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Daily Dhamma Drops
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Freeing from Sense-Addiction are the Links to Awakening!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, I do not see even one other single thing that, when developed & cultivated,
leads to the elimination of the things that bind, so effectively & quickly as these:
The Seven Links to Awakening! What seven?
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening.
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening.
3: The Energy Link to Awakening.
4: The Joy Link to Awakening.
5: The Tranquillity to Awakening.
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening.
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening.
How, Bhikkhus, are Seven Links to Awakening developed and refined so that they lead to
the giving up & letting go of those things that bind? Here, when a Bhikkhu develops these
seven links to awakening, joined with & dependent upon seclusion, disillusion, and ceasing,
culminating in release, then these seven links to awakening, are refined & matured in a way,
so that they lead to the abandoning of the things that bind, grip, addict and obsess beings!
And what, Bhikkhus, are the things that bind, grip, addict and obsess all beings?
The eye, ear, nose, mouth, body, and mind are things that bind, grip, addict & obsess beings!
Form, sound, smell, taste, touch, & thought are things that bind, grip, addict & obsess beings!
Seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and thinking bind, grip, addict and obsess beings!
These are called the things that bind, ensnares, entrap, enslaves, enchain & consume beings...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 88-9] section 46: The Links. 29: One Thing...
The 7 Links to Awakening!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
How to reach the Ease and Peace of Ceasing?
At Savatthi, the Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, when the experience of stilling, ending, stopping, and ceasing
is developed and cultivated, then it is of great fruit & immense benefit!
It leads to great good, it leads to great security from bondage, it leads
to a great sense of urgency, it leads to living in fearless ease & comfort!
How, Bhikkhus, is the experience of ceasing developed & cultivated, so
that it is of great fruit and benefit? Here, the Bhikkhu systematically
develops the:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening, joined with the experience of ceasing.
2: The Investigation of states Link to Awakening, while examining full stilling.
3: The Energy Link to Awakening, perceiving an ultimate ending of all activity.
4: The Joy Link to Awakening, while laughing at the complete cessation of all.
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening, accompanied by calm & serene silencing.
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening, focused on fading away of all states.
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening, indifferent even at the final stopping,
while being based upon seclusion, disillusion, halting, & maturing in release...
It is in this very way that the experience of stilling & ceasing into peace
is developed & cultivated, so that it is of great advantage, great benefit,
great good, great security from bondage, great sense of urgency, and
living in the great ease of calmed, fearless and imperturbable comfort!
Bhikkhus, when the perception of ceasing is developed and cultivated
in this way fused and enhanced by the Seven Links to Awakening, one of
two fruits is to be expected: Either final knowledge in this very life or,
if there is a remaining residue of clinging, the state of non-returning...
Comments:
Ceasing is Bliss... Ceasing of What? Ceasing of the internal yet infernal
Fire of Greed, Fire of Hate, and Fire of Ignorance & their offshoots!
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:133-4] section 46: The Links. 76: Cessation...
Ceasing is Bliss!
Source:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Ceasing.htm
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Tender Harmlessness & Patient Tolerance Protects all Beings!
The Blessed Buddha – the Great Defender - was always a friend of total harmlessness:
He once said:
I am a friend of the footless,
I am a friend of the bipeds;
I am a friend of those with four feet,
I am a friend of the many-footed.
May not the footless harm me,
may not the bipeds harm me,
may not those with four feet harm me,
and may not those with many feet harm me.
A. II, 72
Among tigers, lions, leopards & bears I lived in the wood.
No one was frightened of me, nor did I fear anyone.
Uplifted by such universal friendliness I enjoyed the forest.
Finding great solace in sweet silent solitude.
Suvanna-sama Jataka 540
I am a friend and helper to all,
I am sympathetic to all living beings.
I develop a mind full of love and
delights always in harmlessness.
I gladden my mind, fill it with joy,
makes it immovable and unshakable.
I develop the divine states of mind
not cultivated by simple men.
Theragatha. 648-9
Thus he who both day and night
takes delight in harmlessness
sharing love with all that live,
finds enmity with none.
SN I 208
He who does not strike nor makes
others strike, who robs not nor makes
others rob, sharing love with all that lives,
finds enmity with none.
Itivuttaka 22
As a mother even with her life protects
her only son, so let one cultivate infinite,
yeah universal, friendliness towards
all sentient, living & breathing beings.
When one with a mind of true affection
feels compassion for this entire world,
above, below and across,
unlimited everywhere.
The one who has left violence,
who never harm any being,
who never kill nor causes to kill,
such one, mild, is a Holy Noble One.
Dhammapada 405
The one who is friendly among the hostile,
who is harmless among the violent,
who is detached among the greedy,
such one is a Holy Noble One.
Dhammapada 406
He is not Noble who injures living beings.
He is called Noble because he is
gentle & kind towards all living beings.
Dhammapada 270
Tolerance is the highest training.
Patience is the best praxis.
So all Buddhas say.
Dhammapada 184
Let no one deceive another
or despise anyone anywhere,
or through anger or irritation
wish for another to suffer.
Khuddakapatha 9
Solitude is happiness for one who is content,
who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees.
Cordial non-violence is happiness in this world
harmlessness towards all living beings.
Udana 10
How to become harmless:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Buddha_on_Noble_Frienship.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blessing_all_Beings_by_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patient_is_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bon_Benevolence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Friendliness_Frees.htm
Happy & Humble Harmlessness!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Contentment (Santutthi) is the most supreme Treasure!
There is the case where a Bhikkhu is content with whatever old robe at all,
with whatever old almsfood at all , with whatever old hut at all, and with
whatever old medicine for curing sickness at all. This Dhamma is for one
who is content, not for one who is discontent! Thus was it said. And with
reference to exactly this salient contentment with little was this said...
AN VIII 30
And how is a Bhikkhu content?
Just as a bird, wherever it goes, flies with it's wings as its only burden,
even so is he content with a set of robes to protect his body & almsfood
to pacify his hunger. Wherever he goes, he takes only simple necessities
as robes, belt, bowl and razor along. This is how a Bhikkhu is content...
DN 2
There is the case where a Bhikkhu is content with whatever old robe at all,
with whatever old almsfood at all , with whatever old hut at all. He speaks
in praise of being content with any old requisite at all. He does not, for the
sake of any requisite, do anything unsuitable or inappropriate. When not
getting any requisites, he is not troubled. When getting requisites, he uses it
unattached to it, not obsessed, blameless, seeing the drawbacks & dangers,
he realizes the escape from them. He does not, on account of his contentment
with any old requisite at all, exalt himself or disparage others. Thus is he clever,
energetic, alert, and aware! This, Bhikkhus, is called a Bhikkhu standing quite
firm in the ancient, original lineage of the Noble Ones...
AN IV 28
Good are friends, when need arises,
good is contentment with just what one has,
good is merit, when life is at an end,
good is the elimination of all Suffering!
Dhammapada 331
Solitude is happiness for one who is content,
who has heard the Dhamma & clearly sees.
Harmlessness is happiness in all worlds,
harmlessness towards all living beings.
Udana 10
Therefore be capable, upright, & straight,
easy to instruct, gentle, & not proud,
content & easy to support with little,
with few duties, living simple & light,
with peaceful abilities, mastering all,
modest, & with no greed for support.
Do not do even a minor thing that the
wise & noble would criticize.
Sutta Nipata I, 8
Calm Contentment!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Unselfish Joy: How to rejoice in others Success:
By seeing that:
If only happy at one's own success, such Joy is rare & limited!
If happy also at other's success, the Joy is more frequent & even infinite!
By observing that:
It starts with basic sympathy,
develops into acceptance, approval & appreciation,
culminates in rejoicing mutual Joy by directing mind to,
initiation, frequent cultivation & boundless expansion of Mutual Joy..
By knowing that:
Mutual Joy is the cause of satisfied contentment!
Mutual Joy eliminates all acidic jealousy and envy!
Mutual Joy is an infinite, truly divine and sublime state!
Buddha:
If it were impossible to cultivate this Good,
I would not tell you to do so!
Buddhaghosa:
See how this good being is very Happy!
How fine! How excellent! How sweet!
Let there be Happiness. Let there be open Freedom.
Let there be Peace. Let there be Bliss from this.
Let there be Understanding of this.
Moreover:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Mudita: The Buddha's Teaching on Unselfish Joy: BPS Wheel Publication No. 170
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel170.html
Rejoicing Joy causes contentment! ;-)
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Bending the Mind by Meditation!
Meditation is Higher Education of Another Kind! Details Inside!
Meditation is an exquisite method of mind training, without which it is difficult to progress mentally...
It has been practiced for millennia within many religious schools, but is especially deep-rooted in Buddhism.
In the early centuries after the Buddha Gotama, it was so commonly practiced in India and on Sri Lanka,
that if one met somebody at the well or in the village, that did not yet have a personal meditation object,
then this individual was regarded as somewhat primitive and uncultivated...
The purpose of all sorts of Buddhist mediation is to achieve two very advantageous mental states:
1: Calm Tranquillity (Samatha), and 2: Clear Insight (Vipassana)
These two crucially important mental states are mutually dependent and goes hand in hand:
When calm then one sees & understands with better and clearer insight! Like a mirror kept quiet
reflects the images clearly without the blur arising from agitated vibrations. Having insight about the
universal transience (anicca), inherent suffering (dukkha), and utter egolessness (anatta) have a
calming effect on all urge, yearning push and restless drive as such is recognized as gross & futile.
Calm Tranquillity thus causes & produces deeper insight. Clear Insight thus causes & produces deeper calm
The Buddha therefore says: "May you develop mental calm & concentration, Bhikkhus; for one who is mentally calm & concentrated, sees things according to reality" (SN.XXII.5). More on this duality of
Calm & Insight is found here: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Calm_and_Insight.htm
Calm or Tranquillity (Samatha), is an exquisitely pleasant fusion of some degree of stable concentration (samadhi ), focused mental one-pointedness (cittekaggata) and undivided undistractedness (avikkhepa).
The effects of Calm are: favourable rebirth, present happy life, & the clarity of a mind which has insight!
The climax of calm is reaching the quite sweet & subtle state of mental absorption called Jhana.
This unique unification of mind is explained in delicate detail right here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Concentration.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Requisites_for_Jhana_Absorption.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Details_of_the_Jhana_Absorptions.htm
Clear Insight (Vipassana), is assured intuitive knowledge of how things really & ultimately are.
There are 18 main insights, each one marking a distinct kind of profound & noble understanding
all achieved by deliberately directed, repeated & sustained contemplation:
1: On impermanence (aniccanupassana),
2: On suffering (dukkhanupassana),
3: On no self (anattanupnupassana),
4: On disgust (nibbidanupassana).
5: On disillusion (viraganupassana),
6: On ceasing (nirodhanupassana),
7: On relinquishment (patinissagganupassana),
8: On the waning, fading & destruction of all (khayanupassana),
9: On the vanishing of all phenomena (vayanupassana),
10: On the inevitable & inherent change (viparinamanupassana),
11: On the signless dimension (animittanupassana),
12: On the desireless state (apanihitanupassana),
13: On void emptiness (suññataupassana),
14: On insight into states of higher understanding (adhipañña-dhamma-vipassana),
15: On knowledge and vision of the absolute reality (yatha-bhuta-ñanadassana),
16: On experience of danger (adinavanupassana),
17: On repeated reflecting contemplation (patisankhanupassana),
18: On contemplation of turning away (vivattananupassana).
These 18 chief principal insights (maha-vipassana) are all enumerated and explained here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_18_Principal_Insights.htm
The effects of attaining these irreversible insights in a progressively deeper degree are successful
attaining of the 4 stages of Nobility: Stream-entrance, Once-returning, Never-Returning & Arahat!
The 4 most important meditation methods explained by the Buddha Gotama are:
1: Universal Friendliness. The 4 Infinitely Divine States - Metta.
Explained here: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/All-Embracing_Kindness.htm
2: Contemplating the disgusting aspects of the Body - Kaya-gata-sati.
Explained here: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Meditation_On_the_Body_Kayagata-Sati.htm
3: Mindfulness focused by awareness anchored on the Breath - Anapana-sati.
Explained here: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Breathing_Calm_and_Insight.htm
4: Satipatthana - The 4 Foundations of Awareness: Form-Feeling-Mind-Mental States.
Explained here: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Four_Foundations_of_Awareness.htm
They are all further elucidated with root texts by the Buddha in some detail here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm
All the 40 meditation objects or mental 'workplaces' (kammatthana) are explained here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_40_Meditations.htm
Which meditation object is suitable and advantageous for who?
Any mediation object should ideally be given to one by an experienced noble friend (kalyana-mitta)
Some gross guidelines for choosing mediation object are:
The one who has desire and lust as dominating mental defilement, who eats slowly tasting all well,
should gradually quell & silence this destructive urge by meditation on disgusting objects such as:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Skeleton.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_32_Parts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Corpse_Meditation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Body_Contemplation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Disgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Body_as_only_Form.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Fire_of_Sense-Desire.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_9_Corpse_Meditations.htm
The one who has anger and irritation as dominating mental defilement, who eats & walks fast,
should gradually quell & silence this destructive boiling by meditation on infinite friendliness,
infinite goodness and infinite good-will:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Appeasing_Anger.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Subduing_Irritation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Anger_and_Irritation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Cure_Anger_and_Irritation.htm
The one who has doubt, uncertainty and speculation as dominating mental defilement, who vacillates
in indecisiveness & who lacks determination should gradually increase first faith then understanding
by calming the noise of conceptual thinking by meditation on Breathing:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Awareness_by_Breathing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unique_Thing_Awareness_by_Breathing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_LAMP_I.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_LAMP_II.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_LAMP_III.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_LAMP_IV.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Peaceful_and_Sublime_on_the_Spot.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_the_Breath.htm
The ultimate Handbook on Meditation is:
The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga. In excellent if not legendary translation by Bhikkhu Nanamoli.
