Table of the Dhamma Verses Stories
This is a list of the Dhamma Verses Commentarial Stories, together with the verse they apply to, a corrected translation of the title,Burlingame added his own title according to contents. with Burlingame’s title, a synopsis of the story, a list of the characters that appear therein; together with links to the translation. I have also included a list of keywords, and these include the moral of the story, and also whether the story is about women, or includes Devas, animals, birds or fish.
PTS = Pali Text Society
CST4 = Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyaṇa Tipiṭaka, 4th edition
Vin Pār = Vinaya Pārajika (PTS Page Number)
Vin Pāc = Vinaya Pācittiya (PTS Page Number)
Vin Mv = Vinaya Mahā-vagga (PTS Page Number)
Vin Cv = Vinaya Cūḷa-vagga (PTS Page Number)
DN = Dīgha-nikāya (Name and Sutta Number)
DN-a = Dīgha-nikāya-aṭṭhakathā (Name and Sutta Number)
MN = Majjhima-nikāya (Name and Sutta Number)
MN-a = Majjhima-nikāya-aṭṭhakathā (Name and Sutta Number)
SN = Saṁyutta-nikāya (Name, Saṁyutta and Sutta Number, sometimes Saṁyutta Name)
SN-a = Saṁyutta-nikāya-aṭṭhakathā (Name, Saṁyutta and Sutta Number, sometimes Saṁyutta Name)
AN = Aṅguttara-nikāya (Name, Nipāta and Sutta Number)
AN-a = Aṅguttara-nikāya-aṭṭhakathā (Name, Nipāta and Sutta Number)
Khp = Khuddaka-pāṭha (Sutta Number)
Khp-a = Khuddaka-pāṭha-aṭṭhakathā (Sutta Number)
Dhp = Dhammapada (Verse Number, sometimes Vagga Name)
Dhp-a = Dhammapada-aṭṭhakathā (Story Number)
Ud = Udāna (Section and Sutta Number)
Ud-a = Udāna-aṭṭhakathā (Section and Sutta Number)
Iti = Iti-vuttaka (Section and Sutta Number)
Iti-a = Iti-vuttaka-aṭṭhakathā (Section and Sutta Number)
Snp = Sutta-nipāta (Section and Sutta Number)
Snp-a = Sutta-nipāta-aṭṭhakathā (Section and Sutta Number)
Vv = Vimāna-vatthu (Vatthu Section and Number)
Vv-a = Vimāna-vatthu-aṭṭhakathā (Vatthu Section and Number)
Pv = Peta-vatthu (Vatthu Section and Number)
Pv-a = Peta-vatthu-aṭṭhakathā (Vatthu Section and Number)
Thag = Thera-gāthā (Verse Number)
Thag-a = Thera-gāthā-aṭṭhakathā (Verse Number)
Thīg = Therī-gāthā (Verse Number)
Thīg-a = Therī-gāthā-aṭṭhakathā (Verse Number)
Th-ap = Thera-apadāna (Verse Number)
Th-ap-a = Thera-apadāna-aṭṭhakathā (Verse Number)
Thī-ap = Therī-apadāna (Verse Number)
Thī-ap-a = Therī-apadāna-aṭṭhakathā (Verse Number)
Bv = Buddha-vaṁsa (Verse Number)
Bv-a = Buddha-vaṁsa-aṭṭhakathā (Verse Number)
Cp = Cariyā-piṭaka (Verse Number)
Cp-a = Cariyā-piṭaka-aṭṭhakathā (Verse Number)
Ja = Jātaka-aṭṭhakathā (Jātaka Number)
Ja Nid = Jātaka-nidāna (PTS Page Number)
Mil = Milinda-pañha (PTS Page Number)
The Dhamma Verses Commentarial Table
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1.1 The Story about the Elder Cakkhupāla Dhp 1 Burlingame: “If Thine Eye Offend Thee, Pluck It Out” Compare: Thag-a 95 The bhikkhu Cakkhupāla determined to fulfil his practice even at the cost of his eyes, and eventually he attained Awakening; the Buddha explained the deed he did in the past which caused his loss of sight in the present, and he summarised the teaching with a verse. Cast: Mahā Suvaṇṇa, Cakkhupāla (Mahā Pāla, aka Pālita), Culla Pāla, Anāthapiṇḍika, Visākhā Keywords: Rich Men, Devatās, Determination, Sakka, Amanussa, Doctors, Past Lives |
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1.2 The Story about Maṭṭhakuṇḍalī CST4: Maṭṭhakuṇḍalīvatthu Burlingame: Why Cry for the Moon? Compare: Ja 449; Ja 454; Vv-a 7.9; Pv-a 2.5 Maṭṭhakuṇḍalī, the son of the miser Adinnapubbaka, died after paying his respects to the Buddha and was reborn in heaven; later he came and showed his father the reward of good deeds, and his father was converted; the Buddha explained the matter with a verse. Keywords: Faith, Merit, Refuge, Precepts, Devaputtas, Past Lives |
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1.3 The Story about the Elder Thulla Tissa CST4: Tissattheravatthu Burlingame: Tissa the Fat Compare: Thag-a 39; SN 22.84; Ja 497 Tissa, an older relative of the Buddha ordained and was vain and obstinate; the Buddha showed how he was also obstinate in a previous life and almost lost his head, and then he taught the bhikkhus with some verses. Cast: Thulla Tissa, Devala, Nārada, Bhaggava Keywords: Vanity, Obstinacy, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Ascetics |
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1.4 The Story about the Yakkhinī Kāḷi CST4: Kāḷayakkhinīvatthu Burlingame: “Not Hatred for Hatred” Compare: Dhp-a 21.2; Dhp-a 10.8; Ja 510; Ja 513 A barren woman brings home a young woman for her husband, but every time the young wife conceives the barren wife contrives an abortion; through life after life they consume each other’s children, until brought to the Buddha, who taught them with a verse. Cast: The barren woman, the second wife and their further incarnations are never named, Elder Ānanda, Deva Sumana Keywords: Revenge, Reconciliation, Marriages, Joint Rebirth, Yakkhinīs |
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1.5 The Story about Those from Kosambī Burlingame: The Quarrelsome Monks of Kosambī Parallels: Ja 428; Vin Mv 10.1-5; Ud 4.5; Ja 371 The followers of two bhikkhus of Kosambī fell into a dispute and despite the Buddha’s admonitions, refused to be reconciled; the Buddha went forth to Pārileyyaka forest and was served by an elephant and a monkey; meanwhile the lay people refused to attend on the bhikkhus till they came to their senses; eventually they asked for forgiveness and the Buddha taught them with a verse. Cast: Kosambī bhikkhus, Pārileyyaka the elephant, Elder Ānanda, Brahmadatta, Dīghati Kosala, Prince Dīghāvu, Bālaka, Elder Bhagu, Anāthapiṇḍika, Visākhā Keywords: Anger, Schism, Concord, Solitariness, Elephants, Monkeys, Past Lives |
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1.6 The Story about Culla Kāḷa and Mahā Kāḷa CST4: Mahākāḷattheravatthu Burlingame: Kāḷa Junior and Kāḷa Senior Parallel: Thag-a 136 Two brothers, Culla Kāḷa and Mahā Kāḷa, ordained and one went to a cemetery to practice and soon overcame the defilements and attained Awakening; the other, however, did not work at his practice and was soon enticed back to the lay life by his former wives; the Buddha spoke some verses about these two. Cast: Culla Kāḷa, Majjhima Kāḷa, Mahā Kāḷa Keywords: Chief Disciples, Listening to Dhamma, Impermanence, Cemeteries, Temptation |
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1.7 The Story about Devadatta Burlingame: Devadatta Wears an Unbecoming Robe Compare: Ja 221 Elder Sāriputta taught on generosity and people decided to give alms; one man gave a robe, which they decided to give to Elder Devadatta; when the Buddha heard about it he related a Birth Story about Devadatta, who, as an elephant hunter, disguised himself as a Paccekabuddha in order to kill his prey, and then spoke some verses about him. Cast: Elder Sāriputta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Devadatta Keywords: Chief Disciples, Deceit, Offerings, Elephants, Hunters, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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1.8 The Story about the Chief Disciples CST4: Sāriputtattheravatthu, the Story about the Elder Sāriputta Burlingame: The Chief Disciples Compare: Ja Nid; Vin Mv 1; Khp-a 7; Pv-a 4 The future Sāriputta and Moggallāna went forth under Sañjaya, but attained no great distinction; then they heard a summary of the Buddha’s teaching and were converted; they tried to bring Sañjaya to the Buddha but he would not go, his disciples left him and he died unattained; the Buddha spoke some verses showing the difference between them. Cast: Elder Sāriputta (Upatissa, Sarada), Elder Mahā Moggallāna (Kolita, Sirivaḍḍhana), Elder Assaji, Sañjaya, Buddha Vipassī, Buddha Padumuttara, Aññā Koṇḍañña (Culla Kāḷa), Mahā Kāla, Yasa, Fortunate Group of Thirty, Buddha Tissa, Buddha Phussa, King Mahinda, King Bimbisāra, Uruvelā Kassapa, Nadī Kassapa, Gayā Kassapa, Buddha Anomadassī Keywords: Chief Disciples, Vanity, Obstinacy, Bodhisatta, Aspirations, Offerings, Repulsion, Petas, Rich Men, Foremost Disciples, Epics, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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1.9 The Story about the Elder Nanda Burlingame: Nanda the Elder Compare: Ja Nid; Ud 3.2; Ja 182; AN-a 1.14.4.8; Thag-a 139 The Buddha’s half-brother Nanda ordained, but yearned for the lay-life; the Buddha promised him celestial maidens as a reward for his efforts in the spiritual life; Nanda put forth effort and became an Arahat, and the Buddha was released from his promise; these verses were spoken about him. Cast: Prince Nanda, Janapada Kaḷyāni, Rāhulamātā, Prince Rāhula, Merchant Kappaṭa Keywords: Desire, Faith, Relatives, Accharās, Animals, Foremost Disciples, Epics, Past Lives |
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1.10 The Story about the Pig Butcher Cunda Burlingame: Cunda the Pig Butcher Cunda was a cruel pig butcher who cared not for the suffering he inflicted, and did no good deeds at all; before he died he started behaving like a pig himself, and later fell into Avīci, the hell of relentless suffering; the Buddha summarised the events with a verse. Keywords: Killing, Wrong Livelihood, Retribution, Avīci, Animals |
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1.11 The Story about the Lay Disciple Dhammika CST4: Dhammika-upāsakavatthu Burlingame: The Righteous Lay Friend Dhammika, a good supporter, lay dying and he requested the bhikkhus to chant the Mindfulness discourse for him; seeing celestial chariots coming to take him away, he asked them to wait until the bhikkhus finished chanting, but the bhikkhus thought he was asking them to stop and go away; later the Buddha explained Dhammika was reborn in the Tusita Heaven and he spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Offerings, Faith, Devatās, Heaven |
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1.12 The Story about Devadatta CST4: Devadattavatthu Burlingame: Devadatta’s Career Compare: Vin Cv 7; Dhp-a 25.12b; Ja 542; Ja 533; Ja 466; Ja 404 Devadatta grew jealous and plotted to kill the Buddha, when that failed he tried to cause a schism; eventually he wished to seek for forgiveness, but before he reached the Buddha he fell into Avīci, the hell of relentless suffering; the Buddha summarised the events with a verse. Cast: Devadatta, Bhaddiya, Anuruddha, Ānanda, Bhagu, Kimbila, Mahānāma, Anuruddha (Annabhāra), Paccekabuddha Upariṭṭha, Upāli the Barber, Nālāgiri, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Elder Kokālika Keywords: Chief Disciples, Jealousy, Schism, Forgiveness, Bodhisatta, Devatās, Avīci |
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1.13 The Story about Queen Sumanā CST4: Sumanādevīvatthu Burlingame: Lady Sumanā The lay supporter Anāthapiṇḍika had three daughters; the youngest, after calling her father ‘younger brother’, died; the Buddha explained that Anāthapiṇḍika was her junior in the Dhamma, as she had attained the second stage of Awakening, and had been reborn in the Tusita Heaven, and he spoke a verse about her. Cast: Visākhā, Anāthapiṇḍika, Mahā Subhaddā, Culla Subhaddā, Sumanā Keywords: Offerings, Service, Death, Rich Men, Heaven |
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1.14 The Story about Two Monastic Friends CST4: Dvesahāyakabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: Two Friends Two friends ordained, one followed the path of practice and soon attained; the other the path of study and became puffed up with pride; the Buddha showed how the one who attained could answer his questions much better than the one who studied, and he spoke some verses about them. Keywords: Pride, Devas, Recitation, Meditation |
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2.1 The Story about Udena CST4: Sāmāvatīvatthu, the Story about Sāmāvatī Burlingame: Story-Cycle of King Udena or Udayana King Udena had two queens, Sāmāvatī, who was a follower of the Buddha, and Māgandiyā, who was spurned by the Buddha; out of jealousy Māgandiyā brought about the destruction of Sāmāvatī and her five hundred followers, all of whom had attained stages of Awakening; Māgandiyā and her family, who were full of defilements, were put to death by the king; when what had happened was reported to the Buddha he spoke some verses about them. Cast: King Allakappa, King Veṭhadīpaka, King Parantapa, Ghosaka, Kotūhalaka, Kāḷi, Kāpi, King Udena, Queen Sāmāvatī, Māgandiya, Queen Māgandiyā, Queen Vāsuladattā, Bhaddavatiya, Mitta, King Caṇḍa Pajjota, Kukkuṭa, Pāvāriya, Sumana, Khujjuttarā, Elder Ānanda Keywords: Jealousy, Murder, Heedfulness, Offerings, Rich Men, Foremost Disciples, Epics, Past Lives, Reviling, Amanussa |
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2.2 The Story about Kumbhaghosaka CST4: Kumbhaghosakaseṭṭhivatthu Burlingame: The Voice of a Rich Man Kumbhaghosaka was a rich man’s son who escaped his afflicted household during a plague; later he disguised himself as a poor man and worked for his living, but was recognised by the king, who honoured him and gave him his daughter in marriage; when he heard the story the Buddha spoke a verse about him. Cast: Kumbhaghosaka, King Bimbisāra Keywords: Modesty, Riches, Honour |
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2.3 The Story about the Elder Culla Panthaka CST4: Cūḷapanthakattheravatthu Burlingame: Little Wayman Compare: Ja 4; AN-a 1.14.2.1; Thag-a 231; Thag-a 236 When Elder Culla Panthaka could not remember even four lines of verse after three months trying, the Buddha asked him to rub a white cloth, which subsequently became soiled and gave him initial insight into impermanence; the Buddha then taught him that the mind is also defiled and must be cleansed, and he soon attained deliverance, after which the Buddha spoke a verse about him. Cast: Culla Panthaka, Mahā Panthaka, Jīvaka Komārabhacca Keywords: Insight, Skill in Means, Persistence, Rich Men, Foremost Disciples, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Radiant Image, Previous Buddhas |
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2.4 The Story about the Fool’s Festival CST4: Bālanakkhattasaṅghuṭṭhavatthu Burlingame: Fools’ Holiday During a seven-day festival of fools in Sāvatthī the people used to go round insulting and disrespecting everyone they met; the Buddha’s supporters asked him to stay at the monastery for the duration and they sent almsfood there; this is the teaching the Buddha gave them when it was over. Keywords: Festivals, Foolish Talk |
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2.5 The Story about the Elder Mahā Kassapa Burlingame: Kassapa the Great Elder Mahā Kassapa, after collecting his almsfood, sat in meditation and tried to understand in all its breadth the rising and falling away of living beings; the Buddha advised him that only Buddhas have such thorough knowledge, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Insight, Radiant Image, Foremost Disciples |
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2.6 The Story about Two Bhikkhu Friends, One Heedful and One Heedless CST4: Pamattāpamattadvesahāyakavatthu Burlingame: Two Friends Two bhikkhus were given a meditation subject by the Buddha; one spent his time on monastic duties like sweeping, while the other was diligent and became an Arahat; after the Rains Retreat the Buddha commended the latter and spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Heedfulness, Heedlessness, Hypocrisy, Meditation |
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2.7 The Story about Mahāli’s Questions CST4: Maghavatthu, the Story about Magha Burlingame: How Magha Became Sakka Compare: SN 11.12-13; Ja 31 Prince Magha did good works in his village and inspired thirty-three others to join him; later they were reborn as Sakka and his company of Thirty-three; the Buddha spoke a verse explaining what had happened. Cast: Mahāli, Sakka, Magha, Nandā, Cittā, Sudhammā, Sujātā, Vepacitti, Erāvaṇa, Vissakamma, Mātali Keywords: Past Lives, Merit, Good Works, Heedfulness, Injustice, Loving-Kindness, Women, Asuras, Devas, Accharās, Cranes, Animals, Epics |
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2.8 The Story about a Certain Bhikkhu CST4: Aññatarabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: A Monk Attains Arahatship A bhikkhu was given a meditation subject but could make no progress, so he determined to return to the Buddha; on his way he saw a great fire burn down a forest, and the Buddha appeared to him and taught him with a verse. Keywords: Meditation, Heedfulness, Radiant Image |
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2.9 The Story about the Elder Nigamavāsī Tissa Burlingame: Tissa of the Market-Town Compare: Ja 429; Ja 430 Nigamavāsī Tissa lived near Sāvatthī and after he ordained he only went to his local village for alms; the bhikkhus blamed him but the Buddha praised him for being frugal and content, and spoke a verse praising his way of life. Keywords: Frugality, Contentment, Animals, Sakka, Past Lives |
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3.1 The Story about Elder Meghiya Burlingame: Elder Meghiya Compare: AN 9.3; Ud 4.1; Thag-a 66 The Buddha’s attendant Meghiya left the Buddha alone against his wishes, and went and meditated in a mango grove; his mind was overcome with defilements and the Buddha taught him with some verses at the conclusion of which he attained Stream-entry. Keywords: Wilfulness, Meditation |
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3.2 The Story about a Certain Bhikkhu CST4: Aññatarabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: The Mind-Reader A female lay disciple supported some bhikkhus during the Rains Retreat and was given a meditation subject herself, with which she attained the third stage of Awakening; later a bhikkhu went to her and realised she knew his every thought, and was scared by that, but the Buddha told him to reside near her, and he taught him about the mind with a verse; soon he became an Arahat. Cast: Mātika, Mātika’s mother Keywords: Heedfulness, Solitude, Meditation, Mind-Reading |
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3.3 The Story about a Dissatisfied Bhikkhu CST4: Aññatara-ukkaṇṭhitabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: A Discontented bhikkhu Anupubba was a faithful householder who fulfilled his duties to the monastics, and later was ordained himself, but became weary with all the rules and regulations; the Buddha told him his real duty was only to guard his mind, and further taught him with a verse. Keywords: Faith, Discontent, Rich Men, Guarding the Mind |
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3.4 The Story about Nephew Saṅgharakkhita CST4: Saṅgharakkhitabhāgineyyattheravatthu Burlingame: Nephew Saṅgharakkhita Saṅgharakkhita ordained as a bhikkhu and received robes, one of which he wished to give to an elder, his uncle; the elder had no need for it though and refused it; Elder Saṅgharakkhita daydreamed about returning to the household life, and was distressed when his daydream was exposed, and the Buddha taught him in a verse. Keywords: Discontent, Restraint |
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3.5 The Story about the Elder Cittahattha Burlingame: Elder Thought-Controlled Compare: Ja 70 Cittahattha wavered continually between being a bhikkhu and a householder, but eventually he saw into the truth of impermanence, ordained yet again and became an Arahat; the Buddha spoke some verses about him. Keywords: Ordination, Impurity, Impermanence, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Thieves |
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3.6 The Story about 500 Bhikkhus with Insight CST4: Pañcasatabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: Monks and Tree Devatās Compare: Khp-a 1.9 Five hundred bhikkhus were invited to stay in a forest for the Rains Retreat, but the Tree Devatās were not happy, and drove them away; the Buddha taught the bhikkhus the discourse about loving-kindness, they returned, and the Devatās served their needs; the bhikkhus developed insight and the Buddha then gave a teaching. Keywords: Insight, Devatās, Protection Chanting, Loving-Kindness, Amanussa, Radiant Image |
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3.7 The Story about the Elder Pūtigatta Tissa Burlingame: Cruelty a Cause of Boils Someone who had been a fowler in a previous life ordained, and became known as Elder Tissa, but not long after his body developed all kinds of sores; the Buddha washed his body, taught a verse and he became an Arahat, before dying for the last time. Keywords: Diseases, Nursing, Insight, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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3.8 The Story about Nanda the Herdsman CST4: Nandagopālakavatthu Burlingame: Nanda the Herdsman Compare: Ud 4.3 When the Buddha saw the cow-herder Nanda was ready he taught him the gradual path, and he attained Stream-entry, but shortly afterwards he was shot by a hunter and died; the Buddha then spoke a verse. Keywords: Giving, Faith, Sudden Death |
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3.9 The Story about the Elder Soreyya Burlingame: Mother of Two and Father of Two A merchant’s son, Soreyya, developed lust for Elder Mahā Kaccāyana and was transformed into a woman; later, after asking pardon, he became a man again, ordained and soon became an Arahat; the Buddha explained what a well-directed mind can do for one. Keywords: Sex Change, Rich Men, Solitude |
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4.1 The Story about 500 Bhikkhus Engaged in Talking about the Soil CST4: Pathavikathāpasutapañcasatabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: The Soil of the Heart Five hundred bhikkhus went on walkabout, and when they returned talked about the various kinds of earth they had seen; the Buddha told them to reflect on the earthiness in their own hearts, and spoke some verses. Keywords: Similes |
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4.2 The Story about the Elder Who Meditated on a Mirage CST4: Marīcikammaṭṭhānikattheravatthu Burlingame: A Monk Attains Arahatship Compare: Dhp-a 8.3 A bhikkhu who had been practising meditation saw a mirage, and realised this was similar to existence; he next saw froth on a river, with its bubbles bursting, and he realised existence is the same; the Buddha summed up his insight with a verse. Keywords: Meditation, Insight, Impermanence |
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4.3 The Story about Viḍūḍabha CST4: Viṭaṭūbhavatthu Burlingame: Viḍūḍabha Wreaks Vengeance on the Sākiyans Compare: Ja 465; Ja 346 Prince Viḍūḍabha learned that he was the son of a Sakyan slave-woman due to a trick the Sakyans had played on his father, King Pasenadi, and he vowed revenge; on becoming king he massacred the Sakyans, but on his way home he and his army were swept away by flood waters; later the Buddha spoke a verse summarising what had happened. Cast: Viḍūḍabha, Pasenadi, Mahāli, Bandhula, Visākhā, Suppavāsā, Sāriputta, Mahā Moggallāna, Ānanda, Kesava, Kappa, Nārada, Mahānāma, Vāsabhā Khattiyā, Mallikā, Dīgha Kārāyaṇa Keywords: Chief Disciples, Slaves, Murder, Equanimity, Retribution, Epics, Past Lives |
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4.4 The Story about the One Who Honoured Her Husband CST4: Patipūjikakumārivatthu Burlingame: Husband-Honorer Patipūjikā passed away from heaven and was reborn on earth, had four sons, served the monastics faithfully, and at the end of her life was reunited with her husband Mālabhārī in Tāvatiṁsa Heaven; the monastics told the Buddha about the loss of their benefactor, and he gave this teaching. Keywords: Past Lives, Offerings, Heedlessness, Devaputtas, Accharās |
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4.5 The Story about the Selfish Kosiya CST4: Macchariyakosiyaseṭṭhivatthu Burlingame: Niggardly Kosiya Compare: Ja 78 Elder Moggallāna brought the miser Kosiya and his wife to the Buddha who taught them about generosity, and they both attained Stream-entry; the Buddha praised Elder Moggallāna for being both persuasive and modest with his supporters, and spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Rich Men, Bodhisatta, Conversions |
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4.6 The Story about the Ājīvaka Pāṭhika CST4: Pāveyyakājīvakavatthu Burlingame: Pāṭhika the Naked Ascetic When a lay-disciple invited the Buddha for a meal, an ascetic supported by her abused both her and the Buddha, who advised her not to worry about what the ascetic is doing or saying but instead to look to herself; the Buddha then summarised his teaching with a verse. Keywords: Ājīvakas, Offerings, Jealousy |
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4.7 The Story about the Lay Disciple Chattapāṇi CST4: Chattapāṇiupāsakavatthu Burlingame: The King and the King of Kings When Elder Ānanda is sent to teach the two queens of King Pasenadi, Mallikā and Vāsabhā Khattiyā, the first profits by it but the latter does not; the Buddha explained why this was so with some verses. Keywords: Non-returners, Kings, Queens, Listening to Dhamma |
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4.8 The Story about Visākhā CST4: Visākhāvatthu Burlingame: Marriage of Visākhā Compare: AN-a 1.14.7.2; Dhp-a 21.8 Visākhā was a faithful supporter of the Buddha, but was married off to a son of Migāra, a supporter of the Jains; she insisted on inviting the Buddha for the wedding meal and Migāra was converted by his teaching; later she built the Eastern Monastery for the monastics; the Buddha spoke a verse to her. Cast: Visākhā, Dhanañjaya, Sumanā Devī, Meṇḍaka, King Bimbisāra, King Pasenadi, Migāra, Puṇṇavaddhana, Elder Ānanda, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Saṅghadāsī, King Kiki, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Rich Men, Kings, Marriages, Women, Monasteries, Foremost Disciples, Epics, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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4.9 The Story about the Elder Ānanda’s Questions CST4: Ānandattherapañhāvatthu Burlingame: Elder Ānanda’s Question Compare: AN 3.79 When Elder Ānanda asked the Buddha if there is any fragrance that goes against the wind, the Buddha explained that if someone takes refuge, keeps precepts and is generous, the fragrance of his virtue will become widely known, and he spoke some verses. Keywords: Giving, Foremost Disciples, Similes |
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4.10 The Story about Giving Alms to the Elder Mahā Kassapa CST4: Mahā Kassapattherapiṇḍapātadinnavatthu Burlingame: Sakka Gives Alms to Kassapa the Great Compare: Ud 3.7 Elder Mahā Kassapa rose from meditation after seven days and went for alms; celestial spirits stepped forward to donate to him but he dismissed them, then Sakka and his wife Sujā disguised themselves as weavers and succeeded in giving alms, but Elder Mahā Kassapa discovered who they were and chided them; the Buddha spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Accharās, Sakka, Devadhītās, Rich Men, Merit, Foremost Disciples |
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4.11 The Story about the Elder Godhika’s Parinibbāna CST4: Godhikattheraparinibbānavatthu Burlingame: Godhika Attains Nibbāna Compare: SN 4.23 Gravely ill, Elder Godhika kept falling away from his concentration and decided to commit suicide; after the event Māra searched high and low for his place of rebirth, but the Buddha asserted that he had not been reborn, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Diseases, Suicide, Parinibbāna |
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4.12 The Story about Garahadinna Burlingame: Sirigutta and Garahadinna Compare: Ja 40 Sirigutta supported the Buddha, but his friend Garahadinna supported the Nigaṇṭhas; Sirigutta proved that the Nigaṇṭhas do not know the past, present and future as they declared; and the Buddha proved his knowledge and power to Garahadinna, who became his disciple; then the Buddha spoke some verses. Keywords: Omniscience, Sectarians, Offerings, Wisdom, Rich Men, Conversions, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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5.1 The Story about a Certain Man Compare: Ja 314; Ja 418; Ja 77; Ja 18; Pv-a 4.15; Dhp-a 8.3; Dhp-a 8.9 King Pasenadi was overcome with desire for another man’s wife and sought to have him killed; during the night he woke to the sound of four people screaming; the Buddha explained they were adulterers in their previous lives and did no good deeds, and then he spoke a verse. Cast: King Pasenadi Kosala, the elephant Puṇḍarīka, Queen Mallikā (Queen Dinnā), Buddha Kassapa, Sakka, King Uggasena Keywords: Kings, Lust, Adultery, Killing, Epics, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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5.2 The Story about the Elder Mahā Kassapa’s Pupil CST4: Mahākassapattherasaddhivihārikavatthu Burlingame: The Rebellious Pupil Compare: Ja 321 A faithless pupil of Elder Mahā Kassapa, after numerous other acts of deceit, tricked a supporter into giving him food and drinks which he said were needed by the elder; after being rebuked he burned down the elder’s hut, ran away and was later reborn in Avīci, the relentless hell; the Buddha then gave some advice in verse. Keywords: Duties, Revenge, Foremost Disciples, Past Lives |
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5.3 The Story about the Rich Man Ānanda Burlingame: A Jonah in the House Compare: Ja 41 The millionaire miser Ānanda was reborn in great poverty and distress, and had to beg for his meals; he returned to his previous home, but was thrown out by his son; the Buddha then asked Ānanda to show his son where he buried his gold, and his son converted; the Buddha then spoke a verse. Cast: The Rich Man Ānanda, his son Mūlasiri Keywords: Selfishness, Rich Men, Past Lives |
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5.4 The Story about the Thieves Who Broke Their Bonds CST4: Gaṇṭhibhedakacoravatthu Burlingame: The Pickpocket Two thieves went to listen to the Dhamma; one of them attained a stage of Awakening, the other managed to undo a knot in someone’s clothes and steal some pennies; when this was reported to the Buddha he spoke a verse in explanation. Keywords: Thieves, Listening to Dhamma |
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5.5 The Story about the Elder Udāyī Burlingame: The Wise Fool Elder Udāyī lived with the Buddha, but when questioned by visiting bhikkhus it was found he did not know even the fundamentals of the teaching; they told this to the Buddha, who spoke a verse. Keywords: Fools, Wisdom |
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5.6 The Story about 30 Bhikkhus from Pāṭheyya CST4: Tiṁsamattapāveyyakabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: From Vice to Virtue Compare: Vin Mv 1.14; Ja 388, Dhp-a 1.8e The thirty youths from Pāṭheyyaka were amongst the Buddha’s first converts; later he taught them about the impossibility of knowing the beginning of the rounds of births and deaths, and they immediately became Arahats; the Buddha spoke a verse about them. Keywords: Insight |
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5.7 The Story about the Leper Suppabuddha Burlingame: A Leper is Tempted to Deny His Faith Compare: Ud 5.3 The leper Suppabuddha heard the Dhamma and attained Stream-entry, but was killed by a cow soon after, and was reborn in heaven; the Buddha explained that together with three others, he had killed a cow in a previous existence, and that the cow had vowed revenge; the Buddha then spoke a verse. Cast: Suppabuddha, Sakka, Pukkusāti, Bāhiya Dārucīriya, Tambadāṭhika, Paccekabuddha Tagarasikhi Keywords: Treasures, Yakkhinīs, Killing, Past Lives |
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5.8 The Story about a Farmer Burlingame: A Farmer Is Unjustly Accused of Thieves The Buddha warned a farmer regarding a thousand gold coins dropped by a thief in his field; the farmer covered them over and continued ploughing; some people investigating the robbery traced the thieves to his field and uncovered the coins and he was arrested; the Buddha affirmed the farmer’s innocence and spoke a verse. Cast: The Farmer, Elder Ānanda Keywords: Thieves, Rich Men, Kings |
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5.9 The Story about Sumana the Garland-Maker CST4: Sumanamālākāravatthu Burlingame: Sumana the Gardener The flower seller Sumana delivered flowers to the king each day, but one day when he saw the Buddha he sprinkled the flowers over him, and they remained in the air around the Buddha and the whole city came out to see the spectacle; the Buddha predicted Sumana would never go to the lower worlds again and one day would become a Paccekabuddha, and spoke a verse in praise of his action. Cast: The Garland-Maker Sumana, King Bimbisāra, Elder Ānanda Keywords: Offerings, Kings |
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5.10 The Story about the Elder Uppalavaṇṇā Burlingame: Rape of Uppalavaṇṇā Compare: Vin Bhī Pār 1, AN-a 1.14.5.3, Thig-a 64 A cousin of the bhikkhunī Elder Uppalavaṇṇā hid in her forest dwelling and raped her when she returned; later the earth swallowed him up and he was reborn in Avīci, the relentless hell; the Buddha then gave a teaching. Cast: Uppalavaṇṇā, her cousin Ānanda, King Pasenadi Keywords: Bhikkhunīs, Insight, Sexual Misconduct |
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5.11 The Story about the Ājīvaka Jambuka CST4: Jambukattheravatthu Burlingame: Jambuka the Naked Ascetic Compare: Thag-a 190 For many years the Ājīvaka Jambuka ate excrement and slept on the floor yet convinced his devotees that he only ate food from a grass-tip and never slept, until the Buddha confronted him with his deceit; Jambuka repented, ordained and soon became an Arahat; the Buddha spoke a verse to Jambuka’s devotees. Cast: Jambuka, Buddha Kassapa, Elder Ānanda, Four Great Kings, Sakka, Mahā Brahma Keywords: Jealousy, Ascetics, Demerit, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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5.12 The Story about the Snake Peta Burlingame: The Snake-Ghost and the Crow-Ghost Compare: SN 19.1; Dhp-a 5.13, Dhp-a 10.6, Dhp-a 20.6, Dhp-a 22.2 A man burned down the hut of a Paccekabuddha and eventually was reborn as a snake Peta, burning for the whole length of his long body, as was seen by Elder Moggallāna; the Buddha confirmed the story, and gave a teaching. Cast: Elder Lakkhaṇa, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Chief Disciples, Petas, Avīci, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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5.13 The Story about the Peta with Sixty Hammers Burlingame: The Sledge-Hammer Ghost Compare: SN 19.1; Dhp-a 5.12, Dhp-a 10.6, Dhp-a 20.6, Dhp-a 22.2; Pv-a 4.16; Ja 107 A young man learned the art of stone-throwing, but used it to kill a Paccekabuddha; he was reborn in Avīci, the hell of relentless suffering, and later as a Peta whose head was constantly crushed by sixty hammers; the Buddha explained what happens to fools who gain knowledge with a verse. Cast: Elder Lakkhaṇa, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Paccekabuddha Sunetta Keywords: Chief Disciples, Skill, Killing, Past Lives |
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5.14 The Story about the Edler Sudhamma CST4: Cittagahapativatthu, the Story about the Householder Citta Burlingame: Citta and Sudhamma Compare: Vin Cv 11.4 The householder Citta sought to give alms to the two chief disciples, but the jealous resident bhikkhu Elder Sudhamma felt offended and refused to attend; the Buddha admonished him with some verses and he soon became an Arahat. Cast: Householder Citta, Elder Mahānāma, Elder Sudhamma, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Elder Ānanda, Buddha Padumuttara, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Offerings, Listening to Dhamma, Jealousy, Pride, Faith, Rich Men, Chief Disciples, Devatās, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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5.15 The Story about the Elder Vanavāsī Tissa CST4: Vanavāsītissasāmaṇeravatthu Burlingame: A Seven-Year-Old Novice Wins All Hearts The seven year old boy Tissa ordained under Elder Sāriputta, and later, spurning gains and the attentions of his relatives, went forth into solitude, and quickly became an Arahat; the Buddha spoke a verse about him. Cast: Elder Sāriputta, Brahmin Mahāsena, Brahmin Vaṅganta, Vanavāsī Tissa (Piṇḍapātadāyaka Tissa, Kambaladāyaka Tissa), Brahmin Mahāsena, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Upasāḷhaka, Elder Ānanda Keywords: Offerings, Past Lives, Novices, Chief Disciples, Bodhisatta, Death |
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6.1 The Story about the Elder Rādha Burlingame: A Poor Man Wins Spiritual Treasure The bhikkhus did not want to ordain a poor Brahmin, Rādha, but the Buddha, seeing his potential, allowed it; Elder Sāriputta gave him guidance which he followed to the letter and soon became an Arahat; the Buddha then spoke a verse about being amenable to admonition. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Kings, Bodhisatta, Animals |
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6.2 The Story about the Followers of Assaji and Punabbasu CST4: Assajipunabbasukavatthu Burlingame: The Insolent Monks Compare: Vin Cv 1.3 The Buddha asked the Chief Disciples to advise and instruct some of their wayward disciples; some accepted the advice, some returned to lay life, and others were later expelled; the Buddha spoke a verse by way of instruction. Assajipunabbasuka Bhikkhus, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna Keywords: Chief Disciples, Compliance, Great Disciples |
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6.3 The Story about the Elder Channa Burlingame: Channa, Elder Compare: Vin Cv 11; DN 16; Thag-a 69 Elder Channa was always abusing the Chief Disciples; when the Buddha found out he admonished him with a verse, but still he refused to refrain; at the Buddha’s bidding he was isolated by the bhikkhus. He later repented and became an Arahat. Cast: Channa, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna Keywords: Chief Disciples, Reviling, Punishment |
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6.4 The Story about the Elder Mahā Kappina Burlingame: Kappina the Great, Elder Compare: Thag-a 235; AN-a 1.14.4.9 Elder Mahā Kappina, who was formerly a king, was given to exclaiming his delight, and the bhikkhus feared he was recalling the joys he had when king; the Buddha explained the true reason for his exclamations was delight in the Dhamma, and spoke a verse about him. Cast: Buddha Padumuttara, Buddha Kassapa, Mahā Kappina, Queen Anojā, Keywords: Foremost Disciples, Merit, Devaputtas, Offerings, Past Lives, Renunciation, Previous Buddhas |
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6.5 The Story about the Novice Paṇḍita Burlingame: Paṇḍita the Novice Compare: Dhp-a 10.11 The novice Paṇḍita saw that irrigators, fletchers and carpenters mastered the objects they worked with, and realised that if they can master unconscious things, he could master his mind; by striving he did just that and became an Arahat; the Buddha then spoke a verse about him. Cast: Novice Paṇḍita, Buddha Kassapa, Sakka, Four Great Kings, Mahā Duggata, Elder Sāriputta Keywords: Novices, Generosity, Poverty, Rich Men, Pregnancy, Mastery, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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6.6 The Story about the Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya Burlingame: Unshaken as a Rock Compare: Ud 7 The Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya was a dwarf who became an Arahat; because of his condition the novices and others used to tease him, but he remained unmoved and the Buddha explained why this was so with a verse. Keywords: Novices, Teasing, Equanimity |
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6.7 The Story about the Mother of Kāṇā CST4: Kāṇamātuvatthu Burlingame: After the Storm, Calm Compare: Ja 137; Vin Pāc. 34 Kāṇā resented and reviled the bhikkhus for taking cakes she wanted to offer to her husband; but the Buddha showed they had only taken what was offered, and she gained faith and attained Stream-entry; the Buddha explained she had also been offended in a past life, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Offerings, Marriages, Reviling, Kings, Animals, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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6.8 The Story about Five Hundred Bhikkhus CST4: Pañcasatabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: A Pack of Vagabonds Compare: Vin Pār 1; Ja 183 During a famine the Buddha and his bhikkhus lived frugally and without complaint; later rogues who lived off the leftovers of the bhikkhus roamed around making a nuisance of themselves; the Buddha praised those who live restrained and spoke a verse. Cast: Brahmin Verañjā, Māra, Elder Mahā Moggallāna Keywords: Chief Disciples, Greed, Laziness, Past Lives, Strong Drink |
