Recommended for experienced students
PĀTHIKASUTTA
About Pāṭikaputta
When Sunakkhatta threatens to disrobe, the Buddha is unimpressed. Rejecting showy displays of asceticism or wondrous powers, he demonstrates his pre-eminence.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
UDUMBARIKASUTTA
The Lion's Roar at Udumbarikā's Monastery
This discourse gives a specially good example of dialog between religions. The Buddha insists that he is not interested to make anyone give up their teacher or practices, but only to help people let go of suffering.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
CAKKAVATTISUTTA
The Wheel-Turning Monarch
In illustration of his dictum that one should rely on oneself, the Buddha gives a detailed account of the fall of a kingly lineage of the past, and the subsequent degeneration of society. This process, however, is not over, as the Buddha predicts that eventually society will fall into utter chaos. But far in the future, another Buddha, Metteyya, will arise in a time of peace and plenty.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
AGGAÑÑASUTTA
The Origin of the World
In contrast with the brahmin's self-serving mythologies of the past, the Buddha presents an account of evolution that shows how human choices are an integral part of the ecological balance, and how excessive greed destroys the order of nature.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
SAMPASADANIYASUTTA
Inspiring Confidence
Shortly before he passes away, Venerable Sāriputta visits the Buddha and utters a moving eulogy of his great teacher.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
PĀSĀDIKASUTTA
An Impressive Discourse
Following the death of Nigantha Nātaputta, the leader of the Jains, the Buddha emphasizes the stability and maturity of his own community. He encourages the community to come together after his death and recite the teachings in harmony.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
LAKKHAŅASUTTA
The Marks of a Great Man
This presents the brahmanical prophecy of the Great Man, and explains the 32 marks in detail. This discourse contains some of the latest and most complex verse forms in the canon.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
SINGALASUTTA
Advice to Sigālaka
The Buddha encounters a young man who honors his dead father by performing rituals. The Buddha recasts the meaningless rites in terms of virtuous conduct. This is the most detailed discourse on ethics for lay people.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
ĀTĀNĀṬIYASUTTA
The Ātānāṭiya Protection
Mighty spirits hold a congregation, and warn the Buddha that, since not all spirits are friendly, the mendicants should learn verses of protection.
Translations
Recommended for experienced students
SAṄGĪTISUTTA
Reciting in Concert
The Buddha encourages Venerable Sāriputta to teach the mendicants, and he offers an extended listing of Buddhist doctrines arranged in numerical sequence.
Translations
Recommended for experienced students
DASUTTARASUTTA
Up to Ten
This is similar to the previous, but with a different manner of exposition. These two discourses anticipate some of the methods of the Abhidhamma.