Linked Discourses With King Pasenadi of Kosala

King Pasenadi meets the Buddha for the first time. He wonders how the Buddha can claim to be awakened when he is still so young. The Buddha teaches him four things that should not be looked down on for their youth.

Pasenadi asks of the things that cause suffering when they arise in oneself.

Pasenadi asks if anything that is born can escape from old age and death.

Reporting on a reflection that arose while on retreat, Pasenadi says that those who do bad deeds treat themselves as enemy. The Buddha expresses his agreement in verse.

Even if protected by an entire army, one who does bad deeds is still unprotected.

There are few in the world who do not become negligent and complacent once they obtain material luxuries.

Pasenadi laments how in his judgment hall he sees people lying all the time for the sake of sensual pleasures.

Pasenadi asks Queen Mallikā who is most dear. They both agree that the one most dear is oneself, and the Buddha agrees.

A great sacrifice involving the slaughter of many animals was being prepared for King Pasenadi. The Buddha condemns such sacrifices and says a fruitful sacrifice involves a blameless and harmless offering.

When many people are put in chains by Pasenadi, the matter is reported to the Buddha.

A diverse group of ascetics passes by, and Pasenadi asks the Buddha if any of them are perfected ones. The Buddha says it is not easy for one such as Pasenadi to judge the spiritual achievements of others. Pasenadi reveals that the men are, in fact, his spies.

Five kings including Pasenadi are enjoying themselves and wonder which of the senses affords the highest pleasure. They ask the Buddha, who replies that it is subjective, depending on a persons preferences. Inspired, the layman Candanaṅgalika offers a verse in praise of the Buddha.

In what is probably the world’s first weight loss diet, when Pasenadi shows up overweight and out of breath, the Buddha advises him to cut down his eating. He gives a verse to one of the king’s attendants, and asks him to recite it whenever the king is eating.

Pasenadi loses a battle against his nephew King Ajātasattu of Magadha.

In a battle subsequent to SN 3.14, Pasenadi defeats Ajātasattu and takes him prisoner. Acting compassionately, he confiscates Ajātasattu’s military assets but releases him alive.

Pasenadi is disappointed to hear that Queen Mallikā has given birth to a daughter. But the Buddha consoles him, saying a woman may turn out better than a man.

Pasenadi asks the Buddha if there is one thing that secures benefit both in this life and the next.

In answer to Pasenadi’s praise of good friendship, the Buddha recounts an earlier conversation with Ānanda on the topic. He then goes on to say that when one has good friends, it is important to develop diligence.

A wealthy man dies childless, having not enjoyed his riches. The Buddha says that wealth should be properly enjoyed and shared.

A wealthy man dies childless, having not enjoyed his riches. The Buddha tells of how in the time of a solitary Buddha of the past named Tagarasikhī, a householder made an offering but later regretted it.

The Buddha teaches Pasenadi of four kinds of person, going from dark to dark, dark to light, light to dark, and light to light.

Pasenadi laments the death of his aged grandmother.

How many things give rise to suffering in oneself?

“Where should I give” and “Where is a gift is most fruitful” are two different questions.

Old age and death roll in upon all like mountains approaching from the four directions, crushing all in their path.