The Anguttara Nikaya
The "Further-factored" Discourses
Main index
Buddhism index
I. Book of the Ones
II. Book of the Twos
III. Book of the Threes
IV. Book of the Fours
V. Book of the Fives
VI. Book of the Sixes
VII. Book of the Sevens
VIII. Book of the Eights
IX. Book of the Nines
X. Book of the Tens
XI. Book of the Elevens
I - Book of the Ones
II - Book of the Twos
III - Book of the Threes
- Lakkhana Sutta (AN
III.2) -- Characterized (by Action). How to recognize
a wise person and a fool.
- Rathakara (Pacetana)
Sutta (AN III.15) -- The Chariot Maker. The Buddha
recalls a previous lifetime during which he was a
chariot-maker "skilled in dealing with the
crookedness of wood." Now, as the Buddha, he is
skilled in dealing with the crookedness of thought, word,
and deed.
- Gilana Sutta (AN
III.22) -- Sick People. The Buddha compares Dhamma
teaching to medical treatment.
- Sukhamala Sutta (AN
III.39) -- Refinement. The Buddha describes the
insights that led him as a young man to go forth, and how
those insights apply to the conduct of our own lives.
- Adhipateyya Sutta (AN
III.40) -- Governing Principles. The Buddha describes
three governing principles that keep one's Dhamma
practice on-track. Beware: there's no place to hide from
your unskillful actions!
- Dvejana Sutta (AN
III.51) -- Two People (1).
- Dvejana Sutta (AN
III.52) -- Two People (2). The Buddha offers advice
to two aging brahmins who are facing the end of life.
- Tittha Sutta (AN
III.61) -- Sectarians. The Buddha explains how three
common views about pain and pleasure can, if followed to
their logical conclusion, lead to a life of inaction. He
then shows how pain and pleasure actually do come about
and how they can be transcended.
- Kalama Sutta (AN III.65) -- To the
Kalamas [two translations: Thanissaro
Bhikkhu, tr. | Soma Thera, tr.].
The Buddha explains to a group of skeptics the proper
criteria for accepting a spiritual teaching.
- Salha Sutta (AN
III.66) -- To Salha [Ñanamoli Thera, tr.]. Ven.
Nandaka, an arahant, engages the layman Salha in a
dialogue that begins with elementary principles and leads
all the way up to a discussion of the nature of
arahantship.
- Muluposatha Sutta (AN
III.70) -- The Roots of the Uposatha. The Buddha
describes to Visakha, the laywoman, right and wrong ways
of observing the Uposatha
days. Those who observe the Uposatha correctly are
destined to reap heavenly rewards.
- Channa Sutta (AN
III.72) -- To Channa the Wanderer. Ven. Ananda
instructs Channa on how to abandon the mental defilements
of passion, aversion, and delusion.
- Sakka Sutta (AN
III.73) -- To the Sakyan. Mahanama the Sakyan asks
the Buddha, "Which comes first: concentration or
wdisom?" Ven. Ananda answers on behalf of the
Buddha, who is recovering from an illness.
- Sikkha Sutta (AN
III.90) -- Trainings (1).
Sikkha Sutta (AN
III.91) -- Trainings (2). The Buddha summarizes the
three aspects of Dhamma practice that are to be
developed.
- Accayika Sutta (AN
III.93) -- Urgent. Just as a farmer can't predict
when the fruit will ripen, so we can't predict when
Awakening will arise. So just keep your practice strong;
the rest will take care of itself.
- Lonaphala Sutta (AN
III.101) -- The Salt Crystal. Using several memorable
similes, the Buddha explains why the consequences of
unskillful deeds may appear to be severe for one person
and mild for another. Moral: strengthen your virtue!
- Pansadhovaka Sutta
(AN III.102) -- The Dirt-washer.
Nimitta Sutta (AN
III.103) -- Themes. In these two suttas the Buddha
calls on us to train the mind with skill, purifying it as
a goldsmith purifies gold ore.
