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Daily Dhamma Drops
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Drops of Dhamma Delight 2- Sabbedânam Dhammadânam Jinâti!
The gift of Dhamma conquers all other gifts... Dhp 354
For those looking for Devices to Calm, Ease, Freedom & Peace:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Index.Dhamma.Drops2.htm
The Seven Fruits of Developing the Seven Links to Awakening!
Bhikkhus, when the Seven Links to Awakening have been developed, completed
and refined, the winning of the seven fruits is indeed to be expected.
What are the benefits of these seven fruits? Regarding this, either:
1: One attains final knowledge early in this very life. Or:
2: One attains final knowledge at the time of death.
Or: Having destroyed the five lower chains and spontaneously re-arisen;
3: One attains Nibbāna in the first half of the life as a divine brahma. Or:
4: One attains Nibbāna in the second half of the life in these pure abodes. Or:
5: One attains Nibbāna as a noble non-returner without effort. Or:
6: One attains Nibbāna as a noble non-returner with some effort. Or:
7: One is bound upstream, surely heading towards the Akanittha realm.
When, bhikkhus, these Seven Links to Awakening have been thoroughly developed
and cultivated exactly in this way, these seven fruits & benefits may be expected...
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:69-70] section 46: The Links.3: Morality...
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
How does the 7 Links to Awakening induce Perforating Penetration?
It is: The Seven Links to Awakening! What seven?
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.
Venerable Sir, how are the Seven Links to Awakening developed & cultivated so that
they lead to, and induce penetration?
Udayi, when a Bhikkhu develops the Seven Links to Awakening supported by seclusion,
disillusion, and ceasing, culminating in a mental release; which is vast, exalted, & infinite,
without any trace of ill will. With such a mind matured and refined by these Seven Links
to Awakening, he penetrates, smashes & eliminates the mass of greed that he has never
before penetrated, smashed & eliminated; he penetrates, demolishes & eradicates the
heap of hate that he has never before penetrated, demolished & eradicated; and he
penetrates, disintegrates and disperses the accumulation of confusion that he has never
before penetrated, disintegrated and dispersed....
It is, Udayi, when these Seven Links to Awakening are developed & cultivated in exactly
this way that they lead to incisive penetration...
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 87-88] section 46: The Links.28: Leading to Penetration...
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
asked: Venerable Sir, 'The 7 Links to Awakening, The Links to Awakening' is it
always said. In what way are they called Links to Awakening?
They lead to Enlightenment, friend, therefore are they called links to Awakening.
Here, Bhikkhu, when one develops, trains, cultivates and refines:
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.
then these Seven Links to Awakening, becomes Noble and liberating. They lead
any one who trains them all out, they lead to utter revulsion, to intense disgust,
to dispassion, to cessation of craving and greed, to peace, to direct knowledge,
to complete destruction of suffering. They lead to Enlightenment, to Nibbāna...
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. Book [V: 82-83]
section 46: The Links.19-21: Noble Revulsion leads to Enlightenment....
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
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The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just as all the rafters in a peaked house slant, slope, tilt, tend, veer &
incline towards the roof top, even so, when any bhikkhu begins to train, develop &
cultivate the Seven Links to Awakening, then he indeed slants, slopes, tilts, tends,
inclines & veers towards Nibbāna... Why and how is this convergence so?
When, friends, a Bhikkhu trains, develops, expands, consolidates & refines:
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.
then these Seven Links to Awakening and the repeated training of them, in & by
themselves, make him slant, slope, tilt, tend, veer and incline towards Nibbāna...
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. Book
[V: 75-6] section 46: The Links.7: The Peaked House....
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
Good Friendship is the Seed of the 7 Links to Awakening!
Bhikkhus, just as dawn is the forerunner and precursor of the rising of the Sun,
even & exactly so too, for any Bhikkhu is Good & Noble Friendship the forerunner
and precursor of the emergence of the Seven Links to Awakening...!!!
When a Bhikkhu has a Good & Noble Friend, it is to be expected that he will develop
and cultivate these Seven Links to Awakening. And how does a Bhikkhu who indeed
has a Good & Noble Friend develop and cultivate the Seven Links to Awakening?
Here, friends, this Bhikkhu trains, develops, deepens, reinforces and refines:
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.
based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing of craving, & gradually culminating in release,
It is in exactly this way that any Bhikkhu, who has a Good & Noble Friend, truly trains,
develops, deepens, intensifies, reinforces & refines the Seven Links to Awakening...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 101] section 46: The Links.48: The Sun....
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss ! !!
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
Venerable Sariputta explains the Seven Links to Awakening!
Venerable Sariputta once said: Friends!
Friend; the Bhikkhus replied. Venerable Sariputta then explained this:
Friends, there are these 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.
These are the Seven Links to Awakening.
In whichever of these Seven Links to Awakening, I wish to dwell in the morning,
in that I abide in the morning; in whichever I wish to dwell at noon, in that I abide
at noon; in whichever I wish to dwell in the evening, in that I abide in the evening...
Suppose a king or a minister had a cupboard full of clothes of many various colours,
then whichever pair of clothes he wished to put on in the morning, that he would put
on in the morning; whichever clothes he wished to put on at noon, that he would put
on at noon; & whichever clothes he wished to put on in the evening, that he would put
on in the evening: so too, in whichever of these Seven Links to Awakening, I wish to
abide in for whatever period, in that indeed I easily abide dwelling fully absorbed...
If it occurs to me that now there is The Awareness Link to Awakening present in me,
then it occurs to me that it is measureless, & it occurs to me that it is well established;
and while it is remaining I know that it remains; and if it falls away in me, then I know
that it falls away caused by this or that specific condition & definable circumstance!
So too with the other six links to awakening. I note & know their presence & ceasing.
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 70-1] section 46: The Links.4: The Clothes...
that it falls away caused by this or that specific condition & definable circumstance!"
I can understand this and put it into practice. I have been to a certain extent but not formally and not often enough. I'll remember to remind myself morning, noon and night.
As I concentrate on this I'm experiencing exactly these Links and it's so obvious, I know, but to do this with deliberate mindfulness is such a wonderful help! I appreciate this very much.
How do the 7 Links to Awakening develop Sequentially?
Whenever withdrawn in body and withdrawn in mind one reflects on the Buddha-Dhamma,
then the Awareness Link to Awakening arise and develop. Thus aware one examines that!
Whenever examining a mental state, then the Investigation Link to Awakening arise and
develop. While thus being curious & enthusiastically investigating, keen energy is aroused!
Whenever energy is aroused in one who is enthusiastic, then the Energy Link to Awakening
arise and develop. In one energetic & enthusiastic and who therefore succeeds, joy is born!
Whenever succeeding in enthusiastic joy, then the Joy Link to Awakening arise & develop.
One thus joyous becomes mentally satisfied and therefore calmed in both body and mind!
Whenever calmed in body & mind, then the Tranquillity Link to Awakening arise & develop.
One thus satisfied, calmed, serene, settled & tranquil in both body & mind becomes happy!
Whenever calmed & comfortable in body & tranquil & happy in mind, then the Concentration
Link to Awakening arise & develop. Concentrated one reviews all rationally and reasonably!
Whenever one well balanced reviews all mental states rationally and reasonably, then the
Equanimity Link to Awakening arise & develop. In equanimity one knows & sees things right.
It is in this very way that the seven Links to Awakening develop sequentially, one after the
other; successively one leading to the next...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 67-69] section 46: The Links.3: Morality....
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
In what sense are the Seven Links to Awakening, links to awakening?
They are in, of and by themselves enlightened; in this sense are they links to awakening!
Establishing as the meaning of the Awareness Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
Examination as the meaning of the Investigation Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
Exertion of Effort as the meaning of the Energy Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
Intent Contentment as the meaning of the Joy Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
Stilled Peace as the meaning of the Tranquillity Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
Non-Distraction as the meaning of the Concentration Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
Even Ballance as the meaning of the Equanimity Link to Awakening is to be directly known.
They are enlightened in the meaning of root, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of cause, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of requisite, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of purification, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of blamelessness, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of withdrawal back, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of delivering freedom, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of without fermentation, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of silent solitary seclusion, thus are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened in the meaning of releasing relinquishment, thus are they links to awakening.
Source (edited extract): Sariputta
Path of Discrimination: Patisambhidamagga.
Treatise on the Links to Awakening XIII.
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
1: The Blessed Buddha preached his First Sermon: The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
2: The Bodhisatta was conceived in Queen Maya dreaming a white elephant entered her side.
3: The Blessed Buddha made the Great Withdrawal from the world at the age of 29 years.
