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Sutta Readings

Suttas selected and read aloud by teachers and senior Dhamma practitioners in the Theravada Buddhist tradition

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Episodes

  1. SN 35.28: Adittapariyaya Sutta — The Fire Sermon

    Several months after his Awakening, the Buddha delivers this sermon to an audience of 1,000 fire-worshipping ascetics. In his characteristically brilliant teaching style, the Buddha uses a metaphor that quickly penetrates to the heart of the audience — in this case, the metaphor of fire. Upon...

  2. Sn 5.6: Upasiva-manava-puccha — Upasiva's Questions

    What one thing should a person hold onto in order to cross the flood of birth and old age, sorrow, and grief? Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Sucitto (03'11" 1.1 MB) Recorded by jtb on 4 July 2006 in Concord, Massachusetts. Translated from the Pali by H. Saddhatissa. From The Sutta Nipata...

  3. Sn 5.4: Mettagu-manava-puccha — Mettagu's Questions

    How does one cross the flood of birth and old age, sorrow, and grief? Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Sucitto (04'41" 1.6 MB) Recorded by jtb on 4 July 2006 in Concord, Massachusetts. Translated from the Pali by H. Saddhatissa. From The Sutta Nipata (London: »Curzon Press, Ltd., 1985). Text is...

  4. SN 12.40: Cetana Sutta (3) — Volition

    The Buddha traces the cause of all our suffering: the mental quality of intention. Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Sucitto (02'38" 0.9 MB) Recorded by jtb on 4 July 2006 in Concord, Massachusetts. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A...

  5. AN 11.2: Cetana Sutta — An Act of Will

    Good qualities in the heart naturally lead to the development of other good qualities. And it all starts with sila (virtue). Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Sucitto (04'58" 1.7 MB) Recorded by jtb on 4 July 2006 in Concord, Massachusetts. Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. From...

  6. MN 61: Ambalatthika-rahulovada Sutta — Instructions to Rahula at Mango Stone

    The Buddha admonishes his son, the novice Rahula, on the dangers of lying and stresses the importance of constant reflection on one's motives. Listen to this sutta read by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (11'29" 3.9 MB) Recorded by the reader in Spring 2006 at Metta Forest Monastery, USA. Translated from the...

  7. Sn 4.11: Kalahavivada Sutta — Disputes and Contention

    The Budda answers a series of questions on the causes of anger and attachment. Listen to this sutta read by Sister Cittapala (06'13" 2.1 MB) Recorded by jtb on 17 May 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by H. Saddhatissa. From The Sutta Nipata (London: »Curzon Press,...

  8. SN 47.19: Sedaka Sutta — At Sedaka (The Acrobat)

    Which is correct: by protecting oneself, one protects others; or by protecting others, one protects oneself? The Buddha's answer may surprise you. Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Candasiri (03'18" 1.1 MB) Recorded by jtb on 17 May 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali...

  9. MN 62: Maharahulovada Sutta — The Greater Discourse to Rahula

    The Buddha delivers meditation instructions to his son, the novice Rahula. Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Candasiri (19'50" 6.8 MB) Recorded by jtb on 17 May 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Ñanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »The Middle Length…

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  10. Sn 3.2: Padhana Sutta — The Striving

    The ten armies of Mara approach the Bodhisatta (Buddha-to-be) in an unsuccessful attempt to lure him from his meditation seat. Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Candasiri (05'23" 1.9 MB) Recorded by jtb on 17 May 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by H. Saddhatissa....

  11. Sn 3.1: Pabbajja Sutta — The Going Forth

    King Bimbisara, struck by the young Buddha's radiant demeanor, follows him to the mountains to discover who he is and whence he comes. Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn Candasiri (04'38" 1.6 MB) Recorded by jtb on 17 May 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by H....

  12. MN 58: Abhayarajakumara Sutta — To Prince Abhaya

    The Buddha explains the criteria for determining whether or not something is worth saying. This discourse is a beautiful example of the Buddha's skill as teacher: not only does he talk about right speech, but he also demonstrates right speech in action. Listen to this sutta read by Ajahn…

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  13. SN 12.65: Nagara Sutta — The Ancient City

    The Buddha retells the story of how, on the eve of his Awakening, he re-discovered the long-forgotten laws of dependent co-arising and the Four Noble Truths. Listen to this sutta read by Leigh Brasington (08'16" 2.8 MB) Recorded by jtb on 30 April 2006 in Barre, Massachusetts. Translated from the...

  14. SN 12.23: Upanisa Sutta — Transcendental Dependent Origination

    The Buddha explains how seeing deeply into dependent co-arising leads to Awakening. The causal chain here includes an additional set of factors not present in the "standard" chain of dependent co-arising. Listen to this sutta read by Leigh Brasington (05'44" 2.0 MB) Recorded by jtb on 30 April…

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  15. SN 12.15: Kaccayanagotta Sutta — To Kaccayanagotta

    The Buddha explains how dependent co-arising functions in the development of right view. Listen to this sutta read by Leigh Brasington (03'47" 1.3 MB) Recorded by jtb 30 April 2006 in Barre, Massachusetts. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A...

