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  • The Buddha and His Teachings
    • Chapter 1 The Buddha
    • Chapter 2 His struggle for enlightenment
    • Chapter 3 The buddhahood
    • Chapter 4 After The Enlightenment
    • Chapter 5 The invitation to expound the dhamma
    • Chapter 6 Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
    • Chapter 7 The Teaching of the Dhamma
    • Chapter 8 The Buddha and his relatives
    • Chapter 9 The Buddha and his relatives
    • Chapter 10 The Buddha's chief opponents and supporters
    • Chapter 11 The Buddha's Royal Patrons
    • Chapter 12 The Buddha's Ministry
    • Chapter 13 The Buddha's daily routine
    • Chapter 14 The Buddha’s Parinibbāna (Death)
    • Chapter 15 What is Buddhism
    • Chapter 16 Some Salient Characteristics of Buddhism
    • Chapter 17 The Four Noble Truths
    • Chapter 18 Kamma
    • Chapter 19 What is kamma?
    • Chapter 20 The Working of Kamma
    • Chapter 21 Nature of kamma
    • Chapter 22 What is the Origin of Life?
    • Chapter 23 The Buddha on the so-called Creator
    • Chapter 24 Reasons to Believe in Rebirth
    • Chapter 25 The Wheel of Life – Paticca-Samuppāda
    • Chapter 26 Modes of Birth and Death
    • Chapter 27 Planes of Existence
    • Chapter 28 How Rebirth takes place
    • Chapter 29 What is it that is Reborn? (No-soul)
    • Chapter 30 Moral Responsibility
    • Chapter 31 Kammic Descent and Kammic Ascent
    • Chapter 32 A Note on the Doctrine of Kamma & Rebirth in the West
    • Chapter 33 Nibbāna
    • Chapter 34 Characteristics of Nibbāna
    • Chapter 35 The Way to Nibbāna (I)
    • Chapter 36 The Way to Nibbāna (II) Meditation
    • Chapter 37: Nīvarana or Hindrances
    • Chapter 38 The Way to Nibbāna (III)
    • Chapter 39 The State of an Arahant
    • Chapter 40 The Bodhisatta Ideal
    • Chapter 41 Pāramī – Perfections
    • Chapter 42 Brahmavihāra – The Sublime States
    • Chapter 43 Eight Worldly Conditions
    • Chapter 44 The Problems of Life
  • History of Buddhism
    • Buddha and Contemporary teachers
    • The qualities of Buddha that promote the spread of Buddhism
    • Spread of Buddhism in India & Buddha Early Disciples
    • Origin of monks settlements
    • The Evolution of Sangha
    • 1st Buddhist council
    • 2nd Buddhist Council
    • 3rd Buddhist Council
    • Supporters of Buddhism
    • The Bhikkhuni Order
    • Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta
    • Buddhism during reign of King Anawrahta in Myanmar
    • Buddhism in Cambodia
    • Buddhism in Sri Lanka (Venerable Mahinda)
    • Buddhism in Thailand (Ayutthaya period)
    • King Suddhodana (Buddha's Father)
    • King Asoka
    • King Devanampiya Tissa (Sri Lanka)
    • Lumbini
    • Mahasanghika School
  • Basic Buddhism Doctrine
    • 3 characteristics of existence
    • 3 evil roots
    • First noble truth
    • Four sublime abodes (Cattaro Brahma Vihara)
    • 4 Noble Truths
    • Noble Eightfold Path
    • 5 Aggregates
    • 5 Jhana Factors
    • 5 precepts and buddhist ethics
    • 10 Meritorious Deeds
    • Buddhist Ethics
    • Classification of Kamma
    • Death, Kamma and Rebirth
    • Kamma differentiates beings (Cula Kamma Vibhanga Sutta)
    • Cravings
    • Dasa-rājādhamma / 10 Royal Virtues
    • Dependent origination (Paticca Samuppada)
    • Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (First discourse)
    • Feelings
    • Hiri and Ottappa
    • Metta (Loving kindness)
    • Mindfulness
  • Digha Nikaya (Long Discourse)
    • DN 1 Brahmajala Sutta
    • DN 2 Samannaphala Sutta (The Fruits of the homeless life)
    • DN 3 Ambattha Sutta
    • DN 4 Sonadanda Sutta
    • DN 5 Kuttadanta Sutta
    • DN 6 Mahali Sutta
    • DN 7 Jaliya Sutta
    • DN 8 Mahasihanada Sutta: The Great Lion's Roar
    • DN 9 : Potthapada Sutta
    • DN 10 Subha Sutta: Morality, concentration and wisdom
    • DN 11 Kevaddha Sutta: What Brahma didn't know
    • DN 12 Lohicca Sutta : Good and Bad teachers
    • DN 13 Tevijja Sutta : The threefold knowledge (The Way to Brahma)
    • DN 14 Mahapadana Sutta: : The Great Discourse on the Lineage
    • DN 15 Mahanidana Sutta: The Great discourse on Origination
    • DN 16 Maha-parinibbana Sutta
    • DN 17 Mahasudassana Sutta: The Great Splendor, A King's Renunciation
    • DN 18: Janavasabha sutta: Brahma addresses the gods
    • DN 19 Mahagovinda Sutta: The Great Steward
    • Dn 20 Mahisamaya Sutta: The Mighty Gathering Devas Come to See the Buddha
    • Dn 21 Sakkapanha Sutta: Sakka's questions
    • DN 22 Mahasatipatthana Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness
    • DN 23: Payasi Sutta; Debate with a sceptic
    • DN 24: Patika suta: About Patikaputta The Charlatan
    • DN 25: Udumbarika-Sihanada Sutta: The Great Lion's Roar to the Udumbarikans
    • DN 26 Cakkavatti-Sihanada Sutta : The Lion's roar on the turning of the wheel
    • DN27 Aggañña Sutta: On Knowledge of Beginnings
    • DN 28 Sampasadaniya Sutta: Serene Faith
    • Dn 29 Pasadika Sutta: The Delightful Discourse
    • DN 30 Lakkhana Sutta: The Marks of a Great Man
    • DN 31. Sigalovada Sutta Advice to the lay people
    • DN 32 Atanatiya Sutta (The Atanata protective verses)
    • DN 33 Sangiti Sutta: The Chanting Together
    • Dn 34: Dasuttara Sutta: Expanding Decades
  • Majjhima Nikaya (Middle length discourse)
    • MN 1 Mulapariyaya Sutta (The Root of All Things)
    • MN 2 Sabbasava Sutta
    • MN 3 Dhammadayada Sutta (Heirs in Dhamma)
    • MN 4 Bhayabherava Sutta (Fear and Dread)
    • MN 5 Anangana Sutta (Without Blemishes)
    • MN 6 Akankheyya Sutta (If a Bhikkhu Should Wish)
    • MN 7 Vatthupama Sutta (The Simile of the Cloth)
    • MN 8 Sallekha Sutta (Effacement)
    • MN 9: Sammaditthi Sutta (Right View)
    • MN 10 Satipatthana Sutta: The Foundations of Mindfulness
    • MN 11 Culasihanada Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Lion's Roar
    • MN 12 Mahasihanada Sutta :The Greater Discourse on the Lion's Roar
    • MN 13 Mahadukkhakkhandha Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Mass of Suffering
    • MN 14 Culadukkhakkhandha Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Mass of Suffering
    • MN 15 Anumana Sutta: Inference
    • MN 16 Cetokhila Sutta: The Wilderness in the Heart
    • MN 17 Vanapattha Sutta: Jungle Thickets
    • MN 18 Madhupindika Sutta: The Honeyball
    • MN 19 Dvedhavitakka Sutta: Two Kinds of Thought
    • MN 20 Vitakkasanthana Sutta : The Removal of Distracting Thoughts
    • MN 21 Kakacupama Sutta: The Simile of the Saw
    • MN 22 Alagaddupama Sutta: The Simile of the Snake
    • MN 23 Vammika Sutta: The Ant-hill
    • MN 24 Rathavinita Sutta: The Relay Chariots
    • MN 25 Nivapa Sutta: The Bait
    • MN 26 Ariyapariyesana Sutta: The Noble Search
    • MN 27 Culahatthipadopama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant's Footprint
    • MN 28 Mahahatthipadopama Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant's Footprint
    • MN 29 Mahasaropama Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Simile of the Heartwood
    • MN 30 Culasaropama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Heartwood
    • MN 31 Culagosinga sutta: The shorter discourse in Gosinga
    • MN 32 Mahagosinga Sutta: The Greater Discourse in Gosinga
    • MN 33 Mahagopalaka Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Cowherd
    • MN 34 Culagopalaka Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Cowherd
    • MN 35 Culasaccaka Sutta: The Shorter Discourse to Saccaka
    • MN 36 Mahasaccaka Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Saccaka
    • MN 37 Culatanhasankhaya Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Destruction of Craving
    • MN 38 Mahatanhasankhaya Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Destruction of Craving
    • MN 39 Maha-Assapura Sutta: The Greater Discourse at Assapura
    • MN 40 Cula-Assapura Sutta: The Shorter Discourse at Assapura
    • MN 41 Saleyyaka Sutta: The Brahmins of Sala
    • MN 42 Veranjaka Sutta: The Brahmins of Veranja
    • MN 43 Mahavedalla Sutta: The Greater Series of Questions and Answers