4: The Blessed Buddha performed the Twin Miracle (yamaka-patihariya) of dual appearance.
5: The Blessed Buddha explained the Abhidhamma in the Tavatimsa heaven to his mother.
6: The ordination of Prince Arittha at Anuradhapura, under arahat Mahinda on Sri Lanka.
7: The foundation of the celebrated Mahastupa & enshrinement of relics by King Dutugemunu.
8: The next day the yearly 3 months rains retreat (vassa) of Buddhist Bhikkhus start.
On such Uposatha Observance days:
Any Lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges and undertakes
the Five Precepts like this: Newly bathed, shaved, white-clothed,
with clean bare feet, one kneels at a shrine with a Buddha-statue,
and bows first three times, so that feet, hands, elbows, knees and
head touch the floor. Then, with joined palms in front of the heart,
one recite these memorized lines in a loud, calm & steady voice:
As long as this life lasts:
I hereby take refuge in the Buddha.
I hereby take refuge in the Dhamma.
I hereby take refuge in the Sangha.
I hereby seek shelter in the Buddha for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Dhamma for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Sangha for the 2nd time.
I hereby request protection from the Buddha for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Dhamma for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Sangha for the 3rd time.
I will hereby respect these Three Jewels the rest of my life!
I accepts to respect & undertake these 5 training rules:
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Killing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Stealing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Sexual Abuse.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Dishonesty.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Alcohol & Drugs.
As long as this life lasts, I am thus protected by these 5 precepts...
Then, one keeps and protects these sacred vows better than one's own
eyes & children!, since they protect you & all other beings much better
than any army! They are the highest offer one can give in & to this world!
This is the very start on the path towards Nibbana -the Deathless Element-
This is the Noble Way to Peace, to Freedom, to Bliss, initiated by Morality,
developed further by Dhamma-Study and fulfilled by training of Meditation...
Today indeed is Pooya or uposatha or observance day, where any lay Buddhist
normally keeps the Eight Precepts from sunrise until the next dawn...
If any wish an official recognition by the Bhikkhu-Sangha, they may simply
forward the lines starting with "I..." signed with name, date, town & country
to me or join here. A public list of this new Saddhamma-Sangha is here!
The New Noble Community of Disciples: The Saddhamma Sangha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Saddhamma_Sangha.htm
Can quite advantageously be Joined Here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Sangha_Entry.htm
May your journey hereby be eased, light, swift and sweet. Never give up !!!
Bhikkhu Samahita: what.buddha.said@gmail.com
For Details on Uposatha Observance Days
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html
How do the Seven Links to Awakening link & lead to Awakening?
They lead to & produce enlightenment, in this way are they links to awakening.
They are themselves enlightened, in this way are they links to awakening.
They are enlightened since they embrace the root cause of awakening.
They are enlightened since they provide & equip the root cause of awakening.
They are enlightened since they induce ripening of the root cause of awakening.
They are enlightened since they promote distinction of the root cause of awakening.
They are enlightened since they completely perfect the root cause of awakening.
How do the Seven Links to Awakening remain stably established in mind?
The Awareness link remains by arising of other states not being given attention.
The Awareness link remains by non-arising of other states being given attention.
The Awareness link remains by occurrence of other states not being given attention.
The Awareness link remains by non-occurrence of other states being given attention.
The Awareness link remains by the sign not being adverted to nor given attention.
The Awareness link remains by the sign-less state being given constant attention.
The Awareness link remains by mental construction not being given any attention.
The Awareness link remains by ceasing of all craving being given full attention.
The Awareness link to Awakening indeed remains in these very eight aspects.
Exactly and similarly so with the other six links to Awakening.
The Awareness link falls away by arising of other states being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by non-arising of other states not being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by occurrence of other states being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by non-occurrence of other states not being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by the sign-less state not being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by the sign being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by ceasing not being given attention.
The Awareness link falls away by mental construction being given attention.
The Awareness link to Awakening falls away in these eight aspects.
Exactly and similarly so with the other six links to Awakening.
Source (edited extract): Sariputta
Path of Discrimination: Patisambhidamagga.
Treatise on the Links to Awakening XIII.
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
The Investigation Link to Awakening is the chief in the sense of greatness like an elephant.
The Energy Link to Awakening is prime in the sense of being swift & strong like a horse.
The Joy Link to Awakening is vital in the sense of giving brilliant radiance like a jewel.
The Tranquillity Link to Awakening is primary in the sense of soothing like a mild woman.
The Concentration Link to Awakening is best in the sense ofgiving wealth like a treasurer.
The Equanimity Link to Awakening is supreme in the sense of ballance like a good advisor.
These seven links to awakening are thus like the 7 treasures of a wheel-turning monarch.
They awaken beings into the state of entering the stream leading to the deathless Nibbāna.
They further awaken beings into the state of returning here as human only one more time.
They furthermore awaken beings into the state of never returning here as human again.
They finally fully awaken beings into the state of Arahatship by complete Enlightenment.
When these seven states coincide simultaneously; fused into the same assemblage; all being
joined focused on only one single and even same object: Nibbāna, then Awakening occurs...
Only this is final Enlightenment!!! Yeah...
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, exactly & even so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot survive without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Awareness Link to Awakening and feeding of the completion by
development of any already arisen Awareness Link to Awakening ???
There are states that are the [URL="file:///C:/Program%20Files/Common%20Files/Microsoft%20Shared/Stationery/#The_food_that_are_basis_and_source"]basis and source[/URL] for the Awareness Link to Awakening!!
Frequently giving careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the arising of any
unarisen Link to Awareness Link to Awakening and feeding the gradual fulfilment by
development of any already arisen Awareness Link to Awakening...
And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that obstructs the emergence of any yet unarisen
Awareness Link to Awakening & which also hinders any already arisen Awareness Link
from reaching any fulfilment by development? There are, bhikkhus, things that are
[URL="file:///C:/Program%20Files/Common%20Files/Microsoft%20Shared/Stationery/#The_food_that_are_basis_and_source"]basis and source[/URL] for the Awareness Link to Awakening: not giving frequent, careful &
rational attention to them; not considering them much; is the starving that prevents any
unarisen Awareness Link to Awakening from arising and also blocks any already arisen
Awareness Link to Awakening from reaching complete fulfilment by development...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Establishing continual mental presence standing near the object is the characteristic
of the Awareness Link to Awakening (sati-sambojjhanga). Neither neglecting any nor
forgetting anything is the function of Awareness. Remaining anchored on the object,
undistracted & undisrupted, is the manifestation of the Awareness Link to Awakening.
The food that are basis and source the arising of the Awareness Link to Awakening is:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Clear_Comprehension.htm
2: Training of the Four Foundations of Awareness (satipatthana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm
3: Avoidance of careless, mindless & always distracted people.
4: Friendship with those endowed with acute & alert awareness.
5: Determination regarding establishing unremitting awareness.
What is Right & Noble Awareness? Answer and Details at:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Awareness.htm
Further studies in this superb state:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Sati_Studies.htm
Awareness is a crucial Universal Basis for all other advantageous states whatsoever...
Awareness is all helpful and useful everywhere and anytime. Sati Saturates so Sweet!
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
What is Feeding the Investigation of States Link to Awakening!
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, exactly & even so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot survive without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Investigation of states Link to Awakening and feeding of the very
completion by advance of any already arisen Investigation of states Link to Awakening?
There are states that are:
Advantageous or Disadvantageous.
Blameable or Blameless.
Ordinary or Excellent.
On the Bright or the Dark side.
Frequently giving careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the arising of any
unarisen Link to Investigation of states Link to Awakening and feeding the gradual
fulfilment of any already arisen Investigation of states Link to Awakening...
And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that obstructs the emergence of any yet unarisen
Investigation of states Link to Awakening & which also hinders any already arisen
Investigation of states Link from reaching any fulfilment by deliberate development?
There are, bhikkhus, things that are Advantageous or Disadvantageous, Blameable or
Blameless, Ordinary or Excellent and on the Bright or the Dark side: not giving frequent,
careful & rational attention to them; not considering them much & often; is the starving
that prevents any unarisen Investigation of states Link to Awakening from arising and
also blocks any already arisen Investigation of states Link to Awakening from reaching
complete fulfilment by mental development...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Examining is the characteristic of the Investigation of states Link to Awakening
(Dhamma-Vicaya-sambojjhanga). Scrutiny, inspection, inquiry, exploration, analysis,
research & repeated review is the purpose of the Investigation of states quality.
Interested and eager curiosity is the manifestation of this Investigating function.
