Koṭṭhikasutta
With Koṭṭhita
Mahākoṭṭhita asks Sāriputta whether the interior and exterior sense fields are the fetters of each other. No; it is desire that is the fetter, like the yoke that binds two oxen. One with no desire still experiences the senses but without fetters.
Translations
Paṭhamadārukkhandhopamasutta
The Simile of the Tree Trunk (1st)
The Buddha gives a parable of a large log floating downstream, which, if it steers clear of the many obstacles, will eventually reach the ocean. A mendicant asks for an explanation, and the Buddha clarifies each item. A cowherd named Nanda was listening, and determined to go forth.
Translations
Dutiyadārukkhandhopamasutta
The Simile of the Tree Trunk (2nd)
The Buddha gives a parable of a large log floating downstream, which, if it steers clear of the many obstacles, will eventually reach the ocean. Venerable Kimbila asks for an explanation, and the Buddha clarifies each item.
Translations
Avassutapariyāyasutta
The Explanation on the Festering
The Buddha is invited to teach in a new hall in Kapilavatthu. Late at night, after teaching the Sakyans, the Buddha invites Moggallāna to teach. He speaks on the mental corruption that flows from attachment to the senses.
Translations
Dukkhadhammasutta
Entailing Suffering
The Buddha defines the things that entail suffering as the five aggregates, and urges mendicants to be free of desire for the six senses, giving a series of vivid similes. He then speaks of how even for a mendicant practicing restraint a lapse of mindfulness might occur from time to time.
Translations
Kiṁsukopamasutta
The Simile of the Parrot Tree
A mendicant goes to a series of teachers and asks how vision is purified. Dissatisfied with all their answers, he complains to the Buddha, who illustrates his quandary with the famous simile of the Kiṁsuka tree. Just as the same Kiṁsuka tree might be described differently by people focusing on the leaves, or the fruit, or the bark, etc., so too the various teachers each speak of the aspect of Dhamma most meaningful to them.
Translations
Vīṇopamasutta
The Simile of the Harp
One should restrain the senses like a farmer watching over a field. The Buddha gives the parable of a man bewitched when he first hears a lute. He takes apart the instrument in search of the sound, but is disillusioned when no sound is found.
Translations
Yavakalāpisutta
The Sheaf of Barley
The six senses are like a sheaf of barley struck with six flails; and the desire for rebirth is a seventh flail. The Buddha goes on to speak of the cunning trap of the gods; but the trap of Māra, conceit, is even more subtle.