SYNOPSIS OF THE NIKAYAS OF PRESECTARIAN
BUDDHISM
DIGHA NIKAYA
The Collection of Long Discourses, and is arranged in
three vaggas or
sections.
I. SILAKKHANDHA VAGGA
1. Brahmajala Sutta (1). "The Net of Brahma" or the Perfect
Net, in
which are caught all the 62 heretical forms of speculation
concerning
the world and the false-self taught by the other teachers
of the time.
2. Samannaphala Sutta (2). "The Fruits of the Homeless
Life." The Buddha
explains to King Ajatasattu the advantages of joining
the Buddhist Order
and renouncing the life of the world.
3. Ambattha Sutta (3). Pride of birth and its fall. A
dialogue with
Ambattha on caste. Contains reference to the legend of
King Okkaka, the
traditional founder of the Sakya clan.
4. Sonadanda Sutta (4). Dialogue with the Brahmin Sonadanda
on the
characteristics of the true Brahmin.
5. Kutadanta Sutta (5). Dialogue with the Brahmin Kutadanta
condemning
animal sacrifice.
6. Mahali Sutta (6). Dialogue with Mahali on deva like
vision and
hearing and the attainment of full enlightenment.
7. Jaliya Sutta (7). On the nature of the life principle
as compared
with the body.
8. Kassapasihanada Sutta (8). A dialogue with the naked
ascetic Kassapa
against self mortification.
9. Potthapada Sutta (9). A discussion with Potthapada
on the nature of
the soul, in which the Buddha states the question to
be irrelevant and
not conducive to enlightenment.
10. Subha Sutta (10). A discourse, attributed to Ananda,
on conduct,
concentration and wisdom.
11. Kevaddha Sutta (11). The Buddha refuses to allow
a bhikkhu to
perform a miracle. Story of the monk who visited the
devas (deities) to
question them.
12. Lohicca Sutta (12). Dialogue with the Brahmin Lohicca
on the ethics
of teaching.
13. Tevijja Sutta (13). On the futility of a knowledge
of the Vedas as
means to attaining companionship with Brahma.
II. MAHA VAGGA
14. Mahapadana Sutta (14). The Sublime Story of the Buddha
Gotama and
his six predecessors; also the Discourse on the Buddha
Vipassi, his
descent from the Tusita heaven to the commencement of
his mission
15. Mahanidana Sutta (15). On the "chain of causation"
and theories of
the soul.
16. Mahaparinibbana Sutta (16). The Great Discourse that
records the
passing of the Tathagata into Parinibbana.
17. Mahisudassana Sutta (17). The Great King of Glory.
The story of a
previous existence of the Buddha, as King Sudassana.
Told by the Buddha
on his death bed.
18. Janavasabha Sutta (18). The Buddha relates the story
of the yakkha
(demon) Janavasabha to the people of Nadika.
19. Mahagovinda Sutta (19). The heavenly musician Pancasikha
relates the
story of Mahagovinda to the Buddha, who states that he
himself was
Mahagovinda.
20. Mahasamaya Sutta (20). The devas of the Pure Abode
and their
evolution.
21. Sakkapanha Sutta (21). Sakka, the lord of devas,
visits the Buddha,
and learns from him that everything that originates is
subject also to
dissolution.
22. Mahasatipatthana Sutta (22). Discourse on the Foundations
of
Antecedent-conjoinment from the body, feelings, thoughts,
and states of
mind. With a commentary on the Four Noble Truths.
23. Payasi Sutta (23). Kumarakassapa converts Payasi
from the heresy
that there is no future life or reward of actions.
III. PATIKA VAGGA
24. Patika Sutta (24). Story of the disciple who follows
other teachers
because the Buddha does not work miracles or teach the
origin of things.
25. Udumbarikasihanada Sutta (25). The Buddha discusses
asceticism with
the ascetic Nigrodha.
26. Cakkavattisihanada Sutta (26). Story of the universal
king, the
corruption of deeds and their restoration, and the coming
of the future
Buddha Metteyya.
27. Agganna Sutta (27). A discussion on caste, and an
exposition on the
origin of things (as in No.24) down to the origin of
the four castes.
28. Sampasadaniya Sutta (28). A dialogue between the
Buddha and
Sariputta, who describes the Teaching of the Buddha and
asserts his
faith in him.
29. Pasadika Sutta (29). The Delectable Discourse. Discourse
of the
Buddha on the perfect and the imperfect teacher.
30. Lakkhana Sutta (30). The 32 marks of a Great Man.
31. Sigalovada Sutta (31). The Sigala homily on the duties
of the
householder to the six classes of persons.
32. Atanatiya Sutta (32). On the Four Great Kings and
their spell for
protection against evil.
33. Sangiti Sutta (33). Sariputta outlines the principles
of the
teaching in ten numerical groups.
34. Dasuttara Sutta (34). Sariputta outlines the doctrine
in tenfold
series.
MAJJHIMA NIKAYA
This division consists of 152 suttas of medium length
arranged in 15
vaggas, roughly classified according to subject matter.
BOOK 1
I. MULAPARIYAYA VAGGA
1. Mulapariyaya Sutta (35). How states of consciousness
originate.
2. Sabbasava Sutta (36). On the elimination of the cankers.
3. Dhammadayada Sutta (37). Exhorting the bhikkhus to
realize the
importance of the Dhamma and the non-importance of their
physical wants.
4. Bhayabherava Sutta (38). On braving the fears and
terrors of the
forest. Also the Buddha's account of his Enlightenment.
5. Anahgana Sutta (39). A dialogue between Sariputta
and Mogallana on
the attainment of freedom from depravity.
6. Akankheyya Sutta (40). On those things for which a
bhikkhu may wish.
7. VatthupamaSutta (41). The parable of the soiled cloth
and the defiled
mind.
8. Sallekha Sutta (42). On the elimination of self and
false views; how
to efface defilements.
9. Sammaditthi Sutta (43). A discourse by Sariputta on
the revelation of
perfection.
10. Satipatthana Sutta (44). The same as Digha No. 22,
but without the
detailed explanation of the Four Noble Truths.
2. SIHANADA VAGGA
11. Culasihanada Sutta (45).
12. Mahasihanada Sutta (46). The short and the long "challenge"
suttas.
