The "Connected Discourses with Citta the Householder" features Citta, the foremost lay disciple of the Buddha in giving Dhamma discourses. These discourses often involve Citta engaging in dialogues with elder bhikkhus. He skillfully discusses complex topics such as the nature of fetters, the diversity of elements, and the subtleties of meditative states. Citta's profound wisdom and clarity highlights that deep insight into the Dhamma is accessible to lay practitioners as well as monastics.
Cittasaṁyutta - Connected Discourses with Citta the Householder
When elder bhikkhus debate the meaning of ‘fetter,’ the visiting layman Citta uses an analogy of two yoked oxen to illustrate that the true fetter is the desire and attachment that arise in dependence on sense faculties and objects.
When Citta the householder asks elder bhikkhus to explain the “diversity of elements,” a senior monk remains silent. Venerable Isidatta steps in and correctly enumerates the sensory elements, earning the senior elder’s humble praise.