Young Brahmin Subhaperson
2 discourses
The young brahmin who asked why human beings are so unequal in lifespan, health, wealth, and wisdom, and received the doctrine that beings are owners and heirs of their kamma (MN 135); he asked whether householders or renunciants live the better life and heard the Buddha weigh actions with discernment (MN 99); and after the Buddha's passing he brought the same inquiries to Ānanda (DN 10).
Discourses
The young brahmin Subha questions the Buddha about whether householders or renunciants are superior and what brings the greatest merit. The Buddha explains that he evaluates actions with discernment, and then teaches the path to companionship with Brahmā through cultivation of the qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity.
PTS 2.196–2.208The young brahmin Subha asks the Buddha why human beings experience such vast disparities in lifespan, health, wealth, and wisdom. The Buddha explains that beings are the owners and heirs of their actions. He details specific unwholesome and wholesome behaviors, showing exactly how each shapes future rebirths and human conditions.
PTS 3.202–3.206