The foolishness of ascetical practices.
13. Mahadukkhakkhandha Sutta (47).
14. Culadukkhakkhandha Sutta (48). The long and the short
discourses on
the suffering inherent in sensual pleasures.
15. Anumana Sutta (49). By Moggallana, on the value of
introspection.
(There is no reference to the Buddha throughout.)
16. Cetokhila Sutta (50). On the five mental bondages.
17. Vanapattha Sutta (51). On the advantages and disadvantages
of the
forest life.
18. Madhupindika Sutta (52). The Buddha gives a brief
outline of his
teaching, which Kaccina elaborates.
19. Dvedhavitakka Sutta (53). The parable of the lure
of sensuality.
Repetition of the Enlightenment as in (38).
20. Vitakkasanthana Sutta (54). Methods of Buddhist-practice
to dispel
undesirable thoughts.
3. TATIYA VAGGA
21. Kakacupama Sutta (55). The simile of the saw. On
the control of the
feelings and the mind under the most severe provocation.
22. Alagaddupama Sutta (56). Simile of the water snake.
Holding wrong
views of the Dhamma is like seizing a snake by the tail.
23. Vammika Sutta (57). The simile of the smoldering
ant hill as the
human body.
24. Rathavinita Sutta (58). Punna explains the purpose
of the holy life
to Sariputta.
25. Nivapa Sutta (59). Parable of Mara as a sower or
hunter laying baits
for the deer.
26. Ariyapariyesana Sutta (60). The Noble Quest. The
Buddha's account of
his renunciation, search, and his attainment of Enlightenment.
27. Culahatthipadopama Sutta (61). The short "elephant's
footprint"
simile, on the bhikkhu's training.
28. Mahahatthipadopama Sutta (62). The long "elephant's
footprint"
simile, on the Four Noble Truths.
29. Mahasaropama Sutta (63). On the danger of gain, honor
and fame. Said
to have been delivered when Devadatta left the Order.
30. Culasaropama Sutta (64). Development of the preceding
sutta. On
attaining the essence of the Dhamma.
4. MAHAYAMAKA VAGGA
31. Culagosinga Sutta (65). A conversation of the Buddha
with three
bhikkhus, who speak on harmonious living and relate their
attainments to
him.
32. Mahagosihga Sutta (66). A conversation between six
bhikkhus who
discuss what kind of monk makes the forest beautiful.
33. Mahagopalaka Sutta (67). On the eleven bad and good
qualities of a
herdsman and a monk.
34. Culagopalaka Sutta (68). Simile of the foolish and
wise herdsman
crossing the river.
35. Cuiasaceaka Sutta (69). A discussion between the
Buddha and the
debater Saccaka, on the nature of the five aggregates
and other topics.
36. Mahasaecaka Sutta (70). The account of the Buddha's
asceticism and
Enlightenment, with instructions on Samma Buddhist-practice.
37. Calatanhasankhaya Sutta (71). Sakka asks the Buddha
about freedom
from craving and satisfactorily repeats his reply to
Moggallana.
38. Mahatanhasankhaya Sutta (72). Refutation of the wrong
view of a
bhikkhu who thinks that it is consciousness that transmigrates.
39. Maha assapura Sutta (73). See (74) below.
40. Cula assapura Sutta (74). The great and the small
discourses given
at Assapura, on the duties of an ascetic.
5. CULAYAMAKA VAGGA
41. Saleyyaka Sutta (75). A discourse to the Brahmins
of Sala: why some
beings go to heaven and some to hell.
42. Veranjaka Sutta (76). The same discourse repeated
to the
householders of Veranja.
43. Mahavedalla Sutta (77). A psychological discourse
by Sariputta to
Mahakotthita.
44. Culavedalla Sutta (78). A psychological discourse
by the bhikkhuni
Dhammadinna to the lay devotee Visakha.
45. Culadhammasamadana Sutta (79). See (80) below.
46. Mahadhammasamadana Sutta (80). The short and long
discourses on the
results of good and bad conduct.
47. Vimamsaka Sutta (81). On the Samma methods of investigation
of the
Buddha.
48. Kosambiya Sutta (82). A discourse to the bhikkhus
of Kosambi on the
evil of quarrelling.
49. Brahmanimantanika Sutta (83). The Buddha converts
Baka the Brahma
from the heresy of permanency.
50: Maratajjaniya Sutta (84). Moggallana admonishes Mara.
6. GAHAPATI VAGGA
51. Kandaraka Sutta (85). Discourse on the four kinds
of personalities;
the steps to liberation.
52. Atthakanagara Sutta (86). A discourse by Ananda on
the ways of
attainment of Nibbana.
53. Sekha Sutta (87). The Buddha opens a new meeting
hall at
Kapilavastthu, and Ananda discourses on the training
of the disciple.
54. Potaliya Sutta (88). The Buddha explains to Potaliya
the real
significance of the abandonment of worldliness.
55. Jivaka Sutta (89). The Buddha explains the ethics
of meat eating.
56. Upeli Sutta (90). The conversion of Upali the Jain.
57. Kukkuravatika Sutta (91). A dialogue on kamma between
the Buddha and
two ascetics.
58. Abhayarajakumara Sutta (92). The Jain Nataputta sends
Prince Abhaya
to question the Buddha on the condemnation of Devadatta.
59. Bahuvedaniya Sutta (93). On different classifications
of feelings
and the gradation of pleasure.
60. Apannaka Sutta (94). On the "Certain Doctrine," against
various
heresies.
7. BHIKKHU VAGGA
61. Ambalatthika Rahulovada Sutta (95). The discourse
on falsehood,
given by the Buddha to Rahula.
62. Maharahulovada Sutta (96). Advice to Rahula on contemplation,
stressing antecedent-conjoinment of breathing.
63. Culamalunkya Sutta (97). Why the Buddha does not
answer certain
types of speculative questions.
64. Mahamalunkya Sutta (98). On the five lower fetters.
65. Bhaddali Sutta (99). The confession of Bhaddali,
and the Buddha's
counsel.
66. Latukikopama Sutta (100). Advice on renunciation
of the world.
67. Catuma Sutta (101). Advice to boisterous bhikkhus
at Catuma.
68. Nalakapana Sutta (102). The Buddha questions Anuruddha
concerning
certain points of the Dhamma.