- Moneyya Sutta (AN
III.123) -- Sagacity. The Buddha describes the three
forms of wisdom: bodily, verbal, and mental. (This is one
of the suttas selected by King Asoka (r. 270-232 BC) to
be studied and reflected upon frequently by all
Buddhists, whether ordained or not.)
- Gotamaka-cetiya
Sutta (AN III.126) -- At Gotamaka Shrine. What more
do you want from the Buddha's teachings?
- Lekha Sutta (AN
III.133) -- Inscriptions. How tightly do you hold on
to anger? Do you let it get carved deeply into your
psyche, like an inscription in solid rock?
- Dhamma-niyama Sutta
(AN III.137) -- The Orderliness of the Dhamma. The
Buddha explains that, whether or not there is a Buddha in
the world, the three characteristics of existence --
impermanence, stress, and not-self -- always remain.
IV - Book of the Fours
- Anubuddha Sutta (AN
IV.1) -- Understanding. Why do we continue to wander
aimlessly in samsara? It's because we haven't yet
realized four noble qualities of the heart.
- Anusota Sutta (AN IV.5)
-- With the Flow. A reminder that the popular advice
to "just go with the flow" finds no support in
the Buddha's teachings.
- Yoga Sutta (AN IV.10)
-- Yokes. In many discourses, the Buddha speaks of
"the unexcelled rest from the yoke." In this
discourse he describes what yokes he is referring to, and
how that rest comes about. [TB]
- Agati Sutta (AN
IV.19) -- Off Course. The Buddha explains the
difference between staying "on course" and
straying "off course" in one's Dhamma practice.
- Ariya-vamsa Sutta (AN
IV.28) -- The Discourse on the Traditions of the Noble
Ones. The Buddha describes four good qualities in a
monk: contentment with regard to robes, almsfood, and
lodging, and finding pleasure in cultivating wholesome
mental states. (This is one of the suttas selected by
King Asoka (r. 270-232 BC) to be studied and reflected
upon frequently by all Buddhists, whether ordained or
not.)
- Sangaha Sutta (AN
IV.32) -- The Bonds of Fellowship. The qualities that
help hold a family -- or any community -- together.
- Aparihani Sutta (AN
IV.37) -- No Falling Away. If one is sincere in one's
aspirations to realize Awakening, these four aspects of
Dhamma practice should be constantly developed.
- Samadhi Sutta (AN
IV.41) -- Concentration. The Buddha explains how
concentration, when fully developed, can bring about any
one of four different desirable results.
- Pañha Sutta (AN
IV.42) -- Questions. Here, the Buddha's teachings on
skillfulness and speech extend to mastering the art of
answering questions.
- Rohitassa Sutta (AN
IV.45) -- To Rohitassa. The Buddha explains to a
well-traveled deva that we don't have to travel to the
ends of the world to find an end to suffering. We need
look no further than within this very body.
- Vipallasa Sutta (AN
IV.49) -- Perversions. Four kinds of misperceptions
that keep us bound to the cycle of rebirths.
- Samjivina Sutta (AN
IV.55) -- Living in Tune. Would you like to live with
your spouse in future lives, too? Here's how.
- Anana Sutta (AN
IV.62) -- Debtless. The Buddha tells the wealthy
lay-follower Anathapindika about the four kinds of bliss
that a householder may enjoy. Some require wealth, but
the greatest bliss is free of charge.
- Ahina Sutta (AN
IV.67) -- By a Snake. How the practice of metta
(loving-kindness) can serve as a protection against harm.
- Sappurisa Sutta (AN
IV.73) -- A Person of Integrity. Are you a person of
integrity? The ways in which you speak about yourself and
about others reveal much about your personal integrity.
- Acintita Sutta (AN
IV.77) -- Unconjecturable. The Buddha warns that if
you spend too much time pondering these four things you
will surely drive yourself crazy.
- Tamonata Sutta (AN
IV.85) -- Darkness. The Buddha explains how a
person's goodness is measured not by his or her wealth,
beauty, status, etc., but by the goodness of his or her
actions.
