Bhikkhu Bodhi: Dhammadayada Sutta: To Inherit the Teaching, Part 1

This podcast explores the Dhamma-dayada Sutta, where the Buddha teaches that we should value our inheritance of the Dhamma—Buddhist teachings—over material wealth. The sutta was prompted by concerns that monks were becoming too comfortable and complacent, which could hinder their spiritual growth. The Buddha distinguishes between two legacies: the ultimate Dhamma, which leads to liberation, and provisional Dhamma, which includes practices that guide us toward that liberation, alongside material possessions that are necessary for survival but can lead to attachment. Through the story of two monks and some leftover food, the Buddha underscores the need to prioritize spiritual development over physical comfort. He highlights virtues such as contentment, simplicity, and self-reliance as essential for spiritual advancement. The discussion wraps up by clarifying that this focus on the Dhamma is not about extreme asceticism but rather about fostering inner transformation and detachment.