The Eight Thoughts of a Great Person (6/27/2026)

In this talk, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi expounds on Anguttara Nikaya, Book of Eights, sutta no. 30. At the beginning of the sutta, the Ven. Anuruddha reflects on seven thoughts of a great person. The Buddha reminds him that there is an eighth thought of a great person, and when Anuruddha cannot identify it, the Buddha provides him with the answer. The eight thoughts form an important theme of monastic training, and in many Theravada monasteries the group of eight are included in the program of daily monastic recitations.