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6.9 The Story about the Elder Dhammika (vs. 84) Burlingame: Husband and Wife Compare: Dhp-a 24.4 The householder Dhammika wanted to ordain, but his wife persuaded him for some time to delay it; eventually he ordained anyway, became an Arahat, and went back to teach his wife and son, who themselves ordained and became Arahats; the Buddha taught a verse with Elder Dhammika in mind. Keywords: Renunciation, Families |
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6.10 The Story about Listening to the Dhamma Burlingame: “Few There Be That Find It” Some people in Sāvatthī went to listen to Dhamma, but were overcome by lust, hatred or drowsiness, and none of them gained from it; the Buddha explained that this is quite common amongst people with a verse. Keywords: Pollutants, Listening to Dhamma |
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6.11 The Story about Five Hundred Visiting Bhikkhus CST4: Pañcasataāgantukabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: Abandon the Dark State Fifty bhikkhus who passed the Rains Retreat in Kosala visited the Buddha in Sāvatthī after the Retreat and this is the inspiring teaching the Buddha gave them on that occasion. Keywords: Renunciation, Monastics |
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7.1 The Story about Jīvaka’s Question Burlingame: The Realised One Suffers Not Compare: Vin Mv 8.1 Devadatta hurled a rock down on the Buddha, which cut his foot; the Buddha’s physician Jīvaka applied medicine which needs to be applied for only a short time, but immediately thereafter he had to leave and was unable to return; the Buddha knew his thoughts though and asked Elder Ānanda to remove the medicine; the next day Jīvaka asked if the Buddha suffered pain because of his oversight, and the Buddha gave his reply in a verse. Cast: Jīvaka, Elder Ānanda, Devadatta, Prince Ajātasattu Keywords: Doctors, Medicine |
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7.2 The Story about the Elder Mahā Kassapa Burlingame: Free from Attachment The Buddha set out on walkabout with a great host of bhikkhus, but seeing none left behind in Sāvatthī, he sent Elder Mahā Kassapa and his entourage back; some bhikkhus, not knowing about the instruction, accused the elder of being attached to his regular supporters, but the Buddha explained it was otherwise. Keywords: Walkabout, Obedience, Great Disciples |
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7.3 The Story about the Elder Belaṭṭhisīsa Burlingame: A Monk Stores Food Compare: Vin Pāc 38 Elder Belaṭṭhisīsa took to storing up food so as not to be bothered with the almsround; the bhikkhus reported it to the Buddha, who laid down a rule forbidding the storing of food, and gave this teaching. Keywords: Offerings, Discipline |
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7.4 The Story about the Elder Anuruddha Burlingame: The Monk and the Goddess The Buddha and the bhikkhus gathered round to help make a robe for Elder Anuruddha; a former relative of his, who was then a Devadhītā, incited the villagers to give alms, which they did, but the bhikkhus suspected Elder Anuruddha gave the order for a great alms feast; the Buddha reproved them with a verse. Cast: Elder Anuruddha, Devadhītā Jālinī, Elder Mahā Kassapa, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Ānanda, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Sakka Keywords: Chief Disciples, Offerings, Discipline |
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7.5 The Story about the Elder Mahā Kaccāyana Burlingame: Sakka Honors a Monk Elder Mahā Kaccāyana, even though he lived far away, would regularly come to hear the Buddha teach; one day Sakka saw the elder was absent and wished he would come, and suddenly he appeared; Sakka paid homage to him and the Buddha recited a verse. Keywords: Great Disciples, Respect, Offerings |
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7.6 The Story about the Elder Sāriputta Burlingame: A Fancied Slight Compare: AN 9.11 Elder Sāriputta is slandered by one of the bhikkhus, and the Buddha called him to account for himself; instead of defending himself he enumerated his virtues, which caused the great earth to quake; the bhikkhu who slandered him then asked pardon and Elder Sāriputta asked pardon in return; the Buddha then spoke a verse. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Grudges, Slander, Lion’s Roar, Similes |
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7.7 The Story about Kosambivāsī Tissa’s Novice CST4: Kosambivāsītissattherasāmaṇeravatthu Burlingame: The Loss of an Eye Elder Tissa ordained a novice, who in the ordination hall became an Arahat; later they travelled, and through the carelessness of the bhikkhu the novice’s eye was put out; the novice, however, didn’t get angry but went about his duties as normal; the Buddha explained it with a verse. Keywords: Novices, Injuries, Forgiveness |
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7.8 The Story about the Question and Answer to the Elder Sāriputta CST4: Sāriputtattheravatthu Burlingame: Not by the Faith of Another Compare: SN 48.44 Elder Sāriputta, when questioned by the Buddha, declared he didn’t have faith simply through listening to others, implying he has seen for himself; other bhikkhus thought he has said he didn’t have faith in the Buddha, so the latter taught a verse to explain the situation. Keywords: Great Disciples, Faith |
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7.9 The Story about the Elder Khadiravaniya Revata Burlingame: Elder Revata of the Acacia Forest Compare: Thag-a 42; AN-a ii.192ff; Thag-a 60; AN-a ii.196ff; Ja 100; Dhp-a 26.31; Ud 2.8 Elder Sāriputta’s youngest brother Revata escaped from the household life, ordained, and soon after became an Arahat; after the Rains Retreat the Buddha visited him, and by spiritual power he transformed the thorn thickets he lived in into something well-equipped and quite delightful; when two old bhikkhus returned they found only a thorn thicket; the Buddha explained how it is so. Cast: Elder Khadiravaniya Revata, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Cālā, Elder Upacālā, Elder Sīsūpacālā, Elder Canda, Elder Upasena, Elder Ānanda, Elder Sīvali, Visākhā, Buddha Vipassī Keywords: Old Age, Great Disciples, Marriages, Discipline, Kings, Offerings, Gifts Beyond Compare, Past Lives, Avīci, Amanussa |
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7.10 The Story about a Certain Woman CST4: Aññatara-itthivatthu Burlingame: A Courtezan Tempts a Monk Compare: Dhp-a 26.32 A courtesan came across a meditating bhikkhu in the wilderness and sought to seduce him by stripping and flirting with him, when he saw her he became excited; the Buddha sent forth his image and gave the bhikkhu this advice. Keywords: Passion, Women, Seclusion, Radiant Image |
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8.1 The Story about the Copper-Toothed Executioner Burlingame: A Public Executioner A man worked all his life as a public executioner and later had deep regret about his actions; Elder Sāriputta gave him just one teaching and he was reborn in Tusita Heaven; the bhikkhus wondered how this could be, and the Buddha spoke a verse to explain it. Keywords: Past Deeds, Forgiveness, Listening to Dhamma, Yakkhinīs, Heaven |
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8.2 The Story about the Elder Bāhiya Dārucīriya Burlingame: Conversions of Bāhiya Dārucīriya Compare: Ud 1.10; AN-a 1.14.3.8 Bāhiya Dārucīriya obtained a short teaching from the Buddha, became an Arahat and died straight afterwards; the Buddha appointed him as foremost amongst those who were quick to grasp the teaching, and when the bhikkhus doubted it, he taught them with a verse. Cast: Bāhiya Dārucīriya, Buddha Kassapa, King Pukkusāti, Elder Kumāra Kassapa, Dabba the Malla, Elder Sabhiya Keywords: Ascetics, Devatās, Past Lives, Yakkhinīs, Foremost Disciples, Previous Buddhas |
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8.3 The Story about the Elder Kuṇḍalakesī Burlingame: The Maiden Who Married a Thief Compare: AN-a 1.14.5.9; Thig-a 46; Ja 318; Ja 419 Kuṇḍalakesī, who had previously killed her husband and joined the wanderers and expertly defended their doctrines, was converted by Elder Sāriputta with a simple teaching; the bhikkhus wondered how, and the Buddha spoke some verses to explain it. Keywords: Marriages, Thieves, Wanderers, Women, Bhikkhunīs, Debates |
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8.4 The Story about the Brahmin Who Asked about Loss Burlingame: Gain and Loss A Brahmin admitted to earning his living through gambling, and the Buddha explained that gains in this way are no true gains, but those who overcame themselves are truly victorious, and then he gave him a teaching. Keywords: Self-Conquest |
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Burlingame: Sāriputta’s Uncle Elder Sāriputta asked the Buddha to teach his uncle, who supported the Nigaṇṭhas, the true way to the Brahma world; and the Buddha spoke a verse with which he taught them. Keywords: Offerings, Worship, Great Disciples |
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8.6 The Story about the Elder Sāriputta’s Nephew CST4: Sāriputtattherassa bhāgineyyavatthu Burlingame: Sāriputta’s Nephew Elder Sāriputta asked the Buddha to teach his nephew, who slayed animals and tended the sacrificial fire, the true way to the Brahma world, and the Buddha gave a teaching in a verse. Keywords: Sacrifice, Worship, Great Disciples |
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Burlingame: Sāriputta’s Friend Elder Sāriputta asked the Buddha to teach his friend, who offered animals in sacrifice, the true way to the Brahma world, and the Buddha gave him a teaching in a verse. Keywords: Sacrifice, Worship, Great Disciples |
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8.8 The Story about the Youth Dīghāyu CST4: Āyuvaḍḍhanakumāravatthu, the Story about the Youth whose Lifespan Increased Burlingame: The Lad Whose Years Increased When the boy Dīghāyu was destined to die, the Buddha and the bhikkhus chanted protective verses for him and he lived on; the Buddha said long life is not the only thing a man received when he reverenced the elders, and then he taught them with a verse. Keywords: Protection Chanting, Longevity, Devatās |
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8.9 The Story about the Novice Saṅkicca CST4 & PTS Saṁkiccasāmaṇeravatthu Burlingame: Saṁkicca the Novice Elder Sāriputta’s nephew Saṅkicca ordained as a novice, and when thirty bhikkhus’ lives were threatened by five hundred thieves he converted the thieves and they ordained; when he heard about it, this is the teaching the Buddha gave. Cast: Elder Sāriputta, Novice Saṅkicca, Novice Atimuttaka Keywords: Novices, Solitude, Meditation, Rich Men, Thieves, Devatās, Conversions |
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8.10 The Story about the Elder Khāṇu Koṇḍañña Burlingame: The Monk and the Thieves Elder Khāṇu Koṇḍañña, sitting in meditation, was unmoved when five hundred thieves piled up their stolen goods all over him at night; the thieves, impressed with his equanimity, converted and were ordained; the Buddha gave a teaching in a verse on that occasion. Keywords: Thieves, Conversions, Amanussa |
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8.11 The Story about the Elder Sappadāsa Burlingame: On the Razor’s Edge Compare: Thag-a 215 Elder Sappadāsa was dissatisfied and thought to end his life, but became an Arahat with the razor at his windpipe; when questioned by the bhikkhus the Buddha explained that one who truly strives can attain Awakening in an instant, and he spoke a verse. Elder Sappadāsa, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Discontent, Suicide, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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8.12 The Story about the Elder Paṭācārā Burlingame: Paṭācārā is Bereft of All Her Family Compare: Dhp-a 20.12; AN-a 1.14.5.4; Thīg-a 47 Paṭācārā ran away from home with one of her slaves, had two children and lost them both, along with her husband, parents and brother in one day; she went mad and by and by approached the Buddha who, recognising she was ready for Awakening, taught her about the endless sorrow of births and deaths, and then spoke a verse hearing which she became an Arahat. Keywords: Women, Marriages, Death, Grief, Madness, Ordination, Insight, Radiant Image, Foremost Disciples |
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8.13 The Story about Kisā Gotamī Burlingame: Kisā Gotamī Seeks Mustard Seed to Cure Her Dead Child Compare: Dhp-a 20.11; AN-a 1.14.5.12; Thīg-a 63 When Kisā Gotamī sought medicine for her dead son, the Buddha asked her to bring mustard seeds from a house that has never seen death; she learned during her quest that everyone dies, and the Buddha taught her further with a verse. Keywords: Riches, Poverty, Death, Ordination, Insight, Radiant Image, Foremost Disciples |
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8.14 The Story about the Elder Bahuputtikā Burlingame: The Widow Bahuputtikā and Her Ungrateful Children Compare: Dhp-a 23.3 A good lay disciple, Bahuputtikā, was despised by her children and decided to ordain and was very resolute in her practice; the Buddha gave this teaching and she attained Awakening. Keywords: Wealth, Ordination, Meditation, Radiant Image, Foremost Disciples |
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9.1 The Story about the Brahmin Culla Ekasāṭaka CST4: Cūḷekasāṭakabrāhmaṇavatthu Burlingame: The Brahmin with a Single Robe A Brahmin had only one cloak, and hesitated to give it to the Buddha, but eventually in the last watch of the night he did give it, and he was richly rewarded by the king; the Buddha explained his reward would have been greater had he not hesitated, and spoke a verse. Cast: Buddha Vipassī, Mahā Ekasāṭaka, Culla Ekasāṭaka Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Offerings, Kings, Gift of Fours |
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9.2 The Story about the Elder Seyyasaka Burlingame: A Discontented Monk Compare: Vin Ss 1 Elder Seyyasaka was unable to maintain his chastity and broke the same rule again and again; when the Buddha was informed, he reminded him to keep the precepts and reproved him with a verse. Keywords: Discontent, Masturbation, Restraint |
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9.3 The Story about the Devadhītā Lāja Burlingame: Goddess and Monk A young woman working in the fields gave parched rice to Elder Mahā Kassapa and was thereby reborn as a Devadhītā in Tusita Heaven; she desired to do more good deeds for Elder Mahā Kassapa, but was restrained by him; the Buddha explained the reason for her motivation with a verse. Keywords: Great Disciples, Offerings, Devadhītās, Death, Radiant Image |
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9.4 The Story about the Wealthy Anāthapiṇḍika Burlingame: Anāthapiṇḍika and the Goddess Compare: Ja 40, AN 9.19 A Devatā in the house of Anāthapiṇḍika advised him to stop supporting the Buddha and his disciples as he was being brought to poverty; Anāthapiṇḍika reproved the Devatā and sent her out of his house; later she recovered the householder’s fortune and apologised; he took her to the Buddha who taught them both with some verses. Keywords: Offerings, Poverty, Wealth, Rich Men, Devatās |
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9.5 The Story about a Bhikkhu Unrestrained with the Requisites Burlingame: The Monk Who Failed to Keep His Requisites in Order A bhikkhu refused to look after his requisites, thinking them not worth the trouble; the Buddha told him he should not think in that way and admonished him with a verse. Keywords: Requisites, Discipline |
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9.6 The Story about the Rich Man Biḷālapādaka Burlingame: Treasurer Catfoot Compare: Dhp-a 6.5a A wise man heard the Buddha teach on the merit of giving and encouraging giving, invited the Buddha and the Saṅgha for alms, and then requested others to help in the deed; the foolish merchant Biḷālapāda thought the man shouldn’t offer more than he can himself fulfil, and gave but little, but later feared he would be exposed for his stinginess; the wise man however praised all who gave, the fool repented and the Buddha gave a teaching in verse. Keywords: Offerings, Rich Men, Misers, Merit |
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9.7 The Story about the Merchant Mahā Dhana Burlingame: Merchant Great-Wealth The merchant Mahā Dhana set out with five hundred wagons but learned there are thieves ahead and thieves behind, and so stayed put in a village; this was told to the Buddha who drew the lesson therefrom and spoke a verse. Keywords: Thieves, Similes |
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9.8 The Story about Kukkuṭamitta CST4: Kukkuṭamittanesādavatthu, the Story about the Hunter Kukkuṭamitta Burlingame: The Enchanted Hunters The Buddha taught Kukkuṭamitta the hunter, his seven sons and seven daughters, and they all gained Stream-entry; the Buddha also explained that the hunter’s wife attained Stream-entry while still young; the bhikkhus asked how can anyone who has Stream-entry help a hunter, and the Buddha explained the matter with a verse. Keywords: Hunters, Conversions, Shrines, Rich Men, Merit, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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9.9 The Story about the Hunter Koka’s Dogs Burlingame: The Hunter Who Was Devoured by His Own Dogs Compare: Ja 367, Dhp-a 1.1a The hunter Koka blamed a bhikkhu for his failure to catch game and he set his dogs on him, chasing him up a tree; the bhikkhu’s robe fell over the hunter and the dogs mistakenly devoured him instead; the bhikkhu worried whether his actions led to the death of the man, and the Buddha reassured him with a verse. Keywords: Hunters, Animals, Past Lives |
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9.10 The Story about Elder Tissa, Who Frequented a Jeweller CST4: Maṇikārakulūpakatissattheravatthu Burlingame: The Jeweler, the Monk, and the Heron Although Elder Tissa had received alms from a jeweller for a dozen years, when a heron swallowed a gem the jeweller accused Tissa of theft and started torturing him to get a confession; only when the heron was killed by accident did Elder Tissa reveal who took it, and he then passed away of his injuries; the Buddha explained the destiny of those involved with a verse. Cast: Elder Tissa, King Pasenadi Keywords: Thieves, Animals, Destinies |
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9.11 The Story about Three Groups Burlingame: Three Parties of Monks Three different groups of bhikkhus who were on their way to the Buddha saw a crow die in mid-air, a woman drowned on a voyage and themselves get buried in a cave; they asked the Buddha why it all happened, and he explained there is nowhere to escape from the results of bad actions, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Monastics, Death, Ships, Murder, Famines, Cruelty, Past Lives |
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9.12 The Story about Suppabuddha the Sākiyan CST4: Suppabuddhasakyavatthu Burlingame: Suppabuddha Insults the Teacher Suppabuddha the Sākiyan was the Buddha’s father-in-law, but was very arrogant and obstructed the Buddha when he was on almsround, which led to the Buddha predicting the time and place of his death; Suppabuddha thought he could escape his fate, but he met it anyway; then the Buddha spoke a verse explaining the matter. Keywords: Arrogance, Destinies, Avīci |
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10.1 The Story about the Group of Six CST4: Chabbaggiyabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: The Band of Six Compare: Vin Cv 6 Āsanappaṭibāhanādi; Vin Pāc 74 The Group of Six bhikkhus fought with and chased off the Group of Seventeen bhikkhus, and took their rooms; the Buddha laid down a rule against violence and spoke a verse. Keywords: Golden Rule |
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10.2 The Story about the Group of Six CST4: Chabbaggiyabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: The Band of Six Compare: Vin Pāc 75 The Group of six Bhikkhus fought with and chased off the Group of Seventeen bhikkhus, and took their rooms, which caused the latter to threaten them; the Buddha laid down a rule against threatening, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Threats, Golden Rule |
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10.3 The Story about a Company of Boys CST4: Sabbahulakumārakavatthu Burlingame: A Company of Boys Compare: Ud 2.3 Keywords: Golden Rule |