Written by 'the Great Explainer' Buddhaghosa in 5th century AC on Sri Lanka.
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=771100
Meditation is best done in early morning 15-25 minutes for beginners, 45-60 minutes for trainees.
Only a solitary, silent place, a pillow and some energetic effort is needed. One should Never give up!
No-one can mentally purify another... We all have to do it ourselves by working out meditation!
Only this is the WAY to lasting, absolute and ultimate Freedom, Peace and Happiness: Nibbana!
Jhana - Mental Absorption!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Patience is the Sixth Mental Perfection:
The characteristic of patience is acceptance, it's function is to endure, and it's
manifestation is non-opposing tolerance! The cause of patience is understanding
how things really are..The effect of patience is calm tranquility despite provocation..
Patience of the Will produce forgiving forbearance!
Patience of the Intellect produce faithful confidence!
Internal Tolerance of states within oneself is patient endurance.
External Tolerance of other beings is forbearance & forgiveness.
He who patiently protects himself, protects also others.
He who patiently protects others, protects also himself.
Not from speaking much is one called clever.
The patient one, free from anger, free from fear,
only such one is rightly called clever.
Dhammapada 258
Patient tolerance is the highest praxis...
Nibbana is the supreme Bliss!!
So say all the Buddhas.
Dhammapada 184
The innocent one, who has done nothing wrong,
who patiently endures abuse, flogging & even imprisonment,
such one, armed with endurance, the great force of tolerance,
such one, I call a Holy One.
Dhammapada 399
One should follow those who are determined, tolerant, enduring,
intelligent, wise, diligent, clever, good-willed and Noble.
One shall stick to them as the moon remains in it's regular orbit.
Dhammapada 208
Friends, even if bandits were to cut you up, savagely, limb by limb,
with a two-handled saw, you should not get angry, but do my bidding:
Remain pervading them & all others with a friendly Awareness imbued
with an all-embracing good-will, kind, rich, expansive, & immeasurable!
Free from hostility, free from any ill will. Always remembering this very
Simile of the Saw is indeed how you should train yourselves.
Majjhima Nikaya 21
The five ways of removing irritating annoyance:
Bhikkhus, there are these five ways of removing annoyance, by which any
irritation can be entirely removed by a Bhikkhu, when it arises in him.
What are the five?
1: Friendliness can be maintained towards an irritating person or state..
2: Understanding can be maintained towards an irritating person or state..
3: On-looking Equanimity can be maintained towards an irritating person or state..
4: The forgetting and ignoring of an irritating person or state can be practiced..
5: Ownership of Kamma in an irritating person can be reflected upon thus:
This good person is owner of his actions, inherit the result his actions, is indeed
born of his actions & only he is responsible for his actions be they good or bad.
This too is how annoyance with the irksome can be instantly removed.
These are the five ways of removing annoyance, by which irritation can be entirely
removed in a friend just when it arises...
Anguttara Nikaya V 161
Buddha to his son Rahula: Develop a Mind which is Imperturbable like the elements:
Rahula, develop a mind like earth, then contacts of arisen like and dislike
does not obsess your mind! Rahula, on the earth is dumped both pure & impure,
excreta, urine, saliva, pus, blood, but the earth does not detest any of those...
Even & exactly so make your mind like earth! Rahula, develop a mind like water,
then contacts of arisen pleasure and pain does not seize your mind. Rahula with
water both the pure and the impure are cleaned... Washed away with water are
excreta, urine, saliva, pus, and blood, yet the water does not despise any of that!
Even so make the mind like water! Rahula, develop a mind like fire, then contacts
of arisen attraction & aversion do not consume nor hang on to your mind! Rahula,
fire burns both the pure and the impure, burns excreta, urine, saliva, pus, and
blood, yet the fire does not loathe any of that.. In the same manner refine the mind
like fire! Rahula, develop a mind similar to space, then contacts of arisen delight
and frustration does not take hold of nor remain in your mind. Rahula, space does
not settle anywhere! Similarly make the mind un-settled & un-established like open
space. When you expand a mind like space, contacts of delight & frustration will
neither dominate nor obsess your mind...
Majjhima Nikaya 62
Generosity is The first mental Perfection:
And what is the treasure of generosity?
When a disciple of the Noble Ones whose
mentality is all cleared of disgracing miserliness,
living at home, is freely generous & open-handed,
delighting in being magnanimous,
responsive to every request &,
is enjoying the giving of any alms.
Such is this treasure called generosity.
AN VII 6
Just as a filled pot, which is overturned
pours out all its water, leaving nothing back,
even & exactly so should one give to those in need.
whether low, middle or high, like the overturned pot,
holding nothing back…!!!
Jataka Nidana [128-129]
The Generosity of Giving,
The Kindness in Speech,
The Benefit of Service,
The Impartiality treating all Alike,
These 4 threads of sympathy
upholds this world like the axle do the cart.
AN II 32
Giving food, one gives & later gets strength
Giving clothes, one gives & later gets beauty
Giving light, one gives & later gets vision
Giving transportation, one gives & later gets ease.
Giving shelter one gives all,
Yet one who instructs in the True Dhamma
- The supreme Teaching of the Buddhas -
Such one gives the quite divine ambrosia!
SN I 32
These are these five rewards of generosity:
One is liked and charming to people at large,
One is admired & respected by wise people,
One's good reputation is spread wide about,
One does not neglect a householder's true duties,
and with the break-up of the body - at the moment
of death - one reappears in a happy destination,
in the plane of the divine worlds!
AN V.35
There are these two kinds of gifts:
material gifts & gifts of Dhamma.
The supreme gift is that of Dhamma.
There are these two kinds of sharing:
material sharing & sharing of Dhamma.
The supreme sharing is that of Dhamma.
There are these two kinds of help:
Material help & help with the Dhamma.
This is the supreme of the two:
help with this subtle Dhamma …
It 98
The gift of Dhamma exceeds all other gifts.
Dhammapada 354
The Bodhisatta once as king Sivi gave
both his eyes to a beggar who was Sakka the
king deity in disguise, who desired to test him.
He remembered "While I was wishing to give,
while I was giving and after this giving there
was neither contrariety nor opposition in my mind
as it was for the purpose of awakening itself!
Neither were these eyes nor the rest of myself
disagreeable to me. Omniscience was dear to me,
therefore I gave both my eyes."
The Basket of Conduct
Cariyapitaka I-8
Full story: Sivi Jataka no. 499.
The Bodhisatta once as the Wise Hare gave
his roasted body as alms by jumping into a fire:
He remembered: "There came a beggar and asked for food.
Myself I gave so that he might eat. In alms-giving there was
none equal to me. In alms I had thereby reached the absolute
ultimate perfection." From then & the rest of this world-cycle
the moon will display a characteristic 'hare-in-the-moon' sign!
Sasa-Jataka no. 316
Giving of things, treasures, external possessions, job,
position, wife, & child is the first perfection of giving.
Giving the offer of one's organs, limbs, & senses is
the second higher perfection of giving.
Giving the sacrifice of one's life is the ultimate
perfection of giving.
The clarifier of sweet meaning 89
(Commentary on Buddhavamsa)
Madhuratthavilasini [59]
Venerable Buddhadatta: 5th century.
Generosity is the first mental perfection (parami):
Clinging egoism creates internal panic and social tension.
Giving & sharing creates internal elation and social harmony...
What is gladly given returns more than thousandfold!
Generous Glad Giving!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Morality is the Second Mental Perfection:
Avoiding all Harm;
Doing only Good;
Purifying the Mind;
This is the True Dhamma
of all the Buddhas!
Dhammapada 183
Morality is the foundation,
the initiator & the origin of all,
that is fine, good & very beautiful...
One Must therefore purify morality.
Theragatha 612
Clean morality cultivated to purity brings all success!
Theragatha 608
Morality is a mighty Power!
Morality is a forceful Weapon!
Morality is a supreme Jewel!
Morality is a marvelous Protection!
Theragatha 614
Harmless towards all living beings,
Speaking only kind & wise truths,
Taking nothing not freely given,
Enjoying only one's own partner,
Never abusing drinks or drugs.
Having given up & left all behind
the five harmful actions, such
One truly possess right moral...
AN III 205-6
Ananda once asked the Buddha:
What, Venerable Sir, is the rewarding advantage of morality?
Freedom from regret, Ananda.
And what is the advantage of freedom from regret?
Joy that produces bliss, Ananda.
Bliss then generates happiness.
Happiness enables concentration.
Concentration facilitates vision and knowledge.
Vision and knowledge brings disillusion & detachment
Disillusion & detachment induces direct knowledge of
Certain & Complete Mental Release, Ananda…
AN X.1
Intention always comes first.
Intention is of all states the primer.
By intention are all things initiated.
By construction of mind are all phenomena formed.
So - if with good intention one thinks, speaks or acts:
Joy & pleasure surely follows one like a never-leaving shadow
However!!! - if with evil intention one thinks, speaks or acts:
Pain certainly follows one, like the wheel follows the car.
Dhammapada 1+2
Both the moral & immoral doings;
Both the good & the Bad actions;
That human beings do here;
These are truly only their own possession...!!!
These, they take along with them, when they die & go,
These actions are what follows them, like the shadow,
that never ever leaves...
So do only what is admirable & advantageous,
as an accumulating investment for the future life.
Good prior doings are the only support & help for any being,
when they re-arise in the next world…
SN III 4
Here and now the good-doer rejoices... Even so
after passing away and re-emerging, the doer of
good, reaps only Joy, pleasure and satisfaction ...
So both here and there, the wise with merit well
done & stored, enjoys the purity of prior actions.
Dhammapada 15
Here and now the bad-doer suffers... Even so
after passing away and re-emerging, the doer of
wrong & evil, reaps only pain, despair and regret ...
So both here and there, the fool with wrong views
& bad behavior, suffers agony as the inevitable
effect of prior evil action.
Dhammapada 16
As the yak-ox watch her tail even onto death,
without breaking through, when caught in thorns,
guard your doings as your own life, by avoiding all
overstepping of this fine line, limiting right from wrong.
The Basket of Behaviour, Cariyapitaka
The Bodhisatta once as the Naga serpent King Sankhapala
guarded his precepts of moral habit, even when tortured:
Though pierced with sharp bamboo stakes and hacked with
hunting knives, I raged no anger against these hunters, as this
was my final perfection of Morality!
Sankhapala Jataka no. 524
The 5 precious precepts (pañca-sila):
I accept the training rule of avoiding all killing of breathing beings.
I accept the training rule of not to taking anything, that is not given.
I accept the training rule of abstaining from any sexual misconduct.
I accept the training rule of desisting from all incorrect speech.
I accept the training rule of shun drinks & drugs causing carelessness.
True Buddhists undertake these precious precepts also here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Sangha_Entry.htm
These are timeless laws of only Good,
which all the mighty Seers of the past
have fully followed & made their Way!
This Virtue of Morality is like Rock.
A Solid Foundation for all Good States!
Immorality creates regret, and thus destroys Joy...
Purity creates calm, and thus the subtle concentration,
which is necessary for gaining all higher understanding!
Only higher Understanding sets completely Free...
More on this basic first cause of all Good: Morality (Sila)!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Sila_1_to_5.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Happy_Habbit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Virtue.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Best_Protection.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Five_Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Best_Buddhist_Praxis.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Sila_Contemplation.htm
Most Mighty is Morality!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Withdrawal is the Third Mental Perfection:
Withdrawal is Removal of Misery
Withdrawal is Extraction of Disease.
Withdrawal is Pulling out the splinter of Pain.
Withdrawal is Retraction from Danger.
Withdrawal is Renunciation of Ill.
Withdrawal is Letting Go of what is Burning.
Withdrawal is Turning Away from what is Sorrow.
Withdrawal is Seclusion from what is Grief.
Withdrawal is Clearing of Captivating Illusions.
Withdrawal is Waking Up from Enthralling Trance.
Withdrawal is Freedom from Enslaving Addiction.
Withdrawal is Protection of what is Entrapping.
Withdrawal is Giving Up what is Detrimental.
Withdrawal is Discharge of what is Infested.
Withdrawal is Breaking out of the Prison.
Withdrawal is Release from all Suffering...
Withdraw, as the man newly freed from prison
does not at all wish himself back in prison!
The Basket of Conduct, Cariyapitaka
Infatuated with lust, impassioned & obsessed,
they are caught in their own self-created net,
like a spider, which spins it's own web!
Cutting through the Noble Friend withdraw & go free,
Without longing, without greed, leaving all misery behind.
Dhammapada 347
Blissful is solitude for the contented, learned & knower of True Dhamma.
Blissful is harmlessness towards all breathing beings without exception.
Blissful is freedom from all urge of sensual slavery whatsoever.
Yet, supreme bliss, is the withdrawal from the abysmal conceit “I am”!’
Udana – Inspiration: II – 1
The Bodhisatta once as the King Culasutasoma gave up his whole kingdom.
Knowing this withdrawal to be an advantageous victory, he remembered:
A mighty kingdom I possessed, as if it was dropped into my hands...
Yet all this tantalizing luxury, I let fall & go without any even a slight
trace of longing nor clinging. This was my perfection of Withdrawal.