Before, while and after doing any mental, verbal or bodily action simply ask yourself:
Are this behaviour really: Advantageous or disadvantageous, blameable or blameless, ...
on the Bright or Dark side and act accordingly! Keep on refining this discrimination!!!
Conditions helpful for the emergence of the Investigation Link to Awakening are:
1: Asking Questions.
2: Clean, healthy & hygienic mental & physical praxis.
3: Avoidance of people with small & unclear understanding.
4: Friendship with people with exact & profound understanding.
5: Repeated reviewing reflection on all deeper questions.
6: Commitment to finding out precisely why & how...
There is investigation of external states and there is investigation of internal states.
Both is a crucial for all progress towards understanding. Awakening is pure Knowing!
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments...
Let there be Calm, Clear & Free Bliss !!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, exactly & even so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot survive without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Energy Link to Awakening and feeding of the very completion by
advance of any already arisen Energy Link to Awakening? There are these 3 elements
of: Initiative, Launching and Endurance ...
Frequently giving careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the arising of any
unarisen Energy Link to Awakening and also feeding of the gradual fulfilment of any
already arisen Energy Link to Awakening... And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that
obstructs the emergence of any yet unarisen Energy Link to Awakening & which also
hinders any already arisen Energy Link from reaching any fulfilment by deliberate
development? There are these three elements of:
Initiative, Launching and Endurance ...
not giving frequent, careful and rational attention to them; not considering them much
and often; is the starving that prevents any unarisen Energy Link to Awakening from
arising and also blocks any already arisen Energy Link to Awakening from reaching any
complete fulfilment by mental training and development...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Enthusiastic and eager exertion is the characteristic of the Energy Link to Awakening
(Viriya-sambojjhanga). Effort producing advantage is the purpose of the Energy quality.
Activity overcoming mental slack is the manifestation of this Energy Link to Awakening.
While too lazy to do what should be done simply ask yourself: What is missing here???
Is it the element of mental initiative wishing to get up that is missing here now, or is it
the element of actual bodily launching into effort that is missing here now, or is it the
element of endurance, persistence, perseverance and stamina that is missing here now?
This discrimination - in itself - has the capacity to gradually stir up and induce energy!
Further conditions helpful for the emergence of the Energy Link to Awakening are:
1: Reflection on the long-term dangers of inactivity such as hell...
2: Reviewing the benefits to be gained by energetic praxis.
3: Remembering that no journey can ever be ended by a lazy one.
4: Giving credit to the good givers of the alms-food received.
5: Honouring the Greatness of the prior effort of the Master.
6: Honouring the Greatness of the prior effort of the Lineage.
7: Removing laxity by perceiving light, change posture & open air.
8: Avoidance of slack, lazy, sluggish, negligent & careless people.
9: Friendship with enthusiastic, energetic and persistent people.
10: Reviewing the Four Right Efforts often and systematically.
11: Commitment & resolute determination to arouse more energy...
There is bodily energy and there is mental energy! Both are a crucial for all progress
towards any advantageous state. Awakening is Waking Up from sloth & daydreaming!
Energy is the Fifth Mental Perfection: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Enthusiastic_is_Energy.htm
Curing Laziness and lethargy: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Curing_Lethargy_and_Laziness.htm
Get Moving Right Now: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Arousal_Get_Up_and_Going.htm
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....
Let there be Calm, Clear & Free Bliss !!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, exactly & even so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot survive without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Joy Link to Awakening and also feeding of the very completion by
advance of any already arisen Joy Link to Awakening? There are states that are the
originator, maker, producer, root, basis & source for the Joy Link to Awakening!!
Frequently giving careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the arising of any
unarisen Joy Link to Awakening and also feeding of the gradual fulfilment of any
already arisen Joy Link to Awakening... And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that
obstructs the emergence of any yet unarisen Joy Link to Awakening and which also
hinders any already arisen Joy Link from reaching sweet fulfilment by development?
There are states that are the basis & source for the Joy Link to Awakening!!
Not giving frequent, careful and rational attention to them; not considering them
much and often; is the starving that prevents any unarisen Joy Link to Awakening from
arising and also blocks any already arisen Joy Link to Awakening from reaching any
complete fulfilment by mental training and progressive development by meditation...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Elated and ecstatic exultation is the characteristic of the Joy Link to Awakening
(Piti-sambojjhanga). Motivated intentness upon is the purpose of the quality of Joy.
Satisfaction lifting any depression is the manifestation of the Joy Link to Awakening.
Thinking of Joy makes this state return! This can be utilized by training it! Try now!
This reinforcement - in itself - has the capacity to gradually elevate and induce Joy!
Therefore is the state of gladness & joy itself mainspring, basis & source of more Joy…
It is the deliberate directing attention to this, again & again, that can produce Joy!!!
Further conditions helpful for the emergence of the Joy Link to Awakening are:
1: Recollection of the supreme & sublime uniqueness of the Buddha...
2: Recollection of the supreme & sublime uniqueness of the Dhamma...
3: Recollection of the supreme & sublime uniqueness of the Sangha...
4: Recollection of the supreme & sublime efficacy of pure Morality...
5: Recollection of the supreme & sublime efficacy of prior Generosity…
6: Recollection of the qualities that gave the devas their divinity...
7: Remembering the stilled silent state of blissful Peace...
8: Avoidance of primitive, violent, angry, rough, and coarse people.
9: Friendship with refined & kind people, who often smile in silent ease.
10: Reviewing by reading many inspiring dhamma discourses like this one.
11: Commitment & resolute determination to elevate the mind by Joy...
There is Joy associated with thinking and there is Joy separated from thinking! Both leads
to enraptured advance towards many advantageous states. Awakening is a flood of Bliss!
The lower Joys of the Flesch (samisa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Joys_of_the_Flesch_and_Beyond.htm
The higher Joys that are not of, but quite beyond this world (niramisa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Joys_Beyond_This_World.htm
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, exactly & even so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot survive without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening and also feeding of the completion
by cooling of already arisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening? There are 2 kinds of Calm:
Tranquillity of the Body (kaya-passaddhi) & Tranquillity of the Mind (citta-passaddhi)!
Frequently giving careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the arising of any
unarisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening and also feeding of the gradual fulfilment of any
already arisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening... And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that
obstructs all emergence of a yet unarisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening & which also
hinders any already arisen Tranquillity Link from reaching fulfilment by development?
There are these two kinds of serene & composed calm, which should be differentiated:
Tranquillity of the Body (kaya-passaddhi) & Tranquillity of the Mind (citta-passaddhi)
Not giving frequent, careful and rational attention to them; not considering them much
and often; is the starving that prevents an unarisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening from
arising and also blocks any already arisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening from reaching
any complete fulfilment by mental training and progressive development by meditation...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Peace is the characteristic of the Tranquillity Link to Awakening (Passaddhi-sambojjhanga).
Stilling of body, feeling, perception, any mental construction and the changing consciousness
is the purpose of the quality of Tranquillity. Settled, serene and stilled calm (samatha) is the
excessively pleasant manifestation of the Tranquillity Link to Awakening. A smiling mountain!
When the mirror moves one cannot see anything clearly in it. So also with mind: When stressed
& agitated, mind cannot figure out what is long-term good. But when stilled and imperturbable
mind can cut right through any distraction and attain absolute certainty and understanding...
Further conditions helpful for the emergence of the Tranquillity Link to Awakening are:
1: Eating good and fine food...
2: Living in a pleasant climate...
3: Maintaining a comfortable posture without pain or distress...
4: Staying ballanced in all situations and regarding all aspects...
5: Avoidance of restless, anxious, agitated and stressed people...
6: Friendship with bodily and mentally calmed people, who meditates much!
7: Commitment to calm down the mind by cultivating quiet and tranquillity!
There is Tranquillity of the Body and there is Tranquillity of the Mind! These mutually
depend upon and enhance each other into even deeper stilling. Awakening is solid calm!
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
What is Feeding the Concentration Link to Awakening!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, even & exactly so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot remain without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Concentration Link to Awakening and also feeding of the completion
by condensation of any arisen Concentration Link to Awakening? There are two signs:
The sign of calm, serenity & mental silence and the sign of non-distraction & non-scatter!
Frequently giving careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the arising of any yet
unarisen Concentration Link to Awakening & also feeding of the gradual fulfilment of any
already arisen Concentration Link to Awakening... And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that
obstructs all emergence of a yet unarisen Concentration Link to Awakening & which also
hinders any already arisen Concentration Link from reaching fulfilment by development?
The sign of calm, serenity & mental silence and the sign of non-distraction & non-scatter!
