Rāhulasutta untranslated

Rāhulasutta 01. The Buddha tells Rāhula that a monk should cultivate the thought that, in the four elements, either in one’s own body or in external objects, there is neither self nor what pertains to the self. AN.ii.164; this same topic is discussed in greater detail in the Ambalaṭṭhika Rāhulovādasutta.

Buddhaghosa says (AN­a.ii.547) that the Buddha here declares catukotikasuññatā (emptiness in the four things i.e., elements).

Rāhulasutta 02. Rāhula visits the Buddha and asks him how to get rid of the insidious idea of “I” and “mine,” both with regard to one’s own body and with all external objects. The Buddha replies that one should see things as they really are, that in none of the five khandhas is there any “I” or “mine.” This is right insight. SN.iii.135; this Sutta is given at SN.ii.252 as Anusayasutta. Buddhaghosa describes both this Sutta and the next as Rāhulovādavipassanā (AN­a.ii.547).

Rāhulasutta 03. Similar to No. 2. Rāhula asks how one’s mind can be removed from such vain conceits. SN.iii.136. This Sutta is given at SN.ii.253 as the Apagatasutta.

Rāhulasutta 04. The discourse which brings about the attainment of Arahant-ship by Rāhula (SN.iv.105f). It is the same as the Cūḷa Rāhulovādasutta (q.v.).

Rāhulasutta 05. A series of stanzas which, according to Buddhaghosa (Snp­a.i.340), were frequently recited by the Buddha for the guidance of Rāhula. The Buddha reminds him that he (Rāhula) is a follower of “the torch bearer among men.” He has left the world to put an end to sorrow. He should, therefore, associate with good friends, in good surroundings. He should be free from attachment to food or clothes. He should free his mind from all evil tendencies and fill it with thoughts of renunciation. Snp.vv.335-42. Buddhaghosa says (MN­a.ii.532, 635) that the purpose of this Sutta was to emphasize the value of good association (kaḷyānamittūpanissaya).