Middle-Arabic Sutra

Author: Institute of Buddhist Culture, China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-03-01
Features: This book is one of the scriptures in "Basic Canons of Primitive Buddhism." Mahākā?yapa, one of the Ten Great Disciples of the Buddha, compiled the Dharma collection, ensuring the preservation of the Buddha's teachings and benefiting all beings. The scripture primarily discusses the fundamental doctrines of primitive Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination, the Four Jhānas, the Six Marks of Existence, and Nirvana, as well as their interrelationships. It also elaborates on the cause-and-effect retribution between good and evil in the contemporary social context, encouraging people to cease from evil and practice goodness. I have heard thus: At one time, the Buddha was traveling in ?rāvastī, at Jetavana Grove, the park of Anāthapindika. Then, the World-Honored One addressed the Bhikkhus: "If a Bhikkhu accomplishes seven factors, he will attain joy in the noble ones and be on the right path toward the extinction of defilements. What are the seven? They are: a Bhikkhu knows the Dharma, knows the meaning, knows the time, knows the measure, knows what has been said, knows the assembly, and knows people better than others.