Not giving frequent, careful and rational attention to them; not considering them much
and often; is the starving that prevents an unarisen Concentration Link to Awakening from
arising and also blocks any already arisen Concentration Link to Awakening from reaching
any complete fulfilment by mental training and progressive development by meditation...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Focus is the characteristic of the Concentration Link to Awakening (Samadhi-Sambojjhanga).
Ceasing of all distraction, disturbance, diversion, agitation, mental instability and wavering is
the purpose of the quality of Concentration (Samadhi). Penetration is the manifestation of
the Concentration Link to Awakening. This stability produces breakthrough to understanding!
Concentration is present in all consciousness. This can be greatly enhanced by fixing attention.
Further conditions helpful for the emergence of the Concentration Link to Awakening are:
1: Keeping own body, behaviour, belongings and surroundings completely clean...
2: Having routine in recognizing the sign of calm and the sign of non-distraction...
3: Ballancing the abilities of faith vs. understanding & energy vs. concentration evenly...
4: Controlling, confining and restraining the mind, whenever necessary...
5: Pushing, prodding and exerting the mind, whenever needed...
6: Gladdening, encouraging and easing the mind, whenever suitable...
7: Looking on, just overseeing the mind in equanimity, whenever appropriate...
8: Avoiding unconcentrated, agitated, diffuse and scatter-minded people...
9: Friendship with concentrated people with direct experience in absorption...
10: Frequent reviewing of the mental absorptions (jhanas) & the mental liberations...
11: Commitment to focus the mind into one-pointed and absorbed Concentration!
There is Concentration while thinking and there is Concentration without any thinking!
Mental absorption (Jhana) is the higher being's exquisite state! Awakening is fixed focus!
What is this Sublime & Profound Right Concentration?
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Concentration.htm
How to remove recurring disadvantageous Distractions?
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/How_to_Remove_Distracting_Thoughts.htm
Requisites for Attaining the 1st Jhana Absorption?
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Requisites_for_Jhana_Absorption.htm
Details on the Jhana Absorptions:
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Details_of_the_Jhana_Absorptions.htm
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on feeding
and cannot survive without food, even & exactly so are the Seven Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding and they
cannot remain without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding of the emergence
of any yet unarisen Equanimity Link to Awakening and also feeding of the completion
by condensation of any arisen Equanimity Link to Awakening? There are states that
are the basis and source for the Equanimity Link to Awakening!! Frequently directing
careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the emergence of unarisen Equanimity
Link to Awakening & also feeding of the gradual fulfilment of any arisen Equanimity
Link to Awakening... And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that obstructs all emergence of
a yet unarisen Equanimity Link to Awakening & which also hinders any already arisen
Equanimity Link from reaching complete fulfilment by meditative development?
There are states that are the basis and source for the Equanimity Link to Awakening!!
Not giving frequent, careful and rational attention to them; not considering them much
and often; is the starving that prevents an unarisen Equanimity Link to Awakening from
arising and also blocks any already arisen Equanimity Link to Awakening from reaching
any complete fulfilment through mental training in the form of frequent meditation...
Comments from the classical commentaries:
Imperturbable onlooking ballance is characteristic of the Equanimity Link to Awakening.
(Upekkha-Sambojjhanga). Moderation, seeking the neutral middle, & composed control is
the purpose of the quality of Equanimity (Upekkha). Imperturbability is the manifestation
of the Equanimity Link to Awakening. This stable yet plastic patience purifies all the other
advantageous mental states, which thus reach their maximum, when joined with Equanimity...
Further conditions helpful for the emergence of the Equanimity Link to Awakening are:
1: Impartiality regarding all living & sentient beings...
2: Indifference regarding all inanimate constructions...
3: Avoiding biased people who prefer favouritism & one-sided partiality...
4: Friendship with well ballanced people unmoved by both pleasure & pain...
5: Commitment to ballance the mind into even & imperturbable Equanimity!
There is Equanimity towards living beings and there is Equanimity regarding material things!
There is Equanimity towards internal states & there is Equanimity regarding external states!
There is Equanimity towards all past, present, and future times, events, and phenomena!
There is Equanimity towards all mentality and there is Equanimity regarding all materiality!
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
There is Awareness of all internal states and Awareness of all external states.
Both kinds of Awareness are links leading to Enlightenment (sati-sambojjhanga).
There is Investigation of all internal states and Investigation of all external states.
Both kinds of Investigation are links leading to Enlightenment (vicaya-sambojjhanga).
There is Energy of the body (vigour & strength) and Energy of the mind (keen enthusiasm).
Both kinds of Energy are links leading to Enlightenment (viriya-sambojjhanga).
There is rapturous Joy associated with thinking and there is Joy without any thinking.
Both kinds of Joy are links leading to Enlightenment (piti-sambojjhanga).
There is calm Tranquillity of the body and there is serene Tranquillity of the mind.
Both kinds of Tranquillity are links leading to Enlightenment (passaddhi-sambojjhanga).
There is Concentration associated with thinking and Concentration without any thinking.
Both kinds of Concentration are links leading to Enlightenment (samadhi-sambojjhanga).
There is Equanimity regarding internal states and Equanimity regarding external states.
Both kinds of Equanimity are links leading to Enlightenment (upekkha-sambojjhanga).
These 14 can only a Buddha or a true disciple of a Buddha see, understand and explain...
Comments:
Awareness of all internal (mental) states is the most important, best and highest.
Investigation of all internal (mental) states is the primary, most fruitful & hardest.
Energy of the mind is the most advantageous, effective, capable and forceful.
Joy without any thinking is the most rapturous, ecstatic, elevating and all-pervading.
Tranquillity of the mind is the deepest, most calm, serene, still and imperturbable.
Concentration without any thinking is the most focused, one-pointed and absorbed.
Equanimity regarding internal (mental) states is the best ballance and protection.
Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 111] 46: Links. 52: A way of Explaining...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
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The Awareness Link to Awakening (sati-sambojjhanga) is basically the
same mental property (sati-cetasika), which inherently is included in:
The Four Foundations of Awareness (satipatthana)
The Ability of Awareness (satindriya)
The Power of Awareness (satibala)
The Right Awareness Path Factor (samma-sati-magganga)
Trained, developed and refined in a degree that gradually enlightens!
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by careful & rational attention
develops the Awareness Link to Awakening based on seclusion, disillusion,
ceasing, and culminating in relinquishment, neither can any fermentation,
nor any fever, nor any vexation ever arise in him. MN 2 [i 11]
The Ability of Awareness is to remain anchored on any chosen object &
when this ability is unshakable and well fixed, it is a Power of Awareness!
Awareness is a Foundation (patthana), when well Established (upatthana)
continually - without interrupting distractions - on these four objects:
1: Body as mere form: Just a group of foul & fragile organs...
2: Feeling as a reactive response assigned to any contact...
3: Mind as only a changing set of mentalities & moods...
4: Phenomena simply as momentary mental states...
Not lasting but transient! Not pleasure but pain! Not Self but impersonal!
Neither neglecting nor forgetting that these universal characteristics are
relevant & true for absolutely all aspects of these four objects, the false
& distorted perception of beauty in what really is disgusting, of pleasure
in what really is painful, of self in what really is selfless and impersonal,
gradually fades away and the mental fermentations (asava) of sensing,
of views, of ignorance and of becoming are overcome by elimination.
Further inspirations on this lucid quality of Awareness:
Training of Clear Comprehension (sampajanna):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Clear_Comprehension.htm
Training of the Four Foundations of Awareness (satipatthana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm
What is Right & Noble Awareness? Answer and Details at:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Awareness.htm
Further studies in this universally superb mental state:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Sati_Studies.htm
Friendship is the Greatest ...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Investigation of states Link to Awakening (dhammavicaya-sambojjhanga)
is basically the same mental property (pañña-cetasika), that Understands
everything and which also is inherently included in the:
The Understanding feet of force (vimamsiddhipada)
The Ability of Understanding (paññindriya)
The Power of Understanding (paññabala)
The Right View Path Factor (samma-ditthi-magganga)
Trained, developed and refined in a degree that completely Enlightens!
If one single quality should be pointed out as thee cause of Awakening,
then it is this Investigation of states Link to Awakening that Enlightens!
