The sixth sutta of the Mahā Vagga of the Suttanipāta. (SN., pp.91 f). A devatā, who in a previous life had been a relation of Sabhiya (q.v.), asks him a series of questions and exhorts him to join the Order of any recluse who can answer them satisfactorily. Sabhiya wanders about asking his questions of several well-known teachers; failing to find satisfaction, he visits the Buddha in Veḷuvana at Rājagaha and is given permission to ask anything he wishes, the Buddha promising to solve his difficulties. Then follows a series of questions answered by the Buddha. Sabhiya, in the end, asks permission to join the Buddha’s Order. This permission is given, and after the usual probationary period of four months, he becomes an Arahant.

According to the Theragāthā Commentary (ThagA.i.382), quoted also in the Suttanipāta Commentary, the questions were formulated by Sabhiya’s mother, who, feeling revulsion for her womanhood, developed the absorptions (jhāna) and was reborn in a Brahma world. However, the Suttanipāta Commentary itself (SNA.ii.421) says that they were taught to Sabhiya by a Non-returner Brahmā, who had been a fellow celibate of Sabhiya in the time of Kassapa Buddha’s dispensation. The Sutta is also called Sabhiya-pucchā, and is given (e.g., DA.i.155) as an example of the Buddha’s willingness to answer any question whatever without restriction (sabbaññupavāraṇa).

It is said (ThagA.i.427) that Yasadatta, Sabhiya’s companion, was present at the discussion with the Buddha and listened eagerly hoping for a chance of criticism. However, the Buddha read his thoughts and admonished him at the end of the sutta.

The questions contained in the sutta had been asked and answered in the time of Kassapa Buddha, too, but, while the questions remained, the answers disappeared. VibhA., p.432.