Nikaya - Tiểu Bộ 1 - Tiểu tụng

This is the first sutra of the Little Sutras (Khuddhaka Nikaya), perhaps has been compiled into a manual for the novices and novices. This volume contains 9 sutras, covering the basic topics for monks to begin a monastic life. However, many sutras are also used to introduce the basics of Dharma to lay people.

The first and second sutras are used in the ordination ceremonies of Samaritans and the novices. The third sutta is the initial instructions to contemplate the body, an exercise to overcome craving. The fourth sutta introduces the basic categories to analyze and develop wisdom, starting with the principle of dependent origination, central to Buddhism.

The fifth sutta gives an overview of practice - which begins with the need for closeness to the virtuous beings, and ends at attaining Nibbana. The sutta deals with blessings as a benevolent defense, not from cumbersome rituals but from acts of generosity, morality and wisdom. The sixth sutta develops from the first and fifth suttas, which details the Three Jewels of the Buddha-Dharma-Sangha, and at the same time shows how to practice meditation to attain Virtuousness, the first result leading to Nibbana- table.

The seventh sutta has the theme of generous generosity, the merit from making offerings to monks who are dedicated to deceased relatives. The eighth discourse talks about charitable deeds, generosity will lead to lasting benefits, better than material investments. Finally, the ninth sutta returns to the subject of meditation, focusing on the development of compassion, good will, love for all beings.

All of these 9 sutras are, in different meanings, often recited and meditated in Theravada Buddhist communities from ancient times to present. Every day, both lay people and monks recite the first sutra on taking refuge in the Three Jewels to remind themselves. Monks usually recite the chants of the fifth to the ninth sutras upon receiving the lay offerings, and often use the fifth sutta (the Blessed Sacrament) as the subject of the sermons.

In short, this book of Small Claims is used as a useful introduction in the early monastic life and in the life of all contemporary Buddhists.