    • MN 44 Culavedalla Sutta: The Shorter Series of Questions and Answers
    • MN 45 Culadhammasamadana Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on Ways of Undertaking Things
    • MN 46 Mahadhammasamadana Sutta: The Greater Discourse on Ways of Undertaking Things
    • MN 47 Vimamsaka Sutta: The Inquirer
    • MN 48 Kosambiya Sutta: The Kosambians
    • MN 49 Brahmanimantanika Sutta: The Invitation of a Brahma
    • MN 50 Maratajjaniya Sutta: The Rebuke to Mara
    • MN 51 Kandaraka Sutta: To Kandaraka
    • MN 52 Atthakanagara Sutta: The Man from Atthakanagara
    • MN 53 Sekha Sutta: The Disciple in Higher Training
    • MN 54 Potaliya Sutta: To Potaliya
    • MN 55 Jivaka Sutta: To Jivaka
    • MN 56 Upali Sutta: To Upali
    • MN 57 Kukkuravatika Sutta: The Dog-duty Ascetic
    • MN 58 Abhayarajakumara Sutta: To Prince Abhaya
    • MN 59 Bahuvedaniya Sutta: The Many Kinds of Feeling
    • MN 60 Apannaka Sutta: The Incontrovertible Teaching
    • MN 61 Ambalatthikarahulovada Sutta: Advice to Rahula at Ambalatthika
    • MN 62 Maharahulovada Sutta: The Greater Discourse of Advice to Rahula
    • MN 63 Culamalunkya Sutta: The Shorter Discourse to Malunkyaputta
    • MN 64 Mahamalunkya Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Malunkyaputta
    • MN 65 Bhaddali Sutta: To Bhaddali
    • MN 66 Latukikopama Sutta: The Simile of the Quail
    • MN 67 Catuma Sutta: At Catuma
    • MN 68 Nalakapana Sutta: At Nalakapana
    • MN 69 Gulissani Sutta: Gulissani
    • MN 70 Kitagiri Sutta: At Kitagiri
    • MN 71 Tevijjavacchagotta Sutta: To Vacchagotta on the Threefold True Knowledge
    • MN 72 Aggivacchagotta Sutta: To Vacchagotta on Fire
    • MN 73 Mahavacchagotta Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Vacchagotta
    • MN 74 Dighanakha Sutta: To Dighanakha
    • MN 75 Magandiya Sutta: To Magandiya
    • MN 76 Sandaka Sutta: To Sandaka
    • MN 77 Mahasakuludayi Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Sakuludayin
    • MN 78 Samanamandika Sutta: Samanamandikaputta
    • MN 79 Culasakuludayi Sutta: The Shorter Discourse to Sakuludayin
    • MN 80 Vekhanassa Sutta: To Vekhanassa
    • MN 81 Ghatikara Sutta: Ghatikara the Potter
    • MN 82 Ratthapala Sutta: On Ratthapala
    • MN 83 Makhadeva Sutta: King Makhadeva
    • MN 84 Madhura Sutta: At Madhura
    • MN 85 Bodhirajakumara Sutta: To Prince Bodhi
    • MN 86 Angulimala Sutta: On Angulimala
    • MN 87 Piyajatika Sutta: Born from Those Who Are Dear
    • MN 88 Bahitika Sutta: The Cloak
    • MN 89 Dhammacetiya Sutta: Monuments to the Dhamma
    • MN 90 Kannakatthala Sutta: At Kannakatthala
    • MN 91 Brahmayu Sutta: Brahmayu
    • MN 92 Sela Sutta: To Sela
    • MN 93 Assalayana Sutta: To Assalayana
    • MN 94 Ghotamukha Sutta: To Ghotamukha
    • MN 95 Canki Sutta: With Canki
    • MN 96 Esukari Sutta: To Esukari
    • MN 97 Dhananjani Sutta: To Dhananjani
    • MN 98 Vasettha Sutta: To Vasettha
    • MN 99 Subha Sutta: To Subha
    • MN 100 Sangarava Sutta: To Sangarava
    • MN 101 Devadaha Sutta: At Devadaha
    • MN 102 Pancattaya Sutta: The Five and Three
    • MN 103 Kinti Sutta: What Do You Think About Me?
    • MN 104 Samagama Sutta: At Samagama
    • MN 105 Sunakkhatta Sutta: To Sunakkhatta
    • MN 106 Anenjasappaya Sutta: The Way to the Imperturbable
    • MN 107 Ganakamoggallana Sutta: To Ganaka Moggallana
    • MN 108 Gopakamoggallana Sutta: With Gopaka Moggallana
    • MN 109 Mahapunnama Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Full-moon Night
    • MN 110 Culapunnama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Full-moon Night
    • MN 111 Anupada Sutta: One by One As They Occurred
    • MN 112 Chabbisodhana Sutta: The Sixfold Purity
    • MN 113 Sappurisa Sutta: The True Man
    • MN 114 Sevitabbasevitabba Sutta: To Be Cultivated and Not To Be Cultivated
    • MN 115 Bahudhatuka Sutta: The Many Kinds of Elements
    • MN 116 Isigili Sutta- Isigili: The Gullet of the Seers
    • MN 117 Mahacattansaka Sutta: The Great Forty
    • MN 118 Anapanasati Sutta: Mindfulness of Breathing
    • MN 119 Kayagatasati Sutta: Mindfulness of the Body
    • MN 120 Sankharupapatti Sutta: Reappearance by Aspiration
    • MN 121 Culasunnata Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on Voidness
    • MN 122 Mahasunnata Sutta: The Greater Discourse on Voidness
    • MN 123 Acchariya-abbhuta Sutta: Wonderful and Marvellous
    • MN 124 Bakkula Sutta: Bakkula
    • MN 125 Dantabhumi Sutta: The Grade of the Tamed
    • MN 126 Bhumija Sutta: Bhumija
    • MN 127 Anuruddha Sutta: Anuruddha
    • MN 128 Upakkilesa Sutta: Imperfections
    • MN 129 Balapandita Sutta: Fools and Wise Men
    • MN 130 Devaduta Sutta: The Divine Messengers
    • MN 131 Bhaddekaratta Sutta: One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 132 Anandabhaddekaratta Sutta: Ananda and One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 133 Mahakaccanabhaddekaratta Sutta: MahaKaccana and One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 134 Lomasakangiyabhaddekaratta Sutta: Lomasakangiya and One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 135 Cula Kamma Vibhanga Sutta
    • MN 136 Mahakammavibhanga Sutta: The Greater Exposition of Action
    • MN 137 Salayatanavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of the Sixfold Base
    • MN 138 Uddesavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of a Summary
    • MN 139 Aranavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of Non-Conflict
    • MN 140 Dhatuvibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of the Elements
    • MN 141 Saccavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of the Truths
    • MN 142 Dakkhinavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of Offerings
    • MN 143 Anathapindikovada Sutta: Advice to Anathapindika
    • MN 144 Channovada Sutta: Advice to Channa
    • MN 145 Punnovada Sutta: Advice to Punna
    • MN 146 Nandakovada Sutta: Advice from Nandaka
    • MN 147 Cularahulovada Sutta: The Shorter Discourse of Advice to Rahula
    • MN 148 Chachakka Sutta: The Six Sets of Six
    • MN 149 Mahasalayatanika Sutta: The Great Sixfold Base
    • MN 150 Nagaravindeyya Sutta: To the Nagaravindans
    • MN 151 Pindapataparisuddhi Sutta: The Purification of Almsfood
    • MN 152 Indriyabhavana Sutta: The Development of the Faculties
  • Samyutta Nikaya (Connected discourse)
    • PART I: The Book with Verses (Sagathavagga) >
      • Chapter 1 Devata-samyutta: Connected Discourses with Devatas
      • ​Chapter 2 Devaputta Sutta: Connected discourse with young devas
      • ​Chapter 3 Kosala-Samyutta (With the Kosalan)
      • Chapter 4 Mara-samyutta (Mara)
      • Chapter 5 Bhikkhuni-Samyutta (With Bhikkunis)
      • Chapter 6 Brahma-Samyutta (With Brahmas)
      • Chapter 7 Brahmana- Samyutta (With Brahmins)
      • Chapter 8 Vangisa- Samyutta (With Vangisa)
      • Chapter 9 Vana-Samyutta (In the woods)
      • Chapter 10 Yakkha- Samyutta (With Yakkhas)
      • Chapter 11 Sakka-Samyutta (with Sakka)
    • Part II The Book of Causation (Nidana Vaggasamyutta) >
      • Chapter 1 Nidana Samyutta (On Causation)
      • Chapter 2 Abhisamaya-Samyutta (On the Breakthrough )
      • Chapter 3 Dhatu Samyutta (On Elements)
      • Chapter 4 Anamatagga Samyutta (On Without Discoverable Beginning​)
      • Chapter 5 Kassapa Samyutta (With Kassapa)
      • Chapter 6 Labhasakkara Samyutta (On Gains and Honor)
      • Chapter 7 Rahula-Samyutta
      • Chapter 8 Lakkhana-Samyutta (With Lakkhana)
      • ​Chapter 9 Opamma- Samyutta (With Similes)
      • Chapter 10 Bhikkhu-Samyutta (With Bhikkhus)
    • Part III The book of aggregates (Khandhavagga) >
      • Chapter 1 Khanda Samyutta (On the aggregates)
      • Chapter 2 Radha Samyutta (With Radha)
      • Chapter 3 Ditthi Samyutta (On Views)
      • Chapter 4 Okkanti Samyutta (On Entering)
      • Chapter 5 Uppada Samyutta (On Arising)
      • Chapter 6 Kilesa Samyutta (On Defilements)
      • Chapter 7 Sariputta Samyutta (With Sariputta)
      • Chapter 8 Naga Samyutta (On Nagas)
      • Chapter 9 Supanna Samyutta (On Supannas)
      • Chapter 10 Ghandhabba Samyutta (On Ghandhabbas)
