In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Preached at Nigrodharama in Kapilavatthu. The Buddha was staying in the cell erected by Kalakhemaka, and near by, in the cell erected by Ghataya, Ananda, with many monks, was making robes. The Buddha knew from the number of pallets outside the cells of Kalakhemaka that many monks were in residence there. He therefore addressed Ananda, telling him of the joys of tranquility and solitude. A monk should dwell apart and concentrate his heart internally and thus develop the four jhanas. He then knows that, whatever his posture, he will be free from evil dispositions; his speech will be free from faults, his thoughts pure. A monk should always search his heart to discover if he has any traffic with pleasures of sense. A disciple should follow his masters footsteps, not in order to obtain interpretations of canonical law, but solely to hear words which conduce to passionless ness, illumination, Nibbana (M.iii.109 18).

The sutta is also called Ganabheda, because it tends to break up crowds. Once, in the Valikapitthi vihara, Abhidhammika Abhaya recited this sutta with several others, and, understanding its import, dwelt apart and attained arahantship during the rains. MA.ii.907.

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).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Sutta.

Full-text: Sunnata Sutta, Valikapitthi Vihara.

Relevant text

No search results for Mahasunnata Sutta, Mahāsuññatā-sutta; (plurals include: Mahasunnata Suttas, suttas) in any book or story.