The teachings that Ratnaguna explores in this talk are all from the Sutta Nipata â€" one of the earliest of Buddhist texts. His sub-title is the rather intriguing: 'The Dharma before Buddhism'. You might say that when it comes to the Sutta Nipata, the Buddha is very clearly telling it like it is. Well, so does Ratnaguna! In the opening remarks (which, unfortunately, were not recorded) he likens these suttas in their profound scope and effect to the simpicity and purity of Bach's violin sonatas and cello suites. Given on the FWBO International Retreat at Taraloka, May 2008