Words of the Buddha

The Buddha compares the senses of an uninstructed person to a sheaf of barley thrashed by six flails at a crossroads—and a seventh flail if they seek future existence. Using the parable of the captive asura lord Vepacitti, whose bonds tightened or vanished based solely on his thoughts, the Buddha illustrates how conceiving “I am” is a subtle, subjective trap.

When a victorious lord of the devas endures a captured enemy's insults with perfect calm, his charioteer questions his strength.

The Buddha asks venerable Anuruddha and his companions about their spiritual progress, warning that without the bliss of jhāna, the mind remains vulnerable to hindrances. He then explains why he reveals the rebirth destinations of deceased disciples: not for fame or flattery, but to inspire others to emulate their virtue and wisdom, bringing them lasting welfare and happiness.

Prompted by an elephant trainer's observation on the tangled, deceitful nature of humans compared to animals, the Buddha categorizes humanity into four types based on who they torment. He then details the profound path of the fourth person—the one who abandons all harm to attain complete, unburdened liberation in this very life.

The four kinds of kamma in brief.