Sutta Central

Sutta Central

Below is a collection of suttas with questions for reflection and in a separate document, some answers offered. This sutta selection was created by Stephen Batchelor as particularly relevant to a secular view of Mr. Gotama’s teachings. In time we will also add the suttas from Glenn Wallis’ Basic Teachings of the Buddha. 

The questions for reflection are offered as a way of helping you understand each sutta and deepening your appreciation of its key messages. We have also included contextual notes to help put it in socio-historical perspective.

(For access to a fabulous array of translated suttas see the web site Access to Insight. While the translations are not always entirely in keeping with a secular approach this site is an excellent resource.

The links below will take you to pdf worksheets that can be printed for use.

Sutta 1: To the Kalamas
Theme: How to figure out what you can believe
To the Kalamas – questions for reflection
To the Kalamas – some answers to the questions for reflection

Sutta 2: The City
Theme: The dharma is concerned with full human flourishing individually and collectively
Coming soon

Sutta 3: The Snake
Theme: The wrong approach to the dharma
The Snake – questions for reflection
The Snake – some answers to the questions for reflection