one's wish fulfilled if one is well established in the five wholesome dhammas, namely, faith, moral conduct, learning, liberality and wisdom.

III. Sunnata Vagga

(1) Culasunnata Sutta

The Buddha once told Ananda that he often dwelt in the liberation of the void, Sunnata-vihara. When requested by Ananda, he explained what liberation of the void meant - Liberation through Insight that discerns voidness of self.

(2) Mahasunnata Sutta

Seeing many bhikkhus living together in a crowded dwelling place, the Buddha told Ananda that a bhikkhu should not like living in company. Solitude is most beneficial for a bhikkhu. He urged bhikkhus to look upon him as a sincere friend who would repeatedly point out their faults to help correct them.

(3) Acchariya-Abbhuta Sutta

This discourse is an account of the twenty marvellous attributes of the Buddha as extolled by the Venerable Ananda.

(4) Bakula Sutta

Bhikkhu Bakula, aged one hundred and sixty years, met his old friend, the naked ascetic Kassapa, after he had been in the Order of the Buddha for eighty years. Kassapa asked him how often he had indulged in sexual intercourse during those eighty years. Bakula told his friend the marvellous attributes he possessed as an Arahat, including the fact that he became an Arahat after seven days of strenuous endeavour, after which he was completely rid of moral defilements.

(5) Dantabhumi Sutta

In this discourse the Buddha explained to the novice Aciravata how a young prince like Prince Jayasena, son of King Bimbisara, could not hope to know, to see, to realize such dhammas as concentration and jhanas, living as he did in the lap of luxury, surrounded by pleasures of senses, enjoying the pleasures of senses and consumed and overwhelmed by the flames of desires. The Buddha pointed out the difference in out look between an Arahat and an ordinary uninstructed person giving the simile of a tamed elephant and a wild elephant of the forest.

(6) Bhumija Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Bhumija to his nephew, Prince Jayasena to explain how Fruition would result by practising the Noble Path of Eight Constituents. The Buddha confirmed that only by following the right Path, namely, the Noble Path of Eight Constituents and not any other Path, Fruition would result. The Buddha gave the similes of attempting to make oil out of sand, squeezing the horns of a cow for milk, churning water to make butter, and rubbing two pieces of wet green wood to make fire.

(7) Anuruddha Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Anuruddha to Pancakanga, the carpenter, to explain the difference between Appamana Cetovimutti, liberation through practice of four Brahmavihara Meditation and Mahaggata Cetovimutti, liberation through Kasina Meditation using a meditational device.

(8) Upakkilesa Sutta

Once the Buddha left Kosambi because of quarrelling, contentious bhikkhus and went to Pacinavamsa Park where the Venerable Anuruddha, the Venerable Nandiya and the Venerable Kimila were staying. When these bhikkhus informed the Buddha about the aura (obhasa) and vision (dassana) of various shapes and forms they perceived in the course of their meditation, the Buddha taught them about Upakkilesa, mental defilements, that appear at a certain stage in meditation process. They should be on their guard not to be led astray by these deceptive defilements.

(9) Balapandita Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha at Savatthi on fools and characteristic behviourof fools; on how evil thoughts, words and deeds of fools harm themselves and others; and on how these evil actions lead fools to states of misery and woe. The utter wretchedness and intense suffering in such states beggar description. Once a fool, through his evil actions, found himself in one of the nether regions, there was very little likelihood for him to rise again to the upper realms. The chances are more remote than that of a blind turtle to get his head through a single hole in a yoke which was being tossed about in a stormy sea.

The discourse deals also with the wise and their characteristics; the wholesome thoughts, words and deeds of the wise, the wholesome effects resulting from such meritorious actions and bliss enjoyed by them in the realms of happiness.

(10) Devaduta Sutta

This is a discourse on evil results arising from evil action, giving details of suffering in realms of misery and woe.

IV. Vibanga Vagga

(1) Bhaddekaratta Sutta

This sutta which means 'a discourse on a night of good meditation' gives a detailed description of Vipassana meditation. The Buddha urged the bhikkhus not to dwell in the past which was gone, nor to seek the future which was unattained yet, but to perceive the dhamma in the phenomena presently occurring, at the same time not becoming involved in and attached to them.

(2) Ananda-bhaddekaratta Sutta

This is a discoarse in which the Venerable Ananda repeated to the bhikkhus the Bhaddekaratta Sutta, for which performance he was highly commended by the Buddha.

(3) Mahakaccana-bhaddekaratta Sutta

This is a detailed exposition by the Venerable Mahakaccana on Vipassana meditation of the five khandhas as explained by the Buddha in the Bhaddekaratta Sutta. The Venerable Mahakaccana was commended by the Buddha for his exposition.

