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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 43 Eight Worldly Conditions

Vicissitudes of Life (Atthalokadhamma)
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This ill-balanced world is not absolutely rosy. Nor is it totally thorny. The rose is soft, beautiful and fragrant. But the stem
on which it grows is full of thorns. What is rosy is rosy; what is thorny is thorny. Because of the rose one will not meddle
with the thorns nor will one disparage the rose on account of the thorns.

To an optimist this world is absolutely rosy; to a pessimist this world is absolutely thorny. But to a realist this world is
neither absolutely rosy nor absolutely thorny. It abounds with beautiful roses and prickly thorns as well, from a realistic
standpoint. An understanding person will not be infatuated by the beauty of the rose but will view it as it is. Knowing well the nature of the thorns, he will view them as they are and will take the precaution not to be wounded.

Like the pendulum that perpetually turns to the right and left, four desirable and undesirable conditions prevail in this
world which everyone, without exception, must perforce face in the course of one’s lifetime. They are gain (lābha) and loss (alābha), fame (yasa) and defame (ayasa), praise (pasamsā) and blame (nindā), happiness (sukha) and pain (dukkha).

Gain and Loss

Business men, as a rule, are subject to both gain (lābha) and loss (alābha). It is quite natural to be complacent in obtaining a gain or a profit. In itself there is nothing wrong. Such righteous or unrighteous profits produce some pleasure which average men seek. Without pleasurable moments, though temporary, life would not be worth living. In this competitive and chaotic world rarely do people enjoy some kind of happiness which gladdens their hearts. Such happiness, though material, does conduce to health and longevity.

The problem arises in case of loss. Profits one can bear smilingly but not so the losses. More often than not they lead to mental derangement and sometimes to suicide when the losses are unbearable. It is under such adverse circumstances
that one should exhibit moral courage and maintain a balanced mind. All have ups and downs while battling with life.
One should always be prepared for the losses in particular.

Then there will be less disappointment. When something is stolen naturally one feels sad. But by becoming sad one would not be able to retrieve the loss. One should think that someone had benefited thereby though unrighteously. May he be well and happy! 

Or one can console oneself thinking:— “It’s only a minor loss.” One may even adopt a highly philosophical attitude
“there is nothing to be called Me or Mine.”

In the time of the Buddha once a noble lady was offering food to the Venerable Sāriputta and some monks. While serving
them she received a note stating that her husband and all her sons who had gone to settle a dispute were waylaid and killed. Without getting upset, calmly she kept the note in her waist-pouch and served the monks as if nothing had
happened. A maid, who was carrying a pot of ghee to offer to the monks, inadvertently slipped and broke the pot of ghee.

Thinking that the lady would naturally feel sorry over the loss, Venerable Sāriputta consoled her, saying that all breakable
things are bound to break. The wise lady unperturbly remarked – “Bhante, what is this trivial loss? I have just received
a note stating that my husband and sons were killed by some assassins. I placed it in my pouch without losing my balance.
I am serving you all despite the loss.”

Such valour on the part of courageous women is highly commendable. Once the Buddha went seeking alms in a village. Owing to the intervention of Māra the Evil One, the Buddha did not obtain any food. When Māra questioned the Buddha rather sarcastically whether He was hungry or not, the Buddha solemnly explained the mental attitude of those who are free from Impediments, and replied:— “Ah, happily do we live, we who have no Impediments. Feeders of joy shall we be even as the gods of the Radiant Realm.”

On another occasion the Buddha and His disciples observed vassa (rainy period) in a village at the invitation of a brahmin, who, however, completely forgot his duty to attend to the needs of the Buddha and the Sangha. Throughout a period of three months, although Venerable Moggallāna volunteered to obtain food by his psychic powers, the Buddha, making
no complaint, was contented with the fodder of horses offered by a horse-dealer.

Visākhā, the Buddha’s chief female lay disciple, used to frequent the monastery to attend to the needs of the Buddha
and the Sangha decked with a very valuable outer garment. On entering the monastery, she used to remove it and give it
to the maid for safe custody. Once the maid inadvertently left it in the temple and returned home. Venerable Ānanda, noticing it, kept it in a safe place to be given to Visākhā when she visited the monastery. Visākhā discovering the loss advised the maid to look for it but not to take it back in case any Bhikkhu had touched it. On inquiry the maid understood
that Venerable Ānanda had kept it in safe custody. Returning home, she reported the matter.

