Nandavagga - The Chapter with Nanda

A bhikkhu endures sharp, severe, and painful bodily feelings caused by the results of past actions, while remaining mindful and clearly aware, untroubled by the experience.

When the venerable Nanda is dissatisfied with the spiritual life due to thoughts of a beautiful woman, the Buddha takes him to the realm of the gods and shows him celestial nymphs far more beautiful. Delighted, Nanda consents to continue leading the spiritual life, but is soon mocked by his companions as a ‘wage labourer’ and a ‘bought man.’ Stung by shame, he turns to earnest practice, and before long realizes the perfection of the spiritual life.

When five hundred bhikkhus headed by the venerable Yasoja come to see the Buddha, they make a great commotion while preparing their lodgings. The Buddha dismisses them out of compassion, and later, they so dwell that the Buddha may be pleased with them. Living secluded, diligent, resolute, and with continuous effort, they all realize the three true knowledges during that very rainy season.

Venerable Sāriputta is sitting in meditation posture, aligning his body upright, having set up mindfulness at the fore. The Blessed One sees this and expresses an inspired utterance.

Venerable Mahāmoggallāna is sitting in meditation posture, aligning his body upright, and having set up mindfulness immersed in the body. The Blessed One sees this and expresses an inspired utterance.

The Buddha explains why Venerable Pilindavaccha addresses the bhikkhus with the term ‘outcaste’.

Emerging from collectedness, venerable Mahākassapa goes for an alms round among the destitute. However, Sakka, lord of the gods, disguises himself as a weaver to trick the elder into accepting his offering.

When the Buddha learns that the bhikkhus had been discussing the sensory pleasures and honors that may come from gathering alms, he reminds 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.

When the Buddha learns that the bhikkhus had been discussing about various crafts, he reminds 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.

After his full awakening, the Buddha surveys the world, seeing beings aflame with passion, aversion, and delusion. He reflects on the nature of the world and the suffering inherent in existence. By seeing the world as it truly is, he points to the path of liberation.