69. Gulissani Sutta (103). Rules for those who, like
Gulissani, live in
the forest.
70. Kitagiri Sutta (104). The conduct to be followed
by various classes
of bhikkhus.
8. PARIBBlJAKA VAGGA
71. Tevijjavacchagotta Sutta (105). The Buddha visits
the ascetic
Vacchagotta and claims that he is called tevijja (possessing
the three
fold knowledge) because he has recollection of his previous
lives,
supernormal vision, and knowledge of the way to the elimination
of the
taints (asava).
72. Aggivaechagotta Sutta (106). The danger of theorizing
about the
world, etc.
73. Mahavacchagotta Sutta (107). Further explanation
to Vacchagotta on
the conduct of lay disciples and bhikkhus.
74. Dighanakha Sutta (108). The Buddha refutes the ascetic
Dighanakha.
Sariputta attains arahatship.
75. Megandiya Sutta (109). The Buddha relates his renunciation
of the
life of the senses, and dilates on the abandonment of
sensual desires.
76. Sandaka Sutta (110). Ananda refutes various wrong
views in
discussion with the ascetic Sandaka.
BOOK 2
77. Mahasakuludayi Sutta (111). On the five reasons why
the Buddha is
honored.
78. Samanamandika Sutta (112). On the qualities of perfect
virtue.
79. Culasakuludayi Sutta (113). The Jain leader Mataputta,
and the way
to true happiness.
80. Vekhanassa Sutta (114). A repetition of part of the
preceding sutta,
with additional matter on the five senses.
9. RAJA VAGGA
81. Ghatikara Sutta (115). The Buddha tells Ananda of
his previous
existence as Jotipala.
82. Ratthapala Sutta (116). The story of Ratthapala,
whose parents
endeavored in vain to dissuade him from entering the
Sangha.
83. Mahadeva Sutta (117). The story of the Buddha's previous
life as
King Makhadeva.
84. Madhura Sutta (118). A discourse given after the
Buddha's decease by
Kaccana to King Avantiputta on the real meaning of caste.
85. Bodhirajakumara Sutta (119). The Buddha tells the
story of his
renunciation and Enlightenment as in (60) and (70).
86. Aitgulimala Sutta (120). Story of the conversion
of Angulimala, the
robber chief.
87. Piyajatika Sutta (121). The Buddha's counsel to a
man who has just
lost a son, and the dispute between King Pasenadi and
his wife thereon.
88. Bahitika Sutta (122). Ananda answers a question on
conduct put by
Pasenadi, who presents him with a piece of foreign cloth.
89. Dhammacetiya Sutta (123). Pasenadi visits the Buddha
and extols the
holy life.
90. Kannakatthala Sutta (124). A conversation between
the Buddha and
Pasenadi on caste, the devas, and Brahma.
10. BRAHMANA VAGGA
91. Brahmayu Sutta (125). On the thirty two marks of
a Great Man, the
Buddha's daily routine, and the conversion of the Brahmin
Brahmayu.
92. Sela Sutta (126). The Brahmin Sela sees the thirty-two
marks of a
Buddha and is converted. (The same story is related in
Sutta Nipata
3:7.)
93. Assalayana Sutta (127). The Brahmin Assalayana discusses
caste with
the Buddha. An important presentation of the Buddha's
teaching on this
subject:
94. Ghotamukha Sutta (128). The Brahmin Ghotamukha questions
the monk
Udena on the value of the renunciate life, and builds
an assembly hall
for the Sangha.
95. Canki Sutta (129). Discourse on Brahmin doctrines,
and the Buddha's
way to realization of ultimate truth.
96. Esukari Sutta (130). Discourse on caste and its functions.
97. Dhananjani Sutta (131). Sariputta tells the Brahmin
Dhananjani that
family duties are no excuse for wrongdoing.
98. Vasettha Sutta (132). Discourse, mostly in verse,
on the nature of
the true Brahmin. (This recurs in Sutta Nipata 3:9.)
99. Subha Sutta (133). On whether a man should remain
a householder or
leave the world.
100. Sangarava Sutta (134). The Brahmin woman who accepted
the Dhamma,
and a discourse on the holy life. Also repetition of
parts of (60) and
(70).
II. DEVADAHA VAGGA
101. Devadaha Sutta (135). The Buddha discourses on the
attainment of
the goal by the living of the life.
102. Pancattaya Sutta (136). On five theories of the
soul and that the
way of release (Nibbana) does not depend on any of them.
103. Kinti Sutta (137). Rules for bhikkhus who dispute
about the Dhamma
and who commit transgressions.
104. Samagama Sutta (138). After the death of Nataputta,
the Buddha's
discourse on dispute and harmony.
105. Sunakkhatta Sutta (139). The simile of extracting
the arrow of
craving.
106. Ananjasappaya Sutta (140). Buddhist-practices on
impassibility and
the attainments, and on true release.
BOOK 3
107. Ganakamoggallana Sutta (141). A discourse to Ganakamoggallana
on
the training of disciples.
108. Gapakamoggallana Sutta (142). After the decease
of the Buddha,
Ananda explains to Vassakara that the Dhamma is now the
only guide.
109. Mahapunnama Sutta (143). The Buddha answers the
questions of a
bhikkhu concerning the khandhas.
110. Culapunnama Sutta (144). A discourse on the bad
man and the good
man.
12. ANUPADA VAGGA
111. Anupada Sutta (145). The Buddha praises Sariputta
and his analysis
of mind.
112. Chabbisodhana Sutta (146). On the questions to ask
a bhikkhu who
declares he has attained arahantship.
113. Sappurisa Sutta (147). On the good and bad qualities
of a bhikkhu.
114. Sevitabbasevitabba Sutta (148). Sariputta expounds
the right way to
live the holy life.
115. Bahudhatuka Sutta (149). Lists of elements and principles
in a
dialogue between the Buddha and Ananda.
116. Isigili Sutta (150). The Buddha on paccekabuddhas.
117. Mahacattarisaka Sutta (151). Exposition of the Noble
Eightfold
Path.
118. Anapanasati Sutta (152). Antecedentness by breath.
119. Kayagatasati Sutta (153). Buddhist-practice antecedent
to the body.