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10.4 The Story about the Elder Kuṇḍadhāna CST4: Koṇḍadhānattheravatthu Burlingame: The Monk and the Phantom Compare: Thag-a 15 Elder Kuṇḍadhāna was followed round by a Devatā due to his behaviour in a previous existence, and the bhikkhus, thinking he was breaking his vow of chastity, incited the king to drive him out; the king believed in his innocence though and gave him an invitation; the bhikkhus blamed Elder Kuṇḍadhāna and he, unjustly, blamed them in return; the Buddha admonished him thus. Cast: Kuṇḍadhāna, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Slander, Silence, Rich Men, Past Lives, Foremost Disciples, Previous Buddhas |
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10.5 The Story about Visākhā and Others Observing the Observance Days CST4: Uposathikaitthīnaṃ Vatthu, the Story about Women Observing the Observance Days Burlingame: Visākhā and Her Companions Keep Fast-Day The great lay supporter Visākhā asked five hundred women why they observed the Observance Day; they answered they did so because they want a husband, children, release from their husbands or heaven; the Buddha explained that despite all their suffering most beings still only desire rebirth, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Women, Aspirations, Great Disciples, Previous Buddhas |
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10.6 The Story about the Python Peta Burlingame: The Boa-Constrictor Ghost Compare: SN 19.1 A leading supporter of the Buddha Kassapa recognised a thief as such, and the scoundrel conceived a grudge which led him to commit many wicked deeds, including burning his fields and burning down the Perfumed Cottage; he went to Niraya Hell and was later reborn in the world of the Petas where Elder Moggallāna saw him; the Buddha explained how he got there, and spoke a verse. Cast: Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Elder Lakkhaṇa, Buddha Kassapa, Sumaṅgala Keywords: Chief Disciples, Petas, Offerings, Merit, Forgiveness, Rich Men, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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10.7 The Story about the Elder Mahā Moggallāna Burlingame: Death of Mahā Moggallāna Compare: Ja 522 Elder Moggallāna was murdered by brigands acting on behalf of the naked ascetics; the Buddha explained that in a past life, being swayed by his wife he had murdered his parents, which was why he died in this way in the present life, and then he spoke some verses. Cast: Elder Mahā Moggallāna, King Ajātasattu Keywords: Chief Disciples, Thieves, Killing, Past Lives |
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10.8 The Story about the Bhikkhu with Many Possessions Burlingame: The Monk of Many Possessions Compare: Ja 6 A householder went forth, but first had a cottage built for himself, with provisions stored up, slaves and many requisites so as to live comfortably; the bhikkhus complained to the Buddha who reproved the bhikkhu; in a tiff the bhikkhu threw off his robe and out of spite declared he would go around half-naked; the Buddha reproved him yet again with a verse. Cast: Prince Mahiṁsāsa, Prince Canda, Prince Suriya, Vessavaṇa, Buddha Vipassī, King Bandhumati Keywords: Requisites, Bodhisatta, Yakkhas, Past Lives |
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10.9 The Story about the Minister Santati Burlingame: Santati the King’s Minister Compare: Dhp-a 13.4 The minister Santati was given a rich reward by the king, including a dancing girl, but later she died; distressed, Santati went to the Buddha who gave him a teaching whereby he attained Nibbāna and soon after passed away still dressed in his finery; the bhikkhus asked whether he can be considered a Brahmin or an ascetic, and the Buddha confirmed his status with a verse. Cast: Santati, King Pasenadi, Elder Ānanda, Buddha Vipassī, King Bandhumati Keywords: Ministers, Dancing Girls, Grief, Merit, Relics, Past Lives |
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10.10 The Story about the Elder Pilotika Burlingame: The Monk and the Ragged Garment Compare: Dhp-a 25.10 The poor man Pilotika was ordained by Elder Ānanda, grew fat and discontented, and thought to return to the lay life; but finding his previous rags he took them as a meditation subject and soon became an Arahat; the Buddha confirmed his status to the bhikkhus and spoke some verses. Keywords: Beggars, Monastics, Ordination |
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10.11 The Story about the Novice Sukha Burlingame: Sukha the Novice Compare: Dhp-a 6.5 The novice Sukha saw that irrigators, fletchers and carpenters mastered the objects they worked with, and realised that, if they can master unconscious things, he could master his mind; he asked his teacher Elder Sāriputta to bring his food, and by striving alone he became an Arahat; the Buddha then spoke a verse about him. Cast: Gandha, Bhattabhatika, Cintāmaṇī, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Sukha, Elder Paṇḍita, Sakka, Four Great Kings Keywords: Offerings, Paccekabuddhas, Conversions, Novices, Rich Men, Great Disciples, Mastery, Past Lives |
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11.1 The Story about Visākhā’s Companions Burlingame: Visākhā’s Companions Intoxicate Themselves Compare: Ja 512 Women under the care of Visākhā partook of strong drink while on their way to listen to the Buddha; when they arrived they were possessed by Māra and started laughing and dancing; the Buddha, through his miraculous powers, sobered them up, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Strong Drink, Intoxication, Foremost Disciples, Past Lives |
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11.2 The Story about Sirimā CST4: Sirimāvatthu Burlingame: The Teacher Cures a Monk of Love Compare: Vv-a 1.16 Jīvaka’s sister Sirimā was a courtesan in Rājagaha who attained Stream-entry and used to provide alms for the bhikkhus, but soon she died; the Buddha asked for her body to be left outside to rot, and although men would pay good money for her before, nobody would take her later, even for free; the Buddha spoke about her in a verse. Keywords: Courtesans, Passion, Rich Men, Death, Decay |
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11.3 The Story about the Elder Uttarī CST4: Uttarātherīvatthu Burlingame: The Aged Nun The elderly bhikkhunī Uttarī still walked on almsround at the age of one hundred and twenty years; while walking one day she met the Buddha, but stumbled and fell down; the Buddha spoke a verse warning of her coming death. Keywords: Old Age, Death, Decay, Bhikkhunīs |
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11.4 The Story about Many Vain Bhikkhus CST4: Sambahulaadhimānikabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: A Company of Over-Confident Monks Some bhikkhus attained absorption and thinking they had Awakened they went to see the Buddha; the Buddha sent them to the charnel ground, and when they saw female corpses they realised they still had lust; the Buddha then gave them this teaching. Keywords: Overestimation, Meditation, Death, Radiant Image |
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11.5 The Story about the Elder Janapada Kaḷyāṇī Rūpanandā CST4: Janapadakalyāṇī Rūpanandātherīvatthu Burlingame: The Nun and the Phantom Compare: Dhp-a 24.5; AN-a 14.5.4.6; Thīg-a 41; Thīg-a 52 The Buddha caused Elder Rūpanandā, who was proud of her beauty, to see an image of a very beautiful woman quickly go through the stages of life, die, and be eaten by animals, and she gained insight into the nature of the body; the Buddha then spoke a verse. Keywords: Decay, Bhikkhunīs, Old Age, Sickness, Death, Meditation, Insight |
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11.6 The Story about Queen Mallikā Burlingame: Queen Mallikā and Her Dog Compare: Vv-a 3.8 King Pasenadi’s wife Queen Mallikā died and was eventually reborn in Tusita Heaven; later the Buddha went on almsround, was invited by the king, and sat in his chariot hall, where he explained to the king that he shouldn’t grieve, for all beings must die, and there he spoke a verse. Keywords: Animals, Death, Grief, Offerings, Decay |
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11.7 The Story about the Elder Lāḷudāyi Burlingame: The Monk Who Always Said the Wrong Thing Compare: Ja 211; Dhp-a 18.4 The bhikkhu Lāḷudāyi was always reciting the wrong verses – dirges at weddings, and joyful verses at funerals, and so on; the Buddha explained that he did the very same in a past life and spoke a verse. Cast: Lāḷudāyi, Aggidatta, Somadatta Keywords: Recitation, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Kings |
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11.8 The Story about the Exalted Utterances (Spoken) to Elder Ānanda CST4: Udānavatthu Burlingame: Elder Ānanda’s Stanzas Compare: Nidānakathā After he had defeated Māra at the foot of the Bodhi tree, the Bodhisatta, in the three watches of the night, attained insight into his previous existences, the rising and falling away of beings according to their intentional actions, and dependent origination, which led to his Awakening, at which point he spoke exalted utterances. Keywords: Meditation |
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11.9 The Story about Mahā Dhana, the Rich Man’s Son Burlingame: Great-Wealth, the Treasurer’s Son The wealthy youth Mahā Dhana took to drink and squandered both his own and his wife’s money and ended up a beggar; the Buddha explained that if he had applied himself as a lay disciple he would have been amongst the chief rich men; and if he had gone forth he would have attained the paths and fruits; and then he spoke some verses about him. Keywords: Marriages, Rich Men, Profligacy, Beggars |
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12.1 The Story about Prince Bodhi Burlingame: Prince Bodhi and the Magic Bird Compare: Ja 353; Snp-a 5, Vatthugāthā; Vin Cv 5; MN 85 Prince Bodhi invited the Buddha for the first meal in his new palace, and put down cloth thinking if the Buddha stepped on it he would be blessed with children; the Buddha refused to walk on it, and explained that Prince Bodhi would be without children because of a past life in which he failed to protect himself by keeping precepts during any of the three periods of his life, and he then gave a teaching in a verse. Cast: Prince Bodhi, Sañjikāputta, King Kaṭṭhavāhana Keywords: Kings, Ships, Past Lives |
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12.2 The Story about the Elder Upananda the Sakyan Burlingame: The Greedy Monk Compare: Ja 400 Elder Upananda taught well, but was a greedy bhikkhu who always took the biggest offering, one day he swindled two bhikkhus out of a blanket, and the Buddha explained that one should train oneself before teaching to others, and summarised his teaching with a verse. Cast: Upananda the Sakyan, Anutīracārī, Gambhīracārī Keywords: Discipline, Greed, Cheating, Past Lives |
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12.3 The Story about the Elder Padhānika Tissa Burlingame: “Be Ye Doers of the Word” Compare: Ja 119 Elder Padhānika Tissa took five hundred bhikkhus with him and went to the forest; at night he urged them three times to put forth effort, but he himself went to sleep; the bhikkhus, being worn out, made no progress; the Buddha spoke a verse about the elder. Keywords: Meditation, Cheating, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Animals |
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12.4 The Story about the Elder, the Mother of Kumāra Kassapa CST4: Kumārakassapamātutherīvatthu Burlingame: “And Hate Not His Father and Mother” Compare: Ja 12; AN-a 1.14.3.9 A woman took ordination unaware that she was pregnant; when the child was born King Pasenadi offered to bring him up, and he became known as Kumāra Kassapa; later he ordained and became an Arahat; he also helped his mother give up her affection for him and attain insight; the Buddha then spoke a verse. Cast: Devadatta, King Pasenadi Kosala, Mahā Anāthapiṇḍika, Culla Anāthapiṇḍika, Visākhā, Elder Upāli, Elder Kumāra Kassapa, Nigrodha, Sākha Keywords: Discipline, Bhikkhunīs, Rich Men, Chastity, Birth, Meditation, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas, Bodhisatta, Compassion |
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12.5 The Story about the Lay Disciple Mahā Kāla Burlingame: Killing of Mahā Kāla Compare: Dhp-a 12.9; Thag-a 121; Thag-a 244 The householder Mahā Kāla listened to an all-night Dhamma teaching at Jetavana, but in the morning was beaten to death by people who mistook him for a thief; the Buddha explained that he had caused the unjust death of another in a previous life, and his bad deed had caught up with him, and gave a teaching in a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Thieves, Killing, Cheating, Past Lives |
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12.6 The Story about Devadatta Burlingame: Devadatta Seeks to Slay the Realised One Compare: Dhp-a 1.12 Devadatta sought to kill the Buddha and take over the running of the Saṅgha; the Buddha explained that he also tried to kill him in other existences, but it all worked to Devadatta’s downfall, and then he spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Murder, Past Lives |
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12.7 The Story about Trying for a Schism in the Saṅgha Burlingame: Devadatta Seeks to Cause a Schism in the Order Compare: Vin Cv 7.3; Ud 5.8 Devadatta informed Elder Ānanda that he would henceforth observe the Observance Day apart from the original Saṅgha, thereby causing a schism in the Saṅgha, the Buddha explained how easy it was for the bad to do bad, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Discipline, Schism |
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12.8 The Story about the Elder Kāla Burlingame: The Jealous Monk Elder Kāla was a good teacher but sought to prevent his supporter from listening to the Buddha, thinking she would abandon him; she went to listen anyway, and he followed her, thinking to persuade the Buddha not to teach deep teachings to her; the Buddha rebuked him and spoke a verse. Keywords: Jealousy, Monastics, Listening to Dhamma, Reviling |
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12.9 The Story about the Lay Disciple Culla Kāla CST4: Cūḷakālaupāsakavatthu Burlingame: Courtezans Save a Layman’s Life Compare: Dhp-a 12.5, Thag-a 121; Thag-a 244 The householder Culla Kāla listened to an all-night Dhamma teaching at Jetavana, but in the morning was beaten by people who mistook him for a thief; some courtesans interceded and they let him go; this was reported to the Buddha who gave the teaching in a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Thieves, Killing, Courtesans, Past Lives |
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12.10 The Story about the Elder Attadattha Burlingame: By Righteousness Men Honor the Buddha Compare: Dhp-a 15.7; Dhp-a 25.4; DN 16 When Elder Attadattha heard the Buddha declare his intention to finally pass away in four months time, rather than attend on the Buddha, he went to the forest to practice the teaching; the Buddha lauded him and said this is how one truly honours him, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Striving, Heedfulness, Practising |
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13.1 The Story about a Certain Young Bhikkhu CST4: Daharabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: A Young Girl Jests with a Young Monk Visākhā’s granddaughter called a young bhikkhu a cut-head and he took offence at the insult; the Buddha first appeased him and then gave the teaching with a verse. Keywords: Insults |
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13.2 The Story about Suddhodana Burlingame: The Buddha Visits Kapila Compare: Dhp-a 1.9a The Buddha returned to his home town, Kapilavatthu, and was received with great honour, but no one invited him for a meal, so the next day he went on almsround, which upset his father, the king, as being beneath his dignity; the Buddha explained that in the lineage of the Buddhas they always go on almsround, and then he spoke some verses. Keywords: Miracles, Faith, Past Lives, Almsrounds |
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13.3 The Story about 500 Bhikkhus with Insight Burlingame: Five Hundred Monks Attain Insight Compare: Dhp-a 4.2 Five hundred bhikkhus were given a subject for meditation but did not attain, so they determined to return to the Buddha; on the way, they saw a mirage, and then bubbles bursting, and they realised the self had the same characteristics of impermanence; the Buddha then projected an image of himself and taught them with a verse. Keywords: Insight, Meditation, Radiant Image |
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13.4 The Story about Prince Abhaya Burlingame: Prince Abhaya Loses His Nautch-Girl Compare: Dhp-a 10.9 Prince Abhaya was given a rich reward by the king, including a dancing girl, but later she died, and the prince went to the Buddha who gave him a teaching about how many times, in life after life, he had wept for this woman, and explained that only fools allow themselves to grieve, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Princes, Dancing Girls, Grief |
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13.5 The Story about the Elder Sammuñjani CST4: Sammajjanattheravatthu Burlingame: The Monk with a Broom Elder Sammuñjani spent all his time sweeping the monastery and never meditated, but Elder Revata admonished him to spend some time in meditation, which he did and he became an Arahat; the Buddha confirmed to the bhikkhu his attainment and spoke a verse. Keywords: Discipline, Meditation, Heedfulness |
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13.6 The Story about the Elder Aṅgulimāla Burlingame: Conversions of the Robber Finger-Garland Compare: MN 86 Aṅgulimāla was misled into killing many hundreds of people, but later met the Buddha who converted him and he soon became an Arahat; later he was recognised as the former killer and was stoned to death; the bhikkhus asked where he was reborn, and the Buddha explained he was not reborn at all, and spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Great Disciples, Thieves, Murder, Conversions, Kings |
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13.7 The Story about the Weaver’s Daughter Burlingame: The Weaver’s Daughters A weaver’s daughter heard the Buddha teach on contemplation of death and undertook the practice herself; after three years the Buddha returned to her home town and asked her four questions which she sagely answered, but no one understood her answers except the Buddha; he then spoke a verse, hearing which, she attained Stream-entry. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Death, Duties, Riddles, Grief |
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13.8 The Story about Thirty Bhikkhus Burlingame: Thirty Monks Elder Ānanda waited while thirty bhikkhus met with the Buddha, who brought them all the way to Arahatship, after which they flew away; seeing they were no longer there Elder Ānanda asked where they had gone and the Buddha explained they had left in the same way as the geese who they saw flying in the air at that moment. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma |
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13.9 The Story about the Young Brahmin Girl Ciñcā Burlingame: Ciñcā Falsely Accuses the Buddha Compare: Ja 472; Dhp-a 22.1 The young brahmin girl Ciñcā falsely accused the Buddha of impregnating her; the gods helped reveal the lie, and Ciñcā fell into Avīci, the hell of relentless suffering; the Buddha explained the matter with a verse. Keywords: Gains, Honour, Sectarians, Deceit, Reviling, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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13.10 The Story about the Gifts beyond Compare Burlingame: Gifts beyond Compare Compare: DN-a 19 King Pasenadi gave Gifts beyond Compare to the Saṅgha with the Buddha at its head, something which happens only once in a lifetime; one of the king’s ministers rejoiced, but another regretted the expenditure; the first was richly rewarded and the second was banished from the kingdom; the Buddha then spoke a verse about the situation. Keywords: Kings, Offerings, Women, Merit, Ministers |
