Scripture/Theravāda — Pali Canon/Aṅguttara Nikāya — The Numerical Discourses

Aṅguttara Nikāya — The Numerical Discourses – page 9

1,410 texts · page 9 of 15 (texts 801–900)

AN 6.43: The Giant

When going for a bath, the Buddha encounters a giant royal elephant. But a spiritual giant is even more impressive.

AN 6.44: With Migasālā

In response to criticism, the Buddha explains that it is difficult to compare the spiritual development of different individuals, so we should not be judgmental.

AN 6.45: Debt

Poor people suffer when they get in debt. Spiritual practitioners who are devoid of good qualities suffer in a similar way.

In a discourse evidently set some time after the Buddha’s passing, Venerable Mahācunda urges different groups of meditators, whether they emphasize serenity or insight, to respect and support each other.

AN 6.47: Apparent in the Present Life (1st)

The Buddha explains to the wanderer Moliyasīvaka how the teaching may be realized in the present life.

AN 6.48: Apparent in the Present Life (2nd)

The Buddha explains a brahmin how the teaching may be realized in the present life.

AN 6.49: With Khema

Two monks separately come to the Buddha and speak of awakening in terms of letting go conceit. The Buddha affirms that they are, in fact, awakened, and that such indirect means are the proper way to make such declarations.

AN 6.50: Sense Restraint

Just as a tree without leaves cannot grow, sense restraint is the foundation for spiritual growth.

AN 6.51: With Ānanda

Venerables Ānanda and Sāriputta discuss how a mendicant can further their learning and understanding.

AN 6.52: Aristocrats

The Buddha explains to the brahmin Jāṇussoṇī the ambition, quest, commitment, insistence, and ultimate goal of aristocrats, brahmins, householders, women, bandits, and ascetics.

AN 6.53: Diligence

With a series of vivid similes, the Buddha shows how diligence leads to benefits in both this life and the next.

AN 6.54: About Dhammika

The monk Dhammika annoys both the monks and the layfolk so badly that they banish him. He comes to the Buddha, who consoles him and raises his spirits with a story, while at the same time showing him the error of his ways.

AN 6.55: With Soṇa

When Venerable Soṇa thinks of disrobing, the Buddha comes and encourages him with the famous simile of the lute that is tuned neither too loose nor too tight.

AN 6.56: With Phagguna

The Buddha consoles Venerable Phagguṇa on his deathbed, and he dies at peace. The Buddha then explains to Ānanda the benefits of hearing the Dhamma at the right time.

AN 6.57: The Six Classes of Rebirth

Ānanda asks the Buddha about the six classes of people described by the rival ascetic Pūraṇa Kassapa. The Buddha rejects them, and proposes an alternate scheme, emphasizing the importance ones deeds in this life.

AN 6.58: Defilements

The Buddha explains diverse methods for overcoming diverse kinds of defilements.

AN 6.59: With Dārukammika

The householder Dārukammika claims to give gifts to arahants. But the Buddha warns him that it’s hard to know who is really an arahant, and encourage him instead to make offerings to the Saṅgha.

AN 6.60: With Hatthisāriputta

The junior monk Citta Hatthisāriputta rudely interrupts his seniors, and is admonished by Mahākoṭṭhita. His friends speak in his defense, but Mahākoṭṭhita warns them with a long explanation of how hard it is to know another’s mind. Ultimately, Citta disrobes.

AN 6.61: In the Middle

Several senior mendicants discuss the “Questions of Metteyya” from the Pārāyana (Snp 5.3). Each propose an interpretation, and they then ask the Buddha. He praises each reading, but gives his own intended meaning.

AN 6.62: Knowledge of the Faculties of Persons

A monk asks whether, when the Buddha said that Devadatta was going to hell, he was speaking metaphorically. The Buddha castigates him, wondering how anyone could misunderstand such a straightforward statement, and explains how he reads the minds of others and understands where their deeds will lead them.

AN 6.63: Penetrative

A detailed analysis of several central themes, including sense perception, feeling, defilements, kamma, etc.

AN 6.64: The Lion’s Roar

The Buddha possesses six spiritual powers that enable him to roar his lion’s roar.

AN 6.65: The Fruit of Non-Return

Six things lead to non-return.

AN 6.66: Perfection

Six things lead to perfection.

AN 6.67: Friends

With bad friends, a mendicant cannot fulfill six good qualities, but with good friends they can.

AN 6.68: Enjoying Company

A mendicant who loves to socialize can’t find peace in meditation, but one who loves solitude can.

AN 6.69: A God

A god speaks on the factors of non-decline. When the Buddha repeats what he says, Sāriputta gives an explaination.

AN 6.70: Immersion

Without samādhi or immersion it is impossible to realize the higher truths of the path.

AN 6.71: Capable of Realizing

Six qualities that enable a mendicant to gain understanding.

AN 6.72: Strength

Six qualities that enable a mendicant to gain strength in meditation.

AN 6.73: First Absorption (1st)

Six qualities that enable a mendicant to gain the first absorption.

AN 6.74: First Absorption (2nd)

Six qualities that enable a mendicant to gain the first absorption.

AN 6.75: Suffering

Six qualities that lead to suffering, and whose absence leads to happiness.

AN 6.76: Perfection

Qualities for realizing arahantship.

AN 6.77: Superhuman States

Qualities for realizing superhuman states.

AN 6.78: Joy and Happiness

Qualities leading to happiness.

AN 6.79: Achievement

Qualities for gaining and strengthening good qualities.

AN 6.80: Greatness

Possessing six qualities a mendicant attains to greatness.

AN 6.81: Hell (1st)

Things leading to hell or heaven.

AN 6.82: Hell (2nd)

Things leading to hell or heaven.

AN 6.83: The Best Thing

Things leading to or obstructing the attainment of perfection.

AN 6.84: Day and Night

Things leading to growth or deterioration by day or night.

AN 6.85: Coolness

Possessing six qualities a mendicant attains to coolness.

AN 6.86: Obstacles

Things that enable or obstruct true understanding while listening to the teachings.

AN 6.87: A Murderer

Things that enable or obstruct true understanding while listening to the teachings.

AN 6.88: Wanting to Listen

Things that enable or obstruct true understanding while listening to the teachings.

AN 6.89: Not Giving Up

Requirements for becoming a stream-enterer.