This chapter begins with a series of discourses delivered by the Buddha immediately after his awakening, establishing a core teaching: that awakening is possible through one's own efforts. Each discourse examines the idea of the true "brahmin", defined not by hereditary caste but by freedom from defilements. This collection offers profound insights into the Buddha's early teachings on spiritual liberation and the qualities of true nobility.
Bodhivagga - The Chapter on Awakening
The Buddha contemplates dependent arising in forward order just after his full awakening.
PTS 1The Buddha contemplates dependent arising in reverse order just after his full awakening.
PTS 2The Buddha contemplates dependent co-arising in forward and reverse order just after his full awakening.
PTS 2The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance on the qualities that make one a true sage.
PTS 3The Buddha defines a sage, a Brāhmaṇ not by birth, but as one who has cast off harmful qualities and is always mindful.
PTS 3Recovering from grave illness, Mahākassapa rejects five hundred deities exerting themselves for his alms. Instead, he wanders the streets of the poor and destitute.
PTS 4An awakened person has transcended fear through going beyond their own attachments.
PTS 4Saṅgāmaji’s former wife brings their child to him, asking for support.
PTS 5One is not purified by water or fire offerings, but through truth and Dhamma.
PTS 6–9Upon learning that he was not awakened, Bāhiya travels a great distance to seek the Buddha. Upon arriving, he sees the Buddha on alms round and begs for urgent instruction despite the hour. The Buddha gives him a terse training to see only the seen, heard, sensed, and cognized—without clinging. Bāhiya realizes the Dhamma immediately, only to be killed by a charging cow shortly after. The Buddha declares his attainment and honors him.
PTS 6–9