Buddham Dhammam

Susīmasutta

SN 11.2

With Susīma

When Sakka, the Lord of Gods, tries to organize a conterattack against the demons, he is frustrated by his lazy general Susīma. Sakka asks Susīma how one might get what one wants without effort; but Susīma apparently believes...

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Dhajaggasutta

SN 11.3

The Banner’s Crest

Sakka rallies his troops with the sight of his banner. But the Buddha points out that the deities, powerful as they are, are not free of fear, but he is. He encourages the mendicants to recollect the Triple Gem to abandon fear.

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Vepacittisutta

SN 11.4

With Vepacitti

In a battle between the gods and the demons, and the demon lord Vepacitti is captured and brought in chains to Sakka’s hall. Vepacitti abuses Sakka, who endures his harsh words in patience. The charioteer Mātali asks whether he...

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Subhāsitajayasutta

SN 11.5

Victory by Good Speech

The demon lord Vepacitti proposes to Sakka that they engage in a battle of wits in debate rather than war. Vepacitti speaks in praise of forceful punishment, while Sakka stands up for patience and forgiveness.

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Kulāvakasutta

SN 11.6

Bird Nests

Fleeing the demon host, Sakka’s chariot risks endangering the nests of little birds in the forest. Rather than render the birds homeless, Sakka instructs his charioteer to turn back, even at the cost of his life.

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Nadubbhiyasutta

SN 11.7

Not Betray

Sakka reflects that one should not harm even one’s enemy. Knowing this, Vepacitti immediately takes advantage of it.

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Verocanaasurindasutta

SN 11.8

Verocana, Lord of Titans

Sakka, lord of gods, and Verocana, lord of demons, approach the Buddha’s hut and speak in praise of effort.

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Araññāyatanaisisutta

SN 11.9

Seers in the Wilderness

In days gone by, Sakka, lord of gods, and Vepacitti, lord of demons, visited a hermitage of seers. But Vepacitti behaves rudely, while Sakka honors them. However, the seers beg Sakka to leave, on account of the stink of their...

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Samuddakasutta

SN 11.10

Seers by the Ocean

In the past, when battle between the gods and demons loomed, some seers sought out the demon lord Sambara to beg for protection. But due to their devotion to Sakka, he rejected them, so they cursed him.

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