  16. Dhp 33-43: Citta Vagga — The Mind

    The third chapter of verses from the Dhammapada, a classic collection of concise teachings from the Buddha. Listen to this sutta read by Gil Fronsdal (02'41" 0.9 MB) Recorded by the reader in Feb 2006 . Translated from the Pali by Gil Fronsdal. From »The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the...

  17. Dhp 21-32: Appamada Vagga — Vigilance

    The second chapter of verses from the Dhammapada, a classic collection of concise teachings from the Buddha. Listen to this sutta read by Gil Fronsdal (03'03" 1.1 MB) Recorded by the reader in Feb 2006 . Translated from the Pali by Gil Fronsdal. From »The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the...

  18. Dhp 1-20: Yamaka Vagga — Pairs/Dichotomies

    The first chapter of verses from the Dhammapada, a classic collection of concise teachings from the Buddha. Listen to this sutta read by Gil Fronsdal (04'49" 1.7 MB) Recorded by the reader in Feb 2006 . Translated from the Pali by Gil Fronsdal. From »The Dhammapada: A New Translation of the...

  19. SN 43.1-44: Various Suttas — The Thirty-three Synonyms for Nibbana

    Taken together, this series of parallel suttas offers one of the most evocative descriptions of Nibbana to be found in the entire Canon. Listen to this sutta read by Joseph Goldstein (03'05" 1.1 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 at the Forest Refuge, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from…

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  20. SN 22.86: Anuradha Sutta — Anuradha

    Ven. Anuradha learns that if you can't even locate the Tathagata in space when he's sitting right in front of you, how can you ever hope to answer questions about his fate after death? Listen to this sutta read by Joseph Goldstein (4'54" 1.7 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 at the Forest…

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  21. MN 99: Subha Sutta — To Subha <i>(excerpt)</i>

    The Buddha instructs a brahman youth on how to reach the company of Brahma through the practice of developing metta (loving-kindness). Listen to this sutta read by Sharon Salzberg (01'07" 0.4 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 in Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu…

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  22. MN 21: Kakacupama Sutta — The Simile of the Saw <i>(excerpt)</i>

    How to cultivate a heart of metta (loving-kindness), no matter how others may try to provoke you. Listen to this sutta read by Sharon Salzberg (01'22" 0.4 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 in Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »In the Buddha's Words: An...

  23. Iti 84: For the Welfare of Many

    The three kinds of people who are capable of bringing true happiness into the world. Listen to this sutta read by Sharon Salzberg (02'16" 0.8 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 in Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of...

  24. Iti 27: The Development of Loving-kindness

    How the practice of loving-kindness excels all other paths to a happy rebirth. Listen to this sutta read by Sharon Salzberg (01'51" 0.6 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 in Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of…

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  25. SN 45.2: Upaddha Sutta — Good Friendship

    In this famous sutta the Buddha corrects Ven. Ananda, pointing out that having "admirable" friends, companions, and comrades is not half but the whole of the spiritual life. (For more about this special kind of friendship, see »Kalyanamittata.) Listen to this sutta read by Joseph Goldstein…

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  26. SN 22.101: Nava Sutta — The Adze Handle/The Boat

    You can wish for Awakening all you want; but the only way to bring it about is by making the necessary effort. Listen to this sutta read by Joseph Goldstein (5'24" 1.8 MB) Recorded by jtb on 18 Feb 2006 at the Forest Refuge, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.…

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  27. SN 3.25: Pabbatopama Sutta — The Mountain Simile

    The Buddha delivers a stirring discourse to King Pasenadi on the imminence of death and the urgency of Dhamma practice. Listen to this sutta read by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (04'18" 1.4 MB) Recorded by jtb in February 2006 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro…

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  28. Khp 9: Karaniya Metta Sutta — Good Will/Loving-kindness

    The Buddha's words on cultivating a heart filled with good will (metta) towards all beings. Listen to this sutta read by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (01'56" 1.7 MB) Recorded by the reader in January 2006 at Metta Forest Monastery, Valley Center, California. Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu....

  29. MN 143: Anathapindikovada Sutta — Advice to Anathapindika

    Ven. Sariputta offers a deep teaching on non-clinging to the ailing lay-follower Anathapindika. Listen to this sutta read by Sarah Doering (11'18" 3.8 MB) Recorded by jtb on 16 Jan 2006 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Ñanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi. From » The...

