Buddham Dhammam

Recommended for beginner students

RAṬṬHAPĀLASUTTA

MN 82

With Raṭṭhapāla

A wealthy young man, Raṭṭhapāla, has a strong aspiration to go forth, but has to prevail against the reluctance of his parents. Even after he became a monk, his parents tried to persuade him to disrobe. The discourse ends with a...

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Bhikkhu Bodhi

English

Recommended for intermediate students

MAGHADEVASUTTA

MN 83

About King Maghadeva

A rare extended mythic narrative, telling of an ancient kingly lineage and their eventual downfall.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

MADHURASUTTA

MN 84

At Madhurā

In Madhurā, towards the north-eastern limit of the Buddha's reach during his life, King Avantiputta asks Venerable Mahākaccāna regarding the brahmanical claim to be the highest caste.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

BODHIRĀJAKUMĀRASUTTA

MN 85

With Prince Bodhi

Admitting that he used to believe that pleasure was to be gained through pain, the Buddha explains how his practice showed him the fallacy of that idea.

Translations

Recommended for beginner students

AṄGULIMĀLASUTTA

MN 86

With Aṅgulimāla

Ignoring warnings, the Buddha ventures into the domain of the notorious killer Aṅgulimāla and succeeds in converting him to the path of non-violence. After becoming a monk Aṅgulimāla still suffered for his past deeds, but only to...

Translations

Recommended for beginner students

PIYAJĀTIKASUTTA

MN 87

Born From the Beloved

A rare glimpse into the marital life of King Pasenadi, and how he is led to the Dhamma by his Queen, the incomparable Mallikā. She confirms the Buddha's teaching that our loved ones bring us sorrow; but that's not something a...

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