The Chapter Containing the Section on Ethics (SÄ«lakkhandhavagga) is a chapter of 13 discourses. Each of these contains a long passage on the Gradual Training in ethics, meditation, and wisdom. The chapter is named after the first of these sections. The two other known versions of the DÄ«rghÄgama (in Chinese and Sanskrit) also contain a similar chapter. Despite the monastic nature of the central teaching, most of these discourses are presented in dialog with lay people, with a strong emphasis on the relation between the Buddhaās teachings and other contemporary movements.
This chapter contains a diverse range of discourses. Several focus on the events surrounding the Buddhaās death, while others range into fabulous scenarios set among the gods, and still others are grounded in detailed discussions of doctrine.
Like the previous chapter, this contains a diverse range of discourses. It is named after the first discourse in the chapter. Among the discourses here are legendary accounts of the history and future of our world, which are extremely famous and influential in Buddhist circles.