120. Sankharuppatti Sutta (154). On the development of
the five
qualities enabling a bhikkhu to determine the conditions
of his rebirth.
13. SUNNATA VAGGA
121. Culasunnata Sutta (155). Buddhist-practice on what-is-emptiness.
122. Mahasunnata Sutta (156). Instruction to Ananda on
the practice of
Buddhist-practice on emptiness.
123. Acchariyabbhutadhamma Sutta (157). On the marvelous
life of a
bodhisattva. A repetition of part of (14) but applied
to the Buddha
himself.
124. Bakkula Sutta (158). Bakkula converts his friend
Acelakassapa.
125. Dantabhumi Sutta (159). By the simile of elephant
training, the
Buddha shows how one should instruct another in the Dhamma.
126. Bhumija Sutta (160). Bhumija answers the questions
of Prince
jayasena.
127. Anuruddha Sutta (161). Anuruddha explains emancipation
of mind to
the householder Pancakanga.
128. Upakkilesa Sutta (162). The Buddha appeases the
quarrels of the
bhikkhus of Kosambi and discourses on right Buddhist-practice.
129. Balapandita Sutta (163). On rewards and punishments
after death.
130. Devaduta Sutta (164). On the fate of those who neglect
the
messengers of death.
14. VIBHANGA VAGGA
131. Bhaddekaratta Sutta (165). A poem of four verses,
with a commentary
on striving.
132. Anandabhaddekaratta Sutta (166). Ananda's exposition
of the same
poem.
133. Mahakaccanabhaddekaratta Sutta (167). Mahakaccana
expounds the same
poem.
134. Lomasakangiyabhaddekaratta Sutta (168). The Buddha
expounds the
same poem to Lomasakangiya.
135. Culakammavibhanga Sutta (169). The Buddha explains
the various
results of different kinds of kamma.
136. Mahakammavibhanga Sutta (170). The Buddha refutes
those who deny
the operation of kamma.
137. Salayatanavibhanga Sutta (171). The analysis of
the six senses.
138. Uddesavibhanga Sutta (172). Mahakaccana dilates
on an aspect of
consciousness.
139. Aranavibhanga Sutta (173). The middle path between
two extremes,
and the opposite courses that lead to conflicts and to
their cessation.
140. Dhatuvibhanga Sutta (174). The story of Pukkusati,
who recognizes
the Master by his teaching. The analysis of the elements.
141. Saccavibhanga Sutta (175). Statement of the Four
Noble Truths. A
commentary thereon by Sariputta.
142. Dakkhinavibhafiga Sutta (176). On gifts and givers.
15. SALAYATANA VAGGA
143. Anathapindikovada Sutta(177).The death of Anathapindika,
his
rebirth in Tusita heaven, and his appearance to the Buddha.
144. Channovada Sutta (178). Story of the Thera Channa
who, when sick,
was instructed by Sariputta, but finally committed suicide.
145. Punnovada Sutta (179). The Buddha's instruction
to Punna on bearing
pleasure and pain.
146. Nandakovada Sutta (180). Nandaka catechizes Mahapajapati
and 500
bhikkhunis on impermanence.
147. Cularahulovada Sutta (181). The Buddha takes Rahula
to the forest
and questions him on impermanence. The devas come to
listen to the
discourse.
148. Chachakka Sutta (182). On the six sixes (of the
senses).
149. Mahasalayatanika Sutta (183). On the penetration
of what are the
senses and their qualities.
150. Nagaravindeyya Sutta (184). The Buddha's instruction
on the kinds
of ascetics and Brahmins who are to be honored.
151. Pindapataparisuddhi Sutta (185). Instruction to
Sariputta on the
training of the disciple.
152. Indriyabhavana Sutta (186). The Buddha rejects the
methods of the
Brahmin Parasariya for subduing the senses and expounds
his own method.
SAMYUTTA NIKAYA
The "grouped" or "connected" series of suttas which either
deal with a
specific doctrine or devolve on a particular personality.
There are
fifty six samyuttas divided into five vaggas containing
2,889 suttas.
1. SAGATHA VAGGA
1.Devata Samyutta (187). Questions of devas.
2. Devaputta (188). Questions of the sons of devas.
3. Kosala (189). Anecdotes of King Pasenadi of Kosala.
4. Mara (190). Mara's hostile acts against the Buddha
and disciples.
5. Bhikkhuni (191). Mara's unsuccessful seduction of
nuns and his
arguments with them.
6. Brahma (192). Brahma Sahampati requests the Buddha
to preach the
Dhamma to the world.
7. Brahmana (193). Bharadvaja Brahmin's encounter with
the Buddha and
his conversion.
8. Vangisa (194). Vangisa, the foremost poet among the
bhikkhus, tells
of his eradication of lust.
9. Vana (195). Forest deities direct undeveloped bhikkhus
on the
Samma-unific path.
10. Yakkha (196). Demons' encounters with the Buddha
and with nuns.
11. Sakka (197). The Buddha enumerates the qualities
of Sakka, King of
the Gods.
2. NIDANA VAGGA
12. Nidana Samyutta (198). The explanation of paticcasamuppada
(the
[THERAVADA INTERJECTED] doctrine of dependent origination).
13. Abhisamaya (199). The encouragement to attain penetration
of the
Dhamma.
14. Dhatu (200). The description of physical, mental
and abstract
elements.
15. Anamatagga (201). On the "incalculable beginning"
(of samsara).
16. Kassapa (202). Exhortation of Kassapa.
17. Labhasakkara (203). "Gains, favors and flattery."
18. Rahula (204). The instructing of Rahula.
19. Lakkhana (205). Questions of Lakkhana on petas (ghosts).
20. Opamma (206). Various points of Dhamma illustrated
by similes.
21. Bhikkhu (207). Admonitions of the Buddha and Moggallana
to the
bhikkhus.
3. KHANDHA VAGGA
22. Khandha Samyutta (208). The aggregates, physical
and mental, that
constitute the "false-individual." As opposed to the
real self
23. Radha (209). Questions of Radha.
24. Ditthi (210). Delusive views arise from clinging
to the aggregates.
25. Okkantika (211). Entering the Path through confidence
(saddha) and
through wisdom (panna ).
26. Uppada (212). Arising of the aggregates leads to
dukkha.
27. Kilesa (213). Defilements arise from the six-fold
sense base and
sense consciousness.
28. Sariputta (214). Sariputta answers Ananda's question
concerning the
calming of the senses.
29. Naga (215). Enumeration of four kinds of nagas, serpents.
30. Supanna (216). Enumeration of four kinds of garudas,
magical birds.
31. Gandhabbakaya (217). Description of the gandhabba,
celestial
musicians.
32. Valahaka (218). Description of the cloud spirits.
33. Vacchagotta (219). Vacchagotta's metaphysical questions.
34. Samadhi (220). Enumeration of the four types of practisers
of the
jhanas (meditative absorptions).
4. SAI.AYATANA VAGGA
35. Salayatana Samyutta (221). The six fold sense base
and the correct
attitude towards it.
36. Vedana (222). The three kinds of feeling and the
correct attitude
towards them.
37. Matugama (223). The destinies of women according
to their qualities.
38. Jambukhadaka (224). Questions of the wanderer Jambukhadaka
to
Sariputta.
39. Samandaka (225). Questions of the wanderer Samandakato
Sariputta.
40. Moggallana (226). Moggallana explains the jhanas
to the bhikkhus.
41. Citta (227). Senses and sense objects are not intrinsically
evil,
only the unwholesome desires that arise through their
contact.
42. Gamani (228). The definitions of "wrathful" and "kindly."
43. Asafkhata (229). The Unconditioned (Nibbana).
44. Avyakata (230). Speculative questions put by King
Pasenadi to Khema,
Anuruddha, Sariputta and Moggallana.
5. MAHA VAGGA
45. Magga Samyutta (231). The Noble Eightfold Path.
46. Bojjhanga (232). The seven factors of enlightenment
(antecedent-conjoinment, investigation, energy, happiness,
calm,
concentration, equanimity).
47. Satipatthana (233). The four foundations of antecedent-conjoinment.
48. Indriya (234). The five faculties (confidence, energy,
antecedent-conjoinment, concentration, wisdom).
49. Sammappadhana (235). The four Samma efforts.
50. Bala (236). The five powers (as for faculties above).
51. Iddhipada (237). The four psychic powers (will, energy,
thought,
investigation).
52. Anuruddha (238). Supernormal powers attained by Anuruddha
through
antecedent-conjoinment.
53. Jhana (239). The four jhanas.
54. Anapana (240). Antecedent-conjoinment of breathing.
55. Sotapatti (241). Description of a `stream enterer.'
56. Sacca (242). The Four Noble Truths.
ANGUTTARA
NIKAYA
There are eleven classified groups (nipatas), the subject
of the first
being single items followed by groups of two items and
so on, to the
final group of eleven items. Each nipata is divided into
vaggas, each of
which contains ten or more suttas, there being 2,308
suttas in all.
1. Ekaka Nipata (243). The mind concentrated/unconcentrated,
trained/untrained, cultivated/ uncultivated; exertion,
diligence, the
Buddha, Sariputta, Moggallana, Mahakassapa; views Samma/khandic;
concentration samma/khandic.
2. Duka (244). Two kinds of kamma (either producing results
in this life
or leading to rebirth), cause of origin of good and evil;
hopes and
desires, gain and longevity; two kinds of gifts (that
of material things
and that of Dhamma); two assemblies of bhikkhus: those
who have
realized/not realized the Four Noble Truths those who
live/do not live
in harmony.
3. Tika (245). Three offences of body, speech and mind;
three
praiseworthy acts: generosity, renunciation, maintenance
of parents;
exertion to: checking growth of unarisen evil states,
developing
unarisen good states, removing arisen evil states; heretical
views: that
pleasant and painful and neither pleasant nor painful
experiences are
caused by previous actions, that these experiences are
providential,
that these experiences are causeless.
4. Catukka (246). Undisciplined persons lack conduct,
concentration,
insight, emancipation; the ignorant increase demerit
by praising the
unworthy, blaming the worthy, rejoicing when one should
not rejoice, not
rejoicing when one should rejoice; four kinds of persons:
neither wise
nor pious, not wise but pious, wise but impious, both
wise and pious;
bhikkhus should remain content with their robes, alms,
dwelling places
and medicines; four kinds of happiness: living in a suitable
environment, association with a well developed
man, self realization,
accumulated merit in the past; the four "divine abodes":
loving
kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity;
four qualities
guarding a bhikkhu against lapsing: observation of sila,
control of the
sense doors, moderation in eating, constant antecedent-conjoinment;
four
ways of self concentration: for a happy condition in
this life, for
knowledge and insight, for antecedent-conjoinment and
self possession,
for destruction of the defilements; four persons fostering
hatred,
hypocrisy, gains and honors other than connected with
the Dhamma; four
mistaken views: impermanence for permanence, pain for
pleasure, non self
for self, impurity for purity; four faults of ascetics
and Brahmins:
drinking fermented liquor, addiction to sense pleasures,
accepting
money, earning their livelihood by unethical means; four
fields in merit
bringing happiness: rightly believing the Buddha as fully
enlightened,
the Dhamma as well expounded, the Sangha as well established,
the
disciples as being free from impurities; four ways of
living together:
the vile with the vile, the vile with the good, the good
with the vile,
the good with the good; offering food gives the recipient:
long life,
beauty, happiness, physical strength; four conditions
for worldly
prosperity: persistent effort, protecting one's earnings,
good
friendship, balanced livelihood; four conditions for
spiritual
prosperity: confidence, morality, charity, wisdom; four
families of
snakes to whom one should extend loving kindness; four
Samma efforts;
four unthinkables: the sphere of a Buddha, the jhanas,
kamma and result,
speculating over the origin of the world; four pilgrimages:
to the sites
of the Buddha's birth, Enlightenment, First Sermon and
decease; four
kinds of beneficial/non beneficial speech: truthfulness
/lying, non
backbiting/backbiting, gentle/ harsh, thoughtful /frivolous;
four
essential qualities: morality, concentration, wisdom
and emancipation;
four faculties: confidence, energy, antecedent-conjoinment,
concentration; the four elements; four persons worthy
of monuments: the
Buddha, paccekabuddhas, arahants, "Wheel turning" kings;
bhikkhus should
not retire to the forest if given to: lust, malice, envy
or lacking
commonsense.