- Samadhi Sutta (AN
IV.94) -- Concentration (Tranquillity and Insight).
The Buddha explains how correct meditation practice
consists of the development of both insight (vipassana)
and tranquillity (samatha).
- Chavalata Sutta (AN
IV.95) -- The Firebrand. Which is better: to practice
Dhamma for one's own benefit or for another's? The answer
may surprise you.
- Raga-vinaya Sutta (AN
IV.96) -- The Subduing of Passion. What does it mean,
exactly, to practice Dhamma for one's own -- or for
another's -- benefit?
- Valahaka Sutta (AN
IV.102) -- Thunderheads. People who only sit around
reading suttas all day without actually putting the
teachings into practice are like thunderheads that are
barren of rain. Go meditate!
- Kesi Sutta (AN
IV.111) -- To Kesi the Horsetrainer. The Buddha
explains to Kesi, a horsetrainer, how he teaches Dhamma.
Kesi is so moved by the Buddha's explanation that he
pledges to follow the Buddha for life. This brilliant
exposition warrants careful study by all teachers -- not
only of Dhamma -- as it reveals the multiple levels in
which effective teaching operates: the Buddha speaks in
terms that the listener understands (horsetraining), he
uses similes to great effect, and he deftly answers the real
question that lies behind the student's query
("Please, can you train me?").
- Patoda Sutta (AN
IV.113) -- The Goad-stick. How much dukkha do you
need before you're moved to practice the Dhamma in
earnest? What would it take to get you really
motivated? To drive home his point, the Buddha uses a
beautiful simile of a thoroughbred horse stirred to
action by its rider. Giddyap!
- Thana Sutta (AN
IV.115) -- Courses of Action. When faced with a
choice, how does one decide which course of action to
follow? The Buddha here offers some helpful advice.
- Puggala Sutta (AN
IV.125) -- Persons [Ñanamoli Thera, tr.]. The Buddha
explains the course of rebirths that can be expected by
those who cultivate a heart of loving-kindness.
- Bhikkhuni Sutta (AN
IV.159) -- The Nun. Ven. Ananda teaches a nun that,
although craving can be used to overcome craving, and
conceit to overcome conceit, the same principle does not
hold for sexual intercourse.
- Yuganadhha Sutta
(AN IV.170) -- In Tandem. The Buddha describes the
paths to arahantship by which tranquillity and insight
work hand-in-hand.
- Jambali Sutta (AN
IV.178) -- The Waste-water Pool. The Buddha uses some
memorable similes to describe the overcoming of
self-identification and ignorance.
- Yodhajiva Sutta (AN
IV.181) -- The Warrior. An accomplished meditator --
like a great warrior -- develops these four qualities.
- Suta Sutta (AN
IV.183) -- On What is Heard. Why the principle of
truthfulness does not imply total frankness or openness.
- Abhaya Sutta (AN
IV.184) -- Fearless. The Buddha explains to Janussoni
four ways to overcome the fear of death.
- Thana Sutta (AN
IV.192) -- Traits. How can you recognize someone as a
good and wise person? The Buddha explains what qualities
to look for and how to spot them.
- Pariyesana Sutta
(AN IV.252) -- Searches. What are you searching for?
Are you looking for happiness in all the wrong places, or
are you truly looking for a lasting, noble happiness?
- Kula Sutta (AN
IV.255) -- On Families . How a family loses or
preserves its wealth.
V - Book of the Fives
- Vitthara Sutta (AN V.2)
-- (Strengths) in Detail. A summary of the five
"strengths" (bala) to be developed in
Dhamma practice.
- Hita Sutta (AN V.20)
-- Benefit. How to practice Dhamma for the benefit of
both oneself and others.
- Samadhi Sutta (AN
V.27) -- (Immeasurable) Concentration. The Buddha
encourages the practice of the Brahma viharas (metta,
karuna, mudita, and upekkha) as a basis for concentration
practice, as it leads to five important realizations.
