In the Peta Vatthu suttas we can learn about the bad actions that lead to rebirth in the ghost world. We also learn about how to share merit and how to overcome grief. You can learn more about ghosts in the Lakkhaṇa Samyutta.Looking for a sutta with a single number citation? Click hereGet the printed book | Download a reading checklist
- Pv 1.1 Khettūpama Sutta: Like a FieldArahants are like a field where we can plant offerings.
- Pv 1.2 Sūkaramukha Sutta: Pig’s MouthEven using harsh speech is enough to cause suffering.
- Pv 1.3 Pūtimukha Sutta: Stinky MouthA ghost explains the danger of using harsh speech.
- Pv 1.4 Piṭṭhadhītalika Sutta: Advice to a DaughterHow do we help our departed relatives?
- Pv 1.5 Tirokuḍḍha Sutta: Outside the WallsThe Supreme Buddha explains how to share merit with past relatives.
- Pv 1.6 Pañcaputtakhādaka Sutta: Eater of Five SonsA ghost explains her suffering due to lying and evil deeds from a previous life.
- Pv 1.7 Sattaputtakhādaka Sutta: Eater of Seven SonsJealousy and hatred can only lead to suffering.
- Pv 1.8 Goṇa Sutta: The OxHow do we help those who are stricken with grief?
- Pv 1.9 Mahāpesakāra Sutta: Master WeaverWhat happens when you insult those who give?
- Pv 1.10 Khallāṭiya Sutta: Dressed in HairA ghost explains the value of giving and sharing merit.
- Pv 1.11 Nāga Sutta: The ElephantWhy is important to give when we have the opportunity?
- Pv 1.12 Uraga Sutta: The SnakeIs it possible to not be sad when someone dies? It is for noble disciples of the Supreme Buddha.
- Pv 2.1 Saṃsāramocaka Sutta: Sariputta Bhante Helps a GhostWhat could happen if we don’t give and are greedy?
- Pv 2.2 Sāriputtatherassa Mātu Sutta: Sāriputta Bhante’s MotherHow can we reduce our past relatives’ suffering?
- Pv 2.3 Mattā Sutta: The Ghost MattaEven minor evil actions can result in immense suffering.
- Pv 2.4 Nandā Sutta: The Ghost NandaHarsh speech and evil actions only brings negative results.
- Pv 2.5 Maṭṭakuṇḍalī Sutta: MattakundaliWhat should we do to secure happiness in our next life?
- Pv 2.6 Kaṇha Sutta: King KanhaHow should we think to overcome grief?
- Pv 2.7 Dhanapāla Sutta: Wealthy DhanapalaWhat can happen if we don’t give and insult those who do?
- Pv 2.8 Cullaseṭṭhi Sutta: The Ghost ChullasettiWhy should we share merit with our past relatives?
- Pv 2.9 Aṅkura Sutta: The Merchant AṅkuraGiving will always bring good results.
- Pv 2.10 Uttaramātu Sutta: Uttara’s MotherHarsh speech against those who do good result in suffering.
- Pv 2.11 Sutta Sutta: The Thread OfferingEven a small action can bring immense merit.
- Pv 2.12 Kaṇṇamuṇḍa Sutta: The Dog with the Torn EarsA ghost explains the severity of sexual misconduct.
- Pv 2.13 Ubbarī Sutta: The Queen UbbariAn ascetic consoles Queen Ubbari and extinguishes her grief.
- Pv 3.1 Abhijjamāna Sutta: Without RipplingGenerosity will lead to happiness and good results.
- Pv 3.2 Sānuvāsī Sutta: The Monk from Mount SanuvasiA ghost reveals how to share merit with his past relatives.
- Pv 3.3 Rathakāra Sutta: The Ghost of Rathakara LakeA ghost explains how to direct merit towards a good destination.
- Pv 3.4 Bhusa Sutta: The Hay GhostGreed and deceit only brings pain and suffering.
- Pv 3.5 Kumāra Sutta: The Abandoned BabyHow does one escape from their evil past?
- Pv 3.6 Seraṇī Sutta: The Ghost SeriniWhat happens when you let greed cloud your judgement?
- Pv 3.7 Migaluddaka Sutta: The Deer-HunterKeeping precepts even for a small duration will provide benefits.
- Pv 3.8 Dutiya Migaluddaka Sutta: A Second Deer HunterTaking the life of another will only lead to suffering.
- Pv 3.9 Kūṭavinicchayika Sutta: The Back BiterWhat are the dangers of lying, gossip and divisive speech?
- Pv 3.10 Dhātuvivaṇṇaka Sutta: Insulting the Relics PujaInsulting those who worship the Buddha’s relics will only bring suffering.
- Pv 4.1 Ambasakkhara Sutta: King AmbasakkharaHow does one escape from the path leading to hell?
- Pv 4.2 Serissaka Sutta: The God SerissakaA deva explains the results of good actions and following precepts to a group of merchants lost in the desert.
- Pv 4.3 Nandaka Sutta: The Ghost NandakaA ghost advises a king on the dangers of wrong views and the importance of taking refuge in the Triple Gem.
- Pv 4.4 Revatī Sutta: The Ghost RevatiTwo hell wardens explain to Revati the results of her evil deeds and show her the results of her husband’s merit.
- Pv 4.5 Ucchu Sutta: Sugar Cane GhostA monk explains to a ghost the results of giving reluctantly.
- Pv 4.6 Kumāra Sutta: The Ghost PrincesWhat are the results of indulging in excessive sensual pleasures?
- Pv 4.7 Rājaputta Sutta: The Son of a KingWhat happened to a prince that committed evil actions towards a Pacceka Buddha?
- Pv 4.8 Gūthakhādaka Sutta: Excrement Eating Male GhostWhat happens when you associate with evil monks?
- Pv 4.9 Gūthakhādaka Petī Sutta: Excrement Eating Female GhostA ghost explains the results of associating with an evil monk.
- Pv 4.10 Gaṇa Sutta: Large Group of GhostsArahant Moggallana talks with ghosts who suffer due to their stinginess in the human world.
- Pv 4.11 Pāṭalīputta Sutta: The Woman from PataliputtaA woman and a ghost discuss doing meritorious deeds to avoid bad destinations.
- Pv 4.12 Ambarukkha Sutta: The Mango GhostWhat happens when you share merits with your past relatives?
- Pv 4.13 Pokkharaṇī Sutta: The AxleWhat was the result of giving a small gift?
- Pv 4.14 Bhogasaṃharaṇa Sutta: Accumulation of WealthWhat happens when you earn money in bad ways?
- Pv 4.15 Seṭṭhiputta Sutta: Wealthy Sons of Wealthy MerchantsGhosts discuss their past about not practicing generosity.
- Pv 4.16 Saṭṭhikūṭasahassa Sutta: Hit by Sixty Thousand HammersArahant Moggallana asks a ghost about his past evil actions.
