The "Linked Discourses with Headman" contains dialogues between the Buddha and village leaders, focusing on ethical conduct, social harmony, and the application of Dhamma in daily life. These teachings offer guidance on virtuous living and wise leadership, illuminating the path to personal and communal well-being. Through these conversations, the Buddha addresses the headmen's concerns, emphasizing practical principles such as right action, generosity, and moral integrity, tailored to the responsibilities and spiritual development of lay practitioners.
Gāmaṇisaṁyutta - Linked Discourses with Headman
The Buddha explains the cause and condition by which a person comes to be recognized as aggressive or gentle. He illuminates how the presence or absence of passion, aversion, and illusion determines whether one is susceptible to provocation and reacts with anger, or remains unshaken.
A headman of performers asks the Buddha about a belief that those who entertain by distortion of truth are reborn among laughing deities. The Buddha explains that such a mind leads to hell, and even holding such a belief is wrong view, resulting in rebirth in hell or the animal realm.
A warrior asks the Buddha whether dying in battle leads to rebirth among heroic deities, as taught in warrior tradition. After initially refusing to respond, the Buddha explains that a mind driven by violent intent leads not to heaven but to hell. Even holding such a belief is itself wrong view, resulting in rebirth in hell or the animal realm.
The Buddha explains to the headman Bhadraka the root cause of suffering through a direct and relatable inquiry. When Bhadraka admits to feeling sorrow when those he cares about are harmed, the Buddha skillfully reveals that such sorrow arises not from the events themselves but from one’s own attachment and desire.