(4) Lomasakangiya-bhaddekaratta Sutta

This is a detailed exposition by the Venerable Lomasakangiya on Vipassana meditation of the five khandhas as explained in the Bhaddekaratta Sutta.

(5) Culakamma-vibhanga Sutta

Young Subha, son of the Brahmin Todeyya, was curious to know why some were born in high class families, some in low class families; why some were born rich, others poor; why some were beautiful, others ugly; why some were of good health with a long span of life, others of poor health with a short span of life, etc. He approached the Buddha and asked fourteen questions in all to satisfy his curiosity. The Buddha gave a long discourse on Kamma and its resultant effects. Deeds,words and thoughts have endless consequences of joy and sorrow to be experienced in this very life ard hereafter. Men depend on their own deeds and nothing else for their condition and status in life.

(6) Mahakamma-vibhanga Sutta

This is another discourse on kamma and its result ant effects which are most difficult to foresee. How the workings of Kamma were most strange and surprising were explained with reference to four types of individuals.

(7) Salayatana-vibhanga Sutta

This discourse is a detailed analytical exposition on six internal sense bases, six external sense bases, six types of consciousness arising from six types of contact, etc., by the Buddha.

(8) Uddesa-vibhanga Sutta

In this discourse, the Buddha taught briefly how restraint of the mind with regard to external sense bases and non-attachment to internal sense bases led to the cessation of suffering. The Venerable Kaccana gave an exposition on this subject which earned him praise from the Buddha.

(9) Arana-vibhanga Sutta

This discourse is an exhortation on the practice of the Middle Path, avoiding the two extremes of indulgence in sensual pleasures and practice of self mortification, and on modes of conduct not indulging in backbiting; not keeping to colloquial vocabulary only and not spurning the conventional usage of the language, but speaking gently, slowly.

(10) Dhatu-vibhanga Sutta

This is an important discourse taught to Pukkusati, a recluse who had left the homelife inspired by the fame of Gotama Buddha whom he had not yet met and whom he was on his way to see. The Buddha went purposely to meet this recluse in a potter's hut to teach this discourse: A man is made up of six elements, namely, solidity, fluidity, heat, motion, space and consciousness. On analysis, none of these elements is found to be 'mine' or 'me' or 'my self'. All of them are subject to the law of impermanence, so are the three types of sensation. When a bhikkhu perceives the real nature of the physical and mental phenomena, he becomes endowed with absolute wisdom, Knowledge of the Noble Truth.

(11) Sacca-vibhanga Sutta

In this discourse the Buddha taught the bhikkhus the Four Noble Truths as he had done at the time of giving the discourse on the Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma at Isipatana in Baranasi. He then urged the bhikkhus to seek guidance from the two theras, the Venerable Sariputta and the Venerable Maha Moggallana,likening the Venerable Sariputta to a mother and the Venerable Maha Moggallana to a foster mother.The Venerable Sariputta could analyse and explain the Four Noble Truths in detail and lead them to the stage of the first Path and Fruition. The Venerable Maha Moggallana could then lead them on till the highest Path and Fruition, the Arahatship, was achieved.

(12) Dakkhinavibhanga Sutta

This discourse was given to the Buddha's foster mother Mahapajapati on the occasion of her offering to the Buddha a set of robes made by her own hand. The Buddha urged his foster mother to make the offering to the Samgha, the community of bhikkhus. He enumerated fourteen kinds of donations to individuals and seven kinds of donations to the Samgha, explaining the superior benefit accruing from offerings made to the Samgha.

V. Salayatana Vagga

(1) Anathapindikovada Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Sariputta to Anathapindka on his death-bed. The Venerable Sariputta enjoined him not to grasp at the six internal sense bases, nor the six external sense bases, nor the feelings that arise in relation to them, nor at the six elements (including space and consciousness), nor at the five aggregates, nor the realms of Infinite Space, of Infinite Consciousness, of Nothingness, of Neither Consciousness Nor Non-Consciousness. With no attachment to any of them, there would come liberation.

(2) Channovada Sutta

The Venerable Channa was very ill. The Venerable Sariputta and Cunda paid him a visit. They gave him solace by giving instruction on Vipassana meditation. The Venerable Channa died an Arahat.

(3) Punnovada Sutta

This discourse was given to Bhikkhu Punna by the Buddha on how to practise the holy life in solitude. When the Buddha asked him how he would contend with the dangers which infested the locality where he was going to stay, he told the Buddha of the six categories of fortitude he was endowed with, including indifference to an attack even on his life.

(4) Nandakovada Sutta

This discourse was given by the Venerable Nandaka to five hundred bhikkhunis in the presence of the Buddha one fullmoon night. He dealt with the twelve categories of internal and external sense bases, the six types of consciousness, their impermanent nature and how to practise the Seven Factors of Enlightenment. He won the approval of the Buddha for his lucid exposition of the Dhamma.

