Buddham Dhammam

Recommended for intermediate students

UDUMBARIKASUTTA

DN 25

The Lion's Roar at Udumbarikā's Monastery

This discourse gives a specially good example of dialog between religions. The Buddha insists that he is not interested to make anyone give up their teacher or practices, but only to help people let go of suffering.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

CAKKAVATTISUTTA

DN 26

The Wheel-Turning Monarch

In illustration of his dictum that one should rely on oneself, the Buddha gives a detailed account of the fall of a kingly lineage of the past, and the subsequent degeneration of society. This process, however, is not over, as...

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

AGGAÑÑASUTTA

DN 27

The Origin of the World

In contrast with the brahmin's self-serving mythologies of the past, the Buddha presents an account of evolution that shows how human choices are an integral part of the ecological balance, and how excessive greed destroys the...

Translations

Recommended for beginner students

SAMPASADANIYASUTTA

DN 28

Inspiring Confidence

Shortly before he passes away, Venerable Sāriputta visits the Buddha and utters a moving eulogy of his great teacher.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

PĀSĀDIKASUTTA

DN 29

An Impressive Discourse

Following the death of Nigantha Nātaputta, the leader of the Jains, the Buddha emphasizes the stability and maturity of his own community. He encourages the community to come together after his death and recite the teachings in...

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

LAKKHAŅASUTTA

DN 30

The Marks of a Great Man

This presents the brahmanical prophecy of the Great Man, and explains the 32 marks in detail. This discourse contains some of the latest and most complex verse forms in the canon.

Translations

Recommended for beginner students

SINGALASUTTA

DN 31

Advice to Sigālaka

The Buddha encounters a young man who honors his dead father by performing rituals. The Buddha recasts the meaningless rites in terms of virtuous conduct. This is the most detailed discourse on ethics for lay people.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

ĀTĀNĀṬIYASUTTA

DN 32

The Ātānāṭiya Protection

Mighty spirits hold a congregation, and warn the Buddha that, since not all spirits are friendly, the mendicants should learn verses of protection.

Translations

Recommended for experienced students

SAṄGĪTISUTTA

DN 33

Reciting in Concert

The Buddha encourages Venerable Sāriputta to teach the mendicants, and he offers an extended listing of Buddhist doctrines arranged in numerical sequence.

Translations

Recommended for experienced students

DASUTTARASUTTA

DN 34

Up to Ten

This is similar to the previous, but with a different manner of exposition. These two discourses anticipate some of the methods of the Abhidhamma.

Translations