5. Pancaka (247). Five good characteristics of a disciple:
reverence,
modesty, abstinence from unskillful acts, energy, wisdom;
five mental
hindrances: sensual lust, ill will, sloth, restlessness
and worry,
skeptical doubt; five objects of Buddhist-practice: the
impure, non
self, death, disagreeableness of food, not finding delight
in the world;
five evil qualities: not free from passion, hatred, delusion,
hypocrisy,
malice; five good acts: loving actions of body, speech
and mind,
observance of virtue, and holding to Samma revelation.
6. Chakka (248). Six fold duty of a bhikkhu: abstaining
from distracting
work, arguments, sleep and company; humility; association
with the wise.
7. Sattaka (249). Seven kinds of wealth: reverence, good
conduct,
modesty, abstinence from unskillful acts, learning, renunciation,
wisdom; seven kinds of attachment: requesting favors,
hatred, mistaken
confidence, doubt, pride, worldly existence, ignorance.
8. Atthaka (250). Eight causes of
antecedent-conjoinment/almsgiving/earthquakes.
9. Navaka (251). Nine contemplations: impurity, death,
disagreeableness
of food, indifference to the world, impermanence, suffering
resulting
from impermanence, non self, renunciation, equanimity;
nine kinds of
persons: those who have trod the four paths to Nibbana
and experience
the "fruits" together with the worldling, etc.
10. Dasaka (252). Ten contemplations: impermanence, non
self, death,
disagreeableness of food, indifference to the world,
bone, and four
stages of a decomposing corpse worm infested, black
with decay,
fissured through decay, bloated; ten kinds of purification;
through
Samma-penetration, Samma-liberation and the eight steps
of the Noble
Eightfold Path.
11. Ekadasaka (253). Eleven kinds of happiness/ways to
Nibbana/good and
bad characteristics of a herdsman and bhikkhu.
KHUDDAKA NIKAYA
This is the division of the shorter books of the Sutta
Pitaka, the
"Division of Small Books; there are fifteen main divisions.
1. Khuddakapatha
(254). The "Text of Small Passages," contains:
(1) Saranattaya (255). The thrice repeated "Refuge Formula"
for all
Buddhists.
(2) Dasasikkhapada (256). The Ten Precepts binding on
samaneras
(novices).
(3) Dvattirttsdkiira (257). List of the 32 constituents
of the body.
(4) Kumdrapanha (258). Catechism of ten questions for
samaneras.
(5) Manlgala Sutta (259). A poem on the "greatest blessings"
(mangala).
(6) Ratana Sutta (260). A poem on the Three Jewels Buddha,
Dhamma,
Sangha.
(7) Trokudda Sutta (261). A poem on the offerings to
be made to the
ghosts of departed relatives.
(8) Nidhikanda Sutta (262). A poem on the storing up
of true treasure.
(9) Mettd Sutta (263). A poem on loving kindness.
2. Dhammapada(264).
(The Dhamma Path). A great part of this is known by
heart by every Buddhist. It consists of 423 verses arranged
in 26
vaggas.
3. Udana (265).
A collection, in eight vaggas, of eighty udanas or
"Solemn Utterances" of the Buddha. They are
mostly in verse and each is accompanied by a prose account
of the
circumstances which called it forth:
(1) Bodhi Vagga (266). Describes certain events following
the Buddha's
Enlightenment, including the famous discourse to Bahiya
which stresses
living in the present moment.
(2) Mucalinda (267). This vagga is named after the Naga
king who
shielded the Buddha with his (cobra) hood.
(3) Nanda (268). The Buddha convinces his half brother,
Nanda, of the
hollowness of worldly existence. Also contains admonitions
to the
Sangha.
(4) Meghiya (269). Ignoring the advice of the Buddha,
Meghiya retires to
a mango grove to practice Buddhist-practice but his mind
is soon
assailed with unhealthy thoughts. On returning to the
Buddha he is told
that five factors should be cultivated by one with an
undeveloped mind
good friendship, morality, profitable conversation, determination
and
insight. Also contains the stories of Sundari and the
assault on
Sariputta by a yakkha.
(5) Sonathera (270). Contains visit of King Pasenadi
to the. Buddha, the
discourse to the leper Suppabuddha, the elucidation of
the eight
characteristics of the Sasana and the first year of the
bhikkhu life of
Sona.
(6) Jaccandha (271). Contains the Buddha's hint at his
passing away,
Pasenadi's dialogue, and the story of the king who caused
men, blind
from birth, to each feel and describe an elephant illustrative
of
partial realization of truth.
(7) Cula. (272). Contains minor episodes, mainly concerning
individual
bhikkhus.
(8) Pataligama. (273). Contains the famous definition
of Nibbana as
being unborn, unbecome, unmade, uncompounded; the Buddha's
last meal and
his admonition to Ananda over Cunda; and the visit to
Pataligama where
the Buddha enunciated the five advantages of leading
a pure life and the
five disadvantages of not doing so.
4. Itivuttaka (274).
A collection of 112 short suttas in four nipatas,
each accompanied with verses. The collection takes its
name from the
words usually introducing each set of verses iti vuccati,
"thus it is
said." The work comprises the ethical teachings of the
Buddha:
(1) Ekaka Nipata (275) three vaggas. Lust, ill will,
delusion, wrath,
spite, pride, ignorance, craving, schism, lying, stinginess
are
condemned, and antecedent-conjoinment, association with
the wise,
concord, mental peace, happiness, diligence, generosity
and loving
kindness are praised.
(2) Duka (276) two vaggas. Elucidates guarding of the
sense doors and
moderation in eating, skilful actions, healthy habits
and correct views,
serenity and seclusion, shame and dread, the two kinds
of Nibbana and
the virtues of leading an energetic ascetic life.
(3) Ttka (277) five vaggas. Categorizes factors, which
are threefold:
evil roots, elements, feelings, thirsts, cankers, etc.,
and proclaims
the ideal life of a hhtkkhu.
(4) Catukka (278). Categorizes factors which are fourfold
bhikkhus'
necessities, Noble Truths, etc., and emphasizes purity
of mind for a
bhikkhu.