      • Chapter 11 Valahaka Samyutta (On Cloud Devas)
      • Chapter 12 Vacchagotta Samyutta (With Vacchagotta)​
      • Chapter 13 Jhana Samyutta (On Meditation)
    • Part IV The Book of Six Sense Bases (Salayatanavagga) >
      • Chapter 1 Salayatana Samyutta (On Six Sense Bases)
      • Chapter 2 Vedana Samyutta
      • Chapter 3 Matugama Samyutta (On Women)
      • Chapter 4 Jambukhādaka Saṃyutta (With Jambukhadaka)
      • Chapter 5 Samandaka Samyutta (With Samandaka)
      • Chapter 6 Moggallana Samyutta (With Moggallana)
      • Chapter 7 Citta Samyutta (With Citta)
      • Chapter 8 Gamani Samyutta (To Headmen)
      • Chapter 9 Asankhata Samyutta: On the unconditioned
      • Chapter 10 Abyakata Samyutta (On the undeclared)
    • Part V The Great Book (Maha Vaggasamyutta) >
      • Chapter 1 Magga Samyutta (On the path)
      • Chapter 2 Bojjhanga Samyutta (On the factors of enlightenment)
      • Chapter 3 Satipatthana Samyutta (Establishments of Mindfulness)
      • Chapter 4 Indriya Samyutta (On the Faculties)
      • Chapter 5 Sammappadhana Samyutta (On the Right Strivings)
      • Chapter 6 Bala Samyutta (On the Powers)
      • Chapter 7 Iddhipada Samyutta (On the bases for Spiritual power)
      • Chapter 8 Anuruddha Samyutta (With Anuruddha)
      • Chapter 9 Jhana Samyutta (On the Jhanas)
      • Chapter 10 Anapana Samyutta (On Breathing)
      • Chapter 11 Sotapatti Samyutta (On Stream Entry)
      • Chapter 12 Sacca Samyutta (On the truths)
  • Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical discourse)
    • The Book of the Ones (Ekakanipāta) >
      • I Obsession of the mind. II Abandoning the hindrances, ​III Unwieldy & IV Untamed
      • V A Spike VI Luminous VII Arousal of Energy, VIII Good Friendship, IX Heedlessness & X Internal
      • XI Non-Dhamma, XII Not an offense, XIII One Person, ​XIV Foremost XV Impossible & XVI One thing
      • XVII Qualities Engendering confidence, XVIII Finger Snap, XIX Mindfulness directed to the body & XX The Deathless
    • The Book Of Twos (Dukanipata) >
      • I Entering upon the rains, II Disciplinary Issues, III Fools, IV Same-Minded & V Assembles
      • VI People, VII Happiness, VIII With a basis,IX Dhamma, X Fools & XI Desires
      • XII Aspiring XIII Gifts XIV Munificence
      • ​XV Meditative Attainment, XVI Anger , XVII Unwholesome repetition series, ​​XVIII Discipline Repetition Series, XIX Lust and so forth repetition series
    • The Book of Threes (Tikanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
    • The Book of Fours (Catukkanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
      • Fourth Fifty
      • Fifth Fifty
    • The Book of Fives (Pancakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
      • Fourth Fifty
      • Fifth Fifty
      • Sixth Fifty
    • The Book of Sixes (Chakkanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of Sevens (Sattakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of Eights ( Atthakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of The Nines (Navakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of Tens (Dasakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
      • Fourth Fifty
      • An Extra Fifty
    • The Book of Elevens (Ekadasakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
  • Khuddaka Nikāya
  • Dhammapada
    • Dhammapada Chapter 1 verse 1-20 (The twins)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 2 Verse 21-32 (Heedfulness)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 3 Verse 33-43 (Mind)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 4 Verse 44-59 (Flowers)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 5 Verse 60-75 (Fools)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 6 Verse 76-89 The Wise
    • Dhammapada Chapter 7 Verse 90- 99 The Arahant
    • Dhammapada Chapter 8 Verse 100-115 The thousands
    • Dhammapada Chapter 9 Verse 116-128 Evil
    • Dhammapada Chapter 10 Verse 129-145 Punishment
    • Dhammapada Chapter 11 Verse 146-156 Old age
    • Dhammpada Chapter 12 Verse 157-166: Self
    • Dhammapada Chapter 13 Verse 167-178 World
    • Dhammapada Chapter 14 Verse 179-196: The Buddha
    • Dhammapada Chapter 15 Verse 197-208: Happiness
    • Dhammapada Chapter 16 Verse 209-220: Affection
    • Dhammapada Chapter 17 Verse 221-234 : Anger
    • Dhammapada Chapter 18 Verse 235-255: Impurities
    • Dhammapada Chapter 19 Established Verse 256-272
    • Dhammapada Chapter 20 Verse 273-289 : The Path
    • Dhammapada Chapter 21 Verse 290-305: Miscellaneous
    • Dhammapada Chapter 22 Verse 306-319: Hell
    • Dhammapada Chapter 23 Verse 320-333: The Great
    • Dhammapada Chapter 24 Craving Verse 334-359
    • Dhammapada Chapter 25 The Monk Verse 360-382
    • Dhammapada Chapter 26 Brahmana Verse 383-423
  • Vinaya Pitaka
  • Abhidhamma
  • Great Disciples of the Buddha
    • Chief disciple Ven Sariputta
    • Chief disciple Ven Moggallana
    • Mahakassapa
    • Ananda
    • Anuruddha
    • Mahakaccana
    • Bhikkhuni Mahapajapati Gotami
    • Visakha and other Bhikkhunis
    • Aṅgulimāla
    • Anāthapiṇḍika
    • Shorter lives of the disciples
  • Ordination Procedure (Upasampadàvidhã )
    • Chapter 1 Upasampada
    • Chapter 2 The Vinaya
    • Chapter 3 Ordination Procedure
    • Chapter 4 Admonition Anusasana
    • Chapter 5 Preliminary Duties for a New Bhikkhu
    • Chapter 6 Daily chanting
    • Appendices
  • THE DHAMMA WAY
    • Why should we practise Mettā?
    • How to make Merits?
    • Do you cultivate the Four Divine Abodes?
    • Q&A on Buddhist’s Misconceptions
    • Will Buddhism disappear from the world?
    • Have you seen Relics?
    • Are there karmically genetic diseases?
    • What is the Buddhist approach to crime and punishment?
    • Let’s practise ‘Paccavekkhana’
  • Patipadā Venerable Ãcariya Mun’s Path of Practice
    • Chapter 1 Kammatthåna
    • Chapter 2 Training the Mind
    • Chapter 3 The White-robed Upåsaka
    • Chapter 4 More About Training & Venerable Ajaan Mun’s Talk
    • Chapter 5 Stories of Bhikkhus Who Practise
    • Chapter 6 The Ascetic Practices (Dhutangas)
    • Chapter 7 The Story of Venerable Ajaan Chob
    • Chapter 8 Bhikkhus of the “Modern Kind”
    • Chapter 9 About Beings in the Realm of Ghosts
    • Chapter 10 The Practice of the Dhutangas
    • Chapter 11 The Nature of Greed & Fighting Pain and Kilesas
    • Chapter 12 A Short Biography of Venerable Ajaan Khao
    • Chapter 13 Methods of Bhåvanå
    • Chapter 14 The Importance of Mindfulness
    • Chapter 15 The Kammatthåna Bhikkhus’ Ways of Behaviour
    • Chapter 16 The Customs of Kammatthåna Bhikkhus
    • Chapter 17 How Questions Differ in Samådhi & Paññå
    • Chapter 18 More on Behaviour & Dhamma Discussions
    • Chapter 19 The Story of Venerable Ajaan Brom
    • Chapter 20 Venerable Ajaan Mun’s Practice & His Methods of Teaching
  • Venerable Ãcariya Mun Bhýridatta Thera — A Spiritual Biography —
    • The Early Years
    • The Middle Years
    • A Heart Released
    • The Chiang Mai Years
    • Unusual Questions, Enlightening Answers
    • The Final Years
    • The Legacy
    • Appendix I
    • Appendix II
  • Things as they are
    • Introduction
    • From Ignorance to Emptiness
    • The Tracks of the Ox
    • The path of strength
    • The Savor of the Dhamma
    • The Middleness of the Middle Way
    • The Simile of the Horse
    • Principles in the Practice, Principles in the Heart
    • The Four Frames of Reference
    • The Work of a Contemplative
    • The Fangs of Ignorance
    • The Outer Space of Mind
    • To Be an Inner Millionaire
    • Every Grain of Sand
  • Arahattamagga Arahattaphala (The Path to Arahantship)
    • ARAHATTAMAGGA (The direct route to the end of all suffering)
    • ARAHATTAPHALA
    • ARAHATTAPATTA
    • APPENDIX
  • Forest Dhamma
    • Introduction
    • Wisdom Develops Samadhi
    • Samadhi I
    • Samadhi 2
    • Samadhi 3
    • Wisdom
    • The Funeral Desana
    • Dhamma Talk 1
    • The development of meditation
    • Part 2 Kammatthana
  • Paritta Chants
  • Dhamma Ebooks links
  • Autobiographies of Ajahns
  • Blog

