Upali Sutta, Upāli-sutta: 1 definition

Introduction:

Upali 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»] — Upali Sutta in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Upali Sutta - Records the events that lead to the conversation of Upali Gahapati. The Buddha is asked, first by Digha Tapassi and then by Upali, as to which of the three kinds of deeds - of body, speech and mind - are the most criminal. Those of mind, says the Buddha; those of body, say the followers of Nataputta. By various illustrations the Buddha convinces Upali that his contentions are wrong. The sutta concludes with a series of verses (the Upali Gatha) in which Upali sings the Buddhas praises. M.i.371ff.

2. Upali Sutta - Upali Thera visits the Buddha and asks him for what purpose the various precepts have been laid down for disciples and why the patimokkha has been recited? For ten purposes, says the Buddha, and proceeds to enumerate them. Similarly, ten reasons are given which justify the suspension of the patimokkha. A.v.70f.

3. Upali Sutta - Upali (1) visits the Buddha and expresses a desire to retire to the solitude of the forest. Such a step is not desirable for those who have not attained to tranquillity of mind, says the Buddha, and explains his meaning by various similes. A full grown elephant could disport himself in a deep lake according to his fancy, not so a hare or a cat. The sutta goes on to describe how, as a result of the arising of a Tathagata in the world, a householder would listen to the Dhamma, renounce the world, give up all evil practices and gradually attain to full development of the four jhanas. Upali is advised to live among the monks and not go into the forest. A.v.201ff.

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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