Visākhā visited the monastery and inquired of the Buddha w at meritorious act should she perform with the money obtained by selling the costly garment. The Buddha advised her to build a monastery for the benefit of the Sangha. As there
was nobody to buy the garment because of its high cost, she herself bought it and built a monastery and offered it to the
Sangha. After the offering, she expressed her gratitude to the maid, saying:— “If you had not inadvertently left my garment, I would not have got an opportunity to perform this meritorious act. Please share the merit.”

Instead of grieving over the temporary loss and reprimanding the maid for her carelessness she thanked her for granting an opportunity for service. The exemplary attitude of cultured Visākhā is a memorable lesson to all those who are quickly irritated over the misdoings of helpless servants.

Losses one must try to bear cheerfully with manly vigour. Unexpectedly one confronts them, very often in groups
and not singly. One must face them with equanimity (upekkhā) and think it is an opportunity to practise that sublime virtue.​
​Fame and Defame

Fame (yasa) and defame (ayasa) are another pair of inevitable worldly conditions that confront us in the course of our daily
lives. Fame we welcome, defame we dislike. Fame gladdens our mind, defame disheartens us. We desire to become famous. We long to see our names and pictures appear in the papers. We are greatly pleased when our activities, however insignificant, are given publicity. Sometimes we seek undue publicity too.

To see their picture in a magazine some are ready to pay any amount. To obtain an honour some are prepared to offer any bribe or give a fat donation to the party in power. For the sake of publicity some exhibit their generosity by giving alms
to one hundred monks and even more, but they may be totally indifferent to the sufferings of the poor and the needy in the
neighbourhood. One may charge and punish a starving person who, to appease his hunger, were to steal a coconut in his
garden, but would not hesitate to present thousand coconuts to get a good name. These are human frailties.

Most people do even a good action with an ulterior motive. Selfless persons who act disinterestedly are rare in this world.
Even if the motive is not very praiseworthy, those who do any good are to be congratulated on having done a beneficial act.
Most worldlings have something up their sleeves. Well, who is hundred percent good? How many are perfectly pure in
their motives? How many are absolutely altruistic? We need not hunt after fame. If we are worthy of fame, it will come to us unsought. The bee will be attracted to the flower, laden with honey. The flower however, does not invite the bee.

True indeed, we feel naturally happy, nay extremely happy, when our fame is spread far and wide. But we must realize
that fame, honour and glory only lead to the grave. They vanish in thin air. Empty words are they, though pleasing to the
ear.
What about defame? It is not palatable either to the ear or mind. We are undoubtedly perturbed when unkind defamatory
words pierce our ears. The pain of mind is still greater when the so-called report is unjust and absolutely false. Normally it takes years to erect a magnificent building. In a minute or two, with modern devastating weapons, it could easily be demolished. Sometimes it takes years or a lifetime to build up a good reputation. In no long time the hard-earned good name can be ruined. Nobody is exempt from the devasting remark beginning with the infamous “but”.

Yes, he is very good, he does this and that, but… His whole good record is blackened by the so-called “but”. You may live the life of a Buddha, but you will not be exempt from criticism, attacks and insults. The Buddha was the most famous and the most maligned religious teacher in His time. Great men are often not known; even if they are known, they are misknown.

Some antagonists of the Buddha spread a rumour that a woman used to spend the night in the monastery. Foiled in this base attempt, they spread a false rumour amongst the populace that the Buddha and His disciples murdered that very woman and hid her corpse in the rubbish-heap of withered flowers within the monastery. When His historic mission met with success and when many sought ordination under Him, His adversaries maligned Him, saying that He was robbing
the mothers of their sons, depriving wives of their husbands, and that He was obstructing the progress of the nation.

Failing in all these attempts to ruin His noble character, His own cousin and a jealous disciple of His, attempted to kill
him by hurling a rock from above. 

Being a Buddha, He could not be killed.
If such be the sad fate of faultless, pure Buddhas, what can be the state of ordinary mortals?
The higher you climb a hill, the more conspicuous you become and much smaller in the eyes of others. Your back is revealed but your front is hidden. The fault-finding world exhibits your shortcomings and misdoings but hides your salient
virtues. The winnowing fan ejects the husks but retains the grains: the strainer, on the contrary, retains the gross remnants
but drains out the sweet juice. The cultured take the subtle and remove the gross; the uncultured retain the gross and reject the subtle.
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When you are misrepresented, deliberately or undeliberately unjustly reported, as Epictetus advises, it is wise to think
or say – “O, by his slight acquaintanceship and little knowledge of myself I am slightly criticised. But if I am known better,
more serious and much greater would be the accusations
against me.”