Jataka no. 525
Lust, I say, is a great flood; a whirlpool sucking one down,
a constant yearning, seeking a hold, continually active;
difficult to cross is such morass of sensual desire...
A sage does not deviate from good, but remains steady!
A recluse stands on firm ground, when secluded;
When withdrawn from all, truly he is calmed & silenced!
Having directly touched the Dhamma, he is independent!
He behaves right & does not envy anyone anywhere...
He who has left behind all pleasure arised from sensing,
an attachment difficult to cut, is freed of both depression &
longing, since he has cut across the great flood, and is released.
Sutta Nipata IV.15
Any being, that cools down all desires & greedy lusts,
by being alert & ever aware of the inherent danger,
by directing attention only to these disgusting aspects
of all phenomena, such one withdraw from craving and
thereby wears down & breaks the chains of the inner prison.
Dhammapada 350
If one gains an infinite ease by leaving a minor pleasure,
the clever one should swap the luminous for that is a trifling
sensual pleasure, by withdrawing from this trivial boredom.
Dhammapada 290
The one who has reached the sublime end all perfected,
is fearless, freed of craving, desireless and detached..
Such one has broken the chains of being and is certainly
withdrawing into the final phase, wearing his last frame...
Dhammapada 351
The household life is a cramped way, choked with dust.
To leave it, is like coming out into the free space of open air!
It is not easy for one who lives at home, to live the Noble life
completely perfect and pure, bright as mother-of-pearl. Surely
I will now shave off my hair & go forth into homelessness.
Only Misery Arises.
Only Misery Ceases.
Nothing good is thus lost
by withdrawing from it all.
Nothing is Worth Clinging to!
Withdrawal Therefore Wins!
Understanding is the Fourth Mental Perfection:
Understanding penetrates, illuminates and guides right.
Concentration is the proximate cause of Understanding.
Understanding is the proximate cause of Equanimity.
Understanding is the manifestation of Concentration.
Only understanding comprehends the meaning & essence.
Understanding purifies the other mental perfections:
Energy acquires right purpose only, when guided by Understanding.
Only fortified by Understanding, is determination unshakeable.
Only Understanding can patiently tolerate other beings abuse.
Only Understanding induce indifference towards gain & loss.
Only Understanding can secure both own and other's welfare.
Just as red sandalwood is reckoned as the best of all scented woods,
even & exactly so is the ability to understand reckoned the supreme
among all the 7 mental qualities, that are the links to self-awakening,
by leading to enlightenment.
SN V 48-55 Indriya-samyutta
And of what kind, friends, is this evaluating ability of Understanding ?
In this, friends, the Noble learner is possessed of direct knowledge
about the arising and ceasing of all phenomena, which is a Noble insight,
a penetrating & ultimate understanding, that gradually realizes and leads
to the utter elimination of all Misery...
The Noble learner comprehends, as it really is: Thus is Misery.
The Noble learner comprehends, as it really is: Thus is the Cause of Misery.
The Noble learner comprehends, as it really is: Thus is the End of Misery.
The Noble learner comprehends, as it really is: Thus is the Way to end Misery.
This, friends, is the discriminating ability of Understanding ...
SN V 48-10 Indriya-samyutta
Of minor importance, is the loss of family and wealth...
Catastrophic among losses is the loss of Understanding.
Of minor consequence, is the increase of family and wealth.
Supreme among gains is the increase of comprehension...
Therefore, friends, you must train yourself to win that!
AN I 14-5
When the Noble friend avoids ignorant persons, but instead
cultivates, frequents and honors persons who comprehend,
teach and review the effects of profound knowledge, then
is the ability to understand refined in these three aspects...
When the Noble friend is thus leaving ignorance all behind,
there is development of the ability to Understand.
When the Noble friend is developing the ability to understand,
then ignorance is left all behind. Thus Mutual is this enhancement.
Path of Discrimination
A learned man, who due to his great understanding,
despises those of little learning, is like a blind man
walking around with a lamp in his high hand...
Theragatha 1026
Happy indeed are those possessing nothing...
Those who have won Understanding, clinging to nothing.
While those attached to family, friends & property,
both possessed & obsessed - are as tied to torture... !!!
Udana II 6
What sort of person is released by Understanding (Panna-Vimutti) ?
Here a person without experiencing all the 8 stages of absorption,
anyway eliminates all mental fermentations completely, after having
perceived them through insight. Such person is said to be released
by Understanding.
Designation of Human Types 31
Buddha once said:
Just as the great Ocean slopes down gradually, deepens gradually,
inclines gradually, and not abruptly like an abyss,
even so Paharada, is this teaching and discipline:
a gradual training (anupubba-sikkha),
a gradual practice (anupubba-kiriya),
a gradual progress (anupubba-patipada);
One does not suddenly penetrate to the highest Understanding...
Anguttara Nikaya II 47
Asking Questions logically leads to Understanding:
As a Bhikkhu walking for alms beg from both low, middle and high folks,
if one search & ask both slightly, moderately and highly wise teachers,
then the insight of the Buddhas shall come to shine inside!
The Basket of Conduct, Cariyapitaka
Understanding is the Chief!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Energy is the Fifth Mental Perfection:
Energy means enthusiasm
Energy means effort
Energy means exertion
Energy means interest
Energy means endeavor
Energy means eagerness
Energy means initiative
Energy means intensity
Energy means action
Energy means force
Energy means power
Energy means drive
Energy means hyper
Energy means keenness
Energy means devotion
Energy means dedication
Energy means determination
Energy means commitment
Energy means enjoyment
Energy pave the way for success in all & any project ...
Energy is thereby instrumental for all the perfections!!!
Without Energy no achievement can ever be accomplished..
The proximate cause for Energy is a sense of urgency!!!
The characteristic of Energy is Striving, it's function is
Effort, and the manifestation of Energy is Endurance.
The blessed Buddha said about the perfection of Energy: Get up! Sit up!
Of what use are your dreams ?
How can you sleep, when mentally sick,
stabbed by the arrow of urge & craving.
Sutta Nipata 331
Get up! Sit up!
Push on your training, until reaching sole peace!
Don't let the king of death -Mara- see you sloppy &
thus delude & dominate you like a stringed toy doll...
Sutta Nipata 332
Possessed of Energy & Endurance
be always Earnest in your training.
The clever One is not satisfied before the
goal of ending all misery, is wholly achieved.
Theragatha 585
It is too cold, it is too hot...,
It is too early, it is too late!
Such bad excuses, make one
give up the training & miss one
more precious opportunity...
DN 31
This straight Way has now been clearly shown:
Don’t hesitate, walk forward & do not turn around.
Urge yourself to advance further by your own Energy,
only thus will you obviously approach & attain Nibbana!
Theragatha 637
The effort to prevent & to eliminate evil,
to develop & to maintain good: These are
the 4 right efforts, taught by the Buddha.
AN II 17
And what, friends, is feeding the Energy Link to Enlightenment,
not yet arisen, & food too for boosting of any present Energy ?
1: The element of initial initiative,
2: The element of launching into action,
3: The element of persistent endurance.
Systematic attention to these 3 aspects, is feeding the yet unarisen Energy
Link to Awakening, & food too for boosting of any already present Energy.
Samyutta Nikaya XLVI 51 Bojjhanga-samyutta
At such times, friends,
when the mind is Slow, Sluggish, and Heavy:
Then it is the Right Occasion: for cultivating the
Investigation-by-curiosity enlightenment-factor,
for cultivating the Energy-of-Enthusiasm enlightenment-factor,
for cultivating the Rapture-of-Joy enlightenment-factor...
Why is it so ? When the mind is slow, sluggish, and heavy,
it is Easily Raised Up by exactly these 3 mental qualities.
Suppose, friends, that a man wants a fire to blaze up,
and he put on dry grass, dry wood sticks and blow it
with dry hot air and do not cover it with any dust,
would that man then see his fire blaze up ?
Certainly So, Lord...
SN V, 46. Bojjhanga-samyutta
When Moggallana where sitting nodding in the jungle night:
Well then, Moggallana, whatever experience you had in mind when
drowsiness demoralized you down, don't attend to that experience,
don't follow it. Remember instead the Dhamma, as you have heard &
memorized it, reflect on & examine it! Then raise up & repeat aloud
the details of Dhamma, as you have learnt it! Then pull both your
earlobes and rub your limbs with both your hands.! Then get up from
your seat, and after washing your eyes with cold water, look around
& upward in all directions and identify the major stars & planets!
Then attend to the experience of inner light, resolve on the clear
perception of daytime, by night as by day, and by day as by night!
By means of an Awareness thus open, unhindered & vivid, develop the
bright mind. It's possible, that by doing this, you will shake off your
lethargy... But if by doing this you don't shake off your laziness, then
continually noting what is both in front & behind set of a distance to
meditate walking back & forth, your senses inwardly settled, while
your mind is not getting lost outwards. It is possible that by doing this
you will finally shake off all your mental sluggishness...
Anguttara Nikaya VII 58
Born as the Brahmin Mahajanaka, the Bodhisatta was once,
aboard a sinking ship far from shore. All the crew were in great panic...!!!
The Bodhisatta though ate his belly full of sugar & ghee, oiled his clothes
and swam continuously for 7 days towards the shore, until he was rescued
by an ocean guarding female devata. Later he remembered:
"Even far out at sea, where many men were lost, yet still unruffled by worry
was my mind. Just kept swimming: This was my perfection of Energy."
Mahajanaka-Jataka no. 539
More on Energy (viriya):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
Have a nice day!
Enthusiastic is Energy! Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Truthful Honesty is the Seventh Mental Perfection:
Honesty is Trust
Honesty is Truthful
Honesty is Guarantee
Honesty is Confidence
Honesty is Consistence
Honesty is Convincing
Honesty is Certainty
Honesty is Credibility
Honesty is Reliability
Honesty is Authenticity
Honesty is Integrity
Honesty is Accuracy
Honesty is Commitment
Honesty is Sincerity
Honesty is Security
Honesty is Reality
Honesty is a Must.
Honesty characteristically never deceives, it's function is to
verify the actual & factual, it's manifestation is excellence...
Sincere exact truthfulness is the proximate cause of honesty!
All evil states & crimes converge upon transgression of Truth...
Devotion to Truth is the only reliable foundation of Nobility!
Like The Buddha demand of your own mind:
You have to give me an honest answer, understand?!
I won't accept anything phony. And once you've answered,
you have to stick to that very answer & not slide around.
Don't be a traitor to yourself… Be sober & straight… Therefore:
Undertake this 4th training rule of avoiding all false speech...
If one is not true to the Buddha's teachings, the Buddha's
teachings will not be true to oneself, either...
That Dhamma, which is used only as a costume, a uniform
or alibi, does not bear fruit, as it's intention is not true!
Honesty, however, makes you quite worthy of respect.
If one is painstakingly honest towards oneself,
one is also meticulously honest towards others.
If one however deceives oneself, believing own lies,
one automatically also deceives others, betraying them.
Honesty, however, makes you quite worthy of respect.
Make an island of yourself,
be your own light & illumination,
make yourself your only safe haven;
there is no other protection.
Make Truth your only island,
make Truth your sole refuge;
make Truth your lone lamp;
there is no other luminosity.
Digha Nikaya, 16
The straight person, self-controlled, keeping precepts,
open & honest, is both worthy & fit for the yellow robe.
The hiding person, uncontrolled, immoral, keeping secrets,
not honest, is neither worthy nor fit for the yellow robe.
Dhammapada 9+10
Overcome the furious by friendship;
overcome the evil one by goodness;
overcome the stasher by generosity;
overcome the liar by truth.
Dhammapada 223
The one who destroys life;
The one who speaks false;
The one who takes what is not given;
The one who mates with another's partner;
The one who is addicted to drugs and alcohol;
Such one - even in this world - digs up his own root!!!
Dhammapada 246-47
They who falsely declare: "That happened"
about what did not happen, or: "I did not do that"
about what they actually did, they earn themselves
a ticket to grilling in Hell.
Dhammapada 306
When the Blessed One heard about the king’s spies,
who for money stole information from others, he explained:
One should not take just any job.
One should not be another’s man.
One should not live dependent upon another.
One should not sell the truth for money…
Udana VI - 2
The Bodhisatta was once caught by a man-eater,
which sat him free on the condition that he returned
the next day. He kept his word & did so & much later
remembered: Protecting this way of truth, having given
up my life & kingdom, I thereby set free 100 captured
nobles, as the man-eater lost his nerve. In honesty
I had thereby reached ultimate perfection.
Mahasutasoma-Jataka no. 537
More of the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Ten_Perfections.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_10_mental_perfections_(parami)_in_three_levels.htm
Source:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Truth_Triumphs.htm
Truth Triumphs!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Resolute Determination is the Eighth Mental Perfection:
Only determination can completely fulfill the other mental perfections!
It's characteristic is an unwavering decision, it's function is to overcome
it's opposites, & it's manifestation is unfaltering persistence in this task...
The proximate cause of determination is strong willpower to succeed!
Only the vigour of resolute determination lifts any praxis to perfection...
When the Future Buddha placed his back against the trunk of the Bodhi tree,
then he right there made this mighty decision:
'Let just the blood & flesh of this body dry up & let the skin & sinews
fall from the bones. I will not leave this seat before having attained the
absolute supreme Enlightenment!' So determined did he invincibly seat
himself, which not even 100 earthquakes could make him waver from.