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by careful & rational attention
develops an Investigation of states Link to Awakening based on seclusion,
disillusion, ceasing, & culminating in relinquishment, then neither can any
fermentation, nor any fever, nor discontent ever arise in him. MN2 [i 11]
Remaining thus aware, then he examines, analyzes, & comes to understand
that quality with penetrating insight. While thus aware, exploring into,
examining, analyzing, & coming to full intuitive comprehension, then this
Investigation of states Link to Awakening becomes aroused. He develops
it, & for him it goes to the culmination of its development. MN118 [iii 85]
The Ability of Investigation of states is to examine, scrutinize & analyse
any chosen object & when this ability is unshakable and unfailing, it then
becomes a Power of Investigation of phenomena! By thorough and eager
investigation one understands that all things are caused and conditioned
and as such only are compounded constructions, that pass through the
inconceivably rapid moments (10-43 sec.) of arising, presence, & ceasing!
Remaining neither the 'same' nor 'stable' for two consecutive moments...
Comprehending this universal flux gradually disables clinging & craving...
Therefore do not trust anything (especially not 'your-self'!) blindly...,
but keep on examining and question what is doubtful & not quite clear.
The Investigation of states Link to Awakening is the sword that cuts
through the jungle of views to real seeing, understanding and knowing:
The last five (III-VII) of these Seven Purifications:
I: Purification of morality (sila-visuddhii)
II: Purification of mind (citta-visuddhi)
III: Purification of view (ditthi-visuddhi)
IV: Purification by overcoming doubt (kankha-vitarana-visuddhi)
V: Purification by knowledge & vision of what is path and not-path
VI: Purification by knowledge and vision of progress on the path.
VII: Purification of knowledge and vision (ñanadassana-visuddhi).
The Three Comprehending Contemplations:
Contemplation of Impermanence (aniccanupassana)
Contemplation of Suffering (dukkhanupassana)
Contemplation of Impersonality (anatta)
The 9 kinds of real Insight-Knowledge consisting in directly Knowing:
1. Contemplation of Arising and Ceasing (udayabbayanupassana-ñana)
2. Contemplation of Instant Dissolution (bhanganupassana-ñana)
3. Contemplation of Appearance as Terror (bhayatupatthana-ñana)
4. Contemplation of Danger (adinavanupassana-ñana)
5. Contemplation of Disgust (nibbidanupassana-ñana)
6. The Desire for mental Release (muccitu-kamyata-ñana)
7. Reflecting & repelling contemplation (patisankhanupassana-ñana)
8. Equanimity regarding all constructions (sankharupekkha-ñana)
9. Adaptation confirming to the absolute truth (saccanulomika-ñana).
Further inspirations on this probing quality of Investigation of states:
Feeding Investigation: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Investigation.htm
Not Examining! http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Because_of_Not_Examining.htm
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
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The Energy Link to Awakening (Viriya-sambojjhanga) is basically the
same mental property (viriya-cetasika), as that which performs any
effort & which also is inherently included in the:
The Energy Feet of Force (viriyiddhipada)
The Ability of Energy (viriyindriya)
The Power of Energy (viriyabala)
The Right Effort Path Factor (samma-vayama-magganga)
Trained, developed and aroused so that it are capable of Enlightening!
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by careful & rational attention
develops the Energy Link to Awakening based on seclusion, disillusion,
ceasing, & culminating in relinquishment, then neither can any mental
fermentation, nor any fever, or discontent ever arise in him. MN2 [i 11]
In one who examines, finds out why, & comes to certain comprehension,
in him his Energy Link to Awakening becomes aroused. He develops it,
& for him it goes to the culmination of its development. MN118 [iii 85]
The Ability of Energy is to initiate, launch into effort and to complete
any undertaking using persistent endurance. When this ability becomes
unshakable and unfailing, it then becomes the mighty Power of Energy!
The function of energy is this four-fold right effort of:
1: Eradicating evil disadvantageous states that have arisen in the mind.
2: Preventing the arising of yet unarisen disadvantageous mental states.
3: Initiating and developing yet unarisen advantageous mental states.
4: Increasing, refining & completing already arisen advantageous states.
The characteristic of energy is readiness, willingness, enthusiastic ease,
eager and keen vigour. The manifestation of energy is action, exertion,
endeavour, industry, struggle, powerful striving and accomplishment!
Lazy:
The one, who does not rise when it is time to rise.
Who though young & strong, is weak in mind,
soft in will, & lazy by nature, such slow one
does never find the way to Nibbana.
Dhammapada 280
Get up! Sit up!
Of what use are your dreams?
How can you sleep, when sick,
stabbed by the arrow of craving...
Sutta Nipata 331
Get up! Sit up!
Push on your training, until reaching sole peace!
Do not let the king of death see you sloppy and
thus delude & dominate you like a toy doll...
Sutta Nipata 332
Feeding Energy:
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 mental initiative,
2: The element of launching into effort,
3: The element of enduring persistence.
Systematic attention to these, is feeding any yet unarisen Energy
Link to Awakening, & food too for boosting any present Energy.
Samyutta Nikaya XLVI 51 Bojjhanga-samyutta
Fivefold final Energy:
Following the Buddha the energy in the disciple culminates, when he
finally thinks: Let just this blood & flesh dry up & wither away so only
skin, sinews & bones remain, I will not give up my quest and stray from
this Noble 8-fold Path before having reached Enlightenment...!!!
Further inspirations on the enthusiastic & effective quality of Energy:
Feeding Energy: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Energy.htm
The 5th perfection: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Enthusiastic_is_Energy.htm
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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Nikini Poya day is the full-moon of August. On such Observance days:
Any Lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges and undertakes
the Five Precepts like this: Newly bathed, shaved, white-clothed,
with clean bare feet, one kneels at a shrine with a Buddha-statue,
and bows first three times, so that feet, hands, elbows, knees and
head touch the floor. Then, with joined palms in front of the heart,
one recite these memorized lines in a loud, calm & steady voice:
As long as this life lasts:
I hereby take refuge in the Buddha.
I hereby take refuge in the Dhamma.
I hereby take refuge in the Sangha.
I hereby seek shelter in the Buddha for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Dhamma for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Sangha for the 2nd time.
I hereby request protection from the Buddha for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Dhamma for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Sangha for the 3rd time.
I will hereby respect these Three Jewels the rest of my life!
I accepts to respect & undertake these 5 training rules:
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Killing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Stealing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Sexual Abuse.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Dishonesty.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Alcohol & Drugs.
As long as this life lasts, I am thus protected by these 5 precepts...
Then, one keeps and protects these sacred vows better than one's
own eyes & children!, since they protect you & all other beings much
better than any army! They are the highest offer one can give in & to
this world! So is the start towards Nibbana: the Deathless Element!
This is the Noble Way to Peace, to Freedom, to Ease, to Happiness,
initiated by Morality, developed further by Dhamma-Study and
fulfilled by training of Meditation...
Today indeed is Pooya or uposatha or observance day, where any lay
Buddhist normally keeps the Eight Precepts from sunrise until the
next dawn... If any wish an official recognition by the Bhikkhu-Sangha,
they may simply forward the lines starting with "I hereby ..." signed with
name, date, town & country to me or join here.
A public list of this new Saddhamma-Sangha is set up here!
The New Noble Community of Disciples: The Saddhamma Sangha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Saddhamma_Sangha.htm
Can quite advantageously be Joined Here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Sangha_Entry.htm
May your journey hereby be light, swift and sweet. Never give up !!
Bhikkhu Samahita: what.buddha.said@gmail.com
Details on Uposatha Observance Days:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Joy Link to Awakening (Piti-sambojjhanga) has the characteristic
of suffusing contentment, and the property of gladdening satisfaction.
This Joy Link to Awakening manifests as mental elation, which can
reach five increasing degrees of intensity:
1: Minor Joy, which can raise the hair on the body when thrilled.
2: Momentary Joy is flashing like lightning at various occasions.
3: Showering Joy breaks over the body repeatedly like sea-waves.
4: Uplifting Joy, which can be strong enough to levitate the body.
5: Pervading Joy, which is like a sponge all saturated with water.
Vism IV 94-9
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by careful & rational attention
develops the Joy Link to Awakening based on seclusion, on disillusion,
on ceasing, & culminating in relinquishment, then neither can any mental
fermentation, nor any fever, or discontent ever arise in him. MN2 [i 11]
In one who has aroused enthusiastic energy, there arises a joy not of
this world & the Joy Link to Awakening emerges there. He develops it,
& for him it goes to the culmination of its development. MN118 [iii 85]
Any one convinced by understanding of Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha,
gets an enthusiastic sense of the sublime good goal of Nibbana &
gains gladness connected, joined and fused with this Dhamma...!
In any one gladdened, Joy is born. The body of the Joyous is calmed.
One of calm body experiences pleasure and happiness. The mind of
one who is happy becomes concentrated. The concentrated mind
sees and knows things as they really are. This brings disgust and
disillusion, which enables full direct experience of mental release.
It is in this way that Joy indeed is a factor leading to Awakening!
