-
AN 4.1: Anubuddha Sutta — Understanding
{
A ii 1
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Why do we wander aimlessly in samsara? It's because we haven't yet realized four noble qualities.
-
AN 4.5: Anusota Sutta — With the Flow
{
A ii 5
}
[
Thanissaro
].
A reminder that the popular advice to "just go with the flow" finds no support in the Buddha's teachings.
-
AN 4.10: Yoga Sutta — Bondage/Yokes
{
A ii 10
}
[
Nizamis
|
Thanissaro
].
In many discourses, the Buddha speaks of "the unexcelled rest from the yoke." In this discourse he explains what yokes he is referring to, and how that rest comes about.
[TB]
-
AN 4.19: Agati Sutta — Off Course
{
A ii 18
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha explains the difference between staying "on course" and straying "off course" in one's Dhamma practice.
-
AN 4.24: Kalaka Sutta — At Kalaka's Park
{
A ii 23
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Even though the Buddha has deep understanding, he doesn't take a stance on any of it.
-
AN 4.28: Ariya-vamsa Sutta — The Discourse on the Traditions of the Noble Ones
{
A ii 27
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha describes four good qualities in a monk: contentment with regard to robes, almsfood, and lodging, and finding pleasure in cultivating wholesome mental states. (This is one of the suttas selected by King Asoka (r. 270-232 BCE) to be studied and reflected upon frequently by all practicing Buddhists. See
That the True Dhamma Might Last a Long Time: Readings Selected by King Asoka
,
by Thanissaro.)
-
AN 4.31: Cakka Sutta — Wheels
{
A ii 32
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Here is one kind of four-wheel drive that is sure to keep you on the road.
-
AN 4.32: Sangaha Sutta — The Bonds of Fellowship
{
A ii 32
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The qualities that help hold together a family — or any community.
-
AN 4.35: Vassakara Sutta — With Vassakara
{
A ii 35
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Four distinguishing qualities of a wise person.
-
AN 4.36: Dona Sutta — With Dona
{
A ii 37
}
[
Thanissaro
].
A passerby, struck by the Buddha's serene presence, asks him, "What are you? Are you a deva? A spirit? A human being?" The Buddha's now-famous reply has made this one of the most oft-quoted passages in the entire Canon.
-
AN 4.37: Aparihani Sutta — No Falling Away
{
A ii 39
}
[
Thanissaro
].
If one is sincere in one's aspirations to realize Awakening, these four aspects of Dhamma practice should be constantly developed.
-
AN 4.41: Samadhi Sutta — Concentration
{
A ii 44
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha explains how concentration, when fully developed, can bring about any one of four different desirable results.
-
AN 4.42: Pañha Sutta — Questions
{
A ii 46
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha's teachings on skillfulness and speech extend to mastering the art of answering questions.
-
AN 4.45: Rohitassa Sutta — To Rohitassa
{
A ii 47
}
[
Thanissaro
].
A well-traveled deva learns that we don't have to go to the ends of the world to find an end to suffering; we need look no further than right here, in this very body.
-
AN 4.49: Vipallasa Sutta — Distortions of the Mind/Perversions
{
A ii 52
}
[
Olendzki
|
Thanissaro
].
Four kinds of misperceptions that keep us bound to the cycle of rebirths.
-
AN 4.50: Upakkilesa Sutta — Obscurations
{
A ii 53
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Four unskillful activities that prevent a monk from shining with Dhamma.
-
AN 4.55: Samajivina Sutta — Living in Tune
{
A ii 61
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Would you like to live with your current spouse in future lives, too? Here's how.
-
AN 4.62: Anana Sutta — Debtless
{
A ii 69
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha tells the wealthy lay-follower Anathapindika about four kinds of happiness that a householder may enjoy. Some require wealth, but the best is free of charge.
-
AN 4.67: Ahi Sutta/Ahina Sutta — A Snake/By a Snake
{
A ii 72
}
[
Piyadassi
|
Thanissaro
].
How the practice of
metta
(loving-kindness) can serve as a protection against harm.
-
AN 4.73: Sappurisa Sutta — A Person of Integrity
{
A ii 77
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Are you a person of integrity? How you speak about yourself and others reveals much about your personal integrity.
-
AN 4.77: Acintita Sutta — Unconjecturable
{
A ii 80
}
[
Thanissaro
].
If you spend too much time pondering these four things you will surely drive yourself crazy.
-
AN 4.79: Vanijja Sutta — Trade
{
A ii 81
}
[
Thanissaro
].
One reason why some people succeed and others fail in their trades.
-
AN 4.85: Tamonata Sutta — Darkness
{
A ii 85
}
[
Thanissaro
].
A person's goodness is measured not by his or her wealth, beauty, or status, but by the goodness of his or her actions.
-
AN 4.94: Samadhi Sutta — Concentration (Tranquillity and Insight)
{
A ii 93
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha explains how correct meditation practice consists of the development of both insight
(vipassana)
and tranquillity
(samatha).
-
AN 4.95: Chavalata Sutta — Wood from a Pyre/The Firebrand
{
A ii 95
}
[
Buddharakkhita
|
Thanissaro
].
Which is better: to practice Dhamma for one's own benefit or for another's? The answer may surprise you.
-
AN 4.96: Raga-vinaya Sutta — The Subduing of Passion
{
A ii 96
}
[
Thanissaro
].
What does it mean to practice Dhamma for one's own benefit — and for another's?
-
AN 4.99: Sikkha Sutta — Trainings
{
A ii 98
}
[
Thanissaro
].
It is best of all if you not only follow the precepts yourself, but can support others in following them, too.
-
AN 4.102: Valahaka Sutta — Thunderheads
{
A ii 103
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Reading suttas is good, but there is more to be done. Go meditate!