5. Sutta Nipata. (279).
"Collection of suttas." This comprises five
vaggas containing 71 suttas in all. The suttas, each
containing from
eight to fifty verses, are in verse with introductions
in either verse
or prose.
(i) Uragavagga (280).
1. Uraga Sutta (281). The bhikkhu who discards all human
passions anger,
hatred, craving, etc. and is free from delusion and fear,
is compared to
a snake which has shed its skin.
2. Dhaniya Sutta (282). The complacent "security" of
a worldling is
contrasted with the genuine security of the Buddha.
3. Khaggavisdna Sutta (283). The wandering life of a
bhikkhu is praised
family and social ties are to be avoided in view of their
samsaric
attachments, excepting the "good friend" (kalyanamitta).
4. Kasibharadvaja Sutta (284). Socially useful or mundane
labor is
contrasted with the no less important efforts of the
Buddha striving for
Nibbana.
5. Cunda Sutta (285). The Buddha enumerates four kinds
of samaras: a
Buddha, an arahant, a conscientious bhikkhu, a fraudulent
bhikkhu.
6. Parabhava Sutta (286). The "causes of personal downfall"
in the moral
and spiritual domains are enumerated.
7. Vasala or Aggika Bhdradvaja Sutta (287). In refutation
of the charge
"outcast," the Buddha explains that it is by actions,
not lineage, that
one becomes an outcast or a Brahmin.
8. Metta Sutta (288). The constituents of the practice
of loving
kindness towards all beings.
9. Hernavata Sutta (289). Two yakkhas have their doubts
about the
qualities of the Buddha resolved by him. The Buddha continues
by
describing the path of deliverance from death.
10. Alavaka Sutta (290). The Buddha answers the questions
of the yakkha
Alavaka concerning happiness, understanding, the path
to Nibbana.
11. Vijaya Sutta (291). An analysis of the body into
its (impure)
constituent parts and the mention of the bhikkhu who
attains Nibbana
through understanding the body's true nature.
12. Muni Sutta (292). The idealistic conception of a
muni or sage who
leads a solitary life freed from the passions.
(ii) Culavagga (293).
1. Ratana Sutta (294). A hymn to the Three Jewels: Buddha,
Dhamma and
Sangha.
2. Amagandha Sutta (295). Kassapa Buddha refutes the
Brahmanic view of
defilement through eating
meat and states that this can only come about through
an evil mind and
corresponding actions.
3. Hiri Sutta (296). A dissertation on the nature of
true friendship.
4. Mahamangala Sutta (297). 38 blessings are enumerated
in leading a
pure life starting with basic ethical injunctions and
culminating in the
realization of Nibbana.
5. Suciloma Sutta (298). In reply to the threatening
attitude of the
yakkha Suciloma, the Buddha states
that passion, hatred, doubt, etc., originate with the
body, desire and
the concept of self.
6. Dhammacariya Sutta (299). A bhikkhu should lead a
just and pure life
and avoid those of a quarrelsome nature and those who
are slaves of
desire.
7. Brahmanadhammika Sutta (300). The Buddha explains
to some old and
wealthy Brahmins the high moral standards of their ancestors
and how
they declined following greed for the king's wealth.
As a result they
induced the king to offer animal sacrifice, etc., in
order to acquire
wealth and thus lost knowledge of the Dhamma.
8. Nava Sutta (301). Taking heed of the quality of the
teacher, one
should go to a learned and intelligent man in order to
acquire a
thorough knowledge of Dhamma.
9. Kirhsila Sutta (302). The path of a conscientious
lad disciple,
Dhamma being one's first and last concern.
10. Utlhana Sutta (303). An attack on idleness and laziness.
Pierced by
the arrow of suffering, one should not rest until all
desire is
eliminated.
11. Rahula Sutta (304). The Buddha advises his son, the
novice Rahula,
to respect the wise man and associate with him and to
live up to the
principles of a recluse.
12. Vangisa Sutta (305). The Buddha assures Vangisa that
his late
teacher, Nigrodhakappa, attained Nibbana.
13. Sammdparibbajaniya Sutta (306). The path of a conscientious
bhikkhu
disciple: non attachment, eradication of the passions,
understanding the
nature of samsara.
14. Dhammika Sutta (307). The Buddha explains to Dhammika
the respective
duties of a bhikkhu and layman, the latter being expected
to keep the
Five Precepts and observe Uposatha days.
(iii) Mahavagga (308).
1. Pabbajja Sutta (309). King Bimbisara of Magadha tempts
the Buddha
with his material resources and asks after his lineage.
The Buddha
states the fact of his birth amongst the Sakyans of Kosala
and that he
has seen through the illusive nature of sensual pleasures.
2. Padhana Sutta (310). The graphic description of Mara's
temptations
immediately prior to the Buddha's Enlightenment.
3. Subhasita Sutta (311). The language of bhikkhus should
be well
spoken, pleasing, correct and true.
4. Sundarikabharadvaja Sutta (312). The Buddha explains
to the Brahmin,
Sundarika, how one becomes worthy of the honor of receiving
an offering.
5. Magha Sutta (313). The Buddha explains the above to
the layman,
Magha, and elucidates the various kinds of blessings
from offerings.
6. Sabhiya Sutta (314). Sabhiya, a wandering ascetic,
could not obtain
answers to his questions from the six famous teachers
of the time. Hence
he approaches the Buddha and becomes a disciple following
satisfactory
answers to his questions.
7. Sela Sutta (315). A Brahmin, Sela, converses with
the Buddha and is
converted with his three hundred followers.
8. Salla Sutta (316). Life is short and all are subject
to death, but
the wise, which understand the nature of life, have no
fears.
9. Vasettha Sutta (317). Two young men, Bharadvaja and
Vasettha, discuss
the question of the Brahmin: the former states that one
is a Brahmin by
birth, the latter that one becomes one only through actions.
The Buddha
subsequently confirms the latter view as being correct.
10. Kokaliya Sutta (318). Kokaliya falsely ascribes evil
desires to
Sariputta and Moggallana and subsequently comes to a
painful end through
death and rebirth in one of the hells. The Buddha then
enumerates the
different hells and describes the punishment for slandering
and back
biting.
11. Nalaka Sutta (319). The sage Asita's prophecy concerning
the future
Buddha Gotama. His sister's son, Nalaka, has the highest
state of wisdom
explained to him by the Buddha.
