Saṁyojanasutta
The Fetter
Citta the householder hears of a conversation among the monks regarding the distinction between the fetters and the things that are fettered. He goes to ask them on this topic, but they are unable to give a satisfactory answer, so he explained it to them. It is desire that is the fetter, like the yoke that binds two oxen.
Translations
Dutiyaisidattasutta
With Isidatta (2nd)
Citta the householder invites some mendicants to his home for a meal. He asks them what is the cause of the ten metaphysical questions and the 62 views of the Brahmajāla Sutta, but only the junior monk, Isidatta, is able to answer. Citta realizes that Isidatta is in fact an unseen friend of his from Avantī. He offers to support him with requisites, but Isidatta left, never to return.
Translations
Mahakapāṭihāriyasutta
Mahaka’s Demonstration
Citta the householder invites some mendicants to his home for a meal. When they left he followed them, and witnessed the junior monk Venerable Mahaka performing a psychic feat. Citta approached Mahaka in his hut and asked him to demonstrate his skills, and Mahaka obliged. Citta offers to support him with requisites, but Mahaka left, never to return.
Translations
Godattasutta
With Godatta
Venerable Godatta asks Citta whether the liberations of measurelessness, nothingness, emptiness, and signlessness are different states, or just different words for the same thing. Citta explains that they are both: they are terms for different meditation experiences, but may also be used of perfection or arahantship.
Translations
Nigaṇṭhanāṭaputtasutta
The Jain Ascetic of the Ñātika Clan
The Jain leader Mahāvīra, known as Nigaṇṭha Nātaputa in the Buddhist tradition, is visited by Citta. Mahāvīra asks him whether he believes in a certain state of immersion. When Citta replies that he doesn’t go by faith in the Buddha on this point, Mahāvīra is delighted. But it turns out Citta doesn’t need faith, as he experiences such a state for himself.
Translations
Acelakassapasutta
With Kassapa, the Naked Ascetic
Citta meets with the naked ascetic Kassapa, an old friend of his, and asks what gains he has realized from the spiritual life. Kassapa admits he has realized no higher attainments, whereupon Citta reveals he has realized many such attainments. Kassapa decides to ordain as a Buddhist mendicant.