Recommended for intermediate students
GHAṬIKĀRASUTTA
With Ghaṭikāra
The Buddha relates an unusual account of a past life in the time of the previous Buddha, Kassapa. At that time he was not interested in Dhamma, and had to be forced to go see the Buddha. This discourse is important in understanding the development of the Bodhisattva doctrine.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
RAṬṬHAPĀLASUTTA
With Raṭṭhapāla
A wealthy young man, Raṭṭhapāla, has a strong aspiration to go forth, but has to prevail against the reluctance of his parents. Even after he became a monk, his parents tried to persuade him to disrobe. The discourse ends with a moving series of teachings on the fragility of the world.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
MAGHADEVASUTTA
About King Maghadeva
A rare extended mythic narrative, telling of an ancient kingly lineage and their eventual downfall.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
MADHURASUTTA
At Madhurā
In Madhurā, towards the north-eastern limit of the Buddha's reach during his life, King Avantiputta asks Venerable Mahākaccāna regarding the brahmanical claim to be the highest caste.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
BODHIRĀJAKUMĀRASUTTA
With Prince Bodhi
Admitting that he used to believe that pleasure was to be gained through pain, the Buddha explains how his practice showed him the fallacy of that idea.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
AṄGULIMĀLASUTTA
With Aṅgulimāla
Ignoring warnings, the Buddha ventures into the domain of the notorious killer Aṅgulimāla and succeeds in converting him to the path of non-violence. After becoming a monk Aṅgulimāla still suffered for his past deeds, but only to a small extent. He uses his new commitment to non-violence to help a woman in labor.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
PIYAJĀTIKASUTTA
Born From the Beloved
A rare glimpse into the marital life of King Pasenadi, and how he is led to the Dhamma by his Queen, the incomparable Mallikā. She confirms the Buddha's teaching that our loved ones bring us sorrow; but that's not something a husband, father, and king wants to hear.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
BĀHITIKASUTTA
The Imported Cloth
King Pasenadi takes a chance to visit Venerable Ānanda, where he asks about skillful and unskillful behavior, and what is praised by the Buddha. He offers Ānanda a valuable cloth in gratitude.
Translations
Recommended for beginner students
DHAMMACETIYASUTTA
Shrines to the Teaching
King Pasenadi, near the end of his life, visits the Buddha, and shows moving devotion and love for his teacher.
Translations
Recommended for intermediate students
KAṆṆAKATTHALASUTTA
At Kaṇṇakatthala
King Pasenadi questions the Buddha on miscellaneous matters: caste, omniscience, and the gods among them.