This chapter explores the consequences of a lack of balance in a practitioner's life. When a mind is undisciplined and unbalanced, it can lead to harm for oneself and others. The discourses in this section emphasize the importance of mental discipline and the dangers of allowing the mind to become unruly. This collection highlights the critical role of mindfulness and self-control in the way of practice to liberation.
Meghiyavagga - The Chapter with Meghiya
When the venerable Meghiya seeks solitude for meditation before his mind is mature, unwholesome thoughts arise and disturb him. Returning to the Buddha, he learns of five conditions that lead to the ripening of the undeveloped mind, beginning with good friendship.
The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance about the qualities of a person who falls under the sway of Māra and of one who overcomes all bad destinations.
When a cowherd is murdered shortly after serving the Buddha a meal, the monks report the tragedy. The Buddha responds with an inspired utterance, revealing that a wrongly directed mind inflicts even greater harm on oneself than what an enemy may do to an enemy.
When a reckless spirit strikes the venerable Sāriputta with a blow powerful enough to split a mountain, the elder remains in deep collectedness, feeling only a “little pain.”
Finding himself hemmed in by the crowd at Kosambi, the Buddha leaves for the forest alone. There he meets a bull elephant who has also abandoned his herd to find peace. The Buddha reflects on their shared joy in seclusion, declaring that the minds of the two Nāgas are in perfect accord.
Seeing the venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja sitting nearby, fully dedicated to strict ascetic practice and deep meditation, the Buddha delivers an inspired utterance summarizing the foundational conduct that forms the heart of the Buddhas' teachings.
Seeing venerable Sāriputta sitting in a meditation posture, content, secluded, disentangled and with energy aroused for cultivation of the mind, the Buddha expresses an inspired utterance.
Jealous wanderers murder their own follower to frame the Buddha's monks. Amidst the public outrage, the Buddha offers a verse on truth and the power of meeting harsh words with a mind free from hate.
The venerable Upasena reflects on his fortunate spiritual life and his teacher, the Buddha. The Buddha, perceiving Upasena's thoughts, expresses an inspired utterance.
Seeing the venerable Sāriputta sitting cross-legged and reviewing his own tranquility, the Buddha expresses an inspired utterance about the ultimate freedom of a calmed and peaceful mind.