In the sutta, King Pasenadi defeats Ajātasattu in battle. Rather than executing his treacherous nephew, Pasenadi chooses compassion, confiscating Ajātasattu's military assets but releasing him alive. When the Buddha hears of this, he uses the event to teach that worldly victory is often a precursor to future suffering. He famously observes that "victory breeds enmity," for the defeated live in pain while the victor becomes a target for future retaliation. The Mechanism of Karma
The core of the Buddha’s teaching in SN 3.15 is the "cycle of action" ( kammavivaṭṭena ). He explains that deeds naturally unfold into their own likeness: SN 3.15 Dutiya Saṇgāma Sutta: Battle 2 sn 315 shema
The Dutiya Saṅgāma Sutta (SN 3.15) provides a profound commentary on the nature of conflict and the inescapable law of karma. Set against the backdrop of an ancient war between King Pasenadi and his nephew, King Ajātasattu, the discourse moves beyond military strategy to address the spiritual consequences of aggression. The Illusion of Victory In the sutta, King Pasenadi defeats Ajātasattu in battle
While there is no specific religious text titled "SN 315 Shema," this term likely refers to , known as the Dutiya Saṅgāma Sutta (the Second Battle Sutta). It is a foundational Buddhist text from the Kosala Samyutta , a collection of discourses between the Buddha and King Pasenadi of Kosala. He famously observes that "victory breeds enmity," for
The following essay explores the themes of karma, cyclical violence, and compassion found within this scripture. The Cycle of Retribution: Lessons from SN 3.15