Chapter 1 The Buddha

From Birth to Renunciation

​“A unique Being, an extraordinary Man arises in this world for the benefit of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world, for the good, beneft, and happiness of gods and men. Who is this Unique Being? It is the Tathāgata, the Exalted, Fully Enlightened One.” – Anguttara Nikāya. Pt. I, XIII P. 22.

Birth

On the full moon day of May, in the year 623 b.c.2 there was born in the Lumbini Park3 at Kapilavatthu,4 on the Indian borders of present Nepal, a noble prince who was destined to be the greatest religious teacher of the world.
His father was King Suddhodana of the aristocratic Sākya clan and his mother was Queen Mahā Māyā. As the beloved
mother died seven days after his birth, Mahā Pajāpati Gotami, her younger sister, who was also married to the King, adopted the child, entrusting her own son, Nanda, to the care of the nurses.

Great were the rejoicings of the people over the birth of this illustrious prince. An ascetic of high spiritual attainments, named Asita, also known as Kāladevala, was particularly pleased to hear this happy news, and being a tutor of the King, visited the palace to see the Royal babe. The King, who felt honoured by his unexpected visit, carried the child up to him in order to make the child pay him due reverence, but, to the surprise of all, the child’s legs turned and rested on the matted locks of the ascetic.

​Instantly, the ascetic rose from his seat and, foreseeing with his supernormal vision the child’s future greatness, saluted him with clasped hands. The Royal father did likewise. The great ascetic smiled at first and then was sad. Questioned regarding his mingled feelings, he answered that he smiled because the prince would eventually become a Buddha, an Enlightened One, and he was sad because he would not be able to benefit by the superior wisdom of the Enlightened One owing to his prior death and rebirth in a Formless Plane (Arūpaloka). 

Naming Ceremony

On the fifth day after the prince’s birth he was named Siddhattha which means “wish fulfilled”. His family name was
Gotama. In accordance with the ancient Indian custom many learned brahmins were invited to the palace for the naming ceremony. Amongst them there were eight distinguished men. Examining the characteristic marks of the child, seven of them raised two fingers each, indicative of two alternative possibilities, and said that he would either become a Universal Monarch or a Buddha.

But the youngest, Kondañña, who excelled others in wisdom, noticing the hair on the forehead turned to the
right, raised only one fnger and convincingly declared that the prince would definitely retire from the world and become a Buddha.

Ploughing Festival

A very remarkable incident took place in his childhood. It was an unprecedented spiritual experience which, later, during his search after truth, served as a key to his Enlightenment. To promote agriculture, the King arranged for a ploughing festival. It was indeed a festive occasion for all, as both nobles and commoners decked in their best attire, participated in the ceremony. On the appointed day, the King, accompanied by his courtiers, went to the field, taking with him the young prince together with the nurses.

​Placing the child on a​ screened and canopied couch under the cool shade of a solitary rose-apple tree to be watched by the nurses, the King participated in the ploughing festival. When the festival was at its height of gaiety the nurses too stole away from the prince’s presence to catch a glimpse of the wonderful spectacle.
​
In striking contrast to the mirth and merriment of the festival it was all calm and quiet under the rose-apple tree. All the conditions conducive to quiet meditation being there, the pensive child, young in years but old in wisdom, sat cross-legged and seized the opportunity to commence that all-important practice of intent concentration on the breath – on exhalations and inhalations – which gained for him then and there that one pointedness of mind known as Samādhi and he thus developed the First Jhāna (Ecstasy).

The child’s nurses, who had abandoned their precious charge to enjoy themselves at the festival, suddenly realizing their duty, hastened to the child and were amazed to see him sitting cross-legged plunged in deep meditation. The King hearing of it, hurried to the spot and, seeing the child in meditative posture, saluted him, saying – “This, dear child, is my second obeisance”.

Education

As a Royal child, Prince Siddhattha must have received an education that became a prince although no details are given about it. As a scion of the warrior race he received special training in the art of warfare.
 Married Life

At the early age of sixteen, he married his beautiful cousin Princess Yasodharā who was of equal age. For nearly thirteen​ years, after his happy marriage, he led a luxurious life, blissfully ignorant of the vicissitudes of life outside the palace gates. Of his luxurious life as prince, he states: “I was delicate, excessively delicate. In my father’s dwelling three lotus-ponds were made purposely for me. Blue lotuses bloomed inone, red in another, and white in another. I used no sandal-wood that was not of Kāsi. My turban, tunic, dress and cloak, were all from Kāsi."

“Night and day a white parasol was held over me so that I might not be touched by heat or cold, dust, leaves or dew.
“There were three palaces built for me – one for the cold season, one for the hot season, and one for the rainy season. During the four rainy months, I lived in the palace for the rainy season without ever coming down from it, entertained all the while by female musicians. Just as, in the houses of others, food from the husks of rice together with sour gruel is given to the slaves and workmen, even so, in my father’s dwelling, food with rice and meat was given to the slaves and workmen.”

With the march of time, truth gradually dawned upon him. His contemplative nature and boundless compassion did not permit him to spend his time in the mere enjoyment of the feeting pleasures of the Royal palace. He knew no personal grief but he felt a deep pity for suffering humanity. Amidst comfort and prosperity, he realized the universality of sorrow.

Renunciation

Prince Siddhattha refected thus: “Why do I, being subject to birth, decay, disease, death, sorrow and impurities, thus search after things of like nature. How, if I, who am subject to things of such nature, realize their disadvantages
and seek after the unattained, unsurpassed, perfect security which is Nibbāna!”

“Cramped and confined is household life, a den of dust, but the life of the homeless one is as the open air of heaven!
Hard is it for him who bides at home to live out as it should be lived the Holy Life in all its perfection, in all its purity.” 

One glorious day as he went out of the palace to the pleasure park to see the world outside, he came in direct contact with the stark realities of life. Within the narrow confines of the palace he saw only the rosy side of life, but the dark side, the common lot of mankind, was purposely veiled from him. What was mentally conceived, he, for the first time, vividly saw in reality.

On his way to the park his observant eyes met the strange sights of a decrepit old man, a diseased person, a
corpse and a dignified hermit. The first three sights convincingly proved to him, the inexorable nature of life, and the universal ailment of humanity. The fourth signified the means to overcome the ills of life and to attain calm and peace. These four unexpected sights served to increase the urge in him to loathe and renounce the world.

Realizing the worthlessness of sensual pleasures, so highly prized by the worldling, and appreciating the value of renunciation in which the wise seek delight, he decided to leave the world in search of Truth and Eternal Peace.
When this final decision was taken after much deliberation, the news of the birth of a son was conveyed to him while he was about to leave the park. Contrary to expectations, he was not overjoyed, but regarded his first and only offspring as​ an impediment. An ordinary father would have welcomed the joyful tidings, but Prince Siddhattha, the extraordinary father as he was, exclaimed – “An impediment (rāhu) has been born; a fetter has arisen”. The infant son was accordingly named Rāhula by his grandfather.