Jataka Nidana
A female lay follower (Upasika) at the time of the Buddha kept the
precepts, comprehended the nature of impermanence, the consequent
fragility of the body and thereby won stream-entry (Sotapanna).
After passing away, she re-arose as the favorite attendant of Sakka,
the king of Gods. Reviewing her own merit, she remembered her prior
admonition to herself:
‘Let this body break up as it may,
herein will not be any excuse or
relaxation of the effort...!!!’
Whose mind is like a rock, unwavering, immovable,
without a trace of lust of urging towards the attractions,
without a trace of aversion of pushing away the repulsive,
from what, can such a refined mind ever suffer ?
Udana IV - 4
Using the tools of Faith, Morality, Effort, Determination,
Meditation and true Understanding of this Dhamma,
one gradually perfect first knowledge & then behavior.
So equipped & aware, one may eliminate all of this great
heap of suffering once and for all ...
Dhammapada 144
What is being determined with right Motivation ?
The decision for being motivated by withdrawal,
The decision for being motivated by good-will,
The decision for being motivated by harmlessness:
This is being determined for right Motivation.
Samyutta Nikaya XLV 8
My mind is firm like a rock,
unattached to sensual things,
no shaking in the midst of a
world, where all is decaying.
My mind has been thus well developed,
so how can suffering ever touch me?
Theragatha 194
The four determinations:
One should not neglect the Dhamma,
One should guard well the Truth,
One should be devoted to Withdrawal,
and one should train only for Peace.
Majjhima Nikaya 140
Fearing being predestined for Hell if he became a King, who had to
punish criminals violently, the Bodhisatta determined not to show any
intelligence, and play dumb, deaf and crippled for sixteen years, only
showing his abilities, when he was on the verge of being buried alive!
This was his ultimate perfection of resolute determination...
The Basket of Conduct: Cariyapitaka
More of the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Ten_Perfections.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_10_mental_perfections_(parami)_in_three_levels.htm
Determination nails it down!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Friendliness & Goodwill is the Ninth Mental Perfection:
Friendliness means Kindness
Friendliness means Helpfulness
Friendliness means Assistance
Friendliness means Support
Friendliness means Benevolence
Friendliness means Concern
Friendliness means Care
Friendliness means Compassion
Friendliness means Cooperation
Friendliness means Mutual Aid
Friendliness means Mutual Advantage
Friendliness means Sympathy
Friendliness means Symbiosis
Only friendliness can completely relinquish the poison of hate and anger!
It's characteristic is promoting other being's welfare, it's function is to
do only good, and it's manifestation is kindness, sympathy, & gentleness...
The proximate cause of friendliness is seeing the good aspects of things!
The proximate cause of understanding compassion is this very friendliness!
Bhikkhus, whatever kinds of worldly merit there are, all are not worth
one sixteenth part of the release of mind by universal friendliness;
in shining, glowing and beaming radiance, this release of mind by
universal friendliness far excels & surpasses them all...
The Blessed Buddha said about friendliness (Mettaa):
What are the 11 Advantages of cultivating such Universal Friendliness?
The four Brahma Viharas; The four Divine States:
The four Supreme States; The four Infinite States:
‘Friends, eleven advantages are to be expected as effect from the release
of mind into friendliness by the practice of Goodwill, by cultivating amity,
by making much of it frequently, by making friendliness the vehicle, the tool,
the basis, by persisting on it, by being well established in it as a sublime habit.
What are these eleven advantages ?
One sleeps Happy! One wakes up Happy!
One dreams No Evil dreams!
One is Liked & Loved by all human beings!
One is Liked & Loved by all non-human beings too!
One is Guarded & Protected by the divine Devas!
One cannot be Harmed by Fire, Poison, nor Weapons!
One easily Attains the Concentration of Absorption!
Ones appearance becomes Serene, Calm, & Composed!
One dies without Confusion, Bewilderment, nor Panic!
One reappears after death on the Brahma level, if one
has penetrated to no higher level in this very life!
When the mind is released into friendliness by the practice of Goodwill,
by manifesting Friendliness, by cultivating Amity, by frequently making
much of it, by making Friendliness the vehicle, the tool, the basis, the medium,
the foundation, by persisting in it, by insisting on it, by properly consolidating it,
by thoroughly undertaking it, by making it a familiar supreme habit, by so being
well established in it, these eleven blessings can be expected…’
Anguttara Nikaya V 342
There, Oohh friends, the Bhikkhu with a mind full of friendly loving-kindness
pervading first one direction, then a second one, then a third one then the fourth
one, as below so above, across & all around, everywhere identifying himself with
all sentient beings, he is encompassing the whole world with a mind full of friendly
loving-kindness, with a mind wide, developed, unbounded, cleared, exalted, pure &
bright, free from hate and ill will ...
There, Oohh friends, the Bhikkhu with a mind full of understanding compassion
pervading first the front, then the right side, then the back, then the left side, as
below so above, across & all around, all over, far & wide; identifying himself with
all sentient beings, he is perfusing the whole universe with a mind imbued with pity,
with a spacious mind, a refined mind, infinite, cleared, pure & brilliant, freed from
all anger and any trace of enmity ...
There, Oohh friends, the Bhikkhu with a mind full of altruistic & sympathetic Joy
pervading the North, then the East, then the South, then the West, as below so
above, across & all around, universally, infinitely; identifying himself with all
sentient beings, he is suffusing all galaxies with a mind full of genuine mutual &
altruistic sympathetic joy, with an open mind, vast, limitless, purified, cleared,
pure & shining, free from aversion and bitterness ...
There, Oohh friends, the Bhikkhu with a mind full of balanced equanimity pervading
first the frontal quadrant, then the right, then the rear & then the left quadrant, as
below so above, across & all around; and everywhere identifying himself with all
sentient beings, he is permeating the whole world with a mind satiated of balanced
equanimity, calmed, with a mountain-like mind, cultivated, endless, cleared, pure &
dazzling, freed from any irritation & resentment ...'
So too, bhikkhus, others may speak to you timely or untimely, true or untrue,
gentle or harsh, beneficial or for harmful, based on kindness or on bitter hate!
If they abuse you verbally, you should train yourselves in this way:
"Our minds will remain unaffected, we shall speak no angry words, we will dwell
friendly and understanding, with thoughts of kindness and no inward anger.
We shall remain friendly and beam goodwill towards that very person, and we
shall dwell extending it to the entire universe, mentally overflowing, exalted,
measureless & infinite in amiability, without any trace hostility nor ill-will."
That is how you should train yourselves. Even if bandits were savagely to cut
you up, limb by limb, with a two-handled saw, one who harbours hate from that
account, would not be one who carried out my teaching. Bhikkhus, you should
keep this instruction on that Simile of the Saw constantly in mind.
Majjhima Nikaya, Sutta 21
Thus he who both day and night
takes delight in harmlessness
sharing love with all that live,
finds enmity with none.
Samyutta Nikaya. I 208
When one with a mind of love
feels compassion for the entire world
above, below and across,
unlimited everywhere.
Jataka 37
The Bodhisatta once was born as the righteous king Ekaraja. His kingdom was
taken by force and he & his son was buried in a pit to the neck...
King Ekaraja, however neither resisted nor bore even slight ill will against the
invaders. Later he remembered this as his ultimate perfection of friendliness.
Ekaraja Jataka 303
For details see:
The Practice of Loving-Kindness (Metta):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/bps/wheels/wheel007.html
The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga. Chapter IX.
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=771100
On Universal Friendliness:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Metta.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Good-Will_Again.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bon_Benevolence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Goodwill_Encore.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Released_by_GoodWill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/All-Embracing_Kindness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Infinite_and_Divine_Classic.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Buddha_on_Noble_Frienship.htm
More on the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Ten_Perfections.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_10_mental_perfections_(parami)_in_three_levels.htm
Friendliness Frees!
Quite Cordially,
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Balanced Equanimity is the Tenth Mental Perfection:
Equanimity characteristically induces & promotes impartial neutrality...
It's function is to look upon things with an even unreactive indifference!
It's manifestation is the gradual stilling of both attraction & repulsion..
It's proximate cause is seeing, that all inherit the results of their actions.
It's effect is utter purification & perfection of all other mental qualities,
by ending both discontent & delight, thereby providing the necessary
equal calm required for their complete assessment & accomplishment.
Equanimity means Unaffectable..
Equanimity means Unprovokable..
Equanimity means Undisturbable..
Equanimity means Unexcitable..
Equanimity means Imperturbable..
Equanimity means Disengaged..
Equanimity means Disentangled..
Equanimity means Detached..
Equanimity means Immovable..
Equanimity means Unbeatable..
Equanimity means Untemptable..
Equanimity means Wholly Immune..
Equanimity means Indifferent..
Equanimity means Impartial..
Equanimity means Unbiased..
Equanimity means Disinterested..
Equanimity means Balanced..
Even like a smiling mountain!
Cool Calm is the ultimate Balm!
The Threefold Equanimity (Upekkha):
If Indifferent towards both:
Internal states & external phenomena,
Living beings & lifeless things,
Past, present & future events,
How can one be hurt, upset,
disturbed or distressed ?
Calm is his mind.
Calm is his speech.
Calm is his action.
So is the Tranquility;
So is the Equanimity;
of one freed by the Insight
of right Knowledge.
Dhammapada 96
Although a man is richly dressed and adorned,
if he is in peace, at ease, in equanimity, calmed,
composed, controlled, celibate and harmless
towards all beings, then verily he is a Holy One,
a recluse, a sage ...
Dhammapada 142
Equanimity towards one's own internal states -
that is indeed a link to Enlightenment.
Equanimity regarding external phenomena & conditions -
that is indeed also a link to Enlightenment.
Samyutta Nikaya V Bojjhanga-samyutta.
Such noble friend finally develops
the link to awakening that is Equanimity
during Awareness of in-&-out breathing,
which protect against damaging mental states,
tends to detachment, to ceasing, tends to release
& culminates in complete self-surrender...
If, friends, Awareness of in-&-out breathing,
is so cultivated and so made much of, it is
indeed of great fruit, of great advantage!
One whose Awareness of breathing in-&-out
is perfected, well developed, and gradually
brought to refined growth thus, according to the
teaching of the Buddha, such one illuminates the
entire world, just like the full moon freed from clouds.
Samyutta Nikaya V Anapana-samyutta.
The Blessed One once said:
Now how, Ananda, in the discipline of a Noble One is there
the unsurpassable development of the senses?
There is the case where, when seeing a form with the eye,
there arises in a monk what is agreeable, or what is disagreeable,
or what is both agreeable & disagreeable. He recognizes that:
This agreeable thing has arisen in me, or this disagreeable thing...
or this both agreeable & disagreeable thing, has arisen in me:
And that is constructed, conditioned, coarse & dependently co-arisen!
But this is peaceful, this is exquisite, namely even & equal equanimity!
Instantly, that arisen agreeable or disagreeable thing ceases,
and Equanimity takes it's calm stance!
Just as a man with good eyes, having closed them, might open them;
or when open, might close them, that is how quickly, how rapidly,
how easily, no matter what it refers to, Equanimity make
whatever arisen agreeable thing... or disagreeable thing...
or both agreeable & disagreeable thing cease right there,
and Equanimity takes it's even stance!
In the discipline of The Noble One, this is called the unsurpassable
development of the senses with regard to visible forms cognizable
by the eye. Similar is the supreme development of the other senses.
MN 152
With the fading of rapturous joy, he remains in equanimity,
aware & alert, still physically sensitive to bodily pleasure.
He enters & remains in the third jhana, of which the Noble Ones
declare: 'In aware Equanimity, one abides in pleasure...'
With the stilling of pleasure & pain as with the earlier disappearance
of elation & frustration, he enters & remains in the fourth jhana:
sole Awareness purified by equanimity, - neither pleasure nor pain -
This is called right concentration...
The elimination of both sensual desires & of discontent,
the ejection of laziness, the calming of all regrets,
just this pure Equanimity being aware of all mental
properties exactly at the moment they appear:
That I call the direct knowledge of release
the breakthrough from ignorance.
Sutta Nipata V 13: Udaya's Questions
Equanimity is 'Tatra-majjhattata', which designates the evenly balanced
keeping to the moderate middle of all things. It has as characteristic, that
it effects the balance of consciousness and mental properties as a single
function of single taste, which prevents both overt excessiveness and any
lack or insufficiency. Equanimity thereby puts an end to biased partiality by
manifesting moderation well within range of the properly reasoned midway.
Visuddhimagga XIV
The Buddha once explained:
I would make my bed in a charnel ground, with a skeleton for my pillow..
And cowherd boys came up and spat on me, urinated on me, threw dirt at me,
and poked sticks into my ears! While others, exultant & thrilled brought me
offerings of food, caskets of perfume & incense and garlands of flowers!
Yet I do not recall, that I ever showed any partiality towards any of them...
I was the same to them all! Neither arousing any fondness nor any aversion!
This was my ultimate perfection of equanimity...
MN 12 Lomahamsanapariyaya
The Hair-raising Presentation
Cariyapitaka III 15
More on Equanimity (Upekkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Serene_Equanimity_and_Beyond.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Imperturbable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unshakable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Empty_Equanimity.htm
More of the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Ten_Perfections.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_10_mental_perfections_(parami)_in_three_levels.htm
Even is Equanimity!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Attadipa viharatha,
attasarana;
anaññasarana.
Dhammadipa,
dhammasarana;
anaññasarana.
Make an island of yourself,
Make yourself into your lamp!
Make yourself your refuge;
There is no other refuge.
Make the Dhamma your island,
Make the Dhamma your light!