- Samadhanga Sutta (AN
V.28) -- The Factors of Concentration. The Buddha
outlines the "five-factored noble right
concentration," to explain how the progressive
development of the four mundane stages of jhana
(absorption) leads to the development of the supranormal
powers and Awakening.
- Siha Sutta (AN V.34)
-- To General Siha (On Generosity). General Siha,
known for his generosity, asks the Buddha about the
fruits of generosity that one can experience in this
life. The Buddha describes four such fruits; a fifth
fruit (a happy rebirth) Siha can only take on faith.
- Kaladana Sutta (AN
V.36) -- Seasonable Gifts. Gifts given at the proper
time bear the greatest fruit. Here the Buddha describes
five such occasions. [Often chanted by monks as blessings
at meals or other offerings.]
- Bhojana Sutta (AN
V.37) -- A Meal. Whenever one gives the gift of food,
five wonderful things are also given, automatically, to
both giver and recipient alike. [Often chanted by monks
as blessings at meals or other offerings.]
- Saddha Sutta (AN
V.38) -- Conviction. The five rewards that a
layperson can expect for having conviction (faith) in the
Triple Gem.
- Adiya Sutta (AN V.41)
-- Benefits to be Obtained (from Wealth). The Buddha
describes for the wealthy householder Anathapindika five
skillful ways of using one's money that bring immense
benefits to the giver -- benefits that can last long
after all the wealth is gone. [Often chanted by monks as
blessings at meals or other offerings.]
- Ittha Sutta (AN V.43)
-- What is Welcome. The Buddha explains to
Anathapindika how true happiness can't ever be achieved
by merely wishing for it; one must instead endeavor to
make merit and follow the path of practice.
- Kosala Sutta (AN
V.49) -- The Kosalan. When Queen Mallika dies, her
husband, King Pasenadi, is overcome with grief. The
Buddha advises the king on how to free himself of
obsessive grieving.
- Upajjhatthana Sutta
(AN V.57) -- Subjects for Contemplation. The Buddha
describes the "five facts that one should reflect on
often, whether one is a woman or a man, lay or
ordained."
- Yodhajiva Sutta (AN
V.75) -- The Warrior (1)
- Yodhajiva Sutta (AN
V.76) -- The Warrior (2). Two suttas on how a monk
must steadfastly guard his celibacy in the face of all
temptation, if he is to reach the goal.
- Anagata-bhayani
Suttas (AN V.77-80) -- The Discourses on Future Dangers.
The Buddha reminds the monks that the practice of Dhamma
should not be put off for a later date, for there are no
guarantees that the future will provide any opportunites
for practice. (These suttas are among those selected by
King Asoka (r. 270-232 BC) to be studied and reflected
upon frequently by all Buddhists, whether ordained or
not.)
- Andhakavinda Sutta
(AN V.114) -- At Andhakavinda. Five things that the
Buddha exhorted his newly-ordained monks to do. Laypeople
should take heed, too!
- Gilana Sutta (AN
V.121) -- To a Sick Man. The Buddha reminds a sick
monk that by keeping five particular themes of meditation
well established, even a sick person can realize
Awakening.
- Parikuppa Sutta (AN
V.129) -- In Agony. Five grave deeds that are said to
prevent one from realising any of the noble attainments
in this lifetime. Don't do these things, OK?
- Akkhama Sutta (AN
V.139) -- Not Resilient. The Buddha uses powerful
imagery from the battlefield to underscore the importance
of developing mastery over the senses.
- Sotar Sutta (AN
V.140) -- The Listener. Five qualities one should
develop in order to gain mastery of the senses and become
a truly worthy person.
- Udayi Sutta (AN
V.159) -- About Udayin. The Buddha explains to Ven.
Ananda the five prerequisites for teaching Dhamma to
others.
- Aghatapativinaya
Sutta (AN V.161) -- Removing Annoyance [Ñanamoli
Thera, tr.]. Five skillful ways of dealing with annoying
people. [For a translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, see The Wings to
Awakening, §143.]
