Ariyapariyesana Sutta, Ariyapariyesanā-sutta: 1 definition

Introduction:

Ariyapariyesana Sutta means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Ariyapariyesana Sutta in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Preached in Savatthi in the hermitage of the brahmin Rammaka. Some monks expressed to Ananda their desire to hear a discourse from the Buddha, as it was so long since they had heard one. He advised them to go to the hermitage of Rammaka where their wishes might be fulfilled. The noontide of that same day Ananda spent with the Buddha at the Pubbarama in the Migaramatupasada and in the evening, after the Buddha had bathed in the Pubbakotthaka, Ananda suggested to him that he might go to Rammakas hermitage. The Buddha assenting, they went together. The Buddha, finding the monks engaged in discussing the Doctrine, waited till their discussion was over. Having inquired the topic thereof, he praised them and proceeded to tell them of the two quests in the world the noble and the ignoble. He described how he, too, before his Enlightenment, had followed the quest, apprenticing himself to various teachers, such as Alava Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta, and how, on discovering that they could not give him what he sought, he went to Uruvela and there found the consummate peace of Nibbana. This biographical account is also found in the Maha Saccaka, Bodhirajakumara and Sangarava Suttas. It is in part repeated in the Vinaya and the Digha Nikaya.

The Sutta then proceeds to give an account of the Buddhas first reluctance to preach, of Sahampatis intervention, of the meeting with the Ajivaka Upaka and the first sermon preached to the Pancavaggiyas. Finally the sutta expounds the pleasures of the senses, the dangers therefrom and the freedom and confidence which ensue when one has overcome desire (M.i.160-75).

In the Commentary (MA.i.369ff) the sutta is called Pasarasi, evidently because of the simile found at the end of the discourse where the pleasures of the senses are compared to baited traps.

The Atthasalini quotes it (p.35).

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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