The sixth sutta of the Uraga Vagga of the Suttanipāta. Taught on the day after the Maṅgala Sutta. In the latter the Buddha had spoken of the ways of progress; the devas then wished to hear how beings declined, and, at their request, Sakka sent a deva to ask the Buddha who, thereupon, taught this discourse. It is said that at the conclusion of the sutta countless beings realised the Truth. SNA.i.169-74.

The sutta deals with various causes that lead to the decay and corruption of beings. Having well considered all the various ways of destruction, the wise man avoids them and, being endowed with insight, attains to happiness. SN.vs.91-115.