Deftly outmaneuvering an extreme skeptic, the Buddha discusses the outcomes of belief and disbelief. Rather than getting stuck in abstractions, he encourages staying close to the feelings one experiences.

In the final installment of the “Vacchagotta trilogy”, Vacchagotta lets go his obsession with meaningless speculation, and asks about practice.

Refusing to take a stance regarding useless metaphysical speculations, the Buddha illustrates the spiritual goal with the simile of a flame going out.

The Buddha denies being omniscient, and sets forth the three higher knowledges that form the core of his awakened insight.

A third discourse that presents the health benefits of eating in one part of the day, and the reluctance of some mendicants to follow this.

A monk comes down to the community from the wilderness, but doesn’t behave properly. Venerable Sāriputta explains how a mendicant should behave, whether in forest or town.

Those who practice do so not because they are failures, but because they aspire to higher freedom. When he speaks of the attainments of disciples, the Buddha does so in order to inspire.

After dismissing some unruly monks, the Buddha is persuaded to relent, and teaches them four dangers for those gone forth.

Again raising the rule regarding eating, but this time as a reflection of gratitude for the Buddha in eliminating things that cause complexity and stress. The Buddha emphasizes how attachment even to little things can be dangerous.

A monk refuses to follow the rule forbidding eating after noon, but is filled with remorse and forgiven.