It is needless to waste time in correcting the false reports unless circumstances compel you to necessitate a clarification.
The enemy is gratified when he sees that you are hurt. That is what he actually expects. If you are indifferent, such misrepresentations will fall on deaf cars.

In seeing the faults of others, we should behave like a blin person. In hearing unjust criticism of others, we should behave
like a deaf person. In speaking ill of others, we should behave like a dumb person. It is not possible to put a stop to false accusations, reports  and rumours.

The world is full of thorns and pebbles. It is impossible to remove them. But if we have to walk in spite of such obstacles,
instead of trying to remove them, which is impossible, it is advisable to wear a pair of slippers and walk harmlessly.

The Dhamma teaches:
Be like a lion that trembles not at sounds.
Be like the wind that does not cling to the meshes of a net.
Be like a lotus that is not contaminated by the mud from which it springs up.
Wander alone like a rhinoceros.
Being the king of the forest, lions are fearless. By nature they are not frightened by the roaring of other animals. In this
world we may hear adverse reports, false accusations, degrading remarks of uncurbed tongues. Like a lion, we should not
even listen to them. Like the boomerang they will end where they began.

Dogs bark, caravans peacefully move on. We are living in a muddy world. Numerous are the lotuses that spring therefrom. Without being contaminated by the mud, they adorn the world. Like lotuses we should try to lead blameless noble lives unmindful of the mud that may be thrown at us.

We should expect mud to be thrown at us instead of roses. Then there will be no disappointment. Though difficult we should try to cultivate non-attachment. Alone we come, alone we go. Non-attachment is happiness in this world. Unmindful of the poisonous darts of uncurbed tongues alone we should wander serving others to the best of our ability.
It is rather strange that great men have been slandered, vilified, poisoned, crucified, or shot. Great Socrates was poisoned. Noble Jesus Christ was ruthlessly crucified. Harmless Mahatma Gandhi was shot. Well, is it dangerous to be too good? Yes, during their lifetime they are criticised, attacked and killed. After death they are deified and honoured.

Great men are indifferent to fame or defame. They are not upset when they are criticised or maligned for they work not
for fame or name. They are indifferent whether others recognise their services or not. “To work they have the right but not
to the fruit thereof.”

Praise and Blame

Praise (pasamsā) and blame (nindā) are two more worldly conditions that affect mankind. It is natural to be elated when
praised and to be depressed when blamed. Amidst praise and blame, the Buddha says, the wise do not exhibit either elation or depression. Like a solid rock that is not shaken by the wind they remain unmoved.

Praise, if worthy, is pleasing to the ears; if unworthy, as in the case of flattery, though pleasing, it is deceptive. But they are
all sounds which have no effect if they do not reach our ears. From a worldly standpoint a word of praise goes a long
way. By praising a little a favour can easily be obtained. One word of merited praise is sufficient to attract an audience before one speaks. If, at the outset, a speaker praises the audience, he will have attentive ears. If he criticises the audience at the outset, the response will not be satisfactory.

The cultured do not resort to flattery nor do they wish to be flattered by others. The praiseworthy they praise without any jealousy. The blame worthy they blame not contemptuous but out of compassion with the object of reforming them.
Great men are highly praised by the great and small who know them well though they are utterly indifferent to such
praise.

Many who knew the Buddha intimately extolled the virtues of the Buddha in their own way. One Upāli, a millionaire,
a new convert, praised the Buddha, enumerating hundred virtues ex tempore. Nine sterling virtues of the Buddha that were current in His time are still being recited by His followers, looking at His image. They are a subject of meditation
to the devout. Those well-merited virtues are still a great inspiration to His followers.

What about blame?
The Buddha says:—“ They who speak much are blamed. They who speak a little are blamed. They who are silent are also blamed. In this world there is none who is not blamed.”

Blame seems to be a universal legacy to mankind. The majority of the people in the world, remarks the Buddha, are ill-disciplined. Like an elephant in the battle-field that endures all arrows shot at him, even so, the Buddha says, do I suffer all insults. The deluded and the wicked are prone to seek only the ugliness in others but not the good and beautiful.
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None, except the Buddha, is hundred percent good. Nobody is hundred percent bad either. There is evil in the best of us. There is good in the worst of us. He who silences himself like a cracked gong when attacked, insulted and abused, he, I say, the Buddha exhorts, is in the presence of Nibbāna although he has not yet attained Nibbāna.

One may work with the best of motives. But the outside world very often misconstrues him and will impute motives
never even dreamt of. One may serve and help others to the best of one’s ability sometimes by incurring debt or selling one’s articles or property to save a friend in trouble. But later, the deluded world is so constituted that those very persons whom one has helped will find fault with him, blackmail him, blemish his good character and will rejoice in his downfall.

