MAHĀPARINIBBĀNASUTTA
The Great Discourse on the Buddha's Extinguishment
The longest of all discourses, this extended narrative tells of the events surrounding the Buddha's death. Full of vivid and moving details, it is an ideal entry point into knowing the Buddha as a person, and understanding how the Buddhist community coped with his passing.
Translations
MAHĀSAMAYASUTTA
The Great Congregation
When deities from all realms gather in homage to the Buddha, he gives a series of verses describing them. These verses, which are commonly chanted in Theravadin countries, give one of the most detailed descriptions of the deities worshiped at the the time of the Buddha.
Translations
MAHĀSATIPAṬṬHĀNASUTTA
The Longer Discourse on Mindfulness Meditation
The Buddha details the seventh factor of the noble eightfold path, mindfulness meditation. This discourse is essentially identical to MN 10, with the addition of an extended section on the four noble truths derived from MN 141.