There are ten types of talks that the Supreme Buddha encouraged the disciples to do over the thrity-two kind that he discouraged. What ten;

1. Appichcha katha – Talks about the value of hiding the good qualities you foster.
If you reveal the good in you, you do so expecting gain, honour, prestige and praise, which in turn blocks your progress in the path. Therefore whatever wholesome quality you wish to develop, be it generosity, virtue, compassion or concentration it should be developed inconspicuously.

2. Santhutti katha – Talks about being content of what is recieved
A mind content, is a mind happy. A happy mind helps to progress in Dhamma. If we can be happy with what we have and what we receive, then restlessness of wanting more is subdued.
Being honestly happy with a moderate life, saves a lot of time spent in pursuing luxuries. Time thus saved, can be used for meditation and learning Dhamma.

3. Asansagga katha – talks about the value the solitude life
Being with a crowd entices us into subjects that are not helpful to the progress in Dhamma.

4. Paviveka katha – talks about the importance of seclusion in order to meditate
These talks inspire us to be free from work and studies and find time for meditation.

5. Viriyaaradda katha – talks about arousing exertion to rid demerits and develop merits
Every person is very enthusiastic and energetic at the beginning of a task. Having such energy throughout is praised by the supreme Buddha as an essential quality to progress in the path

6. Seela katha – talks about the value of virtue
These talks inspire the other person to be virtuous.

7. Samadhi katha – talks about the importance of developing higher levels of concentration
These talks encourage disciples to strive more.

8. Panna katha – talks about discernment required to attain liberation
The teachings of the Buddha are for the wise, not for the unwise. These talks help each other to learn dhamma and strive to understand.

9. Vimukti katha – talks about the ultimate liberation, the supreme bliss of nibbana
Even talking about the nibbana is blissful, therefore, this helps us to be heedful in the path

10. Vimukti Gnanadarshana katha – talks about the knowledge of ‘released’ that arises when liberated from all suffering.
These would make us want to read about the great Arahaths and learn about their lives.

By Prajapathi Jayawardene