Make the Dhamma your refuge;
There is no other safe haven.
Digha Nikaya 2.165
The Daily Words of the Buddha is a service of Pariyatti.
http://www.pariyatti.org
Only One Exit!
No other protection, or secure shelter exists!
Take it! Make it! Create it: The Way!
It is up to YOU!
It is YOUR CHOICE!
It is YOUR FUTURE!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the GREATEST!
Bhikkhu Samahita Ceylon
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Subscribe by email to: Buddha-Direct-subscribe@googlegroups.com
May all beings become thus Happy!
Some Clues about the Elemental & Fundamental Mentality creating all Existence:
Observer Participation: The world emerges, when it is observed!
The world is not 'out there' independent of the mind, but it is indeed synthesized
by a mass-collective asking of yes-no questioning by many being’s observation, through
an immense number of prior universes passing from big bang to implosion (big crunch)!
This creation by creating binary information can be epitomized in the dogma:
- It from Bit - !!! John Archibald Wheeler - Quantum Physicist, Princeton.
Information is Physical and not Subjective:
Any gain in information (which is a measure of order) induces a decrease in entropy
(which is a thermodynamic measure of disorder)! The creation and transfer of information
happening at any measurement, thus changes the energetic state & thus future development
of the observed system! Observation itself - by definition, per se - thus influence, transform &
change the observed object... Modified freely after W.H. Zurek. Quantum Physicist, Los Alamos.
Appearance by intentional determination of directed attention:
We are actually bringing about, what seems to be happening to us! Thomas Mann. Philosopher
What Exists is identical with the thought that recognizes it! Parmenides of Elea (515-450 BC)
Phenomena appears and are created by the very act of directing
attention to them. This advertence is deliberate and intentional.
The ‘scene’ or ‘image’ appears only, when actually looking at it!
Just Modes of Conceptualization:
Time and space are not conditions in which we live, but modes by which we think... Albert Einstein.
Time and space are not (objective) things, but (mentally imposed) orders of things... Leibniz
Just Cause and Effect:
Intentional action (karma = Kamma) is decisive information about to do this & not that.
This information creation reduces the universal thermodynamic entropy (degree of disorder)...
This newly created order limits, restricts & thus affects the future evolution of the universal system.
The probability of certain future events happening have thereby been increased, while the probability
of other future events have been reduced. Any intention by any being thereby modifies and narrows the
potentiality of the universe - seen as a giant network of cause and effect- which then naturally later
falls out and manifests as another - now intentionally changed - actuality...
The moral efficacy of kamma = karma = action is therefore not a religious metaphysical postulate,
but a simple and ultra-basic inevitable consequence of the mentally derived nature of the universe itself...
Morality is thus a natural Law on par with gravity:
Do good and get pleasure (Sukha)...
Do evil and get pain (Dukkha)...
ORIGIN
Intention always comes first
Intention is of all states the primer
By intention are all things initiated
By thought of mind are all phenomena formed
So - if with good intention one thinks, speaks or acts
Joy surely follows one like the never-leaving shadow
However!!!
- if with evil intention one thinks, speaks or acts
Pain certainly follows one like the wheel follows the car.
Dhammapada 1 + 2
More on Maxwell's Demon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxwell%27s_demon
It from Bit! Observer Participation!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu S amahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards is Law One!
The golden Buddhist's life standards make harmony for oneself and others. This layman's code of discipline =
(gihi-vinaya) organize social relationships so that they produce a society of happy being and beings: Law 1 is:
Law 1: Avoid the 14 kinds of Wrong & Evil Behaviour:
A. Refraining from the four actions that defile mentality (kammakilesa):
1: Killing, violence, harming, breaking, or taking any life (panatipata).
2: Stealing, theft, misappropriation, & violating property rights (adinnadana).
3: Sexual misconduct such as adultery and paedophilia (kamesumicchacara).
4: Speaking false, lying, misleading, deceiving, & pretending (musavada).
B. Desisting from the four kinds of twisted behaviour (agati):
5: Biased & skewed behaviour based on desire, like, & attraction (chandagati).
6: Biased & skewed behaviour based on anger, dislike, & opposition (dosagati).
7: Biased & skewed behaviour based on fear, anxiety, & timidity (bhayagati).
8: Biased & skewed behaviour based on folly, confusion, & doubt (mohagati).
C Avoiding the six channels leading to ruin (apaya-mukha, lit: The mouth of the downfall!):
9: Being addicted to drinking and/or drugs.
10: Always revelling in party, nightlife, & company.
11: Being restlessly bent on empty entertainments & amusements.
12: Being addicted to gambling, betting, & gaming.
13: Associating with evil friends.
14: Being chronically lazy.
Source:
A constitution for Living. Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life.
Ven. P.A. Payutto. Thailand. Buddhist Publication Society 2007: BP 620S http://www.bps.lk
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards is Law One!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards are the Primary Social Laws!
The golden Buddhist's life standards make harmony for oneself and others. This layman's code of discipline =
(gihi-vinaya) organize social relationships so that they produce a society of happy being and beings: Law 2 is:
Law 2: Choose only True Friends and Prudent Money Planning:
A. Choosing only good people as true friends will make life prosperous and constructive:
How to recognize the 4 kinds of false friends only imitating a surface of goodness (mitta-patirupaka)?
I. The habitual cheater who only takes from friends, has four features:
1. He thinks only of getting & rarely of giving
2. He gives only little when in the hope of getting much.
3. Only when he is pressed in danger does he help his friend.
4. He imitates friendliness only to promote his own advantage.
II. The smooth talker has four features:
1. He talks only of what is already done & now gone.
2. He talks only of what has not yet come.
3. He offers only help that has no true effect.
4. When his friend needs a hand, he then makes many excuses.
III. The empty flatterer has four features:
1. He agrees even, when his friend is doing some wrong.
2. He also agrees, when his friend is doing right.
3. He sings only his beguiling praises, when the friend is present.
4. He runs him down behind his back, when the friend is absent.
IV. The leader to ruin has four features:
1. He is a companion only when drinking.
2. He is a companion only when partying.
3. He is a companion only in frequenting shows and amusements.
4. He is a companion only in gambling, gaming and betting.
How to recognize the 4 kinds of true friends with a genuine core goodness (suhada-mitta)?
I. The helping friend has four features:
1. When his friend is off guard, then he guards & protects him.
2. When his friend is off guard, he guards & protects his property.
3. In times of danger, he is always a refuge of help & ready assistance.
4. In times of need, then he gives much more than asked for.
II. The friend through thick and thin has four features:
1. He confess his own secrets to his friend.
2. He keeps his friend's secrets safe and sound.
3. He does not desert or betray his friend in times of danger.
4. He will give even his own life for his friend's sake.
III The good counsellor has four features:
1. He restrains his friend from doing evil or harm.
2. He encourages him to do good & accumulate merit.
3. He explain to his friend, what he has not heard before.
4. He points out the way to prosperity, progress and happiness.
IV. The loving friend has four features:
1. When his friend is unhappy, he sympathizes in pity.
2. When his friend is happy, he is also happy for him.
3. When others criticize his friend, he comes to his defense.
4. When others praise his friend, he joins in their praise.
Such are the 4 false and the 4 true friends. Please take note of that!
B. Allocating one's wealth rightly by being intelligent in earning, spending & saving:
1. One portion is to be used for supporting oneself, family, dependents, and for charity & good works.
2. Two portions to be used for investment in one's business or owned structures.
3. Another portion to be put aside as savings for future needs.
Source:
A constitution for Living. Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life.
Ven. P.A. Payutto. Thailand. Buddhist Publication Society 2007: BP 620S http://www.bps.lk
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards are the Primary Social Laws!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards are the Primary Laws!
The golden Buddhist's life standards make harmony for oneself and others. This layman's code of discipline =
(gihi-vinaya) organize social relationships so that they produce a society of happy being and beings: Law 3 is:
Law 3: Maintain good and sound social relations in all 6 directions:
First direction: How should Children behave towards Parents and Parents behave towards children?
Children should honour their parents by:
1. Having been raised by them, one looks after them in return.
2. One helps them in their business and work.
3. One continues & maintains the family line.
4. One conducts oneself as is proper for an heir.
5. After their death, one makes offerings, dedicating the merit to them.
Parents should help their children by:
1. Cautioning and protecting them from evil.
2. Nurturing and training them in goodness.
3. Providing a suitable & proper education.
4. Seeing to it that they obtain suitable spouses.
5. Bequeathing the inheritance to them at the right time.
Second direction: How should Students behave towards Teachers and Teachers behave towards students?
Students should respect their teachers by:
1. One rises to greet the teacher when he arrives and shows respect towards the teacher.
2. One approaches the teacher to attend to & serve him, to consult, to query & to receive advice from him.
3. One listens well & pay full undivided attention so as to gain complete understanding.
4. One performs any practical task and runs errands for the teacher.
5. One learns the subject earnestly, giving this task of learning right priority.
Teachers should support his students by:
1. Teaching and training them to be good and skilful.
2. Guiding them to thorough & penetrating understanding.
3. Teaching the subject in full, holding nothing back.
4. Encouraging and praising the student's qualities and abilities.
5. Providing learning that both can make a living & induce behaviour producing happy prosperity.
Third direction: How should Husband behave towards Wife and Wife behave towards Husband?
A husband, one should honour and support the wife by:
1. One honours her in accordance with her status as a wife.
2. One does not disparage, criticize, undervalue or belittle her.
3. One does not commit adultery with any other women.
4. One gives her control of & responsibility for all the household affairs.
5. One gives her occasional gifts of ornaments and clothing.
A wife supports her husband by:
1. Keeping the household clean, proper and tidy.
2. Helping the relations and friends of both family sides.
3. Not committing adultery with any other men.
4. Safeguarding any wealth that has been acquired.
5. Being energetic and enduring in all her works.
Fourth direction: How should Friend behave towards Friend?
A real friend maintains his friendships by:
1. He shares with them.
2. He speaks kindly to and about them.
3. He helps them whenever needed.
4. He is constant & faithful despite their ups and downs.
5. He is understanding and sincere.
Friends then reciprocate by:
1. Protecting their friend when he is off guard.
2. Protecting their friend's property when one is off guard.
3. Being a safe refuge and shelter in times of danger.
4. Not desert or leave their good friend in times of need.
5. Respecting all their friend's family and relations.
Fifth direction: How should Employer behave towards employees, & Employees towards employer?
1. The Employer assigns the work in accordance with the workers strength, sex, age, and abilities.
2. He pays them wages compatible with their work and adequate for their livelihood.
3. He grants them fringe benefits and provides medical care in times of sickness.
4. He shares with them a portion of any special profits that may arise.
5. He gives them appropriate holidays and suitable time to rest.
The Employee helps the employer by:
1. Starting work before the employer.
2. Stopping work after the employer.
3. Taking only what is given by his employer.
4. Doing the job well and always seeking ways to improve on it.
5. Spreading a good reputation about the employer and his business.
Sixth direction: How should the lay Buddhist behave towards monks and nuns, & they towards him?
The Lay Buddhist honours and respects the ordained Sangha by:
1. He acts towards them in goodwill.
2. He speaks to them with goodwill.
3. He thinks of them with goodwill.
4. He receives them willingly.
5. He supports them with the four requisites of almsfood, robes, shelter and medicine.
All Monks and nuns help the lay people by:
1. Protecting them from evil actions which inevitably produces painful consequences.
2. Encouraging them in goodness, which inevitably produces pleasurable consequences. .
3. Assisting them in all activities with kind intentions.
4. Making known to them the things they have not heard before.
5. Enhancing and clarifying those things they have already heard.
6. Pointing out the way to heaven, & teaching them the way to happy prosperity here & now.
Source:
A constitution for Living. Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life.
Ven. P.A. Payutto. Thailand. Buddhist Publication Society 2007: BP 620S http://www.bps.lk
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards are the Primary Laws!
Socially Sound in 6 Directions!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards are the Primary Laws!
The golden Buddhist's life standards make harmony for oneself and others. This layman's code of discipline =
(gihi-vinaya) organize social relationships so that they produce a society of happy being and beings: Law 4 is:
Law 4: Helping all beings achieve their advantageous goals!
One should help oneself, one should help others and one should help both oneself and others...
Helping oneself will develop one's life towards progress, prosperity, and happiness.
Helping others by inducing and encouraging them to develop their lives, gives same benefits.
Helping oneself and others creates a mutual goal and advantage for both parties. This collective benefit,
leads to happiness and virtue of the community & society. An example is environmental conditions, which we
all should help create and conserve in order to help both ourselves and others to a happy & better future.
Helping all people is joining in constructively creating a social harmony and unity...
Helping all beings is expanding this gentle and subtle harmony universally!
The Four Principles for Help:
1. Dana: Giving and sharing (helping through money and material goods).
2. Piyavaca: Kind, friendly & polite speech (helping through words & explanation).
3. Atthacariya: Helpful bodily action (helping attaining goals through physical effort).
4. Samanattata: Participation & assistance (helping with collective construction & problem solving).
The Three Levels of Goals:
1. First level: Present benefits to be seen & utilized here and now (ditthadhammikattha):
a) Having good health, a strong body, freedom from disease, pleasant appearance, and long life.
b) Having work and income, honest livelihood, and economic self-reliance.
c) Having good status, being of good standing in the community.
d) Having a happy family worthy of admiration & respect.