MN [i 37-8], AN [iii 21-3], DN [iii 21-3]
Further inspirations on the elevating & ecstatic quality of Joy:
Feeding Joy http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Joy.htm
Joys Beyond World http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Joys_Beyond_This_World.htm
Joys of the Flesh http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Joys_of_the_Flesch_and_Beyond.htm
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Tranquillity Link to Awakening (passaddhi-sambojjhanga) has the
characteristic of peace, and the function of stilling, which manifests
as absence of restless trembling. Stillness of feeling, perception and
mental construction is the factor that induces bodily Tranquillity.
Stillness of consciousness itself induces mental Tranquillity.
The proximate cause of Tranquillity is the satisfaction within Joy!
The resulting effect of Tranquillity is the bliss within Happiness!
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by careful & rational attention
develops the Tranquillity Link to Awakening based on seclusion, based
on disillusion, based on ceasing, and culminating in cool relinquishment,
then neither can mental fermentation, nor any fever, nor any discontent
ever arise in him. MN2 [i 11]
In one who is joyous, the body becomes calm & the mind becomes calm.
The Tranquillity Link to Awakening emerges right there. He develops it,
& for him it goes to the culmination of its development. MN118 [iii 85]
CALMED
Calm is his thought, calm is his speech,
and calm is his deed, who, truly knowing,
is wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise.
Dhammapada 96
CONTENT
The one who eliminates discontent, tearing it out
by the roots, utterly cuts it out, such one spontaneously
becomes absorbed in the calm of tranquillity both day & night.
Dhammapada 250
COMPOSED
The one who is tranquil in movement, calmed in speech,
stilled in thought, collected & composed, who sees right
through & rejects all allurements of this world, such one
is truly a 'Peaceful One'.
Dhammapada 378
Further inspirations on the calming & soothing quality of Tranquillity:
Feeding Tranquillity:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Tranquillity.htm
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Im OK now.
When planted well
fruits will fall.
Fixed Focus is the characteristic of the Concentration Link to Awakening
(Samadhi-Sambojjhanga). Ceasing of distraction, disturbance, diversion,
agitation, mental instability and wavering is the purpose of the quality of
Concentration (Samadhi). Incisive certainty is the manifestation of the
Concentration Link to Awakening. This stability enables breakthrough
to Understanding! Some concentration is present in all consciousness.
Training anchoring of attention on only 1 object condenses this focus.
The proximate cause of Concentration is Happiness!
The resulting effect of Concentration is Knowledge & Vision!
Concentration comes in increasing grades of intensity:
1: Momentary concentration with few seconds of one-pointedness.
2: Preparatory concentration of longer yet still unstable quality.
3: Access concentration approaching the 1st jhana absorption.
4: Absorption concentration with fixed mental one-pointedness.
Fourfold is the blessing of Concentration:
1: Sublime Happiness here & now through the 4 absorptions.
2: Assured Knowledge & True Vision of things as they really are.
3: Awareness & Clear Comprehension of all transient phenomena.
4: Ceasing of all mental fermentation by absence of clinging. D33
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by careful & rational attention
develops the Concentration Link to Awakening based on seclusion, based
on disillusion, based on ceasing, culminating in renouncing relinquishment,
then neither can mental fermentation, nor any fever, nor any discontent
ever arise in him. MN2 [i 11]
In one whose body is calm and who enjoys a pleasurable happiness the
mind becomes concentrated. The Concentration Link to Awakening
arises right there. He develops it, and for him repeatedly meditating
it goes gradually to the culmination of its development. MN118 [iii 85]
Further inspirations on the condensing quality of Concentration:
Feeding Concentration http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Concentration.htm
What is Concentration http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Concentration.htm
Requisites for Jhana http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Requisites_for_Jhana_Absorption.htm
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Even evaluation is characteristic of the Equanimity Link to Awakening.
(Upekkha-Sambojjhanga). Preventing both deficiency & excess and
securing impartiality is the function of Equanimity. Imperturbable
ballance is the manifestation of the Equanimity Link to Awakening.
Equanimity just looks on whenever new phenomena arises and ceases.
This stable yet plastic patience purifies all the other advantageous
mental states, which reach maximum, when joined with Equanimity...
Equanimity (Upekkha) is a moderating mental construction.
Equanimity is also a mood of neither gladness nor sadness.
Equanimity is also a feeling of neither pain nor pleasure.
Equanimity is also the neutral ability to be indifferent.
Equanimity is also the 4th infinitely divine dwelling.
Equanimity is also a quite high form of happiness.
Equanimity is also a refined mental purification.
Equanimity is therefore a Link to Enlightenment...
There is Equanimity both regarding live beings and dead things.
There is Equanimity both regarding all internal & external states.
There is Equanimity both regarding all past, present and future.
There is Equanimity both regarding all mentality & all materiality.
The Buddha once said: What mental fermentations (asava) should be
overcome by development? If a Bhikkhu by alert & rational attention
develops the Equanimity Link to Awakening based on seclusion, based
on disillusion, on ceasing, culminating in full renouncing relinquishment,
then neither can mental fermentation, nor any fever, nor discontent
ever arise in him. MN2 [i 11]
When mind is concentrated one can observe all closely in equanimity.
The Equanimity Link to Awakening arises right there. He develops it,
and for him repeatedly meditating it goes gradually to the completion
of its development. MN118 [iii 85]
Further inspirations on the imperturbable quality of Equanimity:
Feeding Equanimity http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Equanimity.htm
Even is Equanimity http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Even_is_Equanimity.htm
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
A certain bhikkhu once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Venerable Sir, it is said: An idiotic fool, an idiotic fool...
In what way, Venerable Sir, can one rightly be called an idiotic fool ?
Bhikkhu, it is because one has neither developed nor cultivated these
Seven Links to Awakening that one rightly is called an idiotic fool !!!
What seven?
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
3: The Energy Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
4: The Joy Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
5: The Tranquillity to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
It is because one has neither developed nor ever cultivated these
Seven Factors of Enlightenment that one is called an idiotic fool...
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 99-100] 46: Links. 44: Unintelligent....
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
A certain bhikkhu once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Venerable Sir, it is said: Clever and wise, clever and wise...
In what way, Venerable Sir, can one rightly be called clever and wise ?
Bhikkhu, it is because one has indeed developed and cultivated these
Seven Links to Awakening, that one rightly is called clever and wise !!!
What seven?
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
3: The Energy Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
4: The Joy Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
5: The Tranquillity to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
It is because one has indeed developed and made much of these
Seven Factors of Enlightenment, that one is called clever and wise...
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 100] 46: The Links. 45: Intelligent...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
And how, Bhikkhus, is the mental release by universal friendliness
achieved? What does this liberation have as its destination, what is
its culmination, what is its sweet fruit, what is the final goal of such
mental release by universal friendliness?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu dwells pervading the frontal quadrant,
with a mind imbued with infinite friendliness, so the second quarter,
the third quarter, and the fourth quarter. Thus above, below, across,
and everywhere, and to all beings as to himself, he dwells pervading
the entire universe with a mind saturated with unlimited friendliness,
immense, exalted, vast, measureless, without hostility, without enmity,
without any ill will! Thus prepared and expanded he then develops:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening joined with limitless friendliness.
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening fused with such friendliness.
3: The Energy Link to Awakening together with infinite friendliness.
4: The Joy Link to Awakening accompanied with absolute friendliness.
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening linked with open friendliness.
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening associated with friendliness.
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening joined with endless friendliness.
Based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, and culminating in release.
If he then wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in the unrepulsive & tempting,
then he can dwell experiencing the repulsive therein. If he wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in the disgusting repulsive,
then he dwells experiencing the unrepulsive in whatever disgusting!
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he dwells experiencing repulsive disgust in it.
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he experiences only unrepulsive beauty by it!
If he wishes: Avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, may I
dwell in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending, then he
dwells in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending. Or else
he enters and dwells in the mental deliverance by the beautiful...
I tell you Bhikkhus for a wise Bhikkhu here who has not penetrated
to an even more superior mental release, this release of mind by pure
infinite friendliness has the beautiful deliverance as its culmination!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 115-21] 46: The Links. 54: Joined by Friendliness...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
And how, Bhikkhus, is the mental release by universal pity (karuna)
achieved? What does this liberation have as its destination, what is
its culmination, what is its sweet fruit, what is the final goal of such
mental release by universal pity?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu dwells pervading the frontal quadrant,
with a mind imbued with infinite pity, so the second quarter, then
the third quarter, and the fourth quarter. As above, so below, across,
and everywhere, and to all beings so to himself, he dwells pervading
the entire universe with a mind saturated with such unlimited pity,
immense, exalted, vast, measureless, without hostility, without enmity,
without any ill will! Thus prepared and expanded he then develops:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening joined with limitless pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening fused with such pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
3: The Energy Link to Awakening together with infinite pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
4: The Joy Link to Awakening accompanied with absolute pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening linked with open pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening associated with pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening joined with endless pity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
Based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, and culminating in release.
