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By Helping others, one thereby helps oneself.
By Harming others, one also harms oneself..
By Supporting others, one supports oneself...
By Cheating others, one also cheats oneself.
By Giving to others, one also gives to oneself!
By Stealing from others, one steals from oneself!
Guarding oneself, one therefore protects others...
Protecting others, one thereby guards oneself...
The Mirror reflects all Action, yet is itself Empty!
To avoid all Killing.
To avoid all Stealing.
To avoid all Abuse.
To avoid all Lying.
To avoid all Alcohol.
Is thus to this world
the Highest Offer!
Avoiding all Evil...
Doing only Good!
Purifying the Mind:
That all Buddhas teach!
How shellfish . . . eh selfish . . .
Why not learn to distort the mirror according to requirements . . . Too hard? Something to reflect on . . . as a possibility . . .
For any fully awakened Arahat:
1: The impermanence of all constructions is perfectly seen and comprehended.
2: The addiction and torture of all sense-desires is perfectly perceived & known..
3: His mind is only inclined towards solitude, seclusion, silent ease, and Peace...
4: The Four Foundations of Awareness are continually & perfectly established...
5: The Five Mental Abilities & Powers are thoroughly developed & consummated...
6: The Seven Links to Awakening are utterly refined and fully accomplished...
7: The Noble Eightfold Way is perfectly realized, acquired and all concluded...
By these 7 criteria, he clearly and invariably recognizes, that for him, has the
mental fermentations associated with Sense-Desire, joined with Becoming,
and grounded in Ignorance been completely and irreversibly eliminated!
Cut of at the root and like a palm tree stump never ever to grow again...
The mission is completed. Done is what was to be done. No more of this...
No Mr Cushion, you no are a hat or an Arahat!
. . . you are just an imaginary friend . . . no I am not standing on my head again just for you to be a hat.
What are the Effects of the 4 Ways to Spiritual Force?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops The 4 Feet of Force quite enriched with concentrated desire,
concentrated energy, concentrated thought and concentrated investigation constructed
by effort thinking: In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither be
too slack nor too tense, and it will neither be constricted internally nor distracted externally,
then he dwells experiencing both what is in front and what is behind, so above, so also below,
as by day, so also at night! Thus, with a mind that is all open and unrestricted, he develops this
unique and dazzling bright mind, that is pervaded by it's own luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined and cultivated in exactly
this way, then the Bhikkhu possesses the various kinds of suprahuman force: having been one,
he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one; he appears and he vanishes; he goes fully
unhindered through a wall, through a barricade, through a mountain as if through empty space;
he dives in and out of the earth as if it were water; seated cross-legged, he travels in space
like a bird, he walks on water without sinking as if it were solid ground; with his hand he touches
and strikes the moon and sun so powerful and mighty; he masters the body and any form as far
as the fine-material Brahma world...
DavidA human residing in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Ancestral territory of the Erie, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Mississauga and Neutral First NationsVeteran
Mind is a funny place full of all kinds of fantasies.
It is said that ordinary people cant even begin to comprehend the powers of a Buddha.
"There are these four unconjecturables that are not to be conjectured about, that would bring madness & vexation to anyone who conjectured about them. Which four?
"The Buddha-range of the Buddhas[1] is an unconjecturable that is not to be conjectured about, that would bring madness & vexation to anyone who conjectured about it.
"The jhana-range of a person in jhana...[2]
1.
I.e., the range of powers a Buddha develops as a result of becoming a Buddha.
2.
I.e., the range of powers that one may obtain while absorbed in jhana.
Super - can mean an unwanted, or unimportant person; a supernumerary. It can also mean fantastic, magnificent, amazing, wonderful, outstanding or marvellous.
Interpret means - explain the meaning of...
Most humans are just ordinary; sometimes you might find an extra-ordinary person in your life - good luck.
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, there are these four right efforts. What four? Here, Bhikkhus:
1 Preventing Avoidance: One generates desire for the non-emergence of yet
unarisen evil disadvantageous mental states, one makes an effort, one arouses
energy, redirects mind, & strives enthusiastically to prevent bad from arising.
2 Overcoming Elimination: One generates desire for the quick elimination of
already arisen bad detrimental states, one makes an effort, arouses energy,
redirects mind, and one strives enthusiastically for eradication of all wrong...
3 Initiating Development: One generates desire for the arising of yet unarisen
advantageous mental states, one makes an effort, one arouses much energy,
redirects the mind, and strives enthusiastically for giving birth to good states...
4 Maintaining Enhancement: One generates desire for the fixed maintenance
of already arisen advantageous states, for their stable increase, expansion,
& final fulfilment by development, one makes an effort, one arouses energy,
redirects the mind, and strives enthusiastically for sustaining all right & good...
These are the four right efforts!
Bhikkhus, just as the river Ganges slants, slopes, and inclines towards the East,
even so does a Bhikkhu, who develops and cultivates these Four Right Efforts
slant, slope, slide, move, approach, glide and incline directly towards Nibbana!
Defining Comments:
Question: What are these bad, evil, wrong and disadvantageous mental states?
Answer: All mental states motivated by, or mixed with diluted derivatives of
greed, hate and ignorance are bad, evil, wrong and disadvantageous for all...
Question: What are these good, kind, right and advantageous mental states?
Answer: All mental states motivated by, or mixed with diluted derivatives of
generosity, goodwill and understanding are good, right & advantageous for all...
Mind seeing Mind is Core Essence of the Noble Way:
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops the Feet of Force that is enriched with concentrated desire,
concentrated energy, concentrated thought & concentrated investigation, all constructed
by effort, by thinking: In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither
be too slack nor too tense, it will neither be constricted internally, nor scattered externally,
then he dwells experiencing both what is in front & what is behind, so above, so also below,
so by day, so also at night! Therefore, with a mind that is all open & unrestricted, he develops
the dazzling bright mind, which is pervaded by its own luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined and cultivated in exactly
this way, the Bhikkhu possesses the various kinds of suprahuman force: He understands other
beings minds when having encompassed them with his own mind. He understands a mind with lust
as a mind with lust; a mind without lust as a mind without lust; a mind with hate as a mind with hate;
a mind without hate as a mind without hate; a mind with ignorance as a mind with ignorance;
a mind without ignorance as a mind beyond ignorance; a contracted & lazy mind as contracted
mind and a distracted mind as agitated & distracted; an exalted mind as exalted into jhana and
an unexalted mind as unexalted; a surpassable mind as a surpassable mind and an unsurpassable
mind as unsurpassable; a well concentrated mind as a concentrated mind & an unconcentrated
mind as unconcentrated; a released mind as released and an unreleased mind as unreleased...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
@SpinyNorman said:
How can something see itself without a mirror?
The appearance is self-aware as itself.
So usually we we think that something needs something else to see itself. But even that image of something that needs something else is an image that reflects itself as itself.
So there are never a divide between the mirror and its appearance as both are the same thing.
This unfortunately is impossible to understand conceptually as it is conceptualization which bifurcates a knower apart from known.
@robot said:
I think it's about being able to see other people's minds. I didn't read the links so I can't be sure.
It seems to be about the 3rd foundation of mindfulness, ie mindfulness of state of mind.
There is a tricky question here around who or what is _being _mindful, but probably that's another discussion.
Seeing the Long-Term Kammic Causes and Effects ...
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops the Feet of Force that is enriched with concentrated desire,
concentrated energy, concentrated thought & concentrated investigation, all constructed
by effort, by thinking: In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither
be too slack nor too tense, it will neither be constricted internally nor scattered externally,
then he dwells experiencing both what is in front and what is behind, so above, so also below,
so by day, so also at night! Therefore, with a mind that is all open & unrestricted, he develops
the dazzling bright mind, which is pervaded by its own luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined and cultivated in exactly
this way, the Bhikkhu possesses the various kinds of suprahuman force: With the divine eye,
which is purified and surpasses the human, he sees beings passing away and being reborn,
as inferior or superior, beautiful or ugly, fortunate or unfortunate, and he understands how
beings travel on in accordance with their actions (=kamma) thus: The beings who misbehaved
bodily, verbally and mentally, who reviled the Noble Ones, held wrong view, and did actions
based on wrong view, with the break-up of their body, right after death, they are reborn in
a state of misery, in a painful destination, in the lower worlds, even in hell!
But these other beings who engaged in good behaviour bodily, verbally and mentally, who did
not revile the Noble Ones, who held right view, and undertook action based on right view,
with the break-up of their body, after death, have been reborn in a good & happy destination,
even a divine world!
Thus with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, he sees beings passing away
and being reborn, as inferior or superior, as beautiful or ugly, as fortunate or unfortunate,
and he understands how beings are reborn in accordance with their kamma (behaviour).
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
Hey that picture is also so awesome @samahita, I've been looking for something to convey this view; could I take it as my avatar next or is it not freely given to the public domain?
The Evil Devil meeting the true Saint![/size][/size]
The Buddha once spoke straight to Namuci also called Mara the Evil One:
Sense pleasure is your first army, discontent your 2nd, while hunger and
thirst is your 3rd army. The 4th is craving, the 5th is lethargy and laziness,
fear is your 6th, doubt is the 7th, hypocrisy and stubbornness is your 8th.
Gain, renown, honour, and whatever falsely received fame is your 9th army
you Kanha black dark-minded one. One who is not hero cannot conquer that,
but having defeated it, one gains great happiness. Having brought my mind
under full control, well-established in continuous awareness, I will wander
through the kingdoms, training many disciples, who alert and well motivated,
despite your temptations, will go where having gone, one cannot ever grieve!
Realizing his defeat Mara , the Evil One, replied: For seven long years I have
followed the Blessed One, step by step, without ever obtaining even a single
opportunity against this perfectly Self-Enlightened One, who is fully aware.
