SN 20 · 12 texts · 12 in English
Linked Discourses with Similes
Opammasaṁyutta
The “Linked Discourses with Similes” contains 12 discourses with parables or similes illustrating diverse points of the teaching. This chapter highlights the Buddha’s skill in choosing vivid and suitable similes for any occasion.
The Chapter on the Similes
Opammavagga-
SN 20.1
A Roof PeakKūṭasutta
As rafters depend on the roof-peak, unwholesome qualities depend on ignorance.
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SN 20.2
A FingernailNakhasikhasutta
As the dirt in a fingernail is smaller than the great earth, the beings reborn as humans are few.
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SN 20.3
FamiliesKulasutta
As a family with few men and many women is easily attacked, non-human beings may attack a mendicant without love.
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SN 20.4
CauldronsOkkhāsutta
Love is more beneficial than generosity.
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SN 20.5
A SpearSattisutta
As it is not possible to bend back a spear, it is not possible to overthrow a mendicant who has developed love.
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SN 20.6
The ArchersDhanuggahasutta
Only a speedster could catch arrows in flight, yet conditioned phenomena perish faster than that.
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SN 20.7
The Drum Called PluggerĀṇisutta
As an ancient drum has disintegrated, so too will the true teachings disappear.
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SN 20.8
Wood BlocksKaliṅgarasutta
Warriors who sleep on wooden pillows remain vigilant, and so it is for the spiritual seeker.
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SN 20.9
A Bull ElephantNāgasutta
A mendicant who overly associates with the laity is like an elephant calf who tries to copy the great bull elephants.
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SN 20.10
A CatBiḷārasutta
As a cat may suffer from eating too hastily, so a mendicant may suffer by not restraining senses.
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SN 20.11
A JackalSiṅgālasutta
A mangy jackal howls in discomfort, but even that would be a good rebirth for some.
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SN 20.12
A Jackal (2nd)Dutiyasiṅgālasutta
An old jackal howls at dawn, but even they have more gratitude than some.