-
AN 4.111: Kesi Sutta — To Kesi the Horsetrainer
{
A ii 111
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha explains to Kesi, a horsetrainer, how he teaches Dhamma. This brilliant exposition warrants close study by every teacher, as it reveals the multiple levels in which effective teaching operates: the Buddha speaks in terms that the listener understands (horsetraining), he uses similes to great effect, and he deftly answers the
real
question that lies behind the student's query ("Please, can you train me?").
-
AN 4.113: Patoda Sutta — The Goad-stick/The Goad
{
A ii 114
}
[
Thanissaro
|
Woodward
].
How much dukkha does it take to motivate you to practice the Dhamma in earnest? The Buddha illustrates his point with the famous simile of a thoroughbred horse stirred to action by its rider.
-
AN 4.115: Thana Sutta — Courses of Action
{
A ii 118
}
[
Thanissaro
].
When faced with a choice, how does one decide which course of action to follow? The Buddha here offers some helpful advice.
-
AN 4.123: Jhana Sutta — Mental Absorption (1)
{
A ii 126
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha describes four possible courses of rebirth open to someone who practices jhana.
-
AN 4.124: Jhana Sutta — Mental Absorption (2)
{
A ii 128
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha describes another possible course of rebirth open to someone who practices jhana.
-
AN 4.125: Metta Sutta — Loving-kindness (1)/Good Will (1)
{
A ii 128
}
[
Ñanamoli
|
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha describes four possible courses of rebirth open to someone who practices the
brahma-vihara
(good will, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity).
-
AN 4.126: Metta Sutta — Loving-kindness (2)/Good Will (2)
{
A ii 129
}
[
Ñanamoli
|
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha describes another possible course of rebirth open to someone who practices the
brahma-vihara
(good will, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity).
-
AN 4.144: Obhasa Sutta — Brightness
{
A ii 139
}
[
Thanissaro
].
What provides the most brightness in life?
-
AN 4.159: Bhikkhuni Sutta — The Nun
{
A ii 144
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Ven. Ananda teaches a nun that, although craving can be used to overcome craving, and conceit to overcome conceit, the same principle does not hold for sexual intercourse.
-
AN 4.162: Vitthara Sutta — (Modes of Practice) in Detail
{
A ii 150
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Your native personality traits may influence how painful or pleasant your meditation practice is; but the speed of progress is determined by factors within your control.
-
AN 4.163: Asubha Sutta — Unattractiveness
{
A ii 151
}
[
Thanissaro
].
How to make meditation practice both more pleasant and more efficient.
-
AN 4.164: Khama Sutta — Tolerant (1)
{
A ii 152
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Four modes of practice: intolerant, tolerant, self-controlled, and even.
-
AN 4.165: Khama Sutta — Tolerant (2)
{
A ii 153
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Four modes of practice: intolerant, tolerant, self-controlled, and even.
-
AN 4.170: Yuganaddha Sutta — In Tandem
{
A ii 156
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Ven. Ananda describes the paths to arahantship by which insight
(vipassana)
and tranquillity
(samatha)
work hand-in-hand.
-
AN 4.174: Kotthita Sutta — To Kotthita
{
A ii 161
; Thai 4.173}
[
Thanissaro
].
How Sariputta answers the question, "What lies beyond Nibbana?"
-
AN 4.178: Jambali Sutta — The Waste-water Pool
{
A ii 165
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha uses some memorable similes to describe the overcoming of self-identification and ignorance.
-
AN 4.179: Nibbana Sutta — Unbinding
{
A ii 167
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Why do some people gain Awakening in this life, while others don't?
-
AN 4.181: Yodhajiva Sutta — The Warrior
{
A ii 170
}
[
Thanissaro
].
An accomplished meditator — like a great warrior — develops these four qualities.
-
AN 4.183: Suta Sutta — On What is Heard
{
A ii 172
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Why the principle of truthfulness does not imply total frankness or openness.
-
AN 4.184: Abhaya Sutta — Fearless
{
A ii 173
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha explains to Janussonin four ways to overcome the fear of death.
-
AN 4.192: Thana Sutta — Traits
{
A ii 187
}
[
Thanissaro
].
How can you recognize a good and wise person? The Buddha explains what qualities to look for and how to spot them.
-
AN 4.199: Tanha Sutta — Craving
{
A ii 211
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The Buddha enumerates the many kinds of tangled thoughts experienced by a mind not yet free of craving. Sound familiar?
-
AN 4.200: Pema Sutta — Affection
{
A ii 213
}
[
Thanissaro
].
The opinions of our friends and enemies often influence our own thoughts and feelings about others. This kind of thinking is rooted in craving, and the Buddha offers a cure.
-
AN 4.235: Ariyamagga Sutta — The Noble Path
{
A ii 235
}
[
Thanissaro
].
Skillful actions
(kamma)
eventually bring good results, while unskillful ones bring bad. But best of all are the actions that lead to the ending of kamma altogether.
-
AN 4.245: Sikkha Sutta — Training
{
A ii 243
}
[
Thanissaro
].
This sutta makes the point that the duty of mindfulness is not simply to watch things arise and pass away. Instead, its duty is to remember to make the elements of the path arise and to prevent them from passing away.
-
AN 4.252: Pariyesana Sutta — Searches
{
A ii 247
}
[
Thanissaro
].
What are you searching for? Are you looking for happiness in all the wrong places? Are you looking for a lasting, noble happiness?
-
AN 4.255: Kula Sutta — On Families
{
A ii 249
}
[
Thanissaro
].
How a family loses or preserves its wealth.
-
AN 4.259: Araññika Sutta — A Wilderness Dweller
{
A ii 252
; Thai 4.263}
[
Thanissaro
].
What sort of person is fit to live in the wilderness?