SIVASUTTA
With Shiva
The deity Siva says one should associate only with the good, and this will lead to happiness. The Buddha adds that associating with the good leads to the end of suffering. Siva is the Pali spelling of Sanskrit Śiva, and this marks a rare appearance of a god of this name in the early texts.
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KHEMASUTTA
With Khema
The deity Khema utters a series of verses in praise of good deeds. The Buddha responds with a simile for someone who departs the path of the good.
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SERĪSUTTA
With Seri
The deity Seri speaks of how everyone loves food, to which the Buddha responds with verses in praise of giving. Seri speaks of his own generosity in a past life.
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GHATĪKĀRASUTTA
With Ghaṭīkāra
The deity Ghaṭīkāra speaks of the seven mendicants reborn in the Aviha realm. The sutta is similar to SN 1.50.
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JANTUSUTTA
With Jantu
Some monks in Kosala fell into negligence, and were admonished by the deity Jantu.
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ROHITASSASUTTA
With Rohitassa
Rohitassa asks the Buddha if it is possible to reach the end of the world by traveling. The Buddha says no; and Rohitassa tells of how in a past life as a seer he had tried to accomplish this very feat and failed. The Buddha says the end of the world is found in this body.
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NANDASUTTA
With Nanda
Nanda speaks of the transience of life, saying one should do good to be reborn in a happy future life. The Buddha replies that one should let go attachment.
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NANDIVISĀLASUTTA
With Nandivisāla
The god Nandivisāla gives an elaborate metaphor for the body, and asks how to escape from it.
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SUSIMASUTTA
With Susīma
The Buddha asks Ānanda if he likes Sāriputta, and when he replies that he does, the god Susīma and his assembly appear, rejoicing in Sāriputta's praises, and radiating in lustrous colors.
Translations
NĀNĀTITTHIYASĀVAKASUTTA
The Disciples of Various Monastics of Other Religions
A series of deities who had formerly been ascetics in the non-Buddhist sects came to the Buddha, speaking verses in praise—or occasional criticism—of their former teachers.