References – SN 22.87: Vakkali 
Sutta / Saṁyutta Nikāya / SN 22: Khandhasaṁyutta / SN 22.87: Vakkalisutta

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Readings by Ajahn Karuṇadhammo:

Sutta: SN 22.87, Khandhasaṁyutta, “Vakkali.”

Sutta: SN 22.86, Khandhasaṁyutta, “Anurādha.”

The Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness [2013], Session 32


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Reflection by Ajahn Karuṇadhammo: Venerable Vakkali (SN 22.87) used pain to impel himself towards insight. [Great disciples] [Pain] [Sickness] [Progress of insight] // [Aggregates] [Arahant] [Suicide]

The Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness [2013], Session 32, Excerpt 1


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“Are there other stories similar to Vakkali asking to die outside (SN 22.87)?” Answered by Ajahn Karuṇadhammo and Ajahn Pasanno. [Great disciples] [Death] [Culture/Natural environment] // [Perception of a samaṇa]

Story: Ajahn Mun chooses the place of his death. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Mun] [Funerals]

Story: Ajahn Chah chooses a convenient time to die. Told by Ajahn Pasanno. [Ajahn Chah]

The Fourth Foundation of Mindfulness [2013], Session 32, Excerpt 3


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“You mentioned the example of the monk who wanted to commit suicide and then he remembered his virtue and that uplifted him. In the Saṃyutta Nikaya there are a few instances where monks committeed suicide, but the Buddha said they attained Nibbāna (SN 22.87 Vakkali; SN 35.87 Channa). How is that possible?” Answered by Ajahn Ñāṇiko. [Monastic life] [Suicide] [Sutta] [Buddha/Biography] [Recollection] [Nibbāna] // [Jhāna] [Māra] [Saṃsāra] [Delusion]

Developing Skill in Reflective Meditation [2019], Session 2, Excerpt 3