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13.11 The Story about Anāthapiṇḍika’s Son Kāla Burlingame: Virtue Bought and Paid For Anāthapiṇḍika had a son, who was interested in wealth, but not in listening to Dhamma; the householder therefore offered his son a thousand coins if he would go to the monastery, observe the Observance Day duties, and learn a verse from the Buddha; he did so and attained Stream-entry, and later refused his father’s money; the Buddha explained his decision with a verse. Keywords: Foremost Disciples, Rich Men, Listening to Dhamma, Offerings |
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14.1 The Story about Māgandiya CST4: Māradhītaravatthu Burlingame: The Buddha Has Nothing to Do with Women Compare: Dhp-a 2.1; Snp 4.9; Ja Nid For six years before the Awakening Māra pursued the Bodhisatta looking for an opening, but he found none; Māra was dejected, and his daughters finding out why, tried and failed to make the newly attained Buddha fall victim to lust; the Buddha rebuked them with some verses. Cast: Māgandiya, Māgandiyā, Channa, Kanthaka, Māra, Siddhattha, Taṇhā, Aratī, Ragā Keywords: Lust, Bodhisatta, Temptation |
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14.2 The Story about the Twin Miracle CST4: Devorohaṇavatthu, the Story about the Descent of the Devas Burlingame: The Twin Miracle Compare: Ja 483; Vin Cv 5.8 After spending his seventh Rains Retreat teaching the Abhidhamma in the Realm of the Thirty-Three, the Buddha descended on a staircase built by Sakka, the Lord of the Devas, and Elder Sāriputta praised the Buddha in his glory; the Buddha explained the matter by reciting a verse. Cast: Nigaṇṭha Nāthaputta, Elder Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja, Elder Mahā Moggallāna, King Bimbisāra, King Pasenadi Kosala, Sakka, Gaṇḍa, Elder Ānanda, Devaputta Vātavalāhaka, Devaputta Sun, Pūraṇa Kassapa, Gharaṇī, Culla Anāthapiṇḍika, Mahā Brahma, Sāmaṇerī Cīrā, Sāmaṇera Cunda, Bhikkhunī Uppalavaṇṇā, Nandivisāla, Elder Anuruddha, Culla Anāthapiṇḍika, Deva Indaka, Deva Aṅkura, Buddha Kassapa, Deva Pañcasikha, Mātali the charioteer, Suyāma Keywords: Chief Disciples, Foremost Disciples, Rich Men, Miracles, Offerings, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas, Bodhisatta |
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14.3 The Story about the Nāga King Erakapatta Burlingame: The King of the Dragons and His Daughters A bhikkhu in the time of Buddha Kassapa died and was reborn as a Nāga; eventually he heard that a new Buddha has arisen in the world, and went and asked why he cannot attain rebirth as a human even after so long a time; this was the Buddha’s reply. Cast: Buddha Kassapa, Erakapatta, Uttara Keywords: Discipline, Nāgas, Riddles, Wisdom |
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14.4 The Story about the Edler Ānanda’s Question about the Observance Day CST4: Ānandattherapañhavatthu Burlingame: How Did the Seven Buddhas Keep Fast-Day? Elder Ānanda asked the Buddha to explain how the previous Buddhas had kept the Observance Day; he explained that although they held them after different lengths of time, the verses they recited were always the same, and he recited them. Cast: Elder Ānanda, Buddha Vipassī, Buddha Sikhi, Buddha Vessabhu, Buddha Kakusandha, Buddha Koṇāgamana, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Previous Buddhas, Discipline |
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14.5 The Story about a Discontented Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Buddha Cures a Monk of Discontent A bhikkhu had gained an inheritance of one hundred coins from his father and thought to return to the lay life; the Buddha pointed out that the money would not be enough to support himself, and related the Birth Story about Mandhātā which shows that no matter how much a person has he will never be satisfied. Cast: King Mahāsammata, Roja, Vararoja, Kalyāṇa, Varakalyāṇa, Uposatha, Mandhātā, Four Great Kings, Sakka Keywords: Discipline, Greed, Kings, Past Lives |
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14.6 The Story about the Brahmin Aggidatta Burlingame: The Monk and the Dragon Aggidatta was a Brahmin with many disciples, but he taught them to go for refuge to woods and mountains and the like; Elder Moggallāna impressed him with his powers and declared the Buddha even greater than himself; the Buddha taught that those who take refuge in the Triple Gem find the one true refuge. Cast: King Pasenadi, Aggidatta, Ahicchatta, Elder Mahā Moggallāna Keywords: Foremost Disciples, Kings, Chaplains, Sectarians, Offerings, False Teachings, Nāgas |
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14.7 The Story about the Question Asked by Elder Ānanda CST4: Ānandattherapañhavatthu Burlingame: Whence Come Men of Noble Birth? Elder Ānanda reflected that the Buddha had taught them about the provenance of well-bred elephants and steeds, but not of well-bred people, so he asked about it, and the Buddha explained the matter with a verse. Keywords: Noble People, Good Birth |
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14.8 The Story about a Company of Bhikkhus Burlingame: What is the Pleasantest Thing in the World? The bhikkhus discussed what is the true good in the world, some said ruling, some said love, some said food; the Buddha explained that those things are within the realm of suffering, and then he pointed out what is truly good with a verse. Keywords: True Happiness, Monastics |
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Burlingame: Honor to Whom Honor is Due While the Buddha and his disciples were on walking tour they came to the shrine of Kassapa, a previous Buddha; one Brahmin came and paid homage to the shrine, but not to the Buddha or his disciples; the Buddha lauded the Brahmin for his act of faith but said it is even better to worship those still living who are worthy of worship. Keywords: Shrines, Reverence, Previous Buddhas |
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15.1 The Story about Settling a Dispute amongst Relatives CST4: Ñāātikalahavūpasamanavatthu Burlingame: A Quarrel among Brethren Compare: Ja 536 The Sākiyans and the Koliyans were kindred tribes who nearly fell into a war over short water supplies; the Buddha, in order to prevent bloodshed, went to them and gave them this teaching, following which they relented. Keywords: Resources, Wars, Peace |
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15.2 The Story about Māra Burlingame: Māra Possesses Villagers Compare: SN 4.2.8 One festival day the Buddha went to the village for alms, but due to Māra taking possession of the people in the village he received nothing; Māra then taunted the Buddha, who rebuked him with a verse. Keywords: Almsrounds, Devas |
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15.3 The Story about the Defeat of the King of Kosala Burlingame: Defeat of the King of Kosala The King of Kosala is defeated three times by his nephew Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, and took to his bed in sorrow and despair; when the Buddha heard about it he gave this teaching. Keywords: Wars, Kings |
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15.4 The Story about a Certain Maiden of Family Burlingame: “Look Not on a Woman to Lust after Her” The Buddha and the monastics were invited to a wedding, and the bride served them with all due attention; the groom, however, was overcome with lust and could pay no attention to his duties; the Buddha spoke a verse to him. Keywords: Lust, Marriages |
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15.5 The Story about a Certain Lay Disciple CST4: Ekaupāsakavatthu Burlingame: The Buddha Feeds the Hungry The Buddha saw that a poor man was ready to attain Stream-entry, and went with the monastics to give him teachings; the man however spent the whole morning seeking his lost ox; the Buddha ordered that the tired man be fed first, and only later did he teach him; afterwards he spoke a verse to the monastics. Keywords: Hunger, Listening to Dhamma |
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15.6 The Story about Pasedani Kosala Burlingame: On Moderation in Eating Compare: SN 3.13; Dhp-a 23.4 King Pasenadi was always overeating and suffering for it so the Buddha had the king’s nephew learn and recite a verse which reminded the king to be moderate; later the king told the Buddha he was cured, and the Buddha recited a verse. Cast: King Pasenadi Kosala, Prince Sudassana, Princess Vajirā Keywords: Greed, Kings |
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15.7 The Story about the Elder Tissa Compare: Dhp-a 12.10; Dhp-a 25.4 Burlingame: By Righteousness Men Honor the Buddha When Elder Tissa heard the Buddha declare his intention to finally pass away in four months time, rather than attend on the Buddha, he went to the forest to practice the teaching; the Buddha lauded him and said this is how one truly honours him, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Grief, Heedfulness, Solitude, Practising |
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15.8 The Story about Sakka’s Attendance CST4: Sakkavatthu Burlingame: Sakka Ministers to the Buddha When the Buddha lay ill Sakka, Lord of the Gods, came to attend to him; the bhikkhus wondered why, and the Buddha explained how he had previously answered Sakka’s questions who thereby became a Stream-enterer; the Buddha summarised Sakka’s affection with some verses. Keywords: Sickness, Good Companions |
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16.1 The Story about Three Monastics CST4: Tayojanapabbajitavatthu, the Story about Three People Who Had Gone Forth Burlingame: Mother and Father and Son In quick succession a son, his father and mother all went forth and became monastics, but even after ordination they were inseparable; the Buddha told them this was not suitable for monastics and admonished them with these verses. Keywords: Families, Monastics, Bhikkhunīs |
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16.2 The Story about a Certain Head of a Family Burlingame: The Buddha Comforts the Afflicted Compare: Ja 354 A layman greatly grieved over the loss of his son; the Buddha went to him and explained that the wise of old, understanding the nature of things, did not grieve, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Death, Grief, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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16.3 The Story about Visākhā Burlingame: The Buddha Comforts the Afflicted Compare: Ud 8.8 The lay supporter Visākhā lost her granddaughter and was given over to grief; she went to the Buddha who explained that everyone must die and that if she had many relatives there would be no end of occasions for grief, and advised her further with a verse. Keywords: Death, Grief, Insight |
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16.4 The Story about the Licchavis Burlingame: The Licchavi Princes and the Courtezan As the Buddha and the bhikkhus went for alms in Vesālī they saw the Licchavī princes dressed like gods going out with a courtesan; later they fought over her, and many were killed and wounded, and the Buddha explained the matter to the bhikkhus with a verse. Keywords: Jealousy, Courtesans |
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16.5 The Story about the Youth Anitthigandha Burlingame: The Golden Maiden Compare: Ja 263; Ja 507; Ja 328; Ja 531; Thag-a 261; AN-a 1.14.3.4 A rich man’s son, Anitthigandha, had a image of a beautiful woman made from red gold and said he would only marry a woman its match; a young woman was found who surpassed the image, but she died on the way to meet him, sending the young man into grief; the Buddha explained why he was grieving with a verse. Keywords: Marriages, Statues, Rich Men, Grief |
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16.6 The Story about a Certain Brahmin Burlingame: Set Not Your Heart on Worldly Possessions Compare: Ja 228 A Brahmin farmer wishing for his fields to prosper decided to make the Buddha his partner; just before the crop was brought in floods washed it all away, and the farmer was inconsolable; the Buddha explained the origin of the farmer’s sorrow. Keywords: Farming, Floods, Loss |
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16.7 The Story about Five Hundred Youths Burlingame: Kassapa Wins a Basket of Cakes Fifty youths were going out of Rājagaha carrying baskets of cakes, but did not think to offer any to the Buddha and the bhikkhus, until they saw Elder Mahā Kassapa, and then they offered him the cakes; the Buddha spoke a verse about Elder Mahā Kassapa. Keywords: Offerings, Foremost Disciples |
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16.8 The Story about an Elder Who Was a Non-Returner CST4: Ekaanāgāmittheravatthu Burlingame: The Elder Who had Attained the Fruit of the Third Path A bhikkhu attained the third stage of Awakening, but when questioned by his fellow bhikkhus, didn’t mention it as he first wanted to attain Arahatship; in the meantime he passed away and was reborn in the Pure Lands; his fellow bhikkhus lamented, thinking he had fallen short, but the Buddha explained his attainment with a verse. Keywords: Attainments, Pure Abodes |
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16.9 The Story about Nandiya Burlingame: Nandiya Attains Heavenly Glory Compare: Vv-a 5.2; Pv-a 4.4 The faithful householder Nandiya erected a building at Isipatana for the monastics and as he poured the water of donation a celestial mansion arose for him in the Realm of the Thirty-Three gods; Elder Moggallāna saw it and asked the Buddha about it, who explained the matter with a verse. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Marriages, Devaputtas, Accharās, Heaven, Offerings |
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17.1 The Story about the Noble Maiden Rohinī Burlingame: How Anger Marred a Maiden’s Looks Elder Anuruddha had a sister named Rohinī, but when he returned to his family she didn’t come and serve him as she had a skin disease; the elder advised her to build a residence for the bhikkhus and, after she did that, her skin eruption subsided; the Buddha explained the past misdeed which caused her illness, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Sickness, Offerings, Queens, Past Lives, Devaputtas |
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17.2 The Story about a Certain Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Tree Devatā and the Monk Compare: Vin Pāc 11 Against the pleas of a Devatā a bhikkhu cut down a tree thereby injuring her child at the same time; the Devatā at first thought to kill him, but restrained her anger and reported the matter to the Buddha instead, who spoke a verse and gave her a new tree to live in, and laid down a rule that bhikkhus should not injure trees and plants. Keywords: Devatās, Rich Men, Discipline |
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17.3 The Story about the Lay Disciple Uttarā Burlingame: The Poor Man and His Daughters Compare: Vv-a 1.15; AN-a 1.14.7.5, Dhp-a 11.2 Uttarā hired a courtesan to look after her husband’s needs, while she served the Buddha and his bhikkhus; the courtesan fell into a jealous rage and tried to burn Uttarā with boiling ghee, but the power of her loving-kindness prevented it from burning; the Buddha praised her actions with a verse. Cast: Puṇṇa (Mahā Dhana, Bahu Dhana), Uttarā, Sumana, Elder Sāriputta, Sirimā Keywords: Great Disciples, Faith, Offerings, Merit, Rich Men, Miracles, Kings, Festivals, Loving-Kindness |
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17.4 The Story about the Elder Mahā Moggallāna’s Question Burlingame: Do Trifling Acts of Merit Lead to Heaven? Compare: Vv-a Introduction Elder Moggallāna one day visited heaven and seeing Devatās in the mansions asked them how they got there; one replied she had spoken the truth, another had restrained her anger, and others had given but trifling gifts; the Buddha then spoke a verse in explanation. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Devatās, Devadhītās, Truth, Restraint, Offerings |
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17.5 The Story about the Brahmin from Sāketa CST4: Buddhapitubrāhmaṇavatthu, the Story about the Buddha’s Brahmin Father Burlingame: A Brahmin Greets the Buddha as His Son Compare: Ja 68; AN-a 1.14.6.10 A Brahmin and his wife at Sāketa always addressed the Buddha as their son; the bhikkhus asked the Buddha why, and he explained that they were his parents in fifteen hundred previous existences; at the end of one Rains Retreat the couple attained Nibbāna together, and the Buddha spoke a verse. Keywords: Offerings, Relatives, Old Age, Death, Past Lives |
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17.6 The Story about Puṇṇā CST4: Puṇṇadāsīvatthu Burlingame: It Is the Giver That Makes the Gift Compare: Ja 254 Puṇṇā was a servant girl who was given work that lasted into the night at which time she saw the bhikkhus being guided to their quarters by Elder Dabba Malla; when she met the Buddha the next day and offered him a cake he explained with a verse why the bhikkhus were awake. Keywords: Offerings, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Rich Men, Merchants, Kings |
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17.7 The Story about the Lay Disciple Atula Burlingame: Nothing, Too Much, and Too Little The lay disciple Atula went with his entourage to see Elder Revata, who did not speak; Elder Sāriputta, who spoke at length; and Elder Ānanda who spoke moderately; but he was upset with them all; finally he went to the Buddha who explained the matter with a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Blame, Praise |
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17.8 The Story about the Group of Six Burlingame: The Group of Six Compare: Vin Mv 5.6 The Group of Six bhikkhus, whose unrestrained behaviour was the occasion for the Buddha laying down many of the Vinaya Regulations, put on clogs and clattered around on a rock; the Buddha advised them with some verses. Keywords: Discipline, Restraint |
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18.1 The Story about a Son of a Cow-Killer Burlingame: The Cow-Killer and His Son Compare: Dhp-a 1.10; Dhp-a 5.1c; Dhp-a 12.1c; Dhp-a 24.11 An old man had never done any works of merit so his sons sent for him and made offerings to the Buddha and the Saṅgha in his name on two successive days; on the first the Buddha advised him with the two verses, and on the second with two more. Keywords: Killing, Wrong Livelihood, Retribution, Offerings |
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18.2 The Story about a Certain Brahmin Burlingame: Little by Little A Brahmin saw the bhikkhus waiting to go for alms, and each day improved the conditions where they gathered, until eventually he built a hall for them, and invited the Buddha and the bhikkhus for a meal; when the Buddha heard of his endeavours he spoke a verse. Keywords: Offerings, Merit |
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18.3 The Story about the Elder Tissa Burlingame: The Louse That Would Have His Own A bhikkhu was so attached to his robes that when he died he was reborn as a louse in them; the bhikkhus went to divide his things, but the Buddha asked them to wait; after the bhikkhu was reborn again the Buddha told the bhikkhus to divide the robes, explained what had happened, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Discipline, Death, Craving, Similes |
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18.4 The Story about the Elder Lāḷudāyi CST4: Lāludāyittheravatthu Burlingame: Pride Goeth before a Fall Compare: Dhp-a 11.7; Ja 153 Elder Lāḷudāyi was jealous of the Chief Disciples and declared himself also a Dhamma teacher; but when asked he didn’t know even one verse; when the Buddha found out, he related a previous life story in which Lāḷudāyi also promoted himself unjustly and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Jealousy, Cheating, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Animals |
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18.5 The Story about a Certain Youth of Good Family Burlingame: The Wickedness of Women Compare: Ja 65 A youth got married but his wife was given to adultery and put the young man to shame; when he met the Buddha the latter reminded him that in a previous existence also he was betrayed by his wife, and then he taught him with a verse. Keywords: Women, Adultery, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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18.6 The Story about Culla Sāri CST4: Cūḷasārivatthu Burlingame: Courtesy and Rudeness Elder Culla Sāri gave medical treatment to others in exchange for a portion of food, which is against the right ways of earning his livelihood as laid down by the Buddha; when the Buddha heard of his behaviour he gave a teaching in some verses. Keywords: Discipline, Medicine |
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18.7 The Story about Five Hundred Lay Disciples CST4: Pañcaupāsakavatthu Burlingame: All of the Precepts are Hard to Keep Some laymen were arguing as to which of the precepts is the hardest to keep; the Buddha told them they are all hard to keep, and explained the matter further with some verses. Keywords: Precepts |
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18.8 The Story about the Young Bhikkhu Tissa Burlingame: The Fault-Finding Novice Compare: Ja 80; Ja 125 The young bhikkhu Tissa was always finding fault with the almsgiving of Anāthapiṇḍaka, Visākhā and other faithful disciples, and boasted his family gave better alms than they did; the bhikkhus found out he was the son of a lowly gatekeeper; the Buddha showed the bhikkhus how he tried to fool people in a previous life too, and taught them with a verse. Keywords: Vanity, Rich Men, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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18.9 The Story about Five Lay Disciples Burlingame: The Inattentive Laymen Compare: Dhp-a 26.25 While the Buddha was teaching the Dhamma, one lay follower fell asleep, another scratched the earth, one shook a tree, another looked at the sky and only one listened attentively; the Buddha explained they were a snake, an earthworm, a monkey, an astrologer and a student of the Vedas in their previous births and behave accordingly now, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Rich Men, Similes, Past Lives |
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18.10 The Story about the Rich Man Meṇḍaka Burlingame: The Treasurer Meṇḍaka Compare: Vin Mv 5.34; Divy 9-10 The rich man Meṇḍaka wanted to see the Buddha when he was passing through, but the outside ascetics tried to persuade him not to by telling him falsely that he teaches there is no result of actions; Meṇḍaka went anyway and the Buddha taught him with a verse. Cast: Meṇḍaka, Candapadumā, Dhanañjaya, Sumanā Devī, Visākhā, Puṇṇa, Buddha Vipassī, Avaroja Keywords: Epics, Rich Men, Offerings, Paccekabuddhas, Famines, Psychic Power, Merit, Past Lives |
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18.11 The Story about the Elder Ujjhānasaññī Burlingame: The Treasurer Meṇḍaka Compare: Vin Mv 5.34; Divy 9-10 The rich man Meṇḍaka wanted to see the Buddha when he was passing through, but the outside ascetics tried to persuade him not to by telling him falsely that he teaches there is no result of actions; Meṇḍaka went anyway and the Buddha taught him with a verse. Cast: Meṇḍaka, Candapadumā, Dhanañjaya, Sumanā Devī, Visākhā, Puṇṇa, Buddha Vipassī, Avaroja Keywords: Epics, Rich Men, Offerings, Paccekabuddhas, Famines, Psychic Power, Merit, Past Lives |
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18.12 The Story about the Wanderer Subhadda Burlingame: The Fault-Finding Monk Elder Ujjhānasaññī was always finding fault with the others, so the bhikkhus asked the Buddha about it; he remarked that one who is scrupulous is doing well, but one who enjoys finding fault, makes no progress, and he taught them with a verse. Keywords: Discipline, Blame |
19. The Chapter about One Who Stands by Dhamma |
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19.1 The Story about the Ministers of Justice Burlingame: The Unjust Judges After their almsround the bhikkhus noticed that judges were accepting bribes, and depriving people of their property; they reported this to the Buddha who spoke a verse advising on who is a real judge. Keywords: Justice, Righteousness, Ministers |
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19.2 The Story about the Group of Six Burlingame: Not Therefore is a Man called Wise for His Much Speaking The group of six bhikkhus, who were notorious for their bad behaviour, went around the monasteries creating havoc and boasting about themselves in the refectories; when this matter was reported to the Buddha he gave a teaching in a verse. Keywords: Discipline |
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19.3 The Story about the Elder Ekudāna PTS: Ekuddānattheravatthu CST4: Ekudānakhīṇāsavattheravatthu, the Story about the Edler Ekudāna Who Had Destroyed the Pollutants Burlingame: Not Therefore is a Man Praised for His Much Speaking Compare: Ud 4.7; Thag-a 68 Elder Ekudāna knew but one verse, which he recited on the fast-day, and all the Devatās applauded; when two learned bhikkhus, with their followings, came by they recited the Three Baskets, but received no applause; the Buddha explained that a monastic who knows one verse, and practised accordingly, is better than someone who knows all the words but practices not. Keywords: Practice, Recitation, Devatās |
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19.4 The Story about the Elder Lakuṇḍaka Bhaddiya Burlingame: Can a Young Monk be an “Elder”? The young-looking dwarf Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya one day went to attend to the duties for the Buddha; as he was leaving some thirty bhikkhus arrived and the Buddha asked them if they saw an elder on the way, they replied they only saw a young novice; then the Buddha gave this teaching. Keywords: Old Age, Understanding |
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19.5 The Story about a Company of Bhikkhus Burlingame: What is an Accomplished Gentleman? Some learned bhikkhus, jealous of other bhikkhus having disciples who carried out their duties for them, went to the Buddha and asked for others to be forbidden to teach until they had undertaken training under their tutelage; the Buddha understood their intentions and taught them with a verse. Keywords: Jealousy, Vanity, Gains and Fame |
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19.6 The Story about Hatthaka Burlingame: It is Not Tonsure that Makes the Monk Elder Hatthaka defeated his opponents by lying about the time of the debate, making them late, and telling the people that they dare not face him; when the Buddha heard what he was doing he gave a teaching in some verses. Keywords: Debates, Sectarians |
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19.7 The Story about a Certain Brahmin Burlingame: What Is It That Makes the Monk? A Brahmin who ordained in an outside order collected his almsfood through begging; later he went to the Buddha and asked to be addressed as a bhikkhu, like the Buddha’s own disciples; but the Buddha explained with some verses that it is not the form that counts, but the cleansing of the mind. Keywords: Almsrounds, Sectarians |
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19.8 The Story about the Sectarians Burlingame: It Is Not Silence That Makes the Sage The Buddha gave an allowance for the monastics to give thanks after the meal they had received; the sectarians complained that the monastics talk too much, while they keep silence; the Buddha explained who is a true seer with some verses. Keywords: Sectarians, Thanksgiving, Wisdom |
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19.9 The Story about the Fisherman Named Ariya CST4: Bālisikavatthu Burlingame: Noble Is as Noble Does A fisherman named Ariya was going about his business one day when the Buddha and the bhikkhus walked by; the Buddha asked him his name, and on reply told him that only one who does not hurt other beings should be called noble. Keywords: Killing, Wrong Livelihood |
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Burlingame: Be Not Puffed Up Some bhikkhus who had attained various stages of the holy life approached the Buddha declaring they could become Arahats at any moment, and have that confidence; the Buddha encouraged them to keep striving to the end with some verses. Keywords: Discipline, Attainments, Striving |
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20.1 The Story about Five Hundred Bhikkhus Burlingame: The Eightfold Path is the Best of Paths Five hundred bhikkhus were discussing the many paths they had trod while on walking tour when the Buddha asked them their topic of discussion; on finding out, he advised them with some verses not to worry about those paths but to follow the best of paths. Keywords: Noble Eightfold Path |
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20.2 The Story about the Characteristic of Impermanence Burlingame: Impermanence Five hundred bhikkhus strove hard but were unable to attain Arahatship, so they approached the Buddha for further teaching; seeing into their past lives and knowing they had previously meditated on impermanence, the Buddha gave them this teaching, after hearing which, they became Arahats. Keywords: Insight, Past Lives |
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20.3 The Story about the Characteristic of Suffering Burlingame: Impermanence Five hundred bhikkhus strove hard but were unable to attain Arahatship, so they approached the Buddha for further teaching; seeing into their past lives and knowing they had previously meditated on impermanence, the Buddha gave them this teaching, after hearing which, they became Arahats. Keywords: Insight, Past Lives |
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20.4 The Story about the Characteristic of Non-Self Burlingame: Unreality Five hundred bhikkhus strove hard but were unable to attain Arahatship, so they approached the Buddha for further teaching; seeing into their past lives and knowing they had previously meditated on non-self, the Buddha gave them this teaching, after hearing which, they became Arahats. Keywords: Insight, Past Lives |
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20.5 The Story about the Elder Padhānakammika Tissa Burlingame: Do Not Postpone until Tomorrow Compare: Ja 71 Five hundred bhikkhus were given a meditation subject and went to the forest to practice, but one of them dropped out straight away; later the diligent bhikkhus became Arahats and were invited to a meal; the lazy bhikkhu fell during the night and broke his thigh and the others missed their meal; the Buddha explained they were delayed in a previous life by the same person, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Offerings, Laziness, Energy, Past Lives |
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20.6 The Story about the Pig Peta Burlingame: The Pig-Ghost Compare: SN 19.2; Pv-a 1.3 Elder Moggallāna saw a Peta with a pig’s head and reported it to the Buddha who explained that in a previous life he was someone who broke up a sincere friendship, and after arising in Avīci, the hell of relentless suffering, was later reborn as a Peta with a pig’s head because of his misdeed, and then the Buddha spoke a verse. Elder Mahā Moggallāna, Elder Lakkhaṇa, Buddha Kassapa, Keywords: Chief Disciples, Slander, Anger, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas, Retribution |
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20.7 The Story about the Elder Poṭhila CST4: Poṭṭhilattheravatthu Burlingame: Poṭhila the Empty-Head Elder Poṭhila had been a reciter of the Three Baskets under all seven Buddhas, but had never truly put the teaching into practice, so the Buddha started calling him Empty Poṭhila; taking the hint he went far away to practice meditation, and later the Buddha appeared to him and spoke a verse to encourage him. Keywords: Practice, Recitation, Meditation, Pride, Insight, Radiant Image |
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20.8 The Story about a Company of Old Elders CST4: Pañcamahallakattheravatthu, the Story about Five Old Elders Burlingame: The Old Monks and the Old Woman Compare: Ja 146 Some laymen heard the Buddha teaching and ordained in old age, but even after ordaining they still visited their families for meals; when a former wife of one of them died they fell into deep lamentation; the Buddha explained they did that also in previous lives as crows, and gave the bhikkhus a teaching with some verses. Keywords: Offerings, Death, Past Lives |
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20.9 The Story about the Elder Suvaṇṇakāra Burlingame: “The Grass Withereth, the Flower Fadeth” Elder Sāriputta’s young disciple made no progress with his meditation subject so he took him to the Buddha, who, understanding his inclinations, gave him a different subject: to look upon a lotus flower, which soon disintegrated, giving the young bhikkhu insight into impermanence; the Buddha then appeared and gave this instruction. Keywords: Meditation, Insight, Radiant Image |
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20.10 The Story about the Merchant Mahā Dhana Burlingame: You Shalt Surely Die The merchant Mahā Dhana arrived at Sāvatthi to sell his goods, and thought he will stay there all year round; the Buddha, however, saw that the merchant would die in seven days and sent Elder Ānanda to warn him; the merchant then gave meals to the Buddha and the Saṅgha, and on hearing the teaching in a verse attained Stream-entry before dying. Keywords: Merchants, Death, Offerings |
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20.11 The Story about Kisā Gotamī Burlingame: The Bereaved Mother and the Pinch of Mustard-Seed Compare: Dhp-a 8.13; Thīg-a 63 Kisā Gotamī’s child died, but she did not believe it, and went round trying to find a cure; someone sent her to the Buddha who asked her to bring mustard seeds from a house that has never seen death; she was unable to, of course, and realised death is pervasive; the Buddha then taught her with a verse and she became a Stream-enterer. Keywords: Death, Insight |
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20.12 The Story about Paṭācārā Burlingame: The Woman Who Was Bereft of All Her Family Compare: Dhp-a 8.12; AN-a 1.14.5.4; Thīg-a 47 After losing all her relatives in various disasters Paṭācārā also lost her mind; eventually she wandered into the presence of the Buddha who gave the teaching in this verse at which point she became a Stream-enterer. Keywords: Death, Insight |
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21.1 The Story about Ascending the Ganges CST4: Attanopubbakammavatthu, The Story of His Own Former Deed Burlingame: The Ascent of the Ganges Compare: Khp-a 6; Ja 163 The Bodhisatta’s son in a previous life met some Paccekabuddhas, attained Awakening and later died; when his father found out he honoured his grave; through the power of that merit, when in this life he became the Buddha, he received similar great honours; he taught the monastics with a verse. Cast: Licchavis, King Bimbisāra, Mahāli, Sakka, Elder Ānanda, Saṅkha, Susīma Keywords: Merit, Protective Chanting, Amanussa, Past Lives, Bodhisatta, Epics, Nāgas, Bhummaṭṭhaka Devatās, Offerings |
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21.2 The Story about a Woman Who Ate Chicken Eggs Burlingame: “Not Hatred for Hatred” Compare: Dhp-a 1.5 A young girl stole a hen’s eggs, and the hen, when reborn killed the girl’s offspring; through their hateful connection they were reborn together and destroyed each other’s children in five hundred existences; when the Buddha met them he taught them with a verse, and their hatreds were appeased. Keywords: Killing, Yakkhinīs |
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21.3 The Story about the Bhikkhus of Bhaddiya Burlingame: The Monks Who Were Given to Vanities Compare: Vin Mv 5.8 The bhikkhus of Bhaddiya were very keen on decorating their shoes, and wearing shoes of many different and fancy kinds; when the bhikkhus reported this matter to the Buddha he laid down regulations about footwear, and then taught them with some verses. Keywords: Discipline |
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21.4 The Story about the Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya Burlingame: The Monk Who Had Killed His Mother and Father When Elder Lakuṇṭaka Bhaddiya was passing by, the Buddha spoke a cryptic saying to the effect that this bhikkhu had killed both mother and father; the bhikkhus were astonished, but the Buddha was speaking metaphorically. Keywords: Killing, Similes |
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21.5 The Story about a Son of a Wagon Driver Burlingame: The Youth and the Demons A youth became very practised at the recollection of the Buddha, so when he was attacked by Amanussas he called out: ‘Homage to the Buddha’, which forced the Amanussas to serve him; when the king found out he asked the Buddha if only this recollection was an effective protection, and the Buddha taught six types of meditation. Keywords: Amanussa, Meditation, Protective Chanting |
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21.6 The Story about the Vajjian Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Vajjian Prince Who Became a Monk Compare: SN 9.9; Thag-a 62 A Vajjian prince ordained, but hearing music and festivities coming from Vesālī, he was dissatisfied and asked: ‘Who is worse off than we monastics?’ The Buddha taught him the various kinds of suffering there are in births and deaths with some verses. Keywords: Discontent, Festivals, Devatās |
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21.7 The Story about the Householder Citta Burlingame: Citta the Faithful Lay Disciple Compare: Dhp-a 5.14 After being taught by Elder Sāriputta, Citta the Householder attained Non-returning, and determined to go and see the Buddha; he arranged a great caravan and provided for all who wished to accompany him; he emptied his carts on the way, but upon leaving, the residents filled them with jewels; the Buddha reflected on what had happened with a verse. Keywords: Householders, Faith, Gains, Honour |
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21.8 The Story about Cullā Subhaddā CST4: Cūḷasubhaddāvatthu Burlingame: Cullā Subhaddā the Virtuous Compare: Dhp-a 4.8 Cullā Subhaddā, the daughter of Anāthapiṇḍika, was married into a far-away family who supported the naked ascetics; but through modesty she refused to serve them, and spoke to her mother-in-law about the Buddha and the Saṅgha; asked to invite him for a meal she went to a mountain top and threw flowers into the air; the Buddha, knowing her intention, accepted the invitation and, when questioned how he knew of the invitation, spoke a verse. Cast: Cullā Subhaddā, Anāthapiṇḍika, Ugga, Sakka, Vissakamma, Elder Anuruddha Keywords: Rich Men, Marriages, Festivals, Naked Ascetics, Offerings |
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21.9 The Story about the Elder Ekavihārī Burlingame: The Solitary Monk Elder Ekavihārī was a forest dwelling bhikkhu who lived alone in every way, when the monastics reported his way of life to the Buddha, he praised the elder in a verse. Keywords: Solitude, Good Example |
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22.1 The Story about the Wanderer Sundarī Burlingame: Murder of Sundarī Compare: Ud 4.8; Ja 285; Dhp-a 13.9 The wandering nun Sundarī was used to try and set up the Buddha and the Saṅgha and was then murdered by the sectarians; when people started falsely accusing the Saṅgha members of her murder the Buddha taught the monastics to recite a verse, and soon the matter was settled and the truth was revealed. Keywords: Slander, Killing, Funerals, Kings |
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Burlingame: The Skeleton-Ghost Compare: SN 29.1 Elder Moggallāna saw a Peta dressed as a bhikkhu flying through the air with body all on fire and reported it to the Buddha, who told that previously the Peta had been a bhikkhu under Buddha Kassapa, but had not lived accordingly, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Petas, Previous Buddhas |
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Burlingame: Magic for Meat Compare: Vin Pār 4 The bhikkhus who lived on the banks of the Vaggumudā went around praising each other and saying they had attained states they had not in order to get better almsfood; the Buddha restrained those bhikkhus and spoke a verse. Keywords: Discipline |
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22.4 The Story about Khema Burlingame: The Man Whom Women Loved One of the merchant Anāthapiṇḍika’s nephews, Khema, was so handsome all the women fell in love with him, and he was frequently caught in adultery; the king didn’t punish Khema, due to his affection for his father, so his father took his son to the Buddha who taught him in some verses the destiny of those who dally with other men’s wives. Keywords: Rich Men, Adultery, Kings, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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22.5 The Story about a Stubborn Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Presumptuous Monk A bhikkhu broke off the tip of a blade of grass and was worried whether he had broken a rule, so he asked another bhikkhu who told him it was of no account as he could confess his fault, and to emphasise his point he broke off a clump of grass; the Buddha strongly rebuked them both with some verses. Keywords: Discipline |
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22.6 The Story about the Woman Jealous by Nature Burlingame: The Jealous Woman A jealous woman found out her husband had been unfaithful with one of their maidservants, and had her nose and ears cut off, threw her into a dungeon and then went to listen to the Dhamma; one of her relatives discovered the matter and informed the Buddha, who gave the teaching in a verse. Keywords: Cruelty, Servants, Listening to Dhamma |
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22.7 The Story about a Company of Bhikkhus Burlingame: Fortify Yourself Like a City Some bhikkhus spent the Rains Retreat in the border country, but after some time the village was attacked and the inhabitants had to spend all their time reinforcing the village, and did not look after the bhikkhus well; later they reported the matter to the Buddha, who taught them with a verse. Keywords: Thieves, Monastics |
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22.8 The Story about the Nigaṇṭhas Burlingame: Degrees of Nakedness Some bhikkhus saw the Nigaṇṭhas and spoke of them as having some modesty as they wear a small covering at the front, the Nigaṇṭhas however declared they do so not out of modesty, but to protect the lives of dust-beings; when reported to the Buddha he spoke a verse about them. Keywords: Sectarians, Naked Ascetics, Shame |
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22.9 The Story about the Sectarian Disciples Burlingame: Children Visit the Buddha Some children of the families of sectarians were forbidden to go to Jetavana, but when thirst overtook them one day they went anyway; the Buddha gave them an appropriate teaching and they converted; later they went to the monastery to ordain and the Buddha taught them with some verses. Keywords: Sectarians, Listening to Dhamma |
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23.1 The Story about Speaking and Rousing Oneself CST4: Attadantavatthu, the Story about One Who Tamed Himself Burlingame: The Sectaries Insult the Buddha Compare: Dhp-a 2.1 Queen Māgandiyā, who had been rejected by the Buddha, bribed the crowd and slaves to abuse him and the bhikkhus when they came to town; Elder Ānanda urged the Buddha to go elsewhere but the Buddha answered that they should be resolute and spoke about himself in these verses. Keywords: Reviling, Similes |
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23.2 The Story about the Bhikkhu Who Had Been an Elephant-Trainer CST4: Hatthācariyapubbakabhikkhuvatthu, the Story about the Bhikkhu Who Had Formerly Been an Elephant-Trainer Burlingame: The Monk Who Had Been an Elephant-Trainer A bhikkhu who had previously been an elephant-trainer saw a man struggling to train an elephant and successfully advised him on his task; when the Buddha heard about it he rebuked him and advised him on what really needs to be trained. Keywords: Animals, Training |
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23.3 The Story about the Old Brahmin’s Sons Burlingame: The Old Brahmin and His Sons Compare: SN 7.13; Dhp-a 8.14 Some children who were previously negligent later gave a meal to the Buddha and the Saṅgha, and related how they now took care of their father; the Buddha recited a Birth Story relating how he too had cared for his parents, and spoke a verse showing how he would not eat until he was allowed to attend to his duties. Keywords: Marriages, Sectarians, Offerings, Filial Piety, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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23.4 The Story about Pasenadi Kosala Burlingame: On Moderation in Eating Compare: Dhp-a 15.6; SN 3.2.3 King Pasenadi, at one time in his life, always overate and suffered the consequences of torpidity and drowsiness; he went to the Buddha who taught him with a verse; he also taught another verse for his attendant to recite which would remind the king not to eat so much. Keywords: Greed, Kings |
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23.5 The Story about the Novice Sāṇu Burlingame: The Novice and the Ogress Compare: SN 10.5; Thag-a 44; Dhp-a 26.21 Sānu was a novice who, when he recited the texts, attracted even the Devas to listen, but when he reached manhood he grew discontent and purposed to disrobe; his mother persuaded him to continue in the monastic life and take his higher ordination; this is the teaching the Buddha gave urging him to control his thoughts. Keywords: Novices, Merit, Yakkhinīs, Devatās, Discontent, Possession, Ordination |
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23.6 The Story about the Elephant Baddheraka CST4: Pāveyyakahatthivatthu, the Story about the Elephant Pāveyyaka Burlingame: An Elephant Sticks Fast in the Mud An old elephant waded into a lake one day and didn’t have the strength to extricate himself until his former trainer dressed in battle array and beat the drum; the pride of the elephant was such that he immediately pulled himself from the water; on hearing of the incident the Buddha urged the monastics also to draw themselves out of the quagmire of the pollutants with a verse. Keywords: Animals, Kings, Similes |
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23.7 The Story about a Company of Bhikkhus Burlingame: An Elephant Waits Upon the Buddha Compare: Dhp-a 1.5b Owing to the Kosambī bhikkhus falling into an argument, the Buddha went to Pārileyyaka forest and was served by an elephant; after the Rains Retreat Elder Ānanda, being urged by the great disciples, went to invite the Buddha to return to Sāvatthi; the Buddha explained that he had a good companion in the elephant, but without such-like it is better to live alone, and he spoke some verses. Cast: Elder Ānanda, Anāthapiṇḍika, Visākhā, Pārileyyaka Keywords: Animals, Solitude |
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23.8 The Story about Māra Burlingame: Māra Tempts the Buddha Compare: SN 4.20 The Buddha was reflecting on whether it is possible for kings to rule the world with justice; Māra, finding this out, came to the wrong conclusion, and tried to tempt him; the Buddha explained what is truly good with some verses. Keywords: Kings, Temptation |
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24.1 The Story about Kapilamaccha Burlingame: Redfish Compare: Ud 3.3; Thag-a 178 In the time of the Buddha Kassapa one Kapila went forth and was renowned as a great teacher, but would pronounce other bhikkhus wrong even when they were right just to disparage them; at the time of our Lord Buddha he was reborn as a fish with foul breath; he was caught and brought to the Buddha, who explained his fate and then spoke some verses. Cast: Buddha Kassapa, Sodhana, Kapila, Sādhinī, Tāpanā, Keywords: Pride, Reviling, Gains, Schism, Thieves, Animals, Past Lives, Devaputtas |
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24.2 The Story about the Young Sow Burlingame: The Young Sow One day the Buddha saw a sow and smiled; when Elder Ānanda asked him the reason for his smile he told of the various forms of existence that the sow had been through, including being reborn in the Brahma worlds in the life before this one; he then taught the monastics on the wickedness of craving with some verses. Cast: Elder Ānanda, Buddha Kakusandha, Princess Ubbarī, Sumanā, Lakuṇṭaka Atimbara, King Duṭṭhagāmaṇī, Elder Anula, Elder Mahā Tissa Keywords: Animals, Listening to Dhamma, Meditation, Past Lives, Rich Men, Bhikkhunīs |
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24.3 The Story about the Runaway Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Renegade Monk A young bhikkhu who had high concentration attainments was enchanted by golden objects and decided to leave the monastic life; unable to find work he became a thief and was caught and sentenced to death; on his way to the execution ground he attained the fourth absorption; the Buddha appeared to him and taught him with a verse, and he became an Arahat and escaped his punishment. Keywords: Thieves, Meditation, Kings, Radiant Image, Insight |
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24.4 The Story about the Prison House Burlingame: The Prison-House Compare: Ja 201 Some bhikkhus while on almsround saw various criminals in the prison house where they were bound with ropes and chains; they reported it to the Buddha who explained that these bonds are paltry compared to the bonds of craving, and he taught them further with some verses. Keywords: Kings, Thieves, Craving, Past Lives |
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24.5 The Story about the Elder Khemā Burlingame: Beauty Is But Skin-Deep Compare: Dhp-a 11.5; AN-a 1.14.5.2; Thīg-a 52; AN-a 1.14.5.6; Thīg-a 41 Queen Khemā, who was married to King Bimbisāra, was so intoxicated with her own beauty she would not visit the Buddha, but eventually she was persuaded into his presence by praise of the Bamboo Grove, where he was residing; the Buddha caused the image of a beautiful woman to go through the stages of decay in front of her, and then he taught her with a verse, upon hearing which, she became an Arahat. Keywords: Women, Foremost Disciples |
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24.6 The Story about Uggasena Burlingame: The Youth Who Married a Female Acrobat The merchant’s son Uggasena fell in love with an acrobat whom he saw performing, but her father would only give her to him if he joined them, which he readily agreed to do; later he learned acrobatics himself and performed in Rājagaha; this is the teaching the Buddha gave him, by which he became an Arahat. Uggasena, Elder Moggallāna, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Acrobats, Marriages, Rich Men, Listening to Dhamma, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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24.7 The Story about the Wise Archer Culla Dhanuggaha CST4: Cūḷadhanuggahapaṇḍitavatthu Burlingame: Young Archer the Wise Compare: Ja 374; Ja 425 When Elder Culla Dhanuggaha obtained water from the house of a young maiden she soon started giving him porridge also and striking up a conversation, and eventually he began to feel discontent; when the Buddha heard of the situation he described how this woman murdered him at the drop of a hat in a previous existence and further gave him a teaching in a verse. Keywords: Discontent, Past Lives, Thieves, Animals, Women |
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24.8 The Story about Māra Burlingame: Māra Seeks in Vain to Frighten Rāhula One night because of the arrival of several great elders Elder Rāhula, who was eight years old at the time, gave up his room and slept near the Buddha’s hut; Māra thought to frighten him and took the form of a great elephant and trumpeted near him; the Buddha explained with some verses that Elder Rāhula was an Arahat and was therefore unafraid. Keywords: Novices, Great Disciples |
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24.9 The Story about the Ājīvaka Upaka Burlingame: The Skeptical Ascetic Compare: Vin Mv 1.6; MN 26; Thīg-a 68 After the Buddha had attained Awakening and decided to teach he set out for Bārāṇasī and on the way came across the Ājīvaka Upaka who expressed his admiration of the Buddha’s appearance, and then asked him who his teacher was; the Buddha gave a reply in a verse. Keywords: Ājīvakas, Doubts |
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24.10 The Story about Sakka’s Question Burlingame: The Summum Bonum Compare: DN 11 The Devas led by Sakka had four questions which none of them was able to answer, they therefore went to the Buddha at Jetavana with their questions and the Buddha told them it was in order to answer these sorts of questions that he strove to attain Awakening, and he answered them with a verse. Keywords: Devas, Doubts, Merit |
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24.11 The Story about the Childless Rich Man Burlingame: Treasurer Childless Compare: SN 3.20; Ja 390 In a previous life a rich man gave a meal to a Paccekabuddha but almost instantly regretted it; later, out of greed, he also killed his brother’s son; when reborn, because of his gift he was again rich, but because of his bad deed he was childless, lived as a miser and was unable to enjoy his riches; when he died all his wealth went to the king; the Buddha explained the situation with a verse. Keywords: Kings, Rich Men, Paccekabuddhas, Killing, Past Lives |
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24.12 The Story about Aṅkura Burlingame: The Greater and the Lesser Gift Compare: Dhp-a 14.2f Aṅkura was a good Brahmin who set up many fire places and worshipped the gods for ten thousand years, yet his position in the heavens was less than Indaka who gave just one spoonful of rice to Elder Anuruddha; the Buddha explained with some verses that one should give with discrimination, as gifts given to those who are free of defilements yield great fruit. Keywords: Offerings, Devatās |
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25.1 The Story about Five Bhikkhus Burlingame: Guard the Doors of the Senses Compare: Ja 132; Ja 96 A group of bhikkhus argued about which sense door was the hardest to restrain; the Buddha told them that in a previous life they were unable to restrain their senses and were devoured by a Yakkhinī, he then taught them these verses as the way to attain release from suffering. Keywords: Sense-Restraint, Past Lives, Yakkhinīs |
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25.2 The Story about the Goose-Killing Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Goose-Killing Monk Compare: Ja 276; Ja 107 Two friends went forth and became bhikkhus together; one day, after bathing, they saw two geese flying through the air, and one of the bhikkhus said he could hit one of the geese in both eyes, and threw a pebble which hit its mark and brought the goose down; when the Buddha heard about it he taught them a Birth Story about scrupulous laymen, and then taught them further with a verse. Cast: Dhanañjaya, Kaliṅga, Añjanasannibha, Elder Uppalavaṇṇā, Elder Puṇṇa, Elder Kaccāna, Elder Kolita, Elder Sāriputta, Elder Anuruddha, Elder Kassapa, Nanda, Mother of Rāhula, Māyā Devī, Bodhisatta Keywords: Animals, Killing, Rich Men, Kings, Restraint, Past Lives |
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25.3 The Story about Kokālika Burlingame: The Monk Who Failed to Hold His Tongue Compare: Ja 481; SN 6.10; AN 10.89; Snp 3.10; Ja 215 Elder Kokālika once spent the Rains Retreat with the two Chief Disciples, but was not honoured as they were, and then went about abusing them, saying they were full of defilements; the Buddha tried to restrain him but he fell into the Lotus Niraya Hell; the Buddha then explained how a bhikkhu should behave with a verse. Keywords: Reviling, Slander, Past Lives, Animals |
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25.4 The Story about the Elder Dhammārāma Burlingame: By Righteousness Men Honor the Buddha Compare: Dhp-a 12.10; Dhp-a 15.7 When Elder Dhammārāma heard the Buddha declare his intention to finally pass away in four months time, rather than attend on the Buddha, he went to the forest to practice the teaching; the Buddha lauded him and said this is how one truly honours him, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Solitude, Practising |
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25.5 The Story about a Treacherous Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Traitor Monk Compare: Ja 26 One bhikkhu of Devadatta’s faction persuaded another bhikkhu to share in the rich offerings they were receiving; even though he disagreed with Devadatta he joined them for the food; later when he returned to the Buddha he was reproved for not being content, and the Buddha taught the bhikkhus with some verses. Keywords: Gains, Offerings, Kings, Animals, Thieves, Past Lives, Bodhisatta |
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25.6 The Story about the Brahmin Pañcaggadāyaka Burlingame: The Brahmin Who Gave the Gifts of First-Fruits Compare: Snp-a 1.12; Dhp-a 8.1c A Brahmin became well known for giving of the first fruits of the harvest before he would take his own food; one day as he was taking his meal the Buddha appeared at the door, and the Brahmin offered him the remainder of his meal and asked him to teach what were the characteristics of a true bhikkhu. Keywords: Offerings, Radiant Image, Insight, Previous Buddhas |
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25.7 The Story about a Company of Bhikkhus CST4: Sambahulabhikkhuvatthu Burlingame: The Conversions of a Pack of Thieves Compare: Vin Mv 5.13; Ud 5.6; Ud-a 5.6; Thag-a 208; AN-a 1.14.7.8 After Soṇa Kūṭikaṇṇa received ordination he recited Dhamma to the Buddha who praised him for it, which also caused the Devas to rejoice; on hearing about it, Soṇa’s mother invited her son to teach her Dhamma also, and wouldn’t leave the teaching even when she heard nine hundred thieves had broken into her house; seeing her piety, the thieves converted and went forth; this is the teaching the Buddha gave at that time. Cast: Mahā Kaccāna, Soṇa Kūṭikaṇṇa Keywords: Great Disciples, Listening to Dhamma, Devatās, Thieves, Meditation, Radiant Image |
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25.8 The Story about the Five Hundred Bhikkhus Burlingame: “The Grass Withereth, the Flower Fadeth” Five hundred bhikkhus who had received instructions from the Buddha saw jasmine flowers fading away and determined to attain Awakening before the flowers dropped from the stems; the Buddha projected an image of himself and gave them this teaching, after hearing which, they became Arahats. Keywords: Meditation, Insight, Radiant Image |
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25.9 The Story about the Elder Santakāya Burlingame: The Monk Whose Mother Was a Lioness Elder Santakāya was said to have been born from the womb of a lioness, and lions are renowned for the dignity of their bearing; the bhikkhus praised him in front of the Buddha for being so calm and composed; the Buddha affirmed that this is just as a monastic should be with a verse. Keywords: Animals, Similes |
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25.10 The Story about the Elder Naṅgalakula Burlingame: The Monk and the Ragged Garment Compare: Dhp-a 10.10 The poor man Naṅgalakula was ordained, but became discontented, and thought to return to the lay life; but finding his previous rags he took them as a meditation subject and soon became an Arahat; the Buddha confirmed it to the bhikkhus and spoke some verses. Keywords: Poverty, Livelihood |
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25.11 The Story about the Elder Vakkali Burlingame: “Whosoever Beholds the Dhamma, He Beholds Me” Compare: SN 22.87; AN-a 1.14.2.10; Thag-a 205; Iti 5.3 Elder Vakkali was obsessed with the Buddha’s body and even gave up his meditation to spend his time gazing at the Buddha; the Buddha sent him to spend the Rains Retreat elsewhere, and he was on the verge of suicide when the Buddha appeared to him and his sorrow vanished; the Buddha then taught him with a verse. Keywords: Suicide, Radiant Image, Foremost Disciples |
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25.12 The Story about the Novice Sumana Burlingame: The Novice and the Dragon Compare: Thag-a 219; AN-a 1.14.1.5; Dhp-a 1.12a Elder Anuruddha gave the young boy Sumana the going-forth and he soon became an Arahat; through his power the novice overcame a Nāga who then became his servant; when bhikkhus who did not know who he was started making fun of the novice the Buddha decided to let him demonstrate his power and sent him to Lake Anotatta in the Himalayas to bring water; the Buddha pointed him out flying through the air and spoke a verse. Cast: Annabhāra, Sumana, Buddha Padumuttara, Paccekabuddha Upariṭṭha, Amitodana the Sakyan, Mahānāma, Elder Anuruddha, Mahā Muṇḍa, Mahā Sumana, Culla Sumana, Paṇṇaka, Sakka, Suyāma, Santusita, Paranimmitavasavattī, Elder Ānanda Keywords: Past Lives, Rich Men, Foremost Disciples, Offerings, Paccekabuddhas, Merit, Devatās, Novices, Nāgas |
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26.1 The Story about the Brahmin Pasādabahula Burlingame: Brahmin Great-Joy The Brahmin Pasādabahula heard the Buddha teach and became a devotee; he used to invite bhikkhus to his house for meals and would always address them as Arahat, which nobody was happy about; the Buddha advised him with a verse to strive to become an Arahat himself. Keywords: Offerings, Faith |
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26.2 The Story about a Company of Bhikkhus Burlingame: What Are the “Two States”? During a visit by thirty bhikkhus who had come in from the countryside, Elder Sāriputta, believing they were ready to become Arahats, asked the Buddha to explain what were the two things he had heard spoken about, and the Buddha told they were calm and insight, and exhorted the bhikkhus with a verse. Keywords: Insight, Meditation |
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26.3 The Story about Māra Burlingame: What Is the “Far Shore”? Māra disguised himself and approached the Buddha asking about the far shore; the Buddha recognised and rebuked him, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Māra |
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26.4 The Story about a Certain Brahmin Burlingame: What Is a Brahmin? A Brahmin by birth noticed that the Buddha referred to his disciples as Brahmins, and thought he should apply the title to him also; the Buddha explained that he used the word not because of birth, but only for one who was an Arahat, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Brahmins |
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26.5 The Story about the Elder Ānanda Burlingame: The Buddhas Shine Both Day and Night One day Elder Ānanda saw the sun set, the moon rise, the king in his mantle, Elder Kāḷudāyi meditating and the Buddha, who outshone them all; the Teacher explained that Buddhas outshine the others both by day and by night, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Similes |
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26.6 The Story about a Certain One Gone Forth CST4: Aññatarabrāhmaṇapabbajitavatthu Burlingame: What Is a Monk? A Brahmin who ordained in an outside sect noticed that the Buddha referred to his disciples as ones who had gone forth, and thought he should apply the title to him also; the Buddha explained that he used the word not of one who had left home, but only of one who had driven out the defilements, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Brahmins |
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26.7 The Story about the Elder Sāriputta Burlingame: The Patient Subdues the Violent A Brahmin thought Elder Sāriputta didn’t get angry because he had never been tested, so he walked up behind him and landed a great blow on his back; Elder Sāriputta was unperturbed, the Brahmin asked forgiveness and asked him to accept a meal, which he did; the Buddha commented on the incident in some verses. Keywords: Brahmins, Forgiveness |
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26.8 The Story about Mahā Pajāpatī Gotamī Burlingame: Mahā Pajāpatī Gotamī Receives the Precepts Compare: Vin Cv 10.1 After Elder Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī was ordained by the acceptance of the eight serious rules, the other bhikkhunīs were ordained by the bhikkhus; later they were in doubt about her ordination and reported the matter to the Buddha who confirmed her ordination, and rebuked the bhikkhunīs with a verse. Keywords: Bhikkhunīs, Ordination, Discipline |
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26.9 The Story about the Elder Sāriputta Burlingame: Reverence to Whom Reverence Is Due Elder Sāriputta would always bow in the direction where he knew his first Dhamma teacher Elder Assaji was living; the bhikkhus thought he was worshipping the cardinal points and reported the matter to the Buddha who explained the situation, and then taught them with a verse. Keywords: Respect, Teachers |
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26.10 The Story about the Brahmin with Matted Hair Burlingame: What Is a Brahmin? Compare: Dhp-a 26.13 A Brahmin by birth noticed that the Buddha referred to his disciples as Brahmins, and thought he should apply the title to him also; the Buddha explained that he used the word not because of matted hair, family or birth, but only of one who had penetrated the truth, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Brahmins |
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26.11 The Story about the Fraudulent Brahmin Burlingame: The Trickster Brahman Compare: Ja 325; Ja 138; Ja 277 A Brahmin ascetic who had taken on a bat-vow hung upside down from a tree outside Vesālī, and threatened the city with destruction if they did not give him all he wanted. The bhikkhus, noticing this, told the Buddha, who related a story of the past in which the ascetic was equally fraudulent, and summed it up in this verse. Keywords: Sectarians, Past Lives, Killing, Animals, Bodhisatta |
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26.12 The Story about Kisā Gotamī Burlingame: Kisā Gotamī, Wearer of Refuse-Rags Compare: Dhp-a 26.20 One day Sakka visited the Buddha to listen to his teachings, and at that time Elder Kisā Gotamī came flying through the air to pay her respects to the Buddha, and quickly departed; Sakka asked who it was, and the Buddha told him and spoke a verse about her. Keywords: Foremost Disciples |
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26.13 The Story about One Brahmin Burlingame: What is a Brahman? Compare: Dhp-a 6.10 A Brahmin by birth noticed that the Buddha referred to his disciples as Brahmins, and thought he should apply the title to him also; the Buddha explained that he used the word not because of matted hair, family or birth, but only of one who was unattached, and then he spoke a verse. Keywords: Brahmins |
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26.14 The Story about Uggasena Burlingame: Uggasena the Acrobat Compare: Dhp-a 24.6 The merchant’s son Uggasena fell in love with an acrobat whom he saw performing, but her father would only give her to him if he joined them, which he readily agreed to do; later, after he had ordained and become an Arahat, the bhikkhus thought he was falsely claiming to be without fear, but the Buddha confirmed his attainment with a verse. Keywords: Rich Men, Acrobats, Marriages, Past Lives |
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26.15 The Story about Two Brahmins CST4: Dvebrāhmaṇavatthu Burlingame: A Tug of War Two Brahmins were trying to find out who had the strongest ox by making them carry heavy loads, but their thongs broke as they tried; the bhikkhus reported the matter to the Buddha, who said that thongs breaking was natural, but they should strive to cut the thongs of anger and the strap of craving, and taught them with a verse. Keywords: Brahmins, Similes, Animals |
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26.16 The Story about the Insolent Bhāradvāja Burlingame: The Patient Subdues the Insolent Compare: SN 7.11 A Brahmin was angry because his wife constantly called on the Buddha, so he went and abused the Awakened One, but the Buddha converted him with his wisdom; later the exact same scene unfolded with regard to his three brothers; the bhikkhus spoke about it, and the Buddha explained that he possessed the power of endurance with a verse. Keywords: Brahmins, Reviling |
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26.17 The Story about the Elder Sāriputta Burlingame: Sāriputta is Reviled by His Mother When Elder Sāriputta was in his village he went to his own home and was offered almsfood by his mother, who roundly abused him for being a beggar; however, the elder did not get angry or say a word, after this was reported to the Buddha, he spoke a verse. Keywords: Great Disciples, Offerings, Reviling |
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26.18 The Story about the Elder Uppalavaṇṇā Burlingame: Are Not the Arahats Creatures of Flesh and Blood? Compare: Dhp-a 5.10 After the rape of Elder Uppalavaṇṇā the bhikkhus were discussing whether those who had become an Arahat still enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh; when this was reported to the Buddha he said it was not so, and – affirming her purity of mind – he spoke a verse explaining the situation. Keywords: Bhikkhunīs, Passion |
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26.19 The Story about a Certain Brahmin Burlingame: A Slave Lays Down His Burden Before the rule against ordaining runaway slaves was promulgated one slave ran away from his Brahmin master, ordained and soon became an Arahat; when the Brahmin came looking for him the Buddha explained he had already put down the burden, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Brahmins, Slaves |
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26.20 The Story about the Bhikkhunī Khemā Burlingame: Khemā the Wise Compare: Dhp-a 26.12 One day Sakka visited the Buddha to listen to his teachings, and at that time Elder Khemā came flying through the air to pay her respects to the Buddha, and quickly departed; Sakka asked who it was, the Buddha told him and spoke a verse about her. Keywords: Bhikkhunīs, Foremost Disciples |
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26.21 The Story about the Elder Pabbhāravāsī Tissa CST4: Pabbhāravāsītissattheravatthu Burlingame: The Monk and the Goddess Compare: Dhp-a 23.5 Elder Pabbhāravāsī Tissa went forth to a certain rock cave in order to forward his meditation; the deity residing there moved out and tried to slander the elder; recalling his own virtue, however, the elder soon became an Arahat; the bhikkhus could not believe he had not got angry with the deity, but the Buddha confirmed his purity with a verse. Keywords: Meditation, Devatās, Amanussa, Anger |
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26.22 The Story about a Certain Bhikkhu Burlingame: The Monk and the Woman A bhikkhu was given a subject of meditation, went to the forest, and became an Arahat; as he was travelling a woman who had quarrelled with her husband followed close behind; when the husband saw them he thrashed the bhikkhu; the bhikkhus could not believe he had not got angry with the man, but the Buddha confirmed his purity with a verse. Keywords: Women, Anger |
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26.23 The Story about the Four Novices CST4: Sāmaṇerānaṁ Vatthu Burlingame: The Four Novices A Brahmin’s wife sought for four Brahmins to give a meal to and was sent the four Arahat novices Saṁkicca, Paṇḍita, Sopāka and Revata, whom she sat on the floor and would not serve; being alerted, Sakka came and convinced her to serve them; the bhikkhus could not believe the novices had not got angry with the woman, but the Buddha confirmed their purity with a verse. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Novices, Offerings, Merit |
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26.24 The Story about the Elder Mahā Panthaka Burlingame: Did Mahā Panthaka Yield to Anger? Compare: Dhp-a 2.3 When Elder Culla Panthaka could not remember even one verse even after three months of trying, and his elder brother, Elder Mahā Panthaka, asked him to leave the monastery, the bhikkhus could not believe Elder Mahā Panthaka had not been angry with his brother, but the Buddha confirmed his purity with a verse. Keywords: Listening to Dhamma, Recitation, Foremost Disciples |
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26.25 The Story about the Elder Pilindavaccha Burlingame: The Force of Habit Compare: Ud 3.6; AN-a 1.14.3.7; Dhp-a 18.9 Elder Pilindavaccha used to speak to everyone using abusive words which offended many of the bhikkhus; they asked the Buddha about it, and he understood that Elder Pilindavaccha was not angry, but was speaking like that habitually because he had been a Brahmin in five hundred previous existences; and then he spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Reviling, Brahmins, Outcastes, Foremost Disciples |
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26.26 The Story about a Certain Elder Burlingame: The Monk Who Was Accused of Theft A certain bhikkhu picked up a cloth one day thinking it was discarded, only to be accosted by its owner to whom he straightaway gave the cloth back; when the bhikkhus heard about it they teased him and reported it to the Buddha who confirmed he did not take what was not given as he was without attachments, and then spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Discipline |
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26.27 The Story about the Elder Sāriputta Burlingame: Sāriputta is Misunderstood After Elder Sāriputta had spent the Rains Retreat with five hundred bhikkhus the lay people still hadn’t donated the requisites; as he was leaving he asked for the requisites to be sent on, or that he be told; the bhikkhus reported it to the Buddha who explained it was concern for the donors and the young bhikkhus that made him ask so, and not craving, and then spoke a verse about the one without craving. Keywords: Offerings, Discipline, Merit, Foremost Disciples |
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26.28 The Story about the Elder Mahā Moggallāna Burlingame: Moggallāna is Misunderstood After Elder Moggallāna had spent the Rains Retreat with five hundred bhikkhus the lay people still hadn’t donated the requisites; as he was leaving he asked for the requisites to be sent on, or that he be told; the bhikkhus reported it to the Buddha who explained it was concern for the donors and the young bhikkhus that made him ask so, and not craving, and then spoke a verse about the one without craving. Keywords: Chief Disciples, Offerings, Discipline, Merit |
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26.29 The Story about the Elder Revata Burlingame: Renounce Both Good and Evil Compare: Dhp-a 7.9 Elder Sāriputta’s youngest brother Revata escaped from the household life and became a bhikkhu, and soon after became an Arahat; after the Rains Retreat the Buddha visited him, and by psychic power Elder Revata transformed the thorn thickets he lived in into something well-equipped and quite delightful; the bhikkhus proclaimed his merit, but the Buddha explained the elder has overcome all merit and demerit and spoke a verse. Keywords: Offerings, Merit, Foremost Disciples, Past Lives |
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26.30 The Story about the Elder Candābhā Burlingame: Elder Moonlight Compare: Dhp-a 26.37 Because of a past deed a light shone from the torso of the boy Candābha and he was taken round the country giving blessings; when he entered into the presence of the Buddha, however, the light disappeared; he then ordained and soon became an Arahat; the bhikkhus doubted his attainment and asked the Buddha, who spoke a verse about him. Keywords: Merchants, Offerings, Past Lives, Previous Buddhas |
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26.31 The Story about the Elder Sīvali Burlingame: Seven Years in the Womb Compare: Ud 2.8; Ja 100; Thag-a 60; AN-a 1.14.2.9; Dhp-a 7.9c Suppavāsā carried her child Sīvali for seven years in her womb and took seven days to deliver him; later he ordained and became an Arahat; one day the bhikkhus discussed how much suffering he had been through, and the Buddha confirmed he was now free of suffering and spoke a verse. Keywords: Foremost Disciples, Birth |
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26.32 The Story about the Elder Sundarasamudda Burlingame: A Courtezan tempts the Monk Ocean-of-Beauty Compare: Ja 14; Ja 536; Thag-a 224 Sundarasamudda went forth and gave himself up to the ascetic life; his mother sent a courtesan to try and win him back to the house-life; she set herself up on the street he normally went on almsround and enticed him inside the house; the Buddha sent an image of himself and taught him with a verse. Keywords: Courtesans, Seduction, Past Lives, Radiant Image, Kings, Animals |
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26.33 The Story about the Elder Jaṭila Burlingame: Jotika and Jaṭila Because of their deeds in a previous existence, the merchants Jaṭila and Jotika were extremely rich; after they went forth and became Arahats the bhikkhus feared they were longing for their previous wealth; the Buddha explained that they had given up all craving, and spoke a verse about those who have attained. Cast: Sena, Aparājita, Buddha Vipassī, Aparājita (2), Meṇḍaka, Jotika, Sakka, King Bimbisāra, Prince Ajātasattu, Jaṭila, Elder Mahā Kaccāna, Buddha Kassapa Keywords: Past Lives, Paccekabuddhas, Offerings, Merit, Rich Men, Treasures, Yakkhas, Previous Buddhas |
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26.34 The Story about the Elder Jotika Burlingame: Ajātasattu Attacks Jotika’s Palace After the death of his father, the king, Ajātasattu, wished to take the rich man Jotika’s palace, as he had previously planned to do; although he tried to do so, the Yakkha guarding the palace drove him off; Jotika explained it wasn’t possible to steal from him, but seeing Ajātasattu’s disposition he asked the Buddha to let him go forth, and his riches vanished as he did so; the Buddha spoke a verse about him. Cast: Prince Ajātasattu, Devadatta, King Bimbisāra, Yakkha Yamakoḷi, Satulakāyī |
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26.35 The Story about the Elder, Formerly an Acrobat CST4: Naṭaputtakattheravatthu, the Story about an Elder Who Was an Acrobat’s Son Burlingame: The Monk Who Was Once a Mime One bhikkhu who was previously an acrobat soon became an Arahat; when a troupe of acrobats passed through, the bhikkhus asked whether he still craved for his previous life, and he answered he did not; the bhikkhus asked the Buddha about it, who confirmed the bhikkhu had overcome all yokes, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Acrobats |
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26.36 The Story about the Elder, Formerly an Acrobat CST4: Naṭaputtakattheravatthu, the Story about an Elder Who Was an Acrobat’s Son Burlingame: The Monk Who Was Once a Mime One bhikkhu who was previously an acrobat soon became an Arahat; when a troupe of acrobats passed through, the bhikkhus asked whether he still craved for his previous life, and he answered he did not; the bhikkhus asked the Buddha about it, and he confirmed the bhikkhu had overcome all delight and hatred, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Acrobats |
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26.37 The Story about the Elder Vaṅgīsa Burlingame: The Skull-Tapper Compare: Thag-a 264; Thag-a 151; AN-a 1.14.3.4; Dhp-a 26.30b The youth Vaṅgīsa could tell where anyone had been reborn by knocking on their skulls; the Buddha set out the skull of an Arahat before him and he was unable to see where he had been reborn, so he ordained to learn about it; soon he became an Arahat himself and the Buddha confirmed he now knew all about the rebirth of beings. Keywords: Brahmins, Meditation, Foremost Disciples |
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26.38 The Story about the Elder Dhammadinnā Burlingame: Husband and Wife Compare: AN-a 1.14.5.5; Thīg-a 12; MN 44 The merchant Visākha attained Non-returning, and his wife Elder Dhammadinnā became an Arahat; later he questioned her about the Dhamma and she answered everything well, but told him to seek an answer from the Buddha for his last question; the Buddha confirmed all of the elder’s answers, and then spoke a verse. Keywords: Bhikkhunīs, Foremost Disciples |
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26.39 The Story about the Elder Aṅgulimāla Burlingame: Aṅgulimāla the Fearless Compare: Dhp-a 13.10; Dhp-a 13.6; MN 86 King Pasenadi gave Gifts beyond Compare to a Saṅgha of five hundred bhikkhus with the Buddha at its head, and placed elephants holding parasols over all but one of them; there were only rogue elephants left, and the king had one of them hold his parasol over Elder Aṅgulimāla, whose presence tamed him; the bhikkhus thought the elder must have been afraid when the elephant was brought, but the Buddha said he was not, and spoke a verse. Keywords: Offerings, Kings, Women, Great Disciples |
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26.40 The Story about the Brahmin Devahita Burlingame: It Is the Giver That Makes the Gift Compare: SN 7.2.3 When the Buddha was ill one time he asked for hot water from the Brahmin Devahita, who readily gave it; the Brahmin then asked to whom alms were best given, and the Buddha explained that his alms had great fruit, and then spoke the following verse about the true Brahmin. Keywords: Brahmins, Offerings |