(5) Cularahulovada Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha to his son Rahula who was then a bhikkhu of the Order fully mature to receive the highest dhamma. The Buddha exhorted him, in the form of question and answers on the impermanent nature of the twelve sense bases, in consequence of which the Venerable Rahula attained to Arahatship.

(6) Chachakka Sutta

This discourse was given by the Buddha frequently to many bhikkhus on the six internal sense bases, the six external sense bases, six types of consciousness, six types of contacts, six types of sensation, six kinds of craving and on how their interrelationship led to continuity of phenomena from one existence to another.

(7) Mahasalayatanika Sutta

This discourse is an exposition on how the ignorance of the six categories of dhamma such as the six internal sense bases, etc.,gives rise to craving, and craving to suffering. It also explains how, when they are seen as they really are by following the Noble Path of Eight Constituents, the knowledge of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment arises resulting in the perfect Peace of Nibbana.

(8) Nagaravindeyya Sutta

This is a discourse in which the Buddha explained to the villagers of Nagaravinda the distinction between samanas and brahmanas who deserved honour and homage and those who did not. Only those religious teachers who had discarded the craving that arose out of ayatana dhammas were worthy of veneration.

(9) Pindapataparisuddhi Sutta

This is an exhortation to bhikkhus to keep themselves pure in mind while going on alms round or while eating their meal, by discarding craving, removing hindrances and developing the knowledge of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment through continuous practice.

{10) Indriyabhavana Sutta

This discourse was given to the Venerable Ananda by the Buddha showing the difference between the control of senses proctised by an Arahat and that practised by one still under training. The buddha explained that feeling of liking, disliking or indifference that arise from. conditioned phenomena could be soon eliminated by the practice of Vipassana Meditation.

Source

www.budsas.org



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The Majjhima Nikaya (-Nikāya; "Collection of Middle-length Discourses") is a Buddhist scripture, the second of the five Nikayas, or collections, in the Sutta Pitaka, which is one of the "three baskets" that compose the Pali Tipitaka of Theravada Buddhism. This Nikaya consists of 152 discourses attributed to The Buddha and his chief disciples.

The Majjhima Nikaya corresponds to the Madhyama Āgama found in the Sutra Pitikas of various Sanskritic early Buddhist schools, fragments of which survive in Sanskrit and in Tibetan translation. A complete Chinese translation from the Sarvāstivādin recension appears in The Chinese Buddhist Canon, where it is known as the Zhōng Ahánjīng (中阿含經). The Madhyama Āgama of the Sarvāstivāda school contains 222 sūtras, in contrast to the 152 suttas in the Pāli Majjhima Nikāya.

Translations

    Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi (trans.), The Middle Length Discourses of The Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya, 1995, Somerville: Wisdom Publications ISBN 0-86171-072-X.

    Mahapandit Rahul Sankrityayan had translated Majjhima Nikaya from Prakrit to Hindi.
    Lord Chalmers (trans.), Further Dialogues of The Buddha, 1926–7, 2 volumes, Ann Arbor: Books on Demand, University of Michigan.
    I.B. Horner (trans.), The Book of Middle Length Sayings, 1954–9, 3 volumes, Bristol: Pali Text Society.

    David W. Evans (trans.), Discourses of Gotama Buddha: Middle Collection, 1991, Janus Pubns. "Translation in an abridged form ... just about one third the size of Horner's translation, but with well over 90% of the significant content"

In a review of this most recent translation, L. S. Cousins (before getting down to details) makes various general criticisms:

    the translation does not make clear what Pali text it is translating
    being largely the work of Nanamoli, who died in 1960, it does not take much account of recent scholarship
    in order to fit in one volume it cuts a lot of repetitions, thus altering the emphases of the text
    it tends to follow traditional commentarial interpretations too uncritically

    Bodhi has undone improvements Nanamoli was trying to make before he died, to restore "standard" translations of terminology. Cousins says that these translations (or some) are "quite unacceptable" and "promulgate widespread misunderstandings", and that Nanamoli understood this. Cousins says that "what is needed is much more creativity and variety" in translation to try better to convey early Buddhist concepts

Nevertheless, Cousins judges the translation a valuable contribution.
Selections

    A Treasury of The Buddha's Words, tr Nanamoli, revised Khantipalo, Bangkok; later revised & expanded to give MLDB above
    Twenty-Five Suttas from Mula-Pannasa, Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, 1986?; reprinted Sri Satguru, Delhi
    Twenty-Five Suttas from Majjhima-Pannasa, Myanmar Pitaka Association, Rangoon, 1987; reprinted Sri Satguru, DElhi
    Twenty-Five Suttas from Upari-Pannasa, Myanmar Pitaka Association, Rangoon, 1988?; reprinted Sri Satguru, Delhi

Source

Wikipedia:Majjhima Nikaya

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