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Chapter 2

Suttantapiṭaka Dīghanikāya Sīlakhandhavagga

Translated Tipiṭaka Book 9
Sutta Volume 1

Introduction
Suttantapiṭaka, as mentioned before, is one of the three piṭaka that

accommodates Buddhism sayings (means the Buddha and the Arahant disciples’

discourses). The content exists in Suttantapiṭaka involves sermons, explanation of

dhamma adaptively given to suit particular individuals and occasions, including

compositions, narratives, and stories of early Buddhism. The reason all the dhamma
explanations and lectures are called “Suta,” Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto)

has defined “Sutta” in his book “Dictionary of Buddhist Terms,” 2015, pp466 that

“dhamma discourses or dhamma doctrine in Suttantapiṭaka with exposition in terms
of persons. If “Sutta” is called, that will include all Suttantapiṭaka. Another definition

of “Sutta” is found in Tipiṭaka, Thai version, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya

Volumes, 1996, Book 9 on Suttantapiṭaka, Dīghanikāya, Sīlakhandhavagga. The

meaning, structure, pattern and category of “Sutta” has been given in the

introduction part (pp.7-12). “Sutta” is defined as the term for dhamma discourses
and lectures existing in Suttantapiṭaka. The further explanation of “Sutta” was given

by the commentary writer of “Samantapāsādikā Buddhist Text,” who had defined

that “Sutta” had 6 meanings that combined together as sutta because:
1. There is determination of utility (Atthānaṃ Sūcanato)

2. There is well proclaimed content (suvuttato)

3. Utility production exists (savanato)

4. Utility is practiced (sūdanato)

5. Well performance exists (suttāṇā)
6. Explanation parts put gather like thread (suttasabhāgato)

The cause that the Buddha (and the Arahant disciples) gave dhamma

discourses in Suttas has been explained in the Commentary of the Teachers in
“Sumangalavilāsinī” Text. There are 4 causes as follows: