Buddham Dhammam

Bhikkhu Bodhi

English

Recommended for beginner students

VERAÑJAKASUTTA

MN 42

The People of Verañjā

Similar to the previous. The Buddha explains the conduct leading to rebirth in higher or lower states, including detailed explanations of the ten core practices.

Translations

Recommended for experienced students

MAHĀVEDALLASUTTA

MN 43

The Great Classification

A series of questions and answers between Sāriputta and Mahākotthita, examining various subtle and abstruse aspects of the teachings.

Translations

Recommended for experienced students

CŪĻAVEDALLASUTTA

MN 44

The Shorter Classification

The layman Visākha asks the nun Dhammadinnā about various difficult matters, including some of the highest meditation attainments. The Buddha fully endorses her answers.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

CŪLADHAMMASAMĀDĀNASUTTA

MN 45

The Shorter Discourse on Taking Up Practices

The Buddha explains how taking up different practices may have harmful or beneficial results. The memorable simile of the creeper shows how insidious temptations can be.

Translations

Recommended for beginner students

MAHĀDHAMMASAMĀDĀNASUTTA

MN 46

The Great Discourse on Taking Up Practices

While we all want to be happy, we often find the opposite happens. The Buddha explains why.

Translations

Bhikkhu Bodhi

English

Recommended for intermediate students

VĪMAṀSAKASUTTA

MN 47

The Inquirer

While some spiritual teachers prefer to remain in obscurity, the Buddha not only encouraged his followers to closely investigate him, but gave them a detailed and demanding method to do so.

Translations

Bhikkhu Bodhi

English

Recommended for intermediate students

KOSAMBIYASUTTA

MN 48

The Mendicants of Kosambī

Despite the Buddha's presence, the monks of Kosambī fell into a deep and bitter dispute. The Buddha taught the reluctant monks to develop love and harmony, reminding them of the state of peace that they sought.

Translations

Recommended for experienced students

BRAHMANIMANTANIKASUTTA

MN 49

On the Invitation of Divinity

The Buddha ascends to a high heavenly realm where he engages in a cosmic contest with a powerful divinity, who had fallen into the delusion that he was eternal and all-powerful.

Translations

Recommended for intermediate students

MĀRATAJJANĪYASUTTA

MN 50

The Rebuke of Māra

Māra, the trickster and god of death, tried to annoy Moggallāna. He not only failed but was subject to a stern sermon warning of the dangers of attacking the Buddha's disciples.

Translations