Reading outline · Dialogue
Who is most dear?
Pasenadi and Mallikā ask one another whether anyone is dearer than oneself.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
In this outline
A question in the palace
Pasenadi and Mallikā ask one another whether anyone is dearer than oneself.
Heartfelt Sayings 5.1 Who is More Dear? So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time King Pasenadi of Kosala was upstairs in the royal longhouse together with Queen Mallikā. Then King Pasenadi addressed Queen …
The Buddha’s response
The king reports the exchange. The utterance connects one’s own attachment to life with not harming others.
Heartfelt Sayings 5.1 Who is More Dear? So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time King Pasenadi of Kosala was upstairs in the royal longhouse together with Queen Mallikā. Then King Pasenadi addressed Queen …
Places in this story
Sāvatthī / ŚrāvastīSources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
A question in the palace. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The Buddha’s response. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
A question in the palace
Pasenadi and Mallikā ask one another whether anyone is dearer than oneself.
The Buddha’s response
The king reports the exchange. The utterance connects one’s own attachment to life with not harming others.