  30. MN 10: Satipatthana Sutta — The Four Establishments of Mindfulness

    The Buddha's comprehensive practical instructions on the development of mindfulness as the basis for insight. Listen to this sutta read by Sally Clough (27'47" 9.4 MB) Recorded by jtb on 11 December 2005 at Gaston Pond, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From…

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  31. MN 29: Mahasaropama Sutta — The Heartwood of the Spiritual Life

    The Buddhist path naturally brings about the development of many wholesome qualities of heart. In this discourse the Buddha urges his followers not to settle for anything less than the highest goal: "unshakable liberation of mind" — Nibbana. Listen to this sutta read by Steve Armstrong (16'11"…

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  32. Various Suttas: On Giving

    Six short suttas on the theme of giving. Passages include Iti 26; AN 8.33; AN 4.57; AN 5.148; Iti 107; and AN 8.35. Listen to this sutta read by Steve Armstrong (11'01" 3.7 MB) Recorded by jtb on 11 December 2005 at Gaston Pond, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu…

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  33. AN 5.161: Aghatapativinaya Sutta — How to Remove Grudges

    Five simple practices to help overcome malicious habits of thought. Listen to this sutta read by Kamala Masters (01'16" 0.4 MB) Recorded by jtb on 11 Dec 2005 at Gaston Pond, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi. From Numerical Discourses of…

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  34. AN 5.57: Upajjhatthana Sutta — Five Contemplations for Everyone

    The Buddha's instructions on five facts that everyone — man, woman, monk, or nun — should frequently reflect upon. Listen to this sutta read by Kamala Masters (06'35" 2.2 MB) Recorded by jtb on 11 Dec 2005 at Gaston Pond, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera…

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  35. Ud 1.10: Bahiya Sutta — Bahiya

    The ascetic Bahiya receives a brief teaching from the Buddha about dispassion towards the senses ("In the seen will be merely what is seen...") and immediately becomes an arahant. Listen to this sutta read by Sarah Doering (08'39" 2.9 MB) Recorded by jtb on 21 Oct 2005 at the Forest Refuge…

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  36. Sn 5.10: Kappa-manava-puccha Sutta — Kappa's Question

    Is there anywhere safe to stand where we won't be swept away by aging and death? Listen to this sutta read by Ayya Medhanandi (02'08" 0.7 MB) Recorded by the reader in July 2005 in Paekakariki, New Zealand. Translated from the Pali by H. Saddhatissa. From The Sutta Nipata (London: »Curzon Press,...

  37. SN 56.31: Simsapa Sutta — The Simsapa Grove/A Handful of Leaves

    The Buddha compares the knowledge he gained in his Awakening to all the leaves in the forest, and his teachings to a mere handful of leaves. He then explains why he didn't reveal the remainder. Listen to this sutta read by Sarah Doering (02'36" 0.9 MB) Recorded by jtb on 21 Oct 2005 The Forest...

  38. SN 56.11: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta — Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma

    This is the Buddha's first discourse, delivered shortly after his Awakening to the group of five monks with whom he had practiced the austerities in the forest for many years. The sutta contains the essential teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Upon hearing this...

  39. SN 22.95: Phena Sutta — A Lump of Foam

    The Buddha invokes a series of vivid similes to illustrate the voidness of the five aggregates. Listen to this sutta read by Guy Armstrong (06'57" 2.3 MB) Recorded by jtb on 11 December 2005 at Gaston Pond, Barre, Massachusetts, USA. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. From »The Connected...

  40. SN 22.59: Anattalakkhana Sutta — The Discourse on the Not-self Characteristic

    The Buddha's second discourse, in which he discusses the principle of anatta (not-self) with the group of five ascetics. By means of a question-and-answer dialogue with his audience, the Buddha demonstrates that there can be no abiding self in any of the five aggregates that we tend to identify…

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  41. SN 7.2: Akkosa Sutta — Abuse

    What is your best response when someone is angry with you? Hint: if you offer some food to a guest, but the guest declines the offer, to whom does the food belong? Listen to this sutta read by Ayya Medhanandi (05'05" 1.7 MB) Recorded by the reader in July 2005 in Paekakariki, New Zealand....

  42. MN 131: Bhaddekaratta Sutta — An Auspicious Day

    In this stirring discourse the Buddha underscores the vital urgency of keeping one's attention firmly rooted in the present moment. After all, the past is gone, the future isn't here; this present moment is all we have. Listen to this sutta read by Larry Rosenberg (08'24" 2.8 MB) Recorded by jtb…

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  43. MN 20: Vitakkasanthana Sutta — The Removal of Distracting Thoughts

    Five practical methods of responding wisely to unskillful thoughts (thoughts connected with desire, aversion, or delusion). Listen to this sutta read by Ayya Medhanandi (11'31" 3.9 MB) Recorded by the reader in July 2005 in Paekakariki, New Zealand. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Ñanamoli…

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  44. AN 4.62: Anana Sutta — Debtlessness/Four Kinds of Happiness

    The Buddha explains to 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 Listen to this sutta read by Kamala Masters (03'36" 1.2 MB) Recorded by jtb on 11 Dec 2005 at Gaston Pond, Barre,...

About this show

Suttas selected and read aloud by teachers and senior Dhamma practitioners in the Theravada Buddhist tradition

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Sutta Readings have?

Sutta Readings has 44 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on June 7, 2010.

What is Sutta Readings about?

Suttas selected and read aloud by teachers and senior Dhamma practitioners in the Theravada Buddhist tradition

How often does Sutta Readings release new episodes?

Sutta Readings publishes monthly, based on its 44 episodes since January 2006.
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