b. Maha Vagga
Pali - The larger
division
The 10 suttas in
this division are some of the most important ones in the Tipitaka, dealing
with historical, and biographical aspects as well as the doctrinal aspects
of Buddhism.
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[DN 14] Mahapadana Sutta - The sublime story of the Buddha Gotama and of his six
predecessors; also the Discourse on the Buddha Vipassin; his descent from
the Tusita heaven to the commencement of his mission. [DN 15] Mahanidana
Sutta- The Great Causes Discourse [DN 16] Maha-Parinibbana
Sutta -- The Last Days of the Buddha This
wide-ranging sutta, the longest one in the Pali Canon, describes the
events leading up to, during, and immediately following the death and
final release (parinibbana) of the Buddha. This colorful narrative
contains a wealth of Dhamma teachings, including the final instructions
from the Buddha that serve to define how Buddhism would be lived and
practiced long after the Buddha's death -- even to this day. But this
sutta also depicts, in simple language, the poignant human drama that
unfolds among the Buddha's many devoted followers around the time of the
death of their beloved teacher.
[DN 17] Maha Sudassana Sutta -
The Great King of Glory. The story
of a previous existence of the Buddha, as King Sudassana. Told by the
Buddha on his death-bed. [DN 18]
Janavasabha Sutta - The Buddha relates the
story of the yakkha Janavasabha to the people of Nadika.
[DN 19] Mahagovinda
Sutta- The Great Steward (A past life of Gotama) [DN 20] Mahasamaya
Sutta- The Great Meeting A large group of devas pay
a visit to the Buddha. This sutta is the closest thing in the Pali Canon
to a "who's who" of the deva worlds, providing useful material for anyone
interested in the cosmology of early Buddhism.
[DN 21] Sakka-pañha
Sutta -- Sakka's Questions (excerpt). Sakka,
the deva-king, asks the Buddha about the sources of conflict &
hostility, and about the path of practice that brings them to an end. This
discourse ends with a humorous account about Sakka's frustration in trying
to learn the Dhamma from other contemplatives. It's hard to find a teacher
when you're a king.
[DN 22] Mahasatipatthana
Sutta -The Great Frames of Reference (The Great
Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness). This sutta offers
comprehensive practical instructions on insight meditation practice. The
Buddha describes how the development of continuous mindfulness of the four
satipatthana ("foundations of mindfulness," or "frames of reference") --
mindfulness of the body, of feelings, of the mind, and of mind-objects --
can lead ultimately to full Awakening.
[DN 23] Payasi Sutta - Kumarakassapa converts Payasi from the hearsay that
there is no future life or reward of actions.
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c. Pathika Vagga
Pali - The Pathika
division
Made up of 11
shorter discourse of a miscellaneous nature, it deals with the Buddha's
rejection of wrong and severe asceticism, the periodical evolution and
dissolution of the universe etc.
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[DN 24] Patika Sutta
- Story of the disciple who follows other
teachers because the Buddha does not work miracles or teach the origin of
things.
[DN 25] Udumbavikasihanada
Sutta - The Buddha discusses
asceticism with the ascetic Nigrodha.
[DN 26] Cakkavattisihanada
Sutta - The Wheel-turning Emperor In this excerpt the Buddha
explains how skillful action can result in the best kind of long life, the
best kind of beauty, the best kind of happiness, and the best kind of
strength.
[DN 27] Agganna Sutta - A discussion on
caste, and an exposition on the
origin of things (as in No. 24) down to the origin of the four
castes.
[DN 28] Sampasadaniya Sutta
- A dialogue of the Buddha with Sariputta, who describes the Teaching of the Buddha and asserts his
faith in him.
[DN 29] Pasadika Sutta
- The Detectable Discourse. Discourse of the Buddha on the perfect and the imperfect
teacher.
[DN 30] Lakkhana Sutta - On
the 32 marks of a Great Man.
[DN 31] Sigalovada
Sutta- Advice to Lay Followers The householder's
code of discipline, as described by the Buddha to the layman Sigala. This
sutta offers valuable advice on how householders should conduct themselves
in relationships with parents, spouses, children, pupils, teachers,
employers, employees, friends, and spiritual
mentors.
[DN 32] Atanatiya
Sutta - The Discourse on Atanatiya On the Four Great Kings and their spell for protection against
evil.
[DN 33] Sangti Sutta
- Sariputta outlines the
principles of the Teachings in ten numerical groups.
[DN 34] Dasuttara Sutta - Sariputta outlines the doctrine in tenfold
series.
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