Detailing how frequent pondering becomes the inclination of the mind, the Buddha recounts his pre-awakening practice of categorizing thoughts. He explains the process of abandoning thoughts of sensual desire, ill will, and harm, and cultivating wholesome thoughts to attain the four jhānas and ultimate liberation.

Using a simile of a deer-trapper laying down bait in order to trap herds of deer, the Buddha illustrates how ascetics and brahmins come under the psychic power and control of Māra and how one can become invisible and go beyond the Māra’s sight.

The Buddha shares his own journey of seeking the path to awakening, from leaving the household life, to studying under two meditation teachers, to attaining full awakening and an account of teaching the Dhamma to his first five disciples.