In the Jātaka stories it is stated that Guttila the musician taught everything he knew to his pupil without a closed fist, but the ungrateful man he was, he unsuccessfully tried to compete with his teacher and ruin him.

Devadatta, a pupil and cousin of the Buddha who had developed psychic powers, not only tried to discredit the Buddha
but also made an unsuccessful attempt to crush Him to death by hurling a rock from above while He was pacing up and
down below.

On one occasion the Buddha was invited by a brahmin for alms to his house. As He was invited, the Buddha visited his
house. Instead of entertaining Him, he poured forth a torrent of abuse with the filthiest of words. The Buddha politely inquired:—“Do visitors come to your house good brahmin?”
“Yes”, he replied.
“What do you do when they come?”
“Oh, we prepare a sumptuous feast.”
“If they fail to turn up, please?”
“Why, we gladly partake of it.”
“Well, good brahmin, you have invited me for alms and entertained me with abuse. I accept nothing. Please take it back.”

The Buddha did not retaliate, but politely gave back what the brahmin gave Him. Retaliate not, the Buddha exhorts.
Vengeance will be met with vengeance. Force will be met with force. Bombs will be met with bombs. “Hatreds do not cease
through hatreds, but through love alone they cease” is a noble utterance of the Buddha.

There was no religious teacher so highly praised and so severely criticised, reviled and blamed like the Buddha. Such
is the fate of great men. In a public assembly a vile woman named Cincā feigning pregnancy, maligned the Buddha. With a smiling face the Buddha patiently endured the insult and the Buddha’s innocence was proved.

The Buddha was accused of murdering a woman assisted by His disciples. Non-Buddhists severely criticised the Buddha
and His Disciples to such an extent that the Venerable Ānanda appealed to the Buddha to leave for another village. – “How, Ānanda, if those villagers also abuse us?”
– “Well then, Lord, we will proceed to another village.”
– “Then Ānanda, the whole of India will have no place for us. Be patient. These abuses will automatically cease.”

Māgandiyā, a lady of the harem, had a grudge against the Buddha for speaking ill of her attractive figure when her father,
through ignorance, wished to give her in marriage to the Buddha. She hired drunkards to insult the Buddha in public. With perfect equanimity the Buddha endured the insults. But Māgandiyā had to suffer for her misdemeanour.

Insults are the common lot of humanity. The more you work and the greater you become, the more are you subject to
insult and humiliation.
​Jesus Christ was insulted, humiliated and crucified. Socrates was insulted by his own wife. Whenever he went out to help others his intolerant wife used to scold him. One day as she was unwell she failed to perform her unruly task. Socrates left home on that day with a sad face. His friends inquired why he was sad. He replied that his wife did not scold him on that day as she was unwell.

“Well, you ought to be happy for not getting that unwelcome scolding,” remarked his friends.
“Oh no! When she scolds me I get an opportunity to practise patience. Today I missed it. That is the reason why I am
sad,” answered the philosopher. These are memorable lessons for all.

When insulted we should think that we are being given an opportunity to practise patience. Instead of being offended,
we should be grateful to our adversaries.

Happiness and Pain

Happiness (sukha) and pain (dukkha) are the last pair of opposites. They are the most powerful factors that affect mankind. What can be endured with ease is sukha (happiness), what is difficult to bear is dukkha (pain). Ordinary happiness is the
gratification of a desire. No sooner is the desired thing gained than we desire some other kind of happiness. So insatiate are
our selfish desires. The enjoyment of sensual pleasures is the highest and only happiness to an average person. There is no
doubt a momentary happiness in the anticipation, gratification and recollection of such material pleasures highly priced
by the sensualist, but they are illusory and temporary.

Can material possessions give one genuine happiness? If so, millionaires would not think of committing suicide. In a certain country which has reached the zenith of material progress about ten percent suffer from mental diseases. Why should it be so if material possessions alone can give genuine happiness?

Can dominion over the whole world produce true happiness? Alexander, who triumphantly marched to India, conquering
the lands on the way, sighed for not having more pieces of earth to conquer. Are Emperors and Kings who wear crowns always happy? Very often the lives of statesmen who wield power are at stake. The pathetic cases of Mahatma Gandhi and J. F. Kennedy are illustrative examples.

Real happiness is found within, and is not to be defined in terms of wealth, power, honours or conquests. If such worldly possessions are forcibly or unjustly obtained, or are misdirected, or even viewed with attachment, they will be a source of pain and sorrow for the possessors. What is happiness to one may not be happiness to another. What is meat and drink to one may be poison to another.

