The "Group of Linked Discourses with Verses" forms the opening section of the Saṁyutta Nikāya. Distinguished by its frequent use of verse, often paired with prose, this collection presents the Buddha’s teachings through a poetic lens. The suttas feature a diverse cast of figures—deities, Brahmās (Gods), kings, and disciples—engaging in dialogues that address core elements of the Dhamma, such as suffering, liberation, and the law of kamma. Rich with vivid imagery and lyrical expression, this division weaves together profound insights and narrative depth, offering an evocative introduction to early Buddhist thought.
The Group of Linked Discourses with Verses
The Buddha crossed the flood of suffering without any support and without struggling.
The Buddha describes how he knows of the release, liberation and independence for living beings.
For one brought to old age, there are no shelters.
Time flies by, one should abandon world's bait, looking for peace.
A deity asks the Buddha on how many things should one cut off, abandon, and develop to cross over the flood.
A deity asks the Buddha how many are asleep among those awake, how many are awake among those asleep, how many stir up the dust, and how many purify it.
Those who do not understand the teachings are led by others' views and do not awaken from sleep.
Those who are totally confused about the teachings are led by others' views and do not awaken from sleep.
One who is fond of conceit cannot be tamed, nor can one who is uncollected attain sagehood. Dwelling with negligence, such a one would not cross beyond the realm of death.
A deity asks the Buddha how the complexion of those dwelling in the wilderness and living the spiritual life becomes serene.
Excessive sleep, sluggishness, yawning, discontent, and post-meal drowsiness can obstruct the noble path from appearing.
Do you have a little hut, a nest, or ties that extend? Are you freed from bondage?
A deity asks the Blessed One what is good until old age, what is good when established, what is a treasure for humans, and what cannot be stolen by thieves.
The young deity Kassapa, on Buddha's invitation, shares a verse on the instruction for a bhikkhu.
The young deity Kassapa shares a verse on the instruction for a bhikkhu.
The young deity Māgha asks the Buddha in a verse on what to cut off to sleep with ease and grieve no more. The Buddha advises to cut off anger.
A young deity recites a verse to the Buddha about the shortness of life and the importance of doing meritorious deeds.
Household Anāthapiṇḍika, after passing away, appears as a young deity and recites verses to the Buddha on the value of thoroughly examining the Dhamma.
The young deity Siva recites a verse to the Buddha about the importance of associating with the wise and the good.
The Buddha explains to King Pasenadi of Kosala that no one, regardless of their wealth or status, is free from aging and death. Even arahants, who have attained the ultimate goal, are subject to the breaking up of this body.
One who engages in good conduct by body, speech, and mind is dear to themselves.
There are few in the world, who having obtained great wealth, neither become arrogant nor negligent, do not become obsessed with sensual pleasures, and do not act wrongly towards others.
King Pasenadi of Kosala and Queen Mallikā discuss who is dearer to them.
The Buddha observes the King Pasenadi as huffing and puffing and advises him on moderation in eating.
King Pasenadi asks the Buddha if there is one Dhamma which, having accomplished, secures both kinds of welfare — welfare pertaining to the present life and that pertaining to the next life. The Buddha explains that diligence is that one Dhamma.
The Buddha shares a simile of a mountain to illustrate the inevitability of old age and death, and the importance of living by the Dhamma.
The Māra and the Buddha exchange verses on whether acquisitions bring delight or sorrow.
The Buddha reflects on who he should honor and respect after his full awakening. Brahmā Sahampati encourages him to honor and respect the Dhamma.
When a brahmin woman expresses faith in the Buddha, her husband, a brahmin of the Bhāradvāja clan, goes to dispute the doctrine of the Buddha. The Buddha teaches the brahmin the importance of cutting off anger.
A brahmin approaches the Buddha and abuses and insults him. The Buddha doesn't accept it, and explains this to the brahmin through a simile.
The Buddha teaches the brahmin Asurindaka Bhāradvāja, who had approached him with harsh words, how to respond to anger and how to win a hard battle.
The brahmin Bilaṅgika Bhāradvāja insults the Buddha, but after the Buddha's response, he becomes a bhikkhu and soon attains arahantship.
When the brahmin Ahiṁsaka Bhāradvāja claims to be harmless, the Buddha explains what it truly means to be harmless.