THE STORY OF SAKKA'S QUESTIONS TO THE BUDDHA - Dhammapada Verse 354

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

In today's session, we look at Dhammapada Verse 354 and the STORY OF SAKKA'S QUESTIONS TO THE BUDDHA. The devas of the Tavatimsa realm had questions that they had difficulty coming to the correct answers, so they went with Sakka, King of the Devas to see the Buddha in order to resolve these questions.

This story is a strong reminder that we must lean towards the Noble Dhamma, as it is the best of gifts, tastes and delights. And Sakka reminds us that sharing the merit when Dhamma is offered (or for any good deed) is welcome and much needed for all sentient beings.

The Buddha's words:

“Sabbadānaṁ dhammadānaṁ jināti,
Sabbarasaṁ dhammaraso jināti;
Sabbaratiṁ dhammarati jināti,
Taṇhakkhayo sabbadukkhaṁ jināti.”

“The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts.
The taste of Dhamma excels all tastes.
The delight of Dhamma excels all delights.
The destruction of craving conquers all suffering”

Other suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this talk:

• – Brāhmaṇadhammayāga Sutta (Iti 100)
• – Dhammānudhammapaṭipanna Sutta (Iti 113)
• – Dhammassavana Sutta (AN 5.202)
• – Paṭiccasamuppāda Sutta (SN 12.1)
• – Samādhibhāvanā Sutta (SN 22.5)
• – Loka Sutta (Ud 3.10)
• – Bālapaṇḍita Sutta (SN 12.19)

To read the full chapter (Taṇhā Vagga) of the Dhammapada - https://suttacentral.net/dhp334-359/en/sujato

The video of this talk has been published to the Sutta Meditation YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3lmhzorOp0 AND on Spotify as a video podcast

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai