1.1. Introduction (T1670B1.1)

The Buddha once dwelt in the Kingdom of Sravasti, in Jetavana, Anathapindika’s Park. At that time all the bhiksu sangha, bhiksuni sangha, upasakas, upasikas, all the kings of heaven, great ministers, wealthy men and ordinary people, and also those who pursue the heretical views of the ninety six doctrines—the total number amounting to more than ten-thousand—came daily to the Buddha to hear the Dharma.

It occurred to the Buddha, “The assembly of men here is becoming greater from day to day, and my body cannot be at ease.” The Buddha wished to forsake the assembly of men and retire to a solitary place, where he could sit down, contemplate, and meditate on the Path. The Buddha then deserted the assembly of men, and entered a mountain called the Jiaoluo forest. These trees were imbued with spirits, and the Buddha sat himself at the foot of one of the trees and meditated on the path of purity.

Nāgasena Bhikṣu Sūtra, translated by Venerable Guang Xing. Buddha’s Light Edition English Sutra Translation Series, 2008. This publication is part of translation program of the Woodenfish Project.

The full text, with detailed notes, textual and historical discussion, and comparison between Pali and Chinese texts, is available for download in two separate files, Translation and Notes.

The following copyright notice is contained in the original text: © 2008 Buddha’s Light Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Used with kind permission of Buddha’s Light Publishing.

This SuttaCentral edition was prepared by Bhikkhu Sujato.

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Bhikkhu Sujato.