If he then wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in the unrepulsive & tempting,
then he can dwell experiencing the repulsive therein. If he wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in the disgusting repulsive,
then he dwells experiencing pleasing beauty in whatever disgusting!
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he dwells experiencing repulsive disgust in it.
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he experiences only unrepulsive beauty by it!
If he wishes: Avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, may I
dwell in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending, then he
dwells in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending. Or else,
completely transcending of all experience of form, fully stilling any
perception of sense-reaction, non attending to experience of any
diversity, only aware that space is infinite, he enters and dwells in
the realm of the infinitude of space... I tell you Bhikkhus for a wise
Bhikkhu here, who has not penetrated yet to an even more superior
mental release, this release of mind by pure, infinite & universal pity
has the sphere of the infinitude of space as its culmination!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 115-21] 46: The Links. 54: Joined by Friendliness...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
And how, Bhikkhus, is release of mind by infinite mutual joy (Mudita)
achieved? What does this liberation have as its destination, what is
its culmination, what is its sweet fruit, and what is the ultimate goal
of mental release by universally mutual & unselfish joy?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu dwells pervading the frontal quadrant,
with a mind imbued with infinite mutual joy, so the second quarter,
the third quarter, and the fourth quarter. As above, so below, across,
and everywhere, and to all beings so to himself, he dwells pervading
the entire universe with a mind saturated with unlimited mutual joy,
immense, exalted, measureless, without hostility, without any enmity,
without any ill will! Thus prepared and expanded he then develops:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening joined with limitless mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening fused with such mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
3: The Energy Link to Awakening together with infinite mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
4: The Joy Link to Awakening accompanied with absolute mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening linked with open mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening associated with mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening joined with endless mutual joy.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
Based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, and culminating in release.
If he then wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in any unrepulsive & tempting,
then he can dwell experiencing repulsiveness therein. If he wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in any disgusting & repulsive,
then he dwells experiencing pleasing beauty in whatever disgusting!
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he dwells experiencing repulsive disgust in it.
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he experiences only unrepulsive beauty by it!
If he wishes: Avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, may I
dwell in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending, then he
dwells in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending! Or else,
completely transcending the realm of infinitude of space, only aware
that consciousness is infinite, he enters and dwells in the sphere of
the infinitude of consciousness.. I tell you Bhikkhus for a quite wise
Bhikkhu here, who has not yet penetrated to an even more superior
mental release, the mental release by infinite, altruistic & mutual joy
has the sphere of the infinitude of consciousness as its culmination!
Composed for the sole purpose of Gladdening of Good People!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 115-21] 46: The Links. 54: Joined by Friendliness...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
And how, Bhikkhus, is release of mind by total Equanimity (Upekkha)
achieved? What does this liberation have as its destination, what is
its culmination, what is its sweet fruit, and what is the ultimate goal
of mental release by universally neutral & imperturbable Equanimity?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu dwells pervading the frontal quadrant,
with a mind imbued with infinite Equanimity, so the second quarter,
the third quarter, and the fourth quarter. As above, so below, across,
and everywhere, and to all beings so to himself, he dwells pervading
the entire universe with a mind saturated with unlimited Equanimity,
immense, exalted, measureless, without hostility, without any enmity,
without any ill will! Thus prepared and expanded he then develops:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening joined with limitless friendliness.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening fused with such equanimity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
3: The Energy Link to Awakening together with infinite equanimity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
4: The Joy Link to Awakening accompanied with absolute equanimity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening linked with open equanimity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening associated with equanimity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening joined with endless equanimity.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
Based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, and culminating in release.
If he then wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in any unrepulsive & tempting,
then he can dwell experiencing repulsiveness therein. If he wishes:
May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in any disgusting & repulsive,
then he dwells experiencing pleasing beauty in whatever disgusting!
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the repulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he dwells experiencing repulsive disgust in it.
If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in what is both
unrepulsive & repulsive, he experiences only unrepulsive beauty by it!
If he wishes: Avoiding both the repulsive and the unrepulsive, may I
dwell in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending, then he
dwells in equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending! Or else,
completely transcending the realm of infinitude of consciousness,
only aware that there is nothing, he enters & dwells in the sphere of
the void, empty & vacuous nothingness.. I tell you Bhikkhus for a wise
Bhikkhu here, who has not yet penetrated to an even more superior
mental release, the mental release by imperturbable Equanimity has
the sphere of the nothingness as its culmination!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 115-21] 46: The Links. 54: Joined by Friendliness...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Let there be Calm & Free Bliss !!!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
I just wanted to thank you for frequenting our forum. Even though I don't always read your posts, I still find your presence to be of great value to all here.
_/\_
metta
Mutual appreciation of what is really Good
is naturally quite advantageous.
Binara Poya day is the full-moon of September. This holy day celebrates
the inauguration of the Bhikkhuni Sangha by the ordination on this very
day of Queen Mahapajapati, the Buddha's foster-mother & her retinue.
For life details on this excellent woman, who awakened as Arahat Theri:
See: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/maha/mahapajapati_gotami.htm
On such Full-Moon Uposatha Poya Observance days:
Any Lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges and undertakes the
Five Precepts like this: Newly bathed, shaved, white-clothed, with clean
bare feet, one kneels at a shrine with a Buddha-statue, and bows first
three times, so that feet, hands, elbows, knees & head touch the floor.
Then, with joined palms at the heart, one recites these memorized lines
in a loud, calm & steady voice:
As long as this life lasts:
I hereby take refuge in the Buddha.
I hereby take refuge in the Dhamma.
I hereby take refuge in the Sangha.
I hereby seek shelter in the Buddha for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Dhamma for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Sangha for the 2nd time.
I hereby request protection from the Buddha for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Dhamma for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Sangha for the 3rd time.
I will hereby respect these Three Jewels the rest of my life!
I accepts to respect & undertake these 5 training rules:
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Killing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Stealing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Sexual Abuse.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Dishonesty.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Alcohol & Drugs.
As long as this life lasts, I am thus protected by these 5 precepts...
Then, one keeps and protects these sacred vows better than one's
own eyes & children!, since they protect you & all other beings much
better than any army! They are the highest offer one can give in & to
this world! So is the start towards Nibbana: the Deathless Element!
This is the Noble Way to Peace, to Freedom, to Ease, to Happiness,
initiated by Morality, developed further by Dhamma-Study and
fulfilled by training of Meditation...
Today indeed is Pooya or uposatha or observance day, where any lay
Buddhist normally keeps even the Eight Precepts from sunrise until the
next dawn... If any wish an official recognition by the Bhikkhu-Sangha,
they may simply forward the lines starting with "I hereby ..." signed with
name, date, town & country to me or join here. A public list of this new
quite rapidly growing global Saddhamma-Sangha is set up here!
The True Noble Community of Buddha's Disciples: Saddhamma Sangha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Saddhamma_Sangha.htm
Can quite advantageously be Joined Here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Sangha_Entry.htm
May your journey hereby be light, swift and sweet. Never give up !!
Bhikkhu Samahita: what.buddha.said@gmail.com
For Details on The Origin of Uposatha Observance Days:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once explained:
On any occasion, Bhikkhus, when the mind is sluggish, slow & low, then it is
suitable to develop the Investigation of states Link to Awakening, the
Energy Link to Awakening, and the Joy Link to Awakening! Why is it so?
Because when the mind is sluggish, slow and low, then it is easy to arouse,
incite, stir and stimulate with exactly these states...
Imagine, Bhikkhus, a man wants to make a small fire flare up. If he throws
dry grass, dry cow-dung, and dry timber into it, blows on it, and does not
scatter soil over it, would he be able to make that small fire flare up?
Yes indeed, Venerable Sir.
Similarly here, on any occasion, when the mind is sluggish, slow & low,
then it is time to develop the Investigation of states Link to Awakening,
the Energy Link to Awakening, and the Joy Link to Awakening! Why so?
Because when the mind is sluggish, slow and low, then it is easy to arouse,
incite, stir and stimulate with the qualities of exactly these states...
