#2. Childless

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.Then King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha in the middle of the day … The Buddha said to him, “So, great king, where are you coming from in the middle of the day? [Read More]

A wealthy man dies childless, having not enjoyed his riches. The Buddha says that wealth should be properly enjoyed and shared.At Sāvatthī. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha in the middle of the day, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him, “So, great king, where are you coming from in the middle of the day?” “Sir, here in Sāvatthī a financier householder has passed away. [Read More]

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.At Sāvatthī. Seated to one side, King Pasenadi said to the Buddha, “Just now, sir, as I was in private retreat this thought came to mind. ‘The teaching is well explained by the Buddha. But it’s for someone with good friends, companions, and associates, not for someone with bad friends, companions, and associates. [Read More]

Pasenadi asks the Buddha if there is one thing that secures benefit both in this life and the next.At Sāvatthī. Seated to one side, King Pasenadi said to the Buddha, “Sir, is there one thing that secures benefits for both the present life and lives to come?” “There is, great king.” “So what is it?” “Diligence, great king, is one thing that, when developed and cultivated, secures benefits for both the present life and lives to come. [Read More]

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.At Sāvatthī. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. Then a man went up to the king and whispered in his ear, “Your Majesty, Queen Mallikā has given birth to a daughter.” When this was said, King Pasenadi was disappointed. [Read More]

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.Then King Ajātasattu Vedehiputta of Magadha mobilized an army of four divisions and marched to Kāsi to attack King Pasenadi of Kosala. When King Pasenadi heard of this, he mobilized an army of four divisions and marched to Kāsi to defend it against Ajātasattu. Then the two kings met in battle. [Read More]

Pasenadi loses a battle against his nephew King Ajātasattu of Magadha.At Sāvatthī. Then King Ajātasattu Vedehiputta of Magadha mobilized an army of four divisions and marched to Kāsi to attack King Pasenadi of Kosala. When King Pasenadi heard of this, he mobilized an army of four divisions and marched to Kāsi to defend it against Ajātasattu. Then the two kings met in battle. And in that battle Ajātasattu defeated Pasenadi, who withdrew to his own capital at Sāvatthī. [Read More]

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.At Sāvatthī. Now at that time King Pasenadi of Kosala used to eat rice by the bucket. Then after eating King Pasenadi of Kosala went up to the Buddha, huffing and puffing. [Read More]

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 laymen Candanaṅgalika offers a verse in praise of the Buddha.At Sāvatthī. Now at that time five kings headed by Pasenadi were amusing themselves, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation, and this discussion came up among them: “What’s the best of sensual pleasures? [Read More]

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.At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in the Eastern Monastery, the stilt longhouse of Migāra’s mother. Then in the late afternoon, the Buddha came out of retreat and sat outside the gate. [Read More]