This episode is a narration of the 32nd Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, The Mahāgosiṅga Sutta, which translates as “the longerer discourse at Gosinga”. In this sutta several senior monks, reveling in the beauty of the night, discuss what kind of practitioner would adorn the park. They take their answers to the Buddha, who praises their answers, but gives his own twist. This translation of the Mahagosiṅga Sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato and was sourced from Sutta Central. If you'd like to understand...

This episode is the 31st Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, The Cūḷagosiṅga Sutta, which translates as “the shorter discourse at Gosinga”. In this sutta the Buddha comes across three mendicants practicing diligently and harmoniously, and asks them how they do it. Reluctant to disclose their higher attainments, they explain how they deal with the practical affairs of living together. But when pressed by the Buddha, they reveal their meditation attainments. This translation of the Cūḷagosiṅga Sutta...

This episode is the 30th Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, The Cūḷasāropama Sutta, which translates as “the shorter simile of the Heartwood”. In this teaching, following an incident with Devadatta, the Buddha cautions the monks against becoming complacent with superficial benefits of spiritual life and points to liberation as the true heart of the teaching. This translation of the Culasaropama Sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato and was sourced from Sutta Central. If you'd like to understand more about...

This is the 29th Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, The Mahāsāropama Sutta, which translates as “the longer simile of the Heartwood”. In this teaching, following an incident with Devadatta, the Buddha cautions the monks against becoming complacent with superficial benefits of spiritual life and points to liberation as the true heart of the teaching. This translation of the Mahāsaropama Sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato and was sourced from Sutta Central. If you'd like to understand more about this sutta...

This is the 28th Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, The Mahahatthipadopama Sutta, which translates as “the longer discourse on the Elephant’s Footprint”. The Buddha’s chief disciple, Venerable Sāriputta gives an elaborate demonstration of how, just as any footprint can fit inside an elephant’s, all the Buddha’s teaching can fit inside the four noble truths. This offers an overall template for organizing the Buddha’s teachings. This translation of the Mahāhatthipadopama Sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato...

This episode is the 27th sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya: the Culahatthipadopam Sutta which translates as “The Shorter Discourse on the Elephant’s Footprint”. In this sutta the Buddha cautions against swift conclusions about a teacher’s spiritual accomplishments, comparing it to the care a tracker would use when tracking elephants. He presents the full training of a monastic. This translation of the Cūḷahatthipadopama Sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato and was sourced from Sutta Central. If you'd like...

This episode is the 24nd sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya: the Rathavinīta sutta which is known in English the “prepared chariots”. This teaching principally involves the Venerable Sariputta and the Venerable Punna from Mantani engaging in a discussion about the purpose of living the holy life. This translation of the Rathavinīta sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato and was sourced from Sutta Central. Click here if you'd like to find out more about what is on offer on the Buddha's Wisdom Podcast or to...

This episode is the 22nd sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya: the Alagaddūpama sutta which is known as the “simile of the snake”. In this teaching one of the monks denies that breaking the rules of conduct is really a problem. The monks go to great lengths to persuade him to change his views. Then the … Continue reading MN22. Simile of the Snake – Alagaddūpama Sutta

This episode is the 22nd sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya: the Alagaddūpama sutta which is known as the “simile of the snake”. In this teaching one of the monks denies that breaking the rules of conduct is really a problem. The monks go to great lengths to persuade him to change his views. Then the […]

This episode is a talk given by the Thai forest meditation master Ajahn Chah and is titled “About Being Careful” . It was first publish as part of the book “The Collected Teachings of Ajahn Chah” which is made available by Aruna Publications. You can find links to the original text in the description below. […]

This episode is the 21th sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya: the Kakacūpama Sutta which is known as the “simile of the saw”. This teaching has several memorable similes on the importance of patience and love even when faced with abuse and criticism. The Buddha finishes with the simile of the saw, one of the most … Continue reading MN21. Simile of the Saw – Kakacupama Sutta

This episode is the 20th sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya: the Vitakkasaṇṭhānasutta which is about “how to stop thinking”. In this practical teaching the Lord Buddha offers five methods by which to stop thinking and thereby lead into a tranquil meditation. This translation of the Vitakkasaṇṭhāna Sutta is by Bhikkhu Sujato and was sourced from Sutta Central. Click here if you'd like to find out more about what is on offer on the Buddha's Wisdom Podcast or to choose your favourite method to...