The palace was no longer a congenial place to the contemplative Prince Siddhattha. Neither his charming young wife nor his lovable infant son could deter him from altering the decision he had taken to renounce the world. He was destined to play an infinitely more important and beneficial role than a dutiful husband and father or even as a king of kings. The allurements of the palace were no more cherished objects of delight to him. Time was ripe to depart.

He ordered his favorite charioteer Channa to saddle the horse Kanthaka, and went to the suite of apartments occupied by the princess. Opening the door of the chamber, he stood on the threshold and cast his dispassionate glance on the wife and child who were fast asleep. Great was his compassion for the two dear ones at this parting moment. Greater was his compassion for suffering humanity.

He was not worried about the future worldly hap
piness and comfort of the mother and child as they had everything in abundance and were well protected. It was not that he loved them the less, but he loved humanity more.
Leaving all behind, he stole away with a light heart from the palace at midnight, and rode into the dark, attended only by his loyal charioteer. Alone and penniless he set out in search of Truth and Peace. Thus did he renounce the world.

It was not the renunciation of an old man who has h
ad his fill of worldly life. It was not the renunciation of a poor man who had nothing to leave behind. It was the renunciation of a prince in the full bloom of youth and in the plenitude of wealth and prosperity – a renunciation unparalleled in history. It was in his twenty ninth year that Prince Siddhattha made this historic journey.

He journeyed far and, crossing the river Anomā, rested on its banks. Here he shaved his hair and beard and handing
over his garments and ornaments to Channa with instructions to return to the palace, assumed the simple yellow garb of an ascetic and led a life of voluntary poverty. The ascetic Siddhattha, who once lived in the lap of luxury,
now became a penniless wanderer, living on what little the charitably-minded gave of their own accord. 

He had no permanent abode. A shady tree or a lonely cave sheltered him by day or night. Bare-footed and bare-headed, he walked in the scorching sun and in the piercing cold. With no possessions to call his own, but a bowl to collect his food and robes just sufficient to cover the body, he concentrated all his energies on the quest of Truth.​
​Search

Thus as a wanderer, a seeker after what is good, searching for the unsurpassed Peace, he approached Ālāra Kālāma, a distinguished ascetic, and said: “I desire, friend Kālāma to lead the Holy Life in this Dispensation of yours.”
Thereupon Ālāra Kālāma told him: “You may stay with me, O Venerable One. Of such sort is this teaching that an intelligent man before long may realize by his own intuitive wisdom his master’s doctrine, and abide in the attainment thereof.”

Before long, he learnt his doctrine, but it brought him no realization of the highest Truth. Then there came to him the thought: When Ālāra Kalāma declared: “Having myself realized by intuitive knowledge the doctrine, I – ‘abide in the attainment thereof’ – it could not have been a mere profession of faith; surely Ālāra Kālāma lives having understood and perceived this doctrine.”

So he went to him and said “How far, friend Kālāma, does this doctrine extend which you yourself have with intuitive wisdom realized and attained?” Upon this Ālāra Kālāma made known to him the Realm of Nothingness (Ākiñcaññāyatana), an advanced stage of Concentration.

Then it occurred to him: “Not only in Ālāra Kālāma are to be found faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. I too possess these virtues. How now if I strive to realize that doctrine whereof Ālāra Kālāma says that he himself has realized and abides in the attainment thereof!”

So, before long, he realized by his own intuitive wisdom that doctrine and attained to that state, but it brought him no realization of the highest Truth. Then he approached Ālāra Kālāma and said: “Is this the full extent, friend Kālāma, of this doctrine of which you say that you yourself have realized by your wisdom and abide in the attainment thereof?”

“But I also, friend, have realized thus far in this doctrine, and abide in the attainment thereof.”
The unenvious teacher was delighted to hear of the success of his distinguished pupil. He honored him by placing
him on a perfect level with himself and admiringly said: “Happy, friend, are we, extremely happy; in that we look​
upon such a venerable fellow-ascetic like you! That same doctrine which I myself have realized by my wisdom and proclaim, having attained thereunto, have you yourself realized by your wisdom and abide in the attainment thereof; and that doctrine you yourself have realized by your wisdom and abide in the attainment thereof, that have I myself realized by my wisdom and proclaim, having attained thereunto. Thus the doctrine which I know, and also do you know; and, the doctrine which you know, that I know also. As I am, so are you; as you are, so am I. Come, friend, let both of us lead the company of ascetics.”
​
The ascetic Gotama was not satisfied with a discipline and a doctrine which only led to a high degree of mental con￾
centration, but did not lead to “disgust, detachment, cessation (of suffering), tranquility; intuition, enlightenment, and Nibbāna.”

Nor was he anxious to lead a company of ascetics even with the co-operation of another generous teacher of equal spiritual attainment, without first perfecting himself. It was, he felt, a case of the blind leading the blind. Dissatisfied
with his teaching, he politely took his leave from him. In those happy days when there were no political disturbances the intellectuals of India were preoccupied with the study and exposition of some religious system or other. All facilities were provided for those more spiritually inclined to lead holy lives in solitude in accordance with their temperaments and most of these teachers had large followings of disciples.

So it was not difficult for the ascetic Gotama to find another religious teacher who was more competent than the former. On this occasion he approached one Uddaka Rāmaputta and expressed his desire to lead the Holy Life in his Dispensation. He was readily admitted as a pupil.​

Before long the intelligent ascetic Gotama mastered his doctrine and attained the final stage of mental concentration, the Realm of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception (“N’eva saññā N’asaññāyatana),21 revealed by his teacher. This was the highest stage in worldly concentration when consciousness becomes so subtle and refned that it cannot be said that a consciousness either exists or not. Ancient Indian sages could not proceed further in spiritual development.

The noble teacher was delighted to hear of the success of his illustrious royal pupil. Unlike his former teacher the present one honoured him by inviting him to take full charge of all the disciples as their teacher. He said: “Happy friend, are we; yea, extremely happy, in that we see such a venerable fellow ascetic as you! The doctrine which Rāma knew, you know; the doctrine which you know, Rāma knew. As was Rāma so are you; as you are, so was Rāma. Come, friend, henceforth you shall lead this company of ascetics.”

Still he felt that his quest of the highest Truth was not achieved. He had gained complete mastery of his mind, but
his ultimate goal was far ahead. He was seeking for the Highest, the Nibbāna, the complete cessation of suffering, the
total eradication of all forms of craving. “Dissatisfed with this doctrine too, he departed thence, content therewith no longer.”