2. Second level: Religious goals for further advantages (samparayikattha):
a) Warmth, deep appreciation and happiness through faith of having a true ideal.
b) Pride in having a clean life, in having done only morally irreproachable deeds.
c) Gratification in a worthwhile life, in having made sacrifices and done much good.
d) Courage & confidence by having understanding to deal with problems & guide own & other's life.
e) Security and freedom from worry in having done good as an investment for the future life.
3. Third level: The absolute and ultimate Goal (paramattha):
a) Not wavering in face of common vicissitudes and inevitable changes.
b) Not being depressed, despaired, or distressed because of clinging to attachments.
c) Being assured, secure, calm, clear, cheerful, and mentally buoyant at all times.
d) Living and acting with wisdom, which looks rationally at all causes and conditions.
e) Approaching Nibbana - the deathless element - the highest bliss - the final peace - the highest goal -
One who is able to attain the second level of goals & upwards is known as a wise man (pandita).
Source:
A constitution for Living. Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life.
Ven. P.A. Payutto. Thailand. Buddhist Publication Society 2007: BP 620S http://www.bps.lk
The Golden Buddhist Life Standards are the Primary Laws!
Helping all beings makes a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Completion of 7 Things initiates The Noble 8-fold Way!
Human beings are special as they can train, learn, & educate themselves to elevating progress!
The Blessed Buddha once explained:
Completion of 7 things is the seed, initiator, & precursor for developing the Noble 8-fold Way!
What are they?
1. Having a Good and Beautiful Friend (Kalyana-mitta):
Such friend has a pure and beautiful mind, which by simply being a good example will influence &
encourage all other beings to improve their mentality, behaviour and understanding. Such good
friend encourages one to learn, train and develop one self towards individual & social harmony.
2. Completion of Pure Morality (Sila-sampada):
Having a minimum of 5-precept moral discipline is the indispensable foundation of right life.
This means living harmlessly & helpfully, and not exploitatively, both within the material and
social environment, by using the four necessities of food, clothing, shelter and medicine as
well as any technology, so they enhance a true quality of one's own & others beings life, by
promoting education, constructive action, merit-making & the state of balance in nature.
3. Consummation of Motivation (Chanda-sampada):
Having a mind that is motivated by withdrawal and good-will, which aims at learning and
doing good. Not obsessed by only wanting more, getting new, and low consumer pleasure...
Instead, one uses all one's abilities in joyous learning of how to do only good things, avoid
all evil things and purify one's mind into a subtle radiant excellence.
4: Perfection of One-self (Atta-sampada):
By dedicating oneself to the realization of one's full human potential through daily meditation.
One views all difficulties, hardships, obstacles and problems as good training grounds to test
& improve one's mind, intelligence and abilities toward the realization of one's full potential,
through a comprehensive refinement, that encompasses mentality, behaviour, & understanding.
5. Clarification of View (Ditthi-sampada):
Seeing that all things has a cause and an effect is adhering to the principle of conditionality.
This comprehension of the vast mutual dependency of all mental & material states in the universe
comes from repeated reasoning, thorough examination and excellence of rational analysis. This
enables mental clarity and intellectual independence, neither being impulsive, nor over-reactive,
not allowing oneself to drift along the stream of public hysteria and banal common priorities.
6. Achievement of Alertness (Appamada-sampada):
To be acutely and constantly aware of the inevitable impermanence, inherent instability, transience,
fleeting evanescence and total insubstantiality of all life, all things and all phenomena, which are
constantly changing according to their causes and conditions, both internally and externally, will
establish oneself in alertness. One realizes, that one cannot afford to be complacent. One sees the
preciousness of time and strives to learn about, prevent and rectify the causes of decline and bring
about the causes of growth & prosperity, using all one's time, night & day to the greatest advantage!
7. Fulfillment of Rational Attention (Yoniso-manasikara-sampada):
Attending wisely so as to what is the cause of any phenomena or state, will make one advantageously
realize the real truth. To investigate, by intelligently examining, investigating, tracing, analyzing and
researching into the very proximate cause of any given situation, will make one able to solve problems
& do things successfully through intelligent methods, that allows one to be independent, self-reliant &
at the same time - by that self-sufficiency - become a helping refuge to many other people & beings.
As dawn is the forerunner for the rising of the sun, even and exactly so do these 7 things
seed, initiate and begin the development and completion of the Noble 8-Fold Way!
The Noble 8-fold Way culminates in Nibbana - the Deathless State - !
These 7 things are therefore indeed Noble Goals!
Source: Samyutta Nikaya V 29-31 & the classical commentary on that, which inspired:
A constitution for Living. Buddhist Principles for a Fruitful and Harmonious Life.
Ven. P.A. Payutto. Thailand. Buddhist Publication Society 2007: BP 620S http://www.bps.lk
The 7 Noble Goals!
Related Links:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Sila_1_to_5.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Virtue.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bon_Benevolence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Five_Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Noble_8_fold_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Nibbana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Careful_Attention.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Refuges_&_Precepts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Proximate_Cause.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Cohesive_Co-Origination.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Noble_8-Fold_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Motivation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Impermanence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Selfless_Friendship_is_Sweetest.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Careful_and_Rational_Attention.htm
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Kayamunim vacamunim,
manomunimanasavam,
munim moneyyasampannam.
Ahu ninhatapapakam.
Silenced in body, silenced in speech,
silenced in mind, without restlessness,
blessed with silence is such recluse...
He is truly washed of all evil.
Itivuttaka 3.67
More on Mental Tranquillity:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Tranquillity.htm
Have a nice calm day!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Silenced.htm
Triple Silenced!
Calm Kindness Protects by Sweet Gentle Softness!
With good will for the entire cosmos,
cultivate an infinitely limitless heart:
Above, below, across & all around,
unobstructed, without any hostility or hate.
Sutta Nipata I, 8
May all creatures, all breathing things,
all beings one and all, without exception,
experience good fortune only.
May they not fall into any harm.
Anguttara Nikaya II, 72
Let no one deceive another
or despise anyone anywhere,
or through anger or irritation
wish for another to suffer.
Sutta Nipata I, 8
More on All-Embracing Kindness!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Buddha_on_Noble_Frienship.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/All_Embracing_Kindness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Blazing_Friendliness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/United_in_Harmony.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Blazing_&_Bright.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Friendliness_Frees.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kalyanamitta.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Metta.htm
Have a nice day in Calm Kindness!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
One should feel Great Compassion with those many beings heading Downwards:
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Pleasure is the only good; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Terror is the only goal; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Sensuality is innocent; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Violence is allowable; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Money makes happy; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Power is progress; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Falsehood is OK; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Stealing makes rich; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Conceit covers up; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Science knows all; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Killing can be good; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Hunting is only fun; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Adultery is matured; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Paedophilia is harmless; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Drugs is fantastic; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Booze is medicine; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Giving does not help; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: After death is nothing!; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: The Hells do not exist; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Action has no effect; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: I am the better than...; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those thinking: Making-merit cannot elevate; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who is veiled by wrong view; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who is fooled by own opinion; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who is gripped by greed & lust; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who is stirred by hate & anger; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who is clinging to all worldly; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who is confused by not knowing; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who prostitutes themselves; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who cheat & deceives; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who pretends what is not; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who hides what is real & true; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who destroys beings &/or things ; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who pollute milieu & society; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who deliberately do bad knowing it; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who fails their duties & obligations; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those, who misses the opportunities; By that they fall!
It is a great pity with all those blinded by ignorance, dragged by craving, while
pushed by aversion: By that they surely fall into states of pain, agony & despair!
As if grapped by the arms by two huge & strong men & hurled into a big fire...
More on this caring Great Compassion (maha-karuna)!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Endless_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Karuna_is_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Space_Compassion.htm
Have a nice day in Deep Pity!
Wishing U a Calm & Happy Wesak Day 2008
This Sacred Day celebrates the birth, Enlightenment, and passing away of the Blessed Buddha Gotama 534 BC.
May all beings be thus calmed, cleared, cooled & content!
About the Awakening of the Buddha on this very day:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Wesak_2008.htm
Have a nice calm Wesak day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
What made the Bodhisatta seek Enlightenment?
Sitting in his upper chamber the immensely rich young brahmin Sumedha thought like this:
Not seeking Purity:
When a man soiled in dirt sees a pure lotus covered lake, but does not seek it to get a clean bath,
it is not an error of the lake, but a fault of the dirty man...
Even and exactly so: When there is the great lake of the deathless Nibbana capable of purifying
all the mental defilements, yet it is not being sought by the mentally polluted being, then it is not
an error of this immortal state, but a fatal fault of the mentally contaminated human being...
Neglecting the Way:
When a man surrounded by robbers does not flee, though there is a possible way to escape, then it
is not an error of this open way, but a fault of the man neglecting to break free by this road...
Even and exactly so: When there is this blessed Noble 8-fold Way leading straight to absolute
freedom, yet it is not being used, then is not an error of this supreme method, but a fault of the
man failing to follow, clear and develop this ancient path...
Rejecting the Doctor:
When a seriously sick man does not seek the help of the doctor, who knows the effective cure,
then is neither a fault of the doctor nor of the medical treatment, but a mistake of the sick man!
Even and exactly so: When there is this sublime Teacher, who can cure all mental diseases & thereby
allay all frustration and pain, yet he is not being sought, then - indeed - it is not a fault of this guide,
but a grave error of anyone mentally unhealthy and defiled and thus prone for downfall...
These thoughts made the young man give away all his richness and become recluse in Himalaya!
Later he met the Buddha Dipankara and at his feet made the determination to be come Buddha!
More on the Bodhisatta Sumedha, who later bloomed as Gotama Buddha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/s/sumedha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/d/diipankara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/g/gotama.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/b/bodhisatta.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/b/buddha.htm
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahitam Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Which 7 Knowledges makes a Person Ideal?
1: Knower of the Dhamma, Principles, and Causes (Dhammaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows the speeches, the sayings, the stories, the poems of the Buddha.
He furthermore all knows the inspirations, questions/answers and commentarial explanations.
The ideal lay person knows the underlying principles of everyday life, & what is reasonable to do.
He knows and understands the duties & responsibilities of his own & other posts & occupations.
2: Knower of the Goals, Objectives, and Meanings (Atthaññuta):
The ideal monastic person fully knows the complete meaning of this and that speech and text.
The ideal lay person knows the aim of his duty, position, or occupation & the real purpose of life.
3: Knower of Oneself (Mattaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows so far can I remember the texts, so far can I reach in meditation.
So far is my pure morality, so far am I in faith, energy, awareness, concentration, & understanding.
The ideal lay person knows his exact status, condition, strength, knowledge, ability, & morality.
He then acts accordingly and does what is needed to improve and reach greater maturity.
4: Knower of Moderation (Attaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows moderation in using any alms, robes, lodgings, and medicines.
The ideal lay person knows moderation in consumption, spending, speech, work, rest, & recreation.
5: Knower of Right Occasion (Kalaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows the right time for study, meditation, practical work, & solitude.
The ideal lay person knows the proper & punctual occasion for any dealing with other people.
6: Knower of Groups (Parisaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows any group of Nobles, priests, recluses, and householders and how
one ideally should approach, sit, speak, & behave in any such group for the greatest mutual advantage.
The ideal lay person knows individual differences, temperaments, abilities, & virtues of other people.
He knows this community have these rules & regulations; culture & tradition; they have these needs.
7: Knower of Persons (Puggalaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows those who wish to see nobles, hear true Dhamma, & pay attention.
He knows those who are aware, testing, learning, & who acts accordingly. He knows those who do not.
The ideal lay person knows whether particular other people should be associated with, what can be
learned from them, & how they should be related to, employed, praised, criticized, advised, & taught.
Source: AN IV 113
The Ideal Person!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Which 7 Knowledges makes a Person Ideal?
1: Knower of the Dhamma, Principles, and Causes (Dhammaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows the speeches, the sayings, the stories, & the poems of the Buddha.
He furthermore knows all the inspirations, questions/answers and commentarial explanations.
The ideal lay person knows the underlying principles of everyday life, & what is reasonable to do.
He knows and understands the duties & responsibilities of his own & other posts & occupations.
2: Knower of the Goals, Objectives, and Meanings (Atthaññuta):
The ideal monastic person fully knows the complete meaning of this and that speech and text.
The ideal lay person knows the aim of his duty, position, or occupation & the real purpose of life.
3: Knower of Oneself (Mattaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows so far can I remember the texts, so far can I reach in meditation.
So far is my pure morality, so far am I in faith, energy, awareness, concentration, & understanding.
The ideal lay person knows his exact status, condition, strength, knowledge, ability, & morality.
He then acts accordingly and does what is needed to improve and reach greater maturity.
4: Knower of Moderation (Attaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows moderation in using any alms, robes, lodgings, and medicines.
The ideal lay person knows moderation in consumption, spending, speech, work, rest, & recreation.
5: Knower of Right Occasion (Kalaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows the right time for study, meditation, practical work, & solitude.
The ideal lay person knows the proper & punctual occasion for any dealing with other people.
6: Knower of Groups (Parisaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows any group of Nobles, priests, recluses, and householders and how
one ideally should approach, sit, speak, & behave in any such group for the greatest mutual advantage.
The ideal lay person knows individual differences, temperaments, abilities, & virtues of other people.
He knows this community have these rules & regulations; culture & tradition; they have these needs.
7: Knower of Persons (Puggalaññuta):
The ideal monastic person knows those who wish to see nobles, hear true Dhamma, & pay attention.
He knows those who are aware, testing, learning, & who acts accordingly. He knows those who do not.
The ideal lay person knows whether particular other people should be associated with, what can be
learned from them, & how they should be related to, employed, praised, criticized, advised, & taught.