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
Sources (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 113] 46: Links. 53: Fire...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon. Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once explained:
On any occasion, Bhikkhus, when mind is excited and high, then it is time
for training the Tranquillity Link to Awakening, the Concentration Link
to Awakening, and the Equanimity Link to Awakening. Why is it so?
Because when the mind is excited and high, Bhikkhus, then it is easy to
calm it down with exactly those mental states...
Imagine, Bhikkhus, a man wants to extinguish a great fire. If he throws
wet grass, wet cow-dung, wet timber into it, sprays it with water, and
scatters soil over it, would he be able to extinguish that great bonfire?
Yes, Venerable Sir.
Even so here, Bhikkhus, on any occasion when the mind is excited and high,
then it is convenient to train & develop the Tranquillity Link to Awakening,
the Concentration Link to Awakening, & the Equanimity Link to Awakening.
Why is it so? Because when the mind is excited and high, Bhikkhus, then it
is easy to calm it down & still it with the qualities of exactly those states!
Awareness, however, Bhikkhus, I tell you, is always useful & good to train!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
Sources (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 114-5] 46: Links. 53: Fire....
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
A Prince named Fearless once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Venerable Sir, what are the conditioning causes of knowledge & vision?
Here, prince, the Bhikkhu systematically develops:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Investigation_Vicaya.htm
3: The Energy Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energy_Viriya.htm
4: The Joy Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Concentration_Samadhi.htm
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
which is based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, & maturing in release.
When his mind is enhanced and enforced by these Links to Awakening,
then he knows and sees all phenomena as they really are. This is indeed
therefore a cause for knowledge and vision! It is in this very way that
knowledge and vision are caused by these quite specific conditions !!!
What is this Dhamma explanation called, Venerable Sir?
These unique mental states are called the Links to Awakening, prince.
Surely they are Links to Awakening. Blessed One! Surely they are Links
to Awakening. Fortunate One! If any, who possesses even a single Link
to Awakening, would know and see things as they really are, what then
to say of one who possesses all these seven Links to Awakening... !!!
See also the opposite core question: What are the causes of Ignorance?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Causes_of_Ignorance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Cause_of_Ignorance.htm
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:127-8] section 46: The Links. 56: To Abhaya...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
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At Savatthi, the Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, when the perception of a human skeleton or a worm-infested,
bleeding or pus festering corpse, or a livid bluish black & rotting corpse,
or a cut up, gnawed and hacked corpse, or a bloated, inflated & swollen
corpse, is developed and cultivated, then it is of great fruit and 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 perception of a skeleton developed & cultivated so
that it is of great fruit and benefit? Here, the Bhikkhu systematically
develops the:
Awareness Link to Awakening, joined with the experience of a skeleton.
Investigation of states Link to Awakening, while examining a cadaver.
Energy Link to Awakening, perceiving a worm-infested & rotting corpse.
Joy Link to Awakening, while laughing over a gnawed & hacked corpse.
Tranquillity Link to Awakening, accompanied by seeing a livid corpse.
Concentration Link to Awakening, focused on a bloated & swollen corpse.
Equanimity Link to Awakening, indifferent even near a hacked carcass.
which is based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, & maturing in release...
It is in this way that the perception of a skeleton or a disgusting corpse
is developed & cultivated so that it is of great advantage, and benefit...
Bhikkhus, when the perception of a skeleton 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:
Meditating on disgusting signs is the 1! thing that can quell greed & lust!
For inspiration regarding such corpse-meditation see the corpse pics at:
http://asia.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/clever_disgust/album?.dir=/f672
Viewable only by adults signed in with Yahoo ID. Obs: Strong Warning!!!
For details on Meditation on the Body as a mere form = KayagataSati:
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Meditation_On_the_Body_Kayagata-Sati.htm
This eliminates fear of loosing body. Not afraid of loosing body means no
fear of even Death! When not afraid of Death, then one does not fear
anything at all in this world! Then one is relaxed by the gladness of ease!
When Death comes one says: Come on in! Have a cup of tea before we go?
Hihihi! ;-)
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:129-32] section 46: The Links. 57-61: The Skeleton...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
Dhamma-Questions sent to my email are quite Welcome.
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:
Awareness Link to Awakening, joined with the experience of ceasing.
Investigation of states Link to Awakening, while examining full stilling.
Energy Link to Awakening, perceiving an ultimate ending of all activity.
Joy Link to Awakening, while laughing at the complete cessation of all.
Tranquillity Link to Awakening, accompanied by calm & serene silencing.
Concentration Link to Awakening, focused on fading away of all states.
Equanimity Link to Awakening, indifferent even at the final stopping.
Which is 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 and infernal
Fire of Greed, Fire of Hate, and Fire of Ignorance & their derivatives!
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:133-4] section 46: The Links. 76-: Cessation...
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of
Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
An excellent DVD video on Buddhism on Sri Lanka 2005
have been produced by our friend Phil Hoyt USA.
You may request him a for copy.
His email is: hoyt@hevanet.com
May you enjoy the sweet spirit of this stream!
vandana
Friendship is the Greatest...
Bhikkhu Samahita
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu should dwell aware and clearly comprehending!
This is our instruction to you. How, Bhikkhus, is a Bhikkhu Aware?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu lives contemplating these four objects:
1: Body as a mere form: Just a group of foul & fragile organs...
2: Feeling as a reactive response assigned to any contact...
3: Mind as only a changing set of mentalities & moods...
4: Phenomena simply as momentary mental states...
While being keen, ardent, clearly comprehending, and acutely aware,
thereby removing covetousness, lust, greed, envy and any discontent,
displeasure and frustration rooted in this world. It is in this very way,
Bhikkhus, that a Bhikkhu is Aware...
And how, Bhikkhus, does a Bhikkhu train clear comprehension?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu is one who acts clearly comprehending just
exactly whatever he is doing right now, while going forward or back;
when looking ahead or looking aside; when flexing or extending limbs;
when wearing robes & carrying his bowl; when eating, drinking, tasting
& chewing food; when defecating & urinating; when walking, standing,
sitting; when falling asleep, waking up, speaking, & when keeping silent!
It is indeed in such a way that a Bhikkhu lives in clear comprehension...
Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu should dwell aware and clearly comprehending.
This is our instruction to you!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 142] 47 The Foundations of Awareness: 2 Mindful...
See also these inspirations on Acute Awareness & Clear Comprehension:
Awareness (Sati):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
The Four Foundations of Awareness (satipatthana)
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Causes_of_sati.htm
The Right Awareness Path Factor (samma-sati-magganga)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Awareness.htm
Training of Clear Comprehension (sampajanna):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Clear_Comprehension.htm
Training of the Four Foundations of Awareness (satipatthana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm
Further studies in this universally superb & open mental state:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Sati_Studies.htm
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, if one should call anything a heap of the disadvantage, then
it is the five hindrances that one could rightly call this. For these are
verily only a heap of evil disadvantage, these five mental hindrances...
What five?
1: The Mental Hindrance of Desire for Sensing...
2: The Mental Hindrance of Aversion & Ill-Will...
3: The Mental Hindrance of Lethargy & Laziness...
4: The Mental Hindrance of Restlessness & Regret...
5: The Mental Hindrance of Doubt & Uncertainty...
If one were call anything a hoard of the disadvantage, then it is about
these five hindrances that one could rightly say this. Since indeed are
these five mental hindrances an immense mountain of damage & loss!!!
If, Bhikkhus, one were to call anything a heap of the Advantage, then
it is the Four Foundations of Awareness that one could rightly call this.
For these are verily a complete heap of sole Advantage, that is, these
Four Foundations of Awareness... What four?
1: Awareness of the Body merely as a transient & compounded Form..
2: Awareness of Feelings just as passing emotional Responses..
3: Awareness of Mind only as a group of habitual & temporary Moods..
4: Awareness of Phenomena simply as momentary Mental States..
If, Bhikkhus, one were to call anything an Accumulation of Advantage,
then it is these Four Foundations of Awareness, that one could rightly
call this. For these are verily a pure & massive abundance of Advantage,
that is, these Four Foundations of Awareness... !!!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 146] 47 The Foundations of Awareness: 5 Heap of Good...
See also these inspirations on the Advantageous & the Detrimental:
On Foundations of Awareness (Sati):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Causes_of_sati.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Awareness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Clear_Comprehension.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm
On the Five Mental Hindrances (Nivarana):
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/The_5_Mental_Hindrances.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Colourful_but_Muddy.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Boiling_but_burnt.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Lethargy_and_Laziness.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Restlessness_and_Regret.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Doubt_and_Uncertainty.htm
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.
Friendship is the Greatest ...
Composed for the purpose of Gladdening Good People!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Buddha-Direct
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/What_Buddha_Said