Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2145

v2.c31.2145

**Mahāvedalla Sutta.**—A series of questions asked by Mahā Koṭṭhita on psychological topics—e.g., understanding, consciousness, feeling, perception, pure mental consciousness (*manoviññāṇa*), isolated from the five faculties of bodily sense—the eye of understanding, right outlook, types of rebirth, first *jhāna*, etc.—and Sāriputta’s answers thereto.¹ The sutta was probably originally compiled rather as a “lesson” for learners than as a genuine enquiry by Koṭṭhita. This sutta it was which obtained for Koṭṭhita the rank of pre-eminence among those possessing the *paṭisambhidā*.²