Source: AN IV 113
The Ideal Person!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
What is cause & effect of satisfied contentment?
The blessed Buddha once said:
Solitude is happiness for one, who is content,
Who understands & clearly sees the Dhamma.
Harmlessness is happiness in all worlds,
Kindness towards all living beings.
Udana 10
What is the proximate cause of contentment?
Mutual joy with others success is the proximate cause of contentment...
If one is never glad by the happiness of others, one will always be discontent!!!
If one is always glad by the happiness of others, one will always be content!!!
Thus is contentment caused by an altruistic mental state & not by external richness...
Example: Rich people possessing all the things they ever desired, can still be very discontent!
And vice versa: Poor people not having much can still be very content and very much smiling!
What are the proximate & remote effects of contentment?
Satisfaction is the proximate effect of contentment!
From this sweet satisfaction is joyous gladness born.
From gladness is bodily & mental tranquillity born.
From bodily & mental tranquillity is a pleasurable happiness born.
From this pleasurable happiness emerges focused concentration.
In focused concentration, one comes to know and see it, just as it really is.
Seeing and knowing it, just as it really is, induces undeceived disillusion.
Disillusion detaches by disenchanted & disappointed disgust.
When detaching, then there is mental relinquishment!
When letting go, then mental freedom becomes inevitable!
Mental freedom produces a calmed inner peace...
This Peace is bliss! Peace is the taste of Nibbana ;-)
More on the Contentment:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Contentment.htm
How to cultivate mutual joy & thus induce & increase contentment:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoicing_Bliss_is_Mudita.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Calm, Cool and Quite Content!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Appropriate Appreciation Returns in Gratitude!
One should be grateful towards one's Parents. Why so?
They have worked hard & very long raising one into being!
One should be grateful towards one's Teachers. Why so?
They do much to make one learn, what one not yet understood...
One should be grateful towards one's Friends. Why so?
They have shown one an open kindness & much goodwill!
One should be grateful towards one's Spouse. Why so?
They have loyally accompanied one along the way...
What is the future kammic effect of gratitude and ungratefulness?
The one who is grateful & appreciates appropriately will receive ever again!
The one who is ungrateful & thankless will never receive gifts or favours again!
Thankfulness thus pays back!
Therefore: Always Say Thanx!
;-) thanx!
And on the Contentment:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Contentment.htm
How to cultivate Rejoicing Appreciation:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoicing_Bliss_is_Mudita.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Have a nice day in Appropriate Appreciation!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Appropriate Appreciation Returns in Gratitude!
One should be grateful towards one's Parents. Why so?
They have worked hard & very long raising one into being!
One should be grateful towards one's Teachers. Why so?
They do much to make one learn, what one not yet understood...
One should be grateful towards one's Friends. Why so?
They have shown one an open kindness & much goodwill!
One should be grateful towards one's Spouse. Why so?
They have loyally accompanied one along the way...
What is the future kammic effect of gratitude and ungratefulness?
The one who is grateful & appreciates appropriately will receive ever again!
The one who is ungrateful & thankless will never receive gifts or favours again!
Thankfulness thus pays back!
Therefore: Always Say Thanx!
;-) thanx!
And on the Contentment:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Contentment.htm
How to cultivate Rejoicing Appreciation:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoicing_Bliss_is_Mudita.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Have a nice day in Appropriate Appreciation!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Indeed is this Samsara a Sea of Suffering!
As the 4 Noble Truths always say:
1: This & such is Suffering!
2: Craving is the Cause of Suffering!
3: Ceasing of Craving is the End of Suffering!
4: The Noble 8-fold Way is the method to end Suffering!
More on these core facts here:
The 1st Noble Truth on Suffering:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_1st_Noble_Truth_on_Suffering.htm
The 2nd Truth: The Cause of Pain:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2nd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Cause_of_Suffering.htm
The 3rd Truth on Ceasing of Pain:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3rd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
The 4th Truth on The Noble Way:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4th_Noble_Truth_on_The_Way_to_Cease_Suffering.htm
Indeed True!
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
What is the Deepest Bliss in this World?
The blessed Buddha once said:
Solitude is happiness for one who is satisfied,
Who understands & clearly sees this Dhamma.
Harmlessness is happiness in all worlds,
Kindness towards all living beings.
Udana 10
Blissful is solitude for one who is content, learned & who see the True Dhamma.
Blissful is gentle harmlessness towards all breathing beings without exception.
Blissful is complete freedom from all urge for sense pleasures whatsoever.
Yet, the supreme bliss, is the elimination of the abysmal conceit “I am”!’
Udana 11
View all in this world as Empty - Void of Substance -
Thus always Open & Aware, Friend Mogharaja
Giving up belief in all & any Self!
One may escape even Death,
since Mara - the king of Death-
cannot see one with such void view!
Sutta Nipata 1119
Selfless and Harmless!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Selfless_and_Harmless.htm
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Genuine Goodwill Blazes and Shines!
The blessed Buddha once said:
Among tigers, lions, leopards & bears I lived in the jungle.
No one was frightened of me, nor did I fear anyone.
Uplifted by such universal friendliness, I enjoyed the forest.
Finding great solace in such sweetly silenced solitude…
Suvanna-sama Jataka 540
I am a friend of the footless,
I am a friend of all bipeds;
I am a friend of those with four feet,
I am a friend of the many-footed!
Anguttara Nikaya IV 67
May all creatures, all breathing things,
all beings one and all, without exception,
experience good fortune only.
May they not fall into any harm.
Anguttara Nikaya II 72
With good will for the entire cosmos,
cultivate a limitless heart & mind:
Beaming above, below, & all around,
unobstructed, without trace of hostility.
Sutta Nipata I
More good even better here ;-)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blazing_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Good-Will_Again.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Buddha_on_Noble_Frienship.htm
Genuine Goodwill!
What are the Three Buddhist Trainings?
All Buddha's disciples undertakes a 3-fold Training (ti-sikkha):
1: Training in higher Morality (adhi-sila-sikkha).
2: Training in higher Mentality (adhi-citta-sikkha).
3: Training in higher Understanding (adhi-pañña-sikkha).
Higher Morality is 3 fold:
It is Right Speech (samma-vaca)
It is Right Action (samma-kammanta)
It is Right Livelihood (samma-ajiva)
Higher Mentality is 3 fold:
It is Right Effort (samma-vayama)
It is Right Awareness (samma-sati)
It is Right Concentration (samma-samadhi)
Higher Understanding is 2 fold:
It is Right Motivation (samma-sankappa)
It is Right View (samma-ditthi)
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When founded on pure morality, then concentration produces a high fruit and blessing.
When based on deep concentration, then understanding brings a high fruit and blessing.
Being endowed with understanding, the mind is freed from all the mental fermentations
related to sensing, becoming, views/opinions and ignorance. This - in itself- is releasing!
It is through not understanding, not penetrating and not attaining noble higher morality...
noble higher mentality.. and noble higher understanding... that both you and I had to pass
through this round of rebirths for such an immensely long time, without reaching the bliss
of deliverance, the bliss of peace and, the bliss of noble higher release: Enlightenment...
References: MN 44, DN 16 and AN IV 1
More good even better here ;-)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/magga.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/s_t/sikkhaa.htm
Triple is Buddhist Training!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Have a nice day ;-)
What is the Fruit of the Noble Way?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
While alive, then he is untroubled, & when he dies too, then he is not worried!
A recluse who has seen the goal, lives undisturbed even in a sorrowful world...
Ud 46
Wherever he goes, there he is unafraid.. Wherever he sleeps, there he is unalarmed.
The nights and days does neither touch nor burn him. He sees nothing in this world
that is to be kept or lost. Therefore his mind dwells in goodwill and gentle kindness
towards all beings until he falls asleep.
SN I 110
One who has attained the Dhamma has no task to do, as his task has been accomplished.
As long as he has not obtained a foothold, the swimmer must strive to his utmost,
but when he has found a place to rest his feet and gone up to dry land,
his striving is over because he has crossed to the further shore...
SN I 48
More good even better here ;-)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/climax_of_calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unshakable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Deathless_Dimension.htm
Untroubled Yeah!
The inevitable fact of life is: All that is born must also face Death:
About this inevitable, momentary all beings hitting Death:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Death.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Death_Contemplation.htm
About this equally inevitable, momentary ever recurring Rebirth:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Kamma_and_Rebirth.htm
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanatiloka/wheel394.html#ch2
Beyond Coping: The Buddha's Teachings on Aging, Illness, Death, and Separation:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/study/aids/index.html
To the Last Breath: Dhamma Talks on Living and Dying:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/thai/boowa/tolastbr.html
Buddhist Reflections on Death:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/gunaratna/wheel102.html
The Blessed Buddha once said:
While alive, then he is untroubled, & when he dies too, then he is not worried!
A recluse who has seen the goal, lives undisturbed even in a sorrowful world...
Ud 46
Wherever he goes, there he is unafraid.. Wherever he sleeps, there he is unalarmed.
The nights and days does neither touch nor burn him. He sees nothing in this world
that is to be kept or lost. Therefore his mind dwells in goodwill and gentle kindness
towards all beings, until he falls asleep.
SN I 110
REJOICING
Here he rejoices. So too after death he rejoices.
The one having done good works rejoices both places!
Remembering, looking back, seeing & thinking:
"Oh I have done good works, well done" he enjoys
the bliss of the happy worlds even more ...
Dhammapada Illustration 18 Background Story 18
MOMENTARY
Whosoever knows this body
to be as temporary as a bubble,
as insubstantial as the mirror image,
such one will break the flower tipped
arrows of Mara and cannot be seen by
this King of Death ...
Dhammapada 46
SURPRISE
Death carries off the man while distracted
by gathering flowers of sensual pleasures,
exactly & even so as a great flood carries
away a sleeping village.
Dhammapada 47
OFF GUARD
Death sweeps away the man distracted,
not yet had his fill of sensual pleasures,
even as he gathers these flowers.
Dhammapada 48
END-MAKER
Neither in the highest heaven, nor in the deepest ocean,
nor in the darkest cave, can anyone escape the overcoming
fact of Death ...!!!
Dhammapada 128
GAIN
Whoever never injures, with weapon nor stick, beings
searching for their happiness - when after death -
seeking same happiness, such clever & kind one
always gain it!
Dhammapada 132
DRIVEN
Exactly as a cowherd drives the cows forward,
even & exactly so do aging, sickness & death
drive all beings forwards towards the End!
Dhammapada 135
FORM
This body is worn out, a fragile form, a nest of
disease, a rotting mass of deception since its life
surely ends in Death ...
Dhammapada 148
MY BODY
It is a bag held up by bones, plastered with flesh,
blood and skin. In it lives aging, sickness, death,
pride & deceit.
Dhammapada 150
UNSEEN
As lasting as a bursting bubble;
As illusive as a mirage;
One regarding worldly life quite so is
forever unseen even by the King of Death.
Dhammapada 170
RETURN
The friend who returns from a long journey
is welcomed back by friends & family.
Even & exactly so when the doer of good at
death passes to the next state, there his merits
receives him, awaits him like friends & family.
Dhammapada 219-20
FINAL BLISS
The homeless sages, always restrained
in both action & body, finally pass to the
deathless state where sorrow is not.
Dhammapada 225
ENGAGED-ENCAGED
When a man is in love with sons, friends and family,
and other flocks his mind is passionately absorbed
therein. So distracted the King of Death carry him off
as a raging torrent sweeps away the sleeping village.
Dhammapada 287
LONGING
Sons, children, family cannot provide any refuge
nor shelter for the being prone to Death.
[Even though they live it is as if they exist not.
How much less can they provide any protection
nor safety against death ?]
Dhammapada 288
PLEASANT
Pleasant are friends when a need arises.
Pleasant is all fun when shared with friends.
Pleasant is the stored merit of good works at the moment of death.
Pleasant is it to leave behind all Suffering.
Pleasant is being a Father.
Pleasant is being a Mother.
Pleasant is being a Bhikkhu.
Pleasant is the state of the accomplished.
Pleasant is a prior righteous life when old.
Pleasant is faith firmly established, unshakable by doubt.
Pleasant is the arising of Insight.
Pleasant is the avoidance of Evil.
Yeah!
Dhammapada 331-33
PLEASURE, BIRTH, DECAY & DEATH
Flowing freely like greasy glue is the delight of beings.
Humans obsessed with this pleasure, always searching
the satisfaction not lasting, come to birth, decay, aging,
sickness and death ever again & again.
Dhammapada 341
LETTING GO
Let the past be past.
Relinquish the future.
Let the present be just as it is.
Having so gone to the far shore of being,
mind is freed from all attachments,
from any substrate of existence &
never returns to birth, aging nor death.
Dhammapada 348
DEATHLESS
The one who has no longings,
who fully understands,
who is without doubt,
who is established immersed in
the deathless state,
such one I call a Holy One.
Dhammapada 411
Unworried, even when facing Death Yeah!
Inevitable, but not the End...
Have a nice day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Even better: Send an empty email to Buddha-Direct-subscribe@googlegroups.com
Then U get better linked graphic messages directly in Ur mailbox.
Advantageous is Substitution of the 5 Hindrances with their opposite state:
1: Sense desire & lust (kama-chanda) should be substituted with attention on disgusting aspects.
2: Anger & ill-will (vyapada) should be substituted with infinite & universal friendliness.
3: Lethargy and laziness (thina-middha) should be substituted with enthusiastic energy.
4: Restlessness and regret (uddhacca-kukkucca) should be substituted with calm tranquillity.