- Candala Sutta (AN
V.175) -- The Outcaste. The Buddha describes five
qualities that determine the degree of one's commitment
to being a lay Buddhist follower. How do you measure up?
- Dhammassavana Sutta
(AN V.202) -- Listening to the Dhamma. The five
rewards in listening to the Dhamma.
VI - Book of the Sixes
VII - Book of the Sevens
- Dhana Sutta (AN VII.6)
-- Treasure. If one possesses these seven treasures
in the heart, one's life will not have been lived in
vain.
- Ugga Sutta (AN VII.7)
-- To Ugga. The Buddha explains to Ugga that there
are seven treasures in the heart that, unlike worldly
treasures, are always safe from "fire, flood, kings,
thieves, or hateful heirs."
- Bhikkhu-aparihaniya
Sutta (AN VII.21) -- Conditions for No Decline Among the
Monks. The seven conditions that lead to the
long-term welfare of the Sangha.
- Saññoga Sutta (AN
VII.48) -- Bondage. The Buddha explains how dwelling
on one's sexual identity only leads to greater suffering.
- Dana Sutta (AN
VII.49) -- Giving. The Buddha describes some of the
motivations that one might have for being generous. The
karmic fruits one reaps as a result of giving depends
heavily on one's motives.
- Kimila Sutta (AN
VII.56) -- To Kimila. So, you say you want Buddhism
to thrive in the West? In this sutta the Buddha explains
to Ven. Kimila what is required of those who wish to see
the Dhamma last a long, long time.
- Capala Sutta (AN
VII.58) -- Nodding. Do you sometimes nod off during
meditation? Here the Buddha catches Ven. Maha Moggallana
nodding off, and offers him a graduated prescription for
overcoming drowsiness.
- Kodhana Sutta (AN
VII.60) -- An Angry Person. The Buddha describes
seven dangers of giving in to anger. Be careful!
- Dhammaññu Sutta (AN
VII.64) -- One With a Sense of the Dhamma. Do you
want to be worthy of other people's respect? Here the
Buddha describes seven qualities that make up a
respectable and honorable individual.
VIII - Book of the Eights
- Pañña Sutta (AN
VIII.2) -- Discernment. The Buddha outlines the
skills that one must develop in order for wisdom to
unfold.
- Lokavipatti Sutta (AN
VIII.6) -- The Failings of the World. The Eight
Worldly Conditions. The Buddha explains the difference
between an ordinary person and an Awakened one, in terms
of their response to the inevitable ups and downs of
life.
- Jivaka Sutta (AN
VIII.26) -- To Jivaka (On Being a Lay Follower). The
Buddha explains how a lay follower can best work for the
welfare of others.
- Anuruddha Sutta (AN
VIII.30) -- To Anuruddha. The Buddha tells of eight
good qualities in the heart that, if actively cultivated,
help lead us towards the goal.
- Abhisanda Sutta (AN
VIII.39) -- Rewards. The Buddha tells of eight
rewards that can be expected from skillful conduct.
- Vipaka Sutta (AN
VIII.40) -- Results. The Buddha describes the
unpleasant consequences of not sticking to the precepts.
- Uposatha Sutta (AN
VIII.41) -- The Uposatha Observance [Ñanavara Thera,
tr.]. The Buddha summarizes the eight Uposatha day
observances.
- Visakhuposatha Sutta
(AN VIII.43) -- The Discourse to Visakha on the Uposatha
with the Eight Practices [Bhikkhu Khantipalo, tr.].
The Buddha explains to Visakha, a devout laywoman, how
the eight uposatha (observance day) practices are
to be practiced, and how splendid is the fruit of that
practice. The Buddha tells us here that even a tree --
were it conscious -- would benefit immensely from this
practice; how much more beneficial the practice is to
those humans who practice it!
- Gotami Sutta (AN
VIII.53) -- To Gotami. The Buddha explains to
Mahapajapati Gotami (his aunt) how to recognize the
difference between teachings that conform to the Dhamma
and those that do not. These eight criteria are just as
relevant today!
- Vyagghapajja (Dighajanu) Sutta (AN
VIII.54) -- Conditions of Welfare (To Dighajanu).
[Two versions: translated by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu and translated
by Narada Thera] The Buddha instructs wealthy
householders how to preserve and increase their wealth
and happiness, in both the mundane and spiritual planes.
- Sankhitta Sutta (AN
VIII.63) -- In Brief (Good Will, Mindfulness, and
Concentration). The Buddha describes the practices of
the four Brahma-viharas and of the four frames of
reference (foundations of mindfulness) as forms of
concentration practice.
- Kusita-Arabbhavatthu
Sutta (AN VIII.80) -- The Grounds for Laziness and the
Arousal of Energy. Do these excuses for putting off
your meditation sound familiar: "I'm too
hungry!"; "I'm too full!"; "I'm too
tired!"; "I'm too sick!" ? Here the Buddha
offers sound advice for overcoming this kind of laziness.
IX - Book of the Nines
X - Book of the Tens
- Sacitta Sutta (AN
X.51) -- One's Own Mind. The Buddha offers
instructions on how to read your own mind.
- Girimananda Sutta
(AN X.60) -- To Girimananda. The Buddha instructs
Ven. Girimananda, who is ill, on the ten themes of
meditation that can heal both mind and body.
- Kathavatthu Sutta
(AN X.69) -- Topics of Conversation. The Buddha
presents ten wholesome topics of conversation as an
alternative to gossip.
- Akankha Sutta (AN
X.71) -- Wishes. This discourse lists ten reasons, of
ascending worth, for perfecting the precepts and being
committed to the development of calm (samatha) and
insight (vipassana). An interesting feature of
this discussion is that the Buddha does not separate
insight and jhana into separate paths of practice, and
actually cites insight, together with tranquillity, as a
prerequisite for mastering the four jhanas. [TB]
- Aghata Sutta (AN
X.80) -- Hatred. When hatred arises in the mind what
do you do? Here are ten reflections to consider as an
antidote.
- Bahuna Sutta (AN
X.81) -- To Bahuna. What is it that an Awakened being
is freed of?
- Ditthi Sutta (AN
X.93) -- Views. The householder Anathapindika
instructs a group of non-Buddhist wanderers on the nature
of Right View.
- Kokanuda Sutta (AN
X.96) -- To Kokanuda (On Viewpoints). Ven. Ananda
explains that wisdom is not based on subscribing to this
or that point of view.
- Virecana Sutta
(AN X.108) -- A Purgative. Sometimes even the best
medicines for the body fail to work. Here, the Buddha
offers a "noble purgative" for the mind that
works every time.
- Cunda
Kammaraputta Sutta (AN X.176) -- To Cunda the Silversmith.
The Buddha explains to Cunda that genuine
self-purification comes about not from performing sacred
rites, but by cultivating skillfulness in one's thoughts,
words, and deeds.
XI - Book of the Elevens
- Kimattha Sutta (AN
XI.1) -- What is the Purpose?. Why does the Buddha
always implore us to cultivate sila (virtue)? Because all
other skillful mental qualities, leading right up to
Awakening, depend upon it.
- Cetana Sutta (AN
XI.2) -- An Act of Will. Good qualities in the heart
naturally lead to the development of other good
qualities. It all starts with sila (virtue).
- Mahanama Sutta (AN
XI.12) -- To Mahanama (1). The Buddha instructs the
householder Mahanama on the importance of developing the
six recollections (recollection of the Buddha, Dhamma,
Sangha, one's own virtues, one's own generosity, and the
devas).
- Mahanama Sutta (AN
XI.13) -- To Mahanama (2). The Buddha further
instructs the householder Mahanama on the importance of
developing the six recollections, reminding him to
develop these recollections in every posture, even
"while you are busy at work, while you are resting
in your home crowded with children."
- Metta Sutta (AN
XI.16) -- Good Will. The Buddha identifies eleven
benefits arising from the practice of metta (loving
kindness, or good-will) meditation.