He realized that his spiritual aspirations were far higher than those under whom he chose to learn. He realized that
there was none capable enough to teach him what he yearned for – the highest Truth. He also realized that the highest Truth is to be found within oneself and ceased to seek external aid.​
Reference: 
The Buddha and His Teachings by Venerable Nārada Mahāthera
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  • Home
  • The Buddha and His Teachings
    • Chapter 1 The Buddha
    • Chapter 2 His struggle for enlightenment
    • Chapter 3 The buddhahood
    • Chapter 4 After The Enlightenment
    • Chapter 5 The invitation to expound the dhamma
    • Chapter 6 Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
    • Chapter 7 The Teaching of the Dhamma
    • Chapter 8 The Buddha and his relatives
    • Chapter 9 The Buddha and his relatives
    • Chapter 10 The Buddha's chief opponents and supporters
    • Chapter 11 The Buddha's Royal Patrons
    • Chapter 12 The Buddha's Ministry
    • Chapter 13 The Buddha's daily routine
    • Chapter 14 The Buddha’s Parinibbāna (Death)
    • Chapter 15 What is Buddhism
    • Chapter 16 Some Salient Characteristics of Buddhism
    • Chapter 17 The Four Noble Truths
    • Chapter 18 Kamma
    • Chapter 19 What is kamma?
    • Chapter 20 The Working of Kamma
    • Chapter 21 Nature of kamma
    • Chapter 22 What is the Origin of Life?
    • Chapter 23 The Buddha on the so-called Creator
    • Chapter 24 Reasons to Believe in Rebirth
    • Chapter 25 The Wheel of Life – Paticca-Samuppāda
    • Chapter 26 Modes of Birth and Death
    • Chapter 27 Planes of Existence
    • Chapter 28 How Rebirth takes place
    • Chapter 29 What is it that is Reborn? (No-soul)
    • Chapter 30 Moral Responsibility
    • Chapter 31 Kammic Descent and Kammic Ascent
    • Chapter 32 A Note on the Doctrine of Kamma & Rebirth in the West
    • Chapter 33 Nibbāna
    • Chapter 34 Characteristics of Nibbāna
    • Chapter 35 The Way to Nibbāna (I)
    • Chapter 36 The Way to Nibbāna (II) Meditation
    • Chapter 37: Nīvarana or Hindrances
    • Chapter 38 The Way to Nibbāna (III)
    • Chapter 39 The State of an Arahant
    • Chapter 40 The Bodhisatta Ideal
    • Chapter 41 Pāramī – Perfections
    • Chapter 42 Brahmavihāra – The Sublime States
    • Chapter 43 Eight Worldly Conditions
    • Chapter 44 The Problems of Life
  • History of Buddhism
    • Buddha and Contemporary teachers
    • The qualities of Buddha that promote the spread of Buddhism
    • Spread of Buddhism in India & Buddha Early Disciples
    • Origin of monks settlements
    • The Evolution of Sangha
    • 1st Buddhist council
    • 2nd Buddhist Council
    • 3rd Buddhist Council
    • Supporters of Buddhism
    • The Bhikkhuni Order
    • Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta
    • Buddhism during reign of King Anawrahta in Myanmar
    • Buddhism in Cambodia
    • Buddhism in Sri Lanka (Venerable Mahinda)
    • Buddhism in Thailand (Ayutthaya period)
    • King Suddhodana (Buddha's Father)
    • King Asoka
    • King Devanampiya Tissa (Sri Lanka)
    • Lumbini
    • Mahasanghika School
  • Basic Buddhism Doctrine
    • 3 characteristics of existence
    • 3 evil roots
    • First noble truth
    • Four sublime abodes (Cattaro Brahma Vihara)
    • 4 Noble Truths
    • Noble Eightfold Path
    • 5 Aggregates
    • 5 Jhana Factors
    • 5 precepts and buddhist ethics
    • 10 Meritorious Deeds
    • Buddhist Ethics
    • Classification of Kamma
    • Death, Kamma and Rebirth
    • Kamma differentiates beings (Cula Kamma Vibhanga Sutta)
    • Cravings
    • Dasa-rājādhamma / 10 Royal Virtues
    • Dependent origination (Paticca Samuppada)
    • Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (First discourse)
    • Feelings
    • Hiri and Ottappa
    • Metta (Loving kindness)
    • Mindfulness
  • Digha Nikaya (Long Discourse)
    • DN 1 Brahmajala Sutta
    • DN 2 Samannaphala Sutta (The Fruits of the homeless life)
    • DN 3 Ambattha Sutta
    • DN 4 Sonadanda Sutta
    • DN 5 Kuttadanta Sutta
    • DN 6 Mahali Sutta
    • DN 7 Jaliya Sutta
    • DN 8 Mahasihanada Sutta: The Great Lion's Roar
    • DN 9 : Potthapada Sutta
    • DN 10 Subha Sutta: Morality, concentration and wisdom
    • DN 11 Kevaddha Sutta: What Brahma didn't know
    • DN 12 Lohicca Sutta : Good and Bad teachers
    • DN 13 Tevijja Sutta : The threefold knowledge (The Way to Brahma)
    • DN 14 Mahapadana Sutta: : The Great Discourse on the Lineage
    • DN 15 Mahanidana Sutta: The Great discourse on Origination
    • DN 16 Maha-parinibbana Sutta
    • DN 17 Mahasudassana Sutta: The Great Splendor, A King's Renunciation
    • DN 18: Janavasabha sutta: Brahma addresses the gods
    • DN 19 Mahagovinda Sutta: The Great Steward
    • Dn 20 Mahisamaya Sutta: The Mighty Gathering Devas Come to See the Buddha
    • Dn 21 Sakkapanha Sutta: Sakka's questions
    • DN 22 Mahasatipatthana Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness
    • DN 23: Payasi Sutta; Debate with a sceptic
    • DN 24: Patika suta: About Patikaputta The Charlatan
    • DN 25: Udumbarika-Sihanada Sutta: The Great Lion's Roar to the Udumbarikans
    • DN 26 Cakkavatti-Sihanada Sutta : The Lion's roar on the turning of the wheel
    • DN27 Aggañña Sutta: On Knowledge of Beginnings
    • DN 28 Sampasadaniya Sutta: Serene Faith
    • Dn 29 Pasadika Sutta: The Delightful Discourse
    • DN 30 Lakkhana Sutta: The Marks of a Great Man
    • DN 31. Sigalovada Sutta Advice to the lay people
    • DN 32 Atanatiya Sutta (The Atanata protective verses)
    • DN 33 Sangiti Sutta: The Chanting Together
    • Dn 34: Dasuttara Sutta: Expanding Decades
  • Majjhima Nikaya (Middle length discourse)
    • MN 1 Mulapariyaya Sutta (The Root of All Things)
    • MN 2 Sabbasava Sutta
    • MN 3 Dhammadayada Sutta (Heirs in Dhamma)
    • MN 4 Bhayabherava Sutta (Fear and Dread)
    • MN 5 Anangana Sutta (Without Blemishes)
    • MN 6 Akankheyya Sutta (If a Bhikkhu Should Wish)
    • MN 7 Vatthupama Sutta (The Simile of the Cloth)
    • MN 8 Sallekha Sutta (Effacement)
    • MN 9: Sammaditthi Sutta (Right View)
    • MN 10 Satipatthana Sutta: The Foundations of Mindfulness
    • MN 11 Culasihanada Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Lion's Roar
    • MN 12 Mahasihanada Sutta :The Greater Discourse on the Lion's Roar
    • MN 13 Mahadukkhakkhandha Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Mass of Suffering
    • MN 14 Culadukkhakkhandha Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Mass of Suffering
    • MN 15 Anumana Sutta: Inference
    • MN 16 Cetokhila Sutta: The Wilderness in the Heart
    • MN 17 Vanapattha Sutta: Jungle Thickets
    • MN 18 Madhupindika Sutta: The Honeyball
    • MN 19 Dvedhavitakka Sutta: Two Kinds of Thought
    • MN 20 Vitakkasanthana Sutta : The Removal of Distracting Thoughts
    • MN 21 Kakacupama Sutta: The Simile of the Saw
    • MN 22 Alagaddupama Sutta: The Simile of the Snake
    • MN 23 Vammika Sutta: The Ant-hill
    • MN 24 Rathavinita Sutta: The Relay Chariots
    • MN 25 Nivapa Sutta: The Bait
    • MN 26 Ariyapariyesana Sutta: The Noble Search
    • MN 27 Culahatthipadopama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant's Footprint
    • MN 28 Mahahatthipadopama Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Simile of the Elephant's Footprint
    • MN 29 Mahasaropama Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Simile of the Heartwood
    • MN 30 Culasaropama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Simile of the Heartwood
    • MN 31 Culagosinga sutta: The shorter discourse in Gosinga
    • MN 32 Mahagosinga Sutta: The Greater Discourse in Gosinga
    • MN 33 Mahagopalaka Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Cowherd
    • MN 34 Culagopalaka Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Cowherd
    • MN 35 Culasaccaka Sutta: The Shorter Discourse to Saccaka
    • MN 36 Mahasaccaka Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Saccaka
    • MN 37 Culatanhasankhaya Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Destruction of Craving
    • MN 38 Mahatanhasankhaya Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Destruction of Craving