5: Skeptical doubt & uncertainty (vici-kiccha) should be substituted with curious examination.
Substitution of the hindrances works exactly as long, as one is Aware of it...
Momentary Suppression of the hindrances can be obtained during Meditation...
Irreversible Elimination by complete Cut-off is achieved only, when attaining Nobility...
About the 5 Hindrances (Nivarana) and their cure:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_5_Mental_Hindrances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/AN.I.3-4.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/AN.I.3-4c.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Colourful_but_Muddy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Fire_of_Sense-Desire.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Disgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Anger_and_Irritation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Cure_Anger_and_Irritation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Lethargy_and_Laziness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Curing_Lethargy_and_Laziness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Restlessness_and_Regret.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Curing_Restlessness_and_Regret.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Doubt_and_Uncertainty.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Curing_Doubt_and_Uncertainty.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Feeding_the_Hindrances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Starving_the_Hindrances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_5_Become_10.htm
Suitable Substitution!
Have a nice unhindered day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The 7 Contemplations are the only ways to True Penetrating Insight:
1: When contemplating Impermanence (anicca), one gradually overcomes the false perception of permanence...
2: When contemplating Suffering (dukkha), one gradually overcomes the fake experience of happiness...
3: When contemplating Selflessness (anatta), one gradually overcomes the self-deception of ego-identity...
4: When contemplating Disgust (nibbida), one gradually overcomes the deceitfulness inherent in all delight...
5: When contemplating Disillusion (viraga), one gradually overcomes the illusion of the mere appearance...
6: When contemplating Ceasing (nirodha), one gradually overcomes the naivety of planning any origination...
7: When contemplating Relinquishment (patinissagga), one gradually overcomes the panic in all clinging...
About these 7 crucial core contemplations:
On this universal Transience:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Impermanence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Universal_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Impermanence_Anicca.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Perceiving_Transience.htm
On this absolute Misery:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_1st_Noble_Truth_on_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Suffering.htm
On this baffling Selflessness:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Self-less_Anatta.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Anatta_No_Self.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Anatta_Doctrine.htm
On this freeing Disgust:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Food_Disgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Released_by_Disgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Disgust.htm
On this Disenchanting Disillusion:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Fading_Away.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/First_Disillusion_then_Delight.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Disappointment.htm
On this Peaceful Ceasing:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Ceasing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Ceasing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3rd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
On this releasing Letting Go:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Not_Resisting_Anything.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Breaking_the_Bonds.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Beautiful_Release.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_are_the_5_Clusters_of_Clinging.htm
The 7 Crucial Core Contemplations!
Have a nice contemplating day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Sukham yava jara silam,
sukha saddha patitthita,
sukho paññaya patilabho,
papanam akaranam sukham.
Happiness is a prior morally righteous life when old.
Happiness is firmly established faith, unshakable by doubt.
Happiness is the arising of the Insight of Understanding.
Happiness is the avoidance of all Evil Behaviour.
Yeah! Dhammapada 333
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/KN/Dhammapada.htm
This is Genuine Happiness!
The Daily Words of the Buddha is a service of Pariyatti. http://www.pariyatti.org
Have a nice & happy day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Contemplating Transience penetrates false perception of permanence:
Buddha once said: Aniccanupassanam bhavento niccasaññam pajahati...
When developing the contemplation of Impermanence (Anicca),
one gradually overcomes the false perception of permanence...
The anytime, everywhere, & for everybody directly observable facts are:
All states will pass...
All things will vanish...
All formations are unstable...
All mountains crumble into nothing...
All memories are lost like tears in rain...
Nothing remains static without change...
All buildings & homes collapse into dust...
All phenomena are of a nature to breakup...
All moments momentarily cease never to return...
All Universes implodes into pointless singularity...
All phenomena are momentary & thus temporary...
All bodies grow old, decrepit, fall & finally rotten...
All worldly happiness & pleasure changes & are lost...
All beings grow old, sick, ugly, dement, smelling & die...
All forms of form will decay, deteriorate & fall apart...
All constructions - physical as mental - arises & ceases...
There is no lasting permanence anywhere except Nibbana...
More on this universal impermanence, inconstancy, and inevitable Transience (Anicca):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Impermanence_Anicca.htm
Anicca (Impermanence) According to Theravada Buddhism (Bhikkhu Ñanamoli):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel186.html
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/anicca.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Transient_formations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Internal_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_External_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Perceiving_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Impermanence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Universal_Transience.htm
All things break apart!
Nothing is thus worth clinging to...
Let it go!
It was never really your's anyway...
Have a nice relinquishing day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The false perception of permanence arises from wrong notion of apparent continuity:
Buddha once said: Aniccanupassanam bhavento niccasaññam pajahati...
When developing the contemplation of Impermanence (Anicca),
one gradually overcomes the false perception of permanence...
One cannot easily observe the characteristic of Impermanence, since it is obscured and
concealed by apparent continuity: Mind falsely conceives: This is the same as it was before...
One then wrongly perceives all psycho-physical phenomena as existing permanently and not
correctly as a sequence of discrete states ever arising and ceasing...
The stage of Viewing:
By training one can observe the solidity, fluidity, heat and motion within ones own body
or externally as changing states by noting their beginning, middle and end.
Example: Noting the beginning, middle and end of the breath coming in or going out!
The stage of Comprehending:
One then comprehends this breath, this materiality is not the same from moment to moment.
Nor is any other solidity, fluidity, heat or motion, the same from moment to moment...
Nor is any observing mind, thought or any mental state, the same from moment to moment...
Whether internally or externally: All this is only discrete states arising and ceasing...
Such cannot be lasting happiness... Such cannot be regarded as an essentially same self...
Such change is therefore suffering... Such transience is therefore no-self...
The stage of Gaining Insight:
By observing wisely and repeatedly one thus understands, that all formations, all phenomena,
all conditioned constructions inherently are permeated with the 3 characteristics of:
1: Impermanence (Anicca), 2: Suffering (dukkha), and 3: Selflessness (anatta)...
Insight dawns when noting & knowing the Dissolution of all phenomena (bhanga-ñana),
which gives rise to noting & knowing the Danger within all existence (adinava-ñana)...
By noting the impermanence of all internal form, feeling, perception, mental construction
and consciousness, one can generalize and extend this observed impermanence to also be
dominant in all external form, feeling, perception, mental construction and consciousness.
One can furthermore infer, that all phenomena in the past was impermanent, and so also
will all phenomena in the future be impermanent. This expands & matures the comprehension.
The result of contemplating Impermanence is absence of distortion (vipallasa):
The false perception of permanence actually comes from an -a priori- conceptual notion:
"All phenomena are permanent and endures as the same from moment to moment..."
This distortion of perception (sañña-vipallasa) - arised from ignorance - then by repetition
then distorts thinking (citta-vipallasa), which then later solidifies into a distortion of
view (ditthi-vipallasa): One then perceives, thinks, and views: Formations are all lasting!
This false conviction have been reified and reinforced through numberless accounts
of existence, since a indiscernible beginning, and is thus deeply ingrown and imbedded
in mind. However this triple distortion of perception, thinking and viewing can be broken
by repeated reasoned observation & reflection of the universal aspect of impermanence.
This requires rationally directed attention (yoniso manasikara) and clear comprehension
(sati-sampajañña) and leads to knowing and regarding all formations with a pleasant
imperturbable equanimity... (sankhara-upekkha-ñana)...
More on this universal impermanence, inconstancy, and inevitable Transience (Anicca):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Impermanence_Anicca.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Contemplating_Impermanence.htm
Anicca (Impermanence) According to Theravada Buddhism (Bhikkhu Ñanamoli)
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel186.html
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/anicca.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Transient_formations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Internal_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_External_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Perceiving_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Impermanence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Universal_Transience.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Transient_formations.htm
Nothing is continually the same ... All is changing states…
Have a nice observant day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
False perception of pleasure fools one to think: Worldly Happiness is Possible:
Buddha once said: Dukkhanupassanam bhavento sukhasaññam pajahati...
When developing the contemplation of Suffering (dukkha)
one gradually overcomes the false perception of pleasure...
The Blessed Buddha once convinced a disputant by this cut-2-the-bone explanation:
Friend Aggivessana, what do you think,
is any material form, is any feeling, is any perception,
is any mental construction, and is any consciousness,
always permanent or always impermanent???
Venerable Gotama, they are all ever impermanent...
If these things are impermanent, are they then pleasurable or painful?
Venerable Gotama, then they are all painful...
Aggivessana, what do you think,
When one searches for what is suffering, clings to what is suffering,
resorts to what is suffering, holds on to what is suffering and regards
what is suffering as: "This is mine, this I am, this is my self..."
can one then ever understand suffering or be freed from all suffering???
How could one ever Master Gotama, no never Master Gotama...
Source: MN I [232]
More on this universal, inevitable & absolute Misery (Dukkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_1st_Noble_Truth_on_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_3_Universal_Characteristics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Catastrophic.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Stopping_Physical_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Origin_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ending_Physical_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ending_Pain_Itself.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_3_Ultimate_Facts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Charcoal_Pit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Source_of_What.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Craving_is_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samsaric_Dread.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Endless_Round.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/300_Spears.htm
No Worldly Thing can ever bring Lasting Happiness ...
Have a nice realistic day!
Friendship is the Greatest
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Physical Pain & mental frustration is there, but concealed by the hope for pleasure:
Buddha once said: Dukkhanupassanam bhavento sukhasaññam pajahati...
When developing the contemplation of Suffering (dukkha),
one gradually overcomes the false perception of pleasure...
If there were no satisfaction to be found in the world, beings would not be attached to the world ....
If there were no misery to be found in the world, beings would not be repelled by the world ....
If there were no escape from the world, beings could not escape from this world .... AN 111, 102
The stage of Viewing:
Each time one changes posture of the body, one should note, that this was caused by bodily pain...
Each time one changes plan or search, one should know, that this was caused by mental frustration...
Every time one has headache, toothache, any illness or sickness, one should see: Painful is any body...
Every time one is disappointed, separated, or depressed, then one should note: Any mind incurs grief...
To see & realize everyday misery, by not dismissing or neglecting it, is a very advantageous teacher!
The stage of Comprehending:
Having seen & realized that both bodily & mental pain afflict us every minute, one may understand,
that this 'obvious pain' & suffering (dukkha-dukkha) is a common & inevitable part of any existence..
When the body decays & grows old, & when the momentary pleasure, joy or happiness fades away,
one may realize the rise & inevitable fall of all conditioned constructions and thereby comprehend
that suffering is an unambiguous part of any conditioned formation... This more hidden suffering
is called 'suffering due to constructedness' (sankhara-dukkha): All constructions will fall apart...
Finally, there is the fact of impermanence, which implies, that all found forms of worldly joy,
satisfaction, pleasure and whatever kind of happiness, will never last and thus quickly be lost...
This causes a frustration, which is called 'suffering due to change' (viparinama-dukkha)...
Gradually comprehending the abundance of these 3 kinds of suffering makes one realize:
All phenomena - even pleasant feeling - are nothing, but one massed up heap of suffering!!!
The stage of Gaining Insight:
This ultra realism squeezes one out of the cocoon quite well camouflaged by common comfort...
The knowledge of inevitable Dissolution of all phenomena and states arises ( bhanga-ñana)!
The knowledge of any appearance is a true Terror arises (bhayatupatthana-ñana)!
The knowledge of the Danger inherent in any form of dependent existence arises (adinava-ñana)!
The knowledge of the Disgust with all things & states in any world arises (nibbida-ñana)!
The result of contemplating Suffering is absence of mental distortion (vipallasa):
Direct and repeated experience of such disgust gradually detaches mind from it's habitual
attachments by disclosing the universal defect of all these deeply cherished objects:
No form, feeling, perception, mental construction or kind of consciousness will ever last!
This violent revulsion break the misconception that the 5 clusters of clinging is a source
of true and lasting pleasure and happiness. This mistaken notion leads otherwise to the
hedonist distortion of perception ( sañña-vipallasa), distortion of thinking (citta-vipallasa),
and distortion of view (ditthi-vipallasa), which makes one perceive, think and claim the view:
"This world, this life, all formations & all phenomena are essentially pleasurable!"...
Such distortion makes one run after fleeting pleasure & evanescent happiness in a transient
world, as the thirsty & scorched man runs in hot pursuit for a water mirage fata morgana
in the completely dry desert... Seeing, comprehending and fully understanding this abysmal
futility redirects mind towards the deathless, safe, and lasting peace of Nibbana...
More on this universal, inevitable & absolute Misery (Dukkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_1st_Noble_Truth_on_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_3_Universal_Characteristics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Contemplating_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Catastrophic.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Stopping_Physical_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Origin_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ending_Physical_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ending_Pain_Itself.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_3_Ultimate_Facts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Charcoal_Pit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Source_of_What.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Craving_is_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samsaric_Dread.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Endless_Round.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/300_Spears.htm
Pain & frustration afflicts us every minute ...
The Cocooning Fata Morgana! ...
Have a nice cocoon hatching day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.google.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.google.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Happy News:
A quite good Canadian Buddhist = Mr Stephen May
have recently secured the costs of the needed Knee Surgery.
Price = 3,372 US$. Donated so far = 3,192 US$
Now is only needed 180 US$
They may be contributed here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/various/Dhammadhara_Foundation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/various/sincere_request.htm
Thanx to all those wonderful friends who helped out!
I for one am extremely happy that such a donation has come about and wish you a good trip, succeful surgery and a speedy recovery!
:bigclap::cheer: