Pali audio

A monk who does not know the verses from MN 131 is encouraged by a deity to learn them.

The verses from MN 131 are explained in a different way by Venerable Mahakaccāna.

The same discourse as MN 131, but spoken by Venerable Ananda.

This discourse opens with a short but powerful set of verses extolling the benefits of insight into the here and now, followed by an explanation.

Expanding on the previous sutta, this discourse contains the most detailed descriptions of the horrors of hell.

A fool suffers both in this life and the next, while the astute benefits in both respects.

A second discourse set at the quarrel of Kosambi, this depicts the Buddha, having failed to achieve reconciliation between the disputing mendicants, leaving the monastery. He spends time in the wilderness before encountering an inspiring community of practicing monks. There he discusses in detail obstacles to meditation that he encountered before awakening.

A lay person becomes confused when encouraged to develop the “limitless” and “expansive” liberations, and asks Venerable Anuruddha to explain whether they are the same or different.

A young monk is unable to persuade a prince of the blessings of peace of mind. The Buddha offers similes based on training an elephant that would have been successful, as this was a field the prince was familiar with.