    • MN 39 Maha-Assapura Sutta: The Greater Discourse at Assapura
    • MN 40 Cula-Assapura Sutta: The Shorter Discourse at Assapura
    • MN 41 Saleyyaka Sutta: The Brahmins of Sala
    • MN 42 Veranjaka Sutta: The Brahmins of Veranja
    • MN 43 Mahavedalla Sutta: The Greater Series of Questions and Answers
    • MN 44 Culavedalla Sutta: The Shorter Series of Questions and Answers
    • MN 45 Culadhammasamadana Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on Ways of Undertaking Things
    • MN 46 Mahadhammasamadana Sutta: The Greater Discourse on Ways of Undertaking Things
    • MN 47 Vimamsaka Sutta: The Inquirer
    • MN 48 Kosambiya Sutta: The Kosambians
    • MN 49 Brahmanimantanika Sutta: The Invitation of a Brahma
    • MN 50 Maratajjaniya Sutta: The Rebuke to Mara
    • MN 51 Kandaraka Sutta: To Kandaraka
    • MN 52 Atthakanagara Sutta: The Man from Atthakanagara
    • MN 53 Sekha Sutta: The Disciple in Higher Training
    • MN 54 Potaliya Sutta: To Potaliya
    • MN 55 Jivaka Sutta: To Jivaka
    • MN 56 Upali Sutta: To Upali
    • MN 57 Kukkuravatika Sutta: The Dog-duty Ascetic
    • MN 58 Abhayarajakumara Sutta: To Prince Abhaya
    • MN 59 Bahuvedaniya Sutta: The Many Kinds of Feeling
    • MN 60 Apannaka Sutta: The Incontrovertible Teaching
    • MN 61 Ambalatthikarahulovada Sutta: Advice to Rahula at Ambalatthika
    • MN 62 Maharahulovada Sutta: The Greater Discourse of Advice to Rahula
    • MN 63 Culamalunkya Sutta: The Shorter Discourse to Malunkyaputta
    • MN 64 Mahamalunkya Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Malunkyaputta
    • MN 65 Bhaddali Sutta: To Bhaddali
    • MN 66 Latukikopama Sutta: The Simile of the Quail
    • MN 67 Catuma Sutta: At Catuma
    • MN 68 Nalakapana Sutta: At Nalakapana
    • MN 69 Gulissani Sutta: Gulissani
    • MN 70 Kitagiri Sutta: At Kitagiri
    • MN 71 Tevijjavacchagotta Sutta: To Vacchagotta on the Threefold True Knowledge
    • MN 72 Aggivacchagotta Sutta: To Vacchagotta on Fire
    • MN 73 Mahavacchagotta Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Vacchagotta
    • MN 74 Dighanakha Sutta: To Dighanakha
    • MN 75 Magandiya Sutta: To Magandiya
    • MN 76 Sandaka Sutta: To Sandaka
    • MN 77 Mahasakuludayi Sutta: The Greater Discourse to Sakuludayin
    • MN 78 Samanamandika Sutta: Samanamandikaputta
    • MN 79 Culasakuludayi Sutta: The Shorter Discourse to Sakuludayin
    • MN 80 Vekhanassa Sutta: To Vekhanassa
    • MN 81 Ghatikara Sutta: Ghatikara the Potter
    • MN 82 Ratthapala Sutta: On Ratthapala
    • MN 83 Makhadeva Sutta: King Makhadeva
    • MN 84 Madhura Sutta: At Madhura
    • MN 85 Bodhirajakumara Sutta: To Prince Bodhi
    • MN 86 Angulimala Sutta: On Angulimala
    • MN 87 Piyajatika Sutta: Born from Those Who Are Dear
    • MN 88 Bahitika Sutta: The Cloak
    • MN 89 Dhammacetiya Sutta: Monuments to the Dhamma
    • MN 90 Kannakatthala Sutta: At Kannakatthala
    • MN 91 Brahmayu Sutta: Brahmayu
    • MN 92 Sela Sutta: To Sela
    • MN 93 Assalayana Sutta: To Assalayana
    • MN 94 Ghotamukha Sutta: To Ghotamukha
    • MN 95 Canki Sutta: With Canki
    • MN 96 Esukari Sutta: To Esukari
    • MN 97 Dhananjani Sutta: To Dhananjani
    • MN 98 Vasettha Sutta: To Vasettha
    • MN 99 Subha Sutta: To Subha
    • MN 100 Sangarava Sutta: To Sangarava
    • MN 101 Devadaha Sutta: At Devadaha
    • MN 102 Pancattaya Sutta: The Five and Three
    • MN 103 Kinti Sutta: What Do You Think About Me?
    • MN 104 Samagama Sutta: At Samagama
    • MN 105 Sunakkhatta Sutta: To Sunakkhatta
    • MN 106 Anenjasappaya Sutta: The Way to the Imperturbable
    • MN 107 Ganakamoggallana Sutta: To Ganaka Moggallana
    • MN 108 Gopakamoggallana Sutta: With Gopaka Moggallana
    • MN 109 Mahapunnama Sutta: The Greater Discourse on the Full-moon Night
    • MN 110 Culapunnama Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on the Full-moon Night
    • MN 111 Anupada Sutta: One by One As They Occurred
    • MN 112 Chabbisodhana Sutta: The Sixfold Purity
    • MN 113 Sappurisa Sutta: The True Man
    • MN 114 Sevitabbasevitabba Sutta: To Be Cultivated and Not To Be Cultivated
    • MN 115 Bahudhatuka Sutta: The Many Kinds of Elements
    • MN 116 Isigili Sutta- Isigili: The Gullet of the Seers
    • MN 117 Mahacattansaka Sutta: The Great Forty
    • MN 118 Anapanasati Sutta: Mindfulness of Breathing
    • MN 119 Kayagatasati Sutta: Mindfulness of the Body
    • MN 120 Sankharupapatti Sutta: Reappearance by Aspiration
    • MN 121 Culasunnata Sutta: The Shorter Discourse on Voidness
    • MN 122 Mahasunnata Sutta: The Greater Discourse on Voidness
    • MN 123 Acchariya-abbhuta Sutta: Wonderful and Marvellous
    • MN 124 Bakkula Sutta: Bakkula
    • MN 125 Dantabhumi Sutta: The Grade of the Tamed
    • MN 126 Bhumija Sutta: Bhumija
    • MN 127 Anuruddha Sutta: Anuruddha
    • MN 128 Upakkilesa Sutta: Imperfections
    • MN 129 Balapandita Sutta: Fools and Wise Men
    • MN 130 Devaduta Sutta: The Divine Messengers
    • MN 131 Bhaddekaratta Sutta: One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 132 Anandabhaddekaratta Sutta: Ananda and One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 133 Mahakaccanabhaddekaratta Sutta: MahaKaccana and One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 134 Lomasakangiyabhaddekaratta Sutta: Lomasakangiya and One Fortunate Attachment
    • MN 135 Cula Kamma Vibhanga Sutta
    • MN 136 Mahakammavibhanga Sutta: The Greater Exposition of Action
    • MN 137 Salayatanavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of the Sixfold Base
    • MN 138 Uddesavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of a Summary
    • MN 139 Aranavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of Non-Conflict
    • MN 140 Dhatuvibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of the Elements
    • MN 141 Saccavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of the Truths
    • MN 142 Dakkhinavibhanga Sutta: The Exposition of Offerings
    • MN 143 Anathapindikovada Sutta: Advice to Anathapindika
    • MN 144 Channovada Sutta: Advice to Channa
    • MN 145 Punnovada Sutta: Advice to Punna
    • MN 146 Nandakovada Sutta: Advice from Nandaka
    • MN 147 Cularahulovada Sutta: The Shorter Discourse of Advice to Rahula
    • MN 148 Chachakka Sutta: The Six Sets of Six
    • MN 149 Mahasalayatanika Sutta: The Great Sixfold Base
    • MN 150 Nagaravindeyya Sutta: To the Nagaravindans
    • MN 151 Pindapataparisuddhi Sutta: The Purification of Almsfood
    • MN 152 Indriyabhavana Sutta: The Development of the Faculties
  • Samyutta Nikaya (Connected discourse)
    • PART I: The Book with Verses (Sagathavagga) >
      • Chapter 1 Devata-samyutta: Connected Discourses with Devatas
      • ​Chapter 2 Devaputta Sutta: Connected discourse with young devas
      • ​Chapter 3 Kosala-Samyutta (With the Kosalan)
      • Chapter 4 Mara-samyutta (Mara)
      • Chapter 5 Bhikkhuni-Samyutta (With Bhikkunis)
      • Chapter 6 Brahma-Samyutta (With Brahmas)
      • Chapter 7 Brahmana- Samyutta (With Brahmins)
      • Chapter 8 Vangisa- Samyutta (With Vangisa)
      • Chapter 9 Vana-Samyutta (In the woods)
      • Chapter 10 Yakkha- Samyutta (With Yakkhas)
      • Chapter 11 Sakka-Samyutta (with Sakka)
    • Part II The Book of Causation (Nidana Vaggasamyutta) >
      • Chapter 1 Nidana Samyutta (On Causation)
      • Chapter 2 Abhisamaya-Samyutta (On the Breakthrough )
      • Chapter 3 Dhatu Samyutta (On Elements)
      • Chapter 4 Anamatagga Samyutta (On Without Discoverable Beginning​)
      • Chapter 5 Kassapa Samyutta (With Kassapa)
      • Chapter 6 Labhasakkara Samyutta (On Gains and Honor)
      • Chapter 7 Rahula-Samyutta
      • Chapter 8 Lakkhana-Samyutta (With Lakkhana)
      • ​Chapter 9 Opamma- Samyutta (With Similes)
      • Chapter 10 Bhikkhu-Samyutta (With Bhikkhus)
    • Part III The book of aggregates (Khandhavagga) >
      • Chapter 1 Khanda Samyutta (On the aggregates)
      • Chapter 2 Radha Samyutta (With Radha)
      • Chapter 3 Ditthi Samyutta (On Views)
      • Chapter 4 Okkanti Samyutta (On Entering)
      • Chapter 5 Uppada Samyutta (On Arising)
      • Chapter 6 Kilesa Samyutta (On Defilements)
      • Chapter 7 Sariputta Samyutta (With Sariputta)
      • Chapter 8 Naga Samyutta (On Nagas)