The Buddha enumerates four kinds of happiness for a layman. They are the happiness of possession (atthi sukha), namely,
health, wealth, longevity, beauty, joy, property, strength, children, etc. The second source of happiness is derived by the enjoyment of such possessions (bhoga sukha). Ordinary men and women wish to enjoy themselves. The Buddha does not advise all to renounce their worldly pleasures and retire to solitude.

The enjoyment of wealth lies not only in using it for ourselves but also in giving it for the welfare of others. What we eat is only temporary. What we preserve we leave and go. What​ we give we take with us. We are remembered for ever by the
good deeds we have done with our worldly possessions. Not falling into debt (ananasukha) is another source of happiness.
If we are contented with what we have and if we are economical, we need not be in debt to any one. Debtors live in mental agony and are under obligation to their creditors.

Though poor, when debt free, you feel relieved and are mentally happy. Leading a blameless life (anavajjasukha) is one of the best sources of happiness for a layman. A blameless person is a blessing to himself and to others. He is admired by all and feels happier, being affected by the peaceful vibrations of others. It should be stated however that it is very, very difficult to get a good name from all. The noble-minded persons are concerned only with a blameless life and are indifferent to external approbation.

The majority in this world delight themselves in enjoying pleasures while some others seek delight in renouncing them. Non-attachment or the transcending of material pleasures is happiness to the spiritual. Nibbānic bliss, which is a bliss of relief from suffering, is the highest form of happiness. Ordinary happiness we welcome, but not its opposite –pain, which is rather difficult to endure.

Pain or suffering comes in different guises. We suffer when we are subject to old age which is natural. With equanimity we have to bear the sufferings of old age. More painful than sufferings due to old age are sufferings caused by disease, which, if chronic, we feel that death is preferable. Even the slightest toothache or headache is sometimes unbearable.

When we are subject to disease, without being worried, we should be able to bear it at any cost. Well, we must console ourselves thinking that we have escaped from a still more serious disease. Very often we are separated from our near and dear ones.

Such separation causes great pain of mind. We should understand that all association must end with separation. Here is a
good opportunity to practise equanimity. More often than not we are compelled to be united with the unpleasant which we detest. We should be able to bear them. Perhaps we are reaping the effects of our own Kamma, past or present. We should try to accommodate ourselves to the new situation or try to overcome the obstacle by some means or other.

Even the Buddha, a perfect being, who has destroyed all defilements, had to endure physical suffering caused by disease
and accidents. The Buddha was constantly subject to headache. His last illness caused Him much physical suffering. As a result of Devadatta’s hurling a rock to kill Him, His foot was wounded by a splinter which necessitated an operation.

​Sometimes He was compelled to starve. At times He had to be contented with horse-fodder. Due to the disobedience of His own pupils, He was compelled to retire to a forest for three months. In the forest, on a couch of leaves spread on rough ground, facing piercing cool winds, He slept with perfect equanimity. Amidst pain and happiness He lived with a balanced mind. Death is the greatest sorrow we are compelled to face in the course of our wanderings in samsāra. Sometimes, death comes not singly but in numbers which may even cause insanity.

Patācārā lost her near and dear ones – parents, husband, brother and two children – and she went mad. The Buddha
consoled her.
Kisā Gotami lost her only infant, and she went in search of a remedy for her dead son, carrying the corpse. She approached
the Buddha and asked for a remedy.
“Well, sister, can you bring some mustard seed?”
“Certainly, Lord!”
“But, sister, it should be from a house where no one has died.”
Mustard seeds she found, but not a place where death had not visited.

She understood the nature of life. When a mother was questioned why she did not weep over the tragic death of her only son, she replied; “Uninvited he came, uninformed he went. As he came, so he went. Why should we weep? What avails weeping?”

As fruits fall from a tree – tender, ripe or old – even so we die in our infancy, in the prime of manhood or even in old age.
The sun rises in the East only to set in the West. Flowers bloom in the morning to fade in the evening. Inevitable death, which comes to all without exception, we have to face with perfect equanimity.

“Just as the earth whate’er is thrown Upon her, whether sweet or foul,
Indifferent is to all alike, No hatred shows, nor amity,
So likewise he in good or ill, Must even-balanced ever be.”

The Buddha says:— When touched by worldly conditions the mind of an Arahant never wavers. Amidst gain and loss, fame and defame, praise and blame, happiness and pain, let us try to maintain a balanced mind.
​​​​​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