This chapter delves into the emotional dimension of enlightenment, as experienced by the Buddha after his awakening. Having discovered a spiritual happiness surpassing any worldly joy, the Buddha's discourses in this section emphasize the profound and enduring happiness that arises from true liberation. This collection offers insights into the depth of contentment and peace found in the enlightened mind.
Mucalindavagga - The Chapter with Mucalinda
After the serpent king Mucalinda stands guard over the Buddha during a rainstorm, the Buddha utters a verse on the happiness found in seclusion, harmlessness toward living beings, the transcendence of sensual desire, and the relinquishment of the conceit ‘I am.’
When the Buddha learned that the bhikkhus had been discussing the worldly affairs of two kings, he reminded them that for those who have gone forth in faith, only two modes of gathering are proper - either engaging in a Dhamma discussion or maintaining noble silence.
He who, while seeking his own happiness, harms with a stick beings who desire happiness, will not find happiness after passing away.
The Buddha explains how to deal with insult and abuse without arising resentment.
The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance contrasting one who has comprehended the nature of reality with one who is with possessions.
A wanderer tries to acquire oil for his wife by drinking it and intending to regurgitate it later. This causes him terrible pain. The Buddha uses this to teach that attachment to possessions leads to suffering, while true happiness belongs to those who are free from such entanglements.
Inspired utterance on practicing diligently to leave behind what seems pleasant.
The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance to Visākhā on how all under another’s control brings suffering.
Monks mistake venerable Bhaddiya’s exclamation of “bliss” for nostalgia of his royal past. Bhaddiya explains to the Buddha that kingship was fearful, while his current monastic life is true bliss because it is fearless. The Buddha then praises the profound happiness found in being free from inner turmoil.