12. Dvayatdnupassana Sutta (320). Suffering arises from
substance,
ignorance, the five aggregates, desire, attachment, effort,
food, etc.
(iv) Atthakavagga (321).
L Kama Sutta (322). To avoid the unpleasant effects,
sensual pleasures
should be avoided.
2. Guhallhaka Sutta (323). In addition to the above,
physical existence
also should not be clung to if one is keen on attaining
deliverance from
samsara.
3. Dutthatthaka Sutta (324). One who praises his own
virtue and is tied
to dogmatic views (that differ from
man to man and sect to sect) lives a restricted life.
The sage, however,
remains self effacing and independent of philosophical
systems.
4. Suddhatthaka Sutta (325). Knowledge of philosophical
systems cannot
purify one and there is the tendency to chop and change,
never attaining
inward peace. The wise, however, are not misled by passion
and do not
cling to anything in samsara.
5. Paramatthaka Sutta (326). One should not engage in
philosophical
disputations. A true Brahmin does not and attains Nibbana.
6.Jard Sutta (327). From selfishness come greed and regrets.
The ideal
bhikkhu, a "homeless one," is independent and does not
seek purification
through others.
7. Tissa Metteyya Sutta (328). The Buddha elucidates
the kinds of
undesirable effects that follow from sensual contacts.
8. Pasura Sutta (329). The folly of debates where both
aides insult or
deride each other. If defeated, they become discontented.
Therefore,
purification cannot result.
9. Magandiya Sutta (330). Again, the Buddha emphasizes
to Magandiya, a
believer in purity through philosophy, that purity can
result only from
inward peace.
10. Purabheda Sutta (331). The conduct and characteristics
of a true
sage: freedom from craving, anger, desire, passion and
attachment, and
always calm, thoughtful, and mentally equipoised.
11. Kalahavivada Sutta (332). Arguments and disputes
arise from deeply
felt objects, etc.
12. Culaviyuha Sutta (333). A description of the different
schools of
philosophy, all contradicting one another without realizing
that Truth
is one.
13. Mahaviyuha Sutta (334). Philosophers only praise
themselves and
criticize others but a true Brahmin remains indifferent
to such dubious
intellectual attainment and is thus calm and peaceful.
14. Tuvataka Sutta (335). The bhikkhu should sever the
root of evil and
cravings, learn the Dhamma, be calm and meditative, avoid
talking,
indolence, etc., and strictly follow his prescribed duties.
15. Attadanda Sutta (336). The sage should be truthful,
undeceitful,
sober, and free from greed and slander, energetic and
without desire for
name and fame.
16. Sariputta Sutta (337). Again, this time in answer
to Sariputta's
enquiry, the Buddha lays down the principles that should
govern the life
of a bhikkhu.
(v) Parayanavagga (338).
This section consists of sixteen dialogues (puccha) between
the Buddha
and sixteen Brahmins: Ajita, Tissa Metteyya, Punnaka,
Mettagu, Dhotaka,
Upasiva, Nanda, Hemaka, Todeyya, Kappa, Jatukanni, Bhadravudha,
Udaya,
Posala, Moghariija and Pingiya. They all stress the necessity
of
eradicating desire, greed, attachment, philosophical
views, sensual
pleasures, indolence; and of remaining aloof, independent,
calm,
mindful, firm in Dhamma in order to attain Nibbana.
6. Vimanavatthu (339).
The "Stories of Celestial Mansions," being 85
poems in seven vaggas on merit and rebirth in the heaven
worlds.
7. Petavatthu (340).
This comprises 51 poems in four vaggas on rebirth
as wandering ghosts (petas) through demeritorious actions.
8. Theragatha (341).
"Verses of the Elders" (theras), containing 107
poems (1,279 gathas).
9. Therigatha (342).
"Verses of the Elder Nuns" (theras), containing 73
poems (522 gathas).
10.Jataka (343).
The Jataka or Birth Stories is a collection of 547
stories purporting to be accounts of former lives of
the Buddha Gotama.
The Nidanakatha, or "Story of the Lineage," is an introductory
commentary, which details the life of the Buddha up to
the opening of
the Jetavana monastery at Savatthi and also his former
lives under
preceding Buddhas.
11. Niddesa (344).
Divided into (1) Mahaniddesa, a commentary on the
Atthakavagga of the Sutta Nipata; and
(11) Culaniddesa, a commentary on the Parayanavagga and
the Khaggavisana
Sutta, also of the Sutta Nipata. The Niddesa is itself
commented on in
the Saddhammapaijotika of Upasena and is there attributed
to Sariputta.
12. Patisambhidamagga (345).
A detailed analysis of concepts and
practices already mentioned in the Vinaya Pitaka and
Digha, Samyutta and
Anguttara Nikayas. It is divided into three sections:
Maha Vagga,
Yuganaddha Vagga and Panna Vagga, each vagga containing
ten topics
(katha).
Maha Vagga (346). Knowledge of impermanence and dukkha
of compounded
things; the Four Noble Truths; dependent origination;
four planes of
existence; false views; the five faculties; three aspects
of Nibbana;
kamma vipaka; the four paths to Nibbana.
Yuganaddha Vagga (347). The seven factors of enlightenment;
four
foundations of antecedent-conjoinment; four Samma efforts;
four powers
(will, energy, thought, investigation); the Noble Eightfold
Path; four
fruits of the monk's life (pattirariya) and Nibbana;
68 potentialities.
Panna Vagga (348). Eight kinds of conduct (cariya): postures
(walking,
sitting, standing, lying down), sense organs, antecedent-conjoinment,
concentration (the jhanas), the Four Noble Truths, the
four paths to
Nibbana, the four fruits of a monk's life, and for the
promotion of the
world's welfare.
13. Apadana (349).
Tales in verse of the former lives of 550 bhikkhus
and 40 bhikkhunis.
14. Buddhavamsa (350).
"The History of the Buddhas," in which the Buddha
relates the account of his forming the resolve to become
a Buddha, and
gives the history of the twenty four Buddhas who preceded
him.
15. Cariyapitaka (351).
Thirty five tales from the jatakas in verse
illustrating seven out of the Ten Perfections (parami)
generosity,
morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness,
determination, loving kindness and equanimity.