Khuddakapāṭha

Khuddakapāṭha - The Short Passages

Composed of 9 discourses, most of which are also found in other parts of the Pali Canon.

1. Saranattayam - The Three Refuges

2. Dasasikkhapadam - The Ten Precepts

3. Dvattimsakaro - The Thirty-two parts of the body

4. Kumarapanha - The Boy's questions - a list of ten doctrinal factors

5. Mangala Sutta - Discourse on Blessings - types of skilful behaviour that give blessings and protection

6. Ratana Sutta - Discourse on Treasures - the many treasures to be found in the three jewels

7. Tirokutta Sutta - (Hungry shades) Outside the wall chapter - how to share merit

8. Nidhikanda Sutta - Reserve Fund chapter - merit is the only sure investment

9. Metta Sutta - Discourse on Loving-kindness

U Ko Lay suggests in his book, 'The Essence of Tipitaka' (p.170) that the Khuddakapātha appears "to be arranged in such a way as to form a continuous theme demonstrating the practice of the holy life."

• How a person accepts the Buddha's teaching by taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha

• How a person observes the ten precepts for moral purification

• Taking up a meditation subject, the contemplation of the thirty-two parts of the body to develop non-attachment

• One is shown the virtues and merits of giving and how one handicaps oneself by not performing acts of merit

• Safeguarding oneself by reciting the Mangala Sutta

• Providing protection to others by reciting the Ratana Sutta

• Developing kindness towards all beings, keeping oneself safe from harm