DhammaDhatu

Welcome Shanyin,

The oldest teachings state renunciation is of sensual pleasures.

These teachings were for monks or serious practitioners rather than laypeople.

For laypeople, the Buddha taught moderation in sensual pleasures plus some renunciation where beneficial, especially if one can develop generosity as its counterpart.

As an example, in human relationships, the Buddha advised one's intentions are best be more than merely sensual. Whilst sensuality may naturally be part of relationship, compassion and duty are best be the foremost concern.

Kind regards

DDhatu

:)

Poker is often a form of gambling. It follows it cannot serve as a foundation for mindfulness because mindfulness is that which recollects & keeps in mind the Dhamma path.

There have been many court cases throughout the world where poker players have attempted to define poker has a sport. However, in the higher courts, each legal case has failed in defining poker as a sport. Each legal case has maintained the chance elements in poker make it gambling.

Over the years, on these Buddhist chatsites, there have been at least one or two people who have had big problems with poker playing, both mentally & financially.

The Buddha himself advised gambling is one of six ways to ruin.

"There are, young householder, these six dangerous consequences in indulging in gambling:

(i) the winner begets hate,
(ii) the loser grieves for lost wealth,
(iii) loss of wealth,
(iv) his word is not relied upon in a court of law,
(v) he is despised by his friends and associates,
(vi) he is not sought after for matrimony; for people would say he is a gambler and is not fit to look after a wife.

Sigalovada Sutta

:)