      • Chapter 9 Supanna Samyutta (On Supannas)
      • Chapter 10 Ghandhabba Samyutta (On Ghandhabbas)
      • Chapter 11 Valahaka Samyutta (On Cloud Devas)
      • Chapter 12 Vacchagotta Samyutta (With Vacchagotta)​
      • Chapter 13 Jhana Samyutta (On Meditation)
    • Part IV The Book of Six Sense Bases (Salayatanavagga) >
      • Chapter 1 Salayatana Samyutta (On Six Sense Bases)
      • Chapter 2 Vedana Samyutta
      • Chapter 3 Matugama Samyutta (On Women)
      • Chapter 4 Jambukhādaka Saṃyutta (With Jambukhadaka)
      • Chapter 5 Samandaka Samyutta (With Samandaka)
      • Chapter 6 Moggallana Samyutta (With Moggallana)
      • Chapter 7 Citta Samyutta (With Citta)
      • Chapter 8 Gamani Samyutta (To Headmen)
      • Chapter 9 Asankhata Samyutta: On the unconditioned
      • Chapter 10 Abyakata Samyutta (On the undeclared)
    • Part V The Great Book (Maha Vaggasamyutta) >
      • Chapter 1 Magga Samyutta (On the path)
      • Chapter 2 Bojjhanga Samyutta (On the factors of enlightenment)
      • Chapter 3 Satipatthana Samyutta (Establishments of Mindfulness)
      • Chapter 4 Indriya Samyutta (On the Faculties)
      • Chapter 5 Sammappadhana Samyutta (On the Right Strivings)
      • Chapter 6 Bala Samyutta (On the Powers)
      • Chapter 7 Iddhipada Samyutta (On the bases for Spiritual power)
      • Chapter 8 Anuruddha Samyutta (With Anuruddha)
      • Chapter 9 Jhana Samyutta (On the Jhanas)
      • Chapter 10 Anapana Samyutta (On Breathing)
      • Chapter 11 Sotapatti Samyutta (On Stream Entry)
      • Chapter 12 Sacca Samyutta (On the truths)
  • Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical discourse)
    • The Book of the Ones (Ekakanipāta) >
      • I Obsession of the mind. II Abandoning the hindrances, ​III Unwieldy & IV Untamed
      • V A Spike VI Luminous VII Arousal of Energy, VIII Good Friendship, IX Heedlessness & X Internal
      • XI Non-Dhamma, XII Not an offense, XIII One Person, ​XIV Foremost XV Impossible & XVI One thing
      • XVII Qualities Engendering confidence, XVIII Finger Snap, XIX Mindfulness directed to the body & XX The Deathless
    • The Book Of Twos (Dukanipata) >
      • I Entering upon the rains, II Disciplinary Issues, III Fools, IV Same-Minded & V Assembles
      • VI People, VII Happiness, VIII With a basis,IX Dhamma, X Fools & XI Desires
      • XII Aspiring XIII Gifts XIV Munificence
      • ​XV Meditative Attainment, XVI Anger , XVII Unwholesome repetition series, ​​XVIII Discipline Repetition Series, XIX Lust and so forth repetition series
    • The Book of Threes (Tikanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
    • The Book of Fours (Catukkanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
      • Fourth Fifty
      • Fifth Fifty
    • The Book of Fives (Pancakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
      • Fourth Fifty
      • Fifth Fifty
      • Sixth Fifty
    • The Book of Sixes (Chakkanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of Sevens (Sattakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of Eights ( Atthakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of The Nines (Navakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
    • The Book of Tens (Dasakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
      • Second Fifty
      • Third Fifty
      • Fourth Fifty
      • An Extra Fifty
    • The Book of Elevens (Ekadasakanipata) >
      • First Fifty
  • Khuddaka Nikāya
  • Dhammapada
    • Dhammapada Chapter 1 verse 1-20 (The twins)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 2 Verse 21-32 (Heedfulness)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 3 Verse 33-43 (Mind)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 4 Verse 44-59 (Flowers)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 5 Verse 60-75 (Fools)
    • Dhammapada Chapter 6 Verse 76-89 The Wise
    • Dhammapada Chapter 7 Verse 90- 99 The Arahant
    • Dhammapada Chapter 8 Verse 100-115 The thousands
    • Dhammapada Chapter 9 Verse 116-128 Evil
    • Dhammapada Chapter 10 Verse 129-145 Punishment
    • Dhammapada Chapter 11 Verse 146-156 Old age
    • Dhammpada Chapter 12 Verse 157-166: Self
    • Dhammapada Chapter 13 Verse 167-178 World
    • Dhammapada Chapter 14 Verse 179-196: The Buddha
    • Dhammapada Chapter 15 Verse 197-208: Happiness
    • Dhammapada Chapter 16 Verse 209-220: Affection
    • Dhammapada Chapter 17 Verse 221-234 : Anger
    • Dhammapada Chapter 18 Verse 235-255: Impurities
    • Dhammapada Chapter 19 Established Verse 256-272
    • Dhammapada Chapter 20 Verse 273-289 : The Path
    • Dhammapada Chapter 21 Verse 290-305: Miscellaneous
    • Dhammapada Chapter 22 Verse 306-319: Hell
    • Dhammapada Chapter 23 Verse 320-333: The Great
    • Dhammapada Chapter 24 Craving Verse 334-359
    • Dhammapada Chapter 25 The Monk Verse 360-382
    • Dhammapada Chapter 26 Brahmana Verse 383-423
  • Vinaya Pitaka
  • Abhidhamma
  • Great Disciples of the Buddha
    • Chief disciple Ven Sariputta
    • Chief disciple Ven Moggallana
    • Mahakassapa
    • Ananda
    • Anuruddha
    • Mahakaccana
    • Bhikkhuni Mahapajapati Gotami
    • Visakha and other Bhikkhunis
    • Aṅgulimāla
    • Anāthapiṇḍika
    • Shorter lives of the disciples
  • Ordination Procedure (Upasampadàvidhã )
    • Chapter 1 Upasampada
    • Chapter 2 The Vinaya
    • Chapter 3 Ordination Procedure
    • Chapter 4 Admonition Anusasana
    • Chapter 5 Preliminary Duties for a New Bhikkhu
    • Chapter 6 Daily chanting
    • Appendices
  • THE DHAMMA WAY
    • Why should we practise Mettā?
    • How to make Merits?
    • Do you cultivate the Four Divine Abodes?
    • Q&A on Buddhist’s Misconceptions
    • Will Buddhism disappear from the world?
    • Have you seen Relics?
    • Are there karmically genetic diseases?
    • What is the Buddhist approach to crime and punishment?
    • Let’s practise ‘Paccavekkhana’
  • Patipadā Venerable Ãcariya Mun’s Path of Practice
    • Chapter 1 Kammatthåna
    • Chapter 2 Training the Mind
    • Chapter 3 The White-robed Upåsaka
    • Chapter 4 More About Training & Venerable Ajaan Mun’s Talk
    • Chapter 5 Stories of Bhikkhus Who Practise
    • Chapter 6 The Ascetic Practices (Dhutangas)
    • Chapter 7 The Story of Venerable Ajaan Chob
    • Chapter 8 Bhikkhus of the “Modern Kind”
    • Chapter 9 About Beings in the Realm of Ghosts
    • Chapter 10 The Practice of the Dhutangas
    • Chapter 11 The Nature of Greed & Fighting Pain and Kilesas
    • Chapter 12 A Short Biography of Venerable Ajaan Khao
    • Chapter 13 Methods of Bhåvanå
    • Chapter 14 The Importance of Mindfulness
    • Chapter 15 The Kammatthåna Bhikkhus’ Ways of Behaviour
    • Chapter 16 The Customs of Kammatthåna Bhikkhus
    • Chapter 17 How Questions Differ in Samådhi & Paññå
    • Chapter 18 More on Behaviour & Dhamma Discussions
    • Chapter 19 The Story of Venerable Ajaan Brom
    • Chapter 20 Venerable Ajaan Mun’s Practice & His Methods of Teaching
  • Venerable Ãcariya Mun Bhýridatta Thera — A Spiritual Biography —
    • The Early Years
    • The Middle Years
    • A Heart Released
    • The Chiang Mai Years
    • Unusual Questions, Enlightening Answers
    • The Final Years
    • The Legacy
    • Appendix I
    • Appendix II
  • Things as they are
    • Introduction
    • From Ignorance to Emptiness
    • The Tracks of the Ox
    • The path of strength
    • The Savor of the Dhamma
    • The Middleness of the Middle Way
    • The Simile of the Horse
    • Principles in the Practice, Principles in the Heart
    • The Four Frames of Reference
    • The Work of a Contemplative
    • The Fangs of Ignorance
    • The Outer Space of Mind
    • To Be an Inner Millionaire
    • Every Grain of Sand
  • Arahattamagga Arahattaphala (The Path to Arahantship)
    • ARAHATTAMAGGA (The direct route to the end of all suffering)
    • ARAHATTAPHALA
    • ARAHATTAPATTA
    • APPENDIX
  • Forest Dhamma
    • Introduction
    • Wisdom Develops Samadhi
    • Samadhi I
    • Samadhi 2
    • Samadhi 3
    • Wisdom
    • The Funeral Desana
    • Dhamma Talk 1
    • The development of meditation
    • Part 2 Kammatthana
  • Paritta Chants
  • Dhamma Ebooks links
  • Autobiographies of Ajahns
  • Blog