Like a crow, which circled a yellow stone, which appeared like a lump of fat,
thinking "Perhaps I can find something soft & sweet here", but after having
attacked the rock, without getting anything, went away sadly disappointed,
even and exactly so will I have to go away. Discouraged the demon's lute fell
from his armpit and overwhelmed by frustration he disappeared right there.. Sutta-Nipata verses 436-449 . Edited excerpt.
This highborn hedonistic devil is called Namuci = “no escape”, since he lets
no one escape, and Mara = “death”, since he leads beings into a repeated
cycle of birth and death.... Buddha also rightly called him The Evil One,
since he with ease can enter any being's mind and make them do evil.
%0
On the vulture’s peak hill, prince Abhaya once asked the Blessed Buddha: Sir, what is the Causes of not seeing, not knowing, & not Understanding?
The All-Seeing Blessed One responded:
At such time, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
sensual desire, and one does not know any way to escape this sensual lust, that has
arisen - this condition itself, prince, is the cause of not seeing, and of not knowing.
Therefore, not seeing, and not knowing have indeed a specific cause, and is indeed
conditioned by an essential prerequisite. [Such as desire for sensing ]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
ill will, and does not know any way to escape or still this anger, that has arisen,
then this exact condition itself is the cause of not seeing, and of not knowing.
Therefore, not seeing, and not knowing have indeed a specific cause, and is indeed
conditioned by a necessary requirement. [Such as hate, ill will, anger, and irritation ]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
lethargy and laziness, and does not know any way to escape such apathy & dullness,
then this exact condition itself is the cause of not seeing, and of not knowing.
Therefore, not seeing, and not knowing have indeed a specific cause, and is created
by an indispensable requirement. [Such as lethargy & laziness ]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
restlessness and regret, and does not know any way to escape this restlessness and
anxious remorse, then this exact condition itself, is the cause of not seeing, and of
not knowing. Therefore, not seeing, not knowing have indeed a cause, & is conditioned
by a specific crucial necessity. [Such as restlessness and regre t]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
uncertainty, doubt and confusion and does not know any way to escape this doubt,
uncertainty, and confusion, then this very condition, is the cause of not seeing, and
of not knowing.Therefore, not seeing, not knowing have a cause, and is created by a
causal requirement... [Such as uncertainty and skeptical doubt ]
What, Sir, is this method of teaching called?
These, prince, are called: The Hindrances...!
Comment:
Ignorance is not seeing and not knowing the 4 Noble Truths!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops the Feet of Force that is enriched with
concentrated desire, concentrated energy, concentrated thought &
concentrated investigation, all constructed by effort, by thinking:
In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither
be too slack nor too tense, it will neither be constricted internally
nor scattered externally, then he dwells experiencing both what is
in front & what is behind, so above, so also below, so by day, so also
at night! Therefore, with a mind that is all open & unrestricted, he
develops the dazzling bright mind, which is pervaded by luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined
and cultivated in exactly this way, the Bhikkhu possesses the various
kinds of suprahuman force: Such Bhikkhu, by the total destruction
& complete elimination of the 3 mental fermentations, in this very
life enters and dwells in the fermentation-free release of mind, in
the fermentation-freed release of understanding, realizing it for
himself by direct knowledge, through own direct experience...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
The Blessed Buddha once explained:
There are, Bhikkhus, these 3 kinds of training:
1: Training in Higher Morality(adhi-sila-sikkha)...
2: Training in Higher Consciousness(adhi-citta-sikkha)...
3: Training in Higher Understanding(adhi-pañña-sikkha)...
What, Bhikkhus, is the training in higher morality?
Herein the monk is possessed of morality, is fully controlled by the monastic code
of 227 disciplinary rules, perfected in pure conduct & behaviour by recoiling from
even the minutest offense, he trains himself in these higher moral training rules. This is called the training in higher morality!
What, Bhikkhus, is the training in higher consciousness?
Herein the monk, secluded from sensual desires, protected from any detrimental
mental state, enters & dwells in the 1st jhana of joy & pleasure born of solitude,
in directed & sustained thought. He enters the 2nd, 3rd & 4th jhana absorption. This is called the training in higher consciousness!
What, Bhikkhus, is the training in higher understanding?
Herein the monk completely understands according to the actual reality:
What Suffering is, What the Cause of Suffering is,
What the Ceasing of Suffering is, and
What the Way leading to ceasing of Suffering is. This is called the training in higher understanding!
Hello,
it´s ok with Higher Mind Training, but what i mussed was literature you were delaying on. Could you please tell me and all the others where you drained your knowledge from.
anando
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
It is not seemly or skillful to question the 'qualifications' of a respected Bhante, who has been a long-term member here.
If indeed that is what your intention is.
Sopaka awakened as novice, when 7 years old! The Buddha then asked him:
One is what? All beings are fuelled by Nutriment (Ahara) answered the boy.
Two is what? Name and form (Nama-Rupa), responded the novice promptly!
Three is what? The three kinds of Feeling, was this assured boy's reply...
Four is what? The Four Noble Truths, returned this perfected novitiate..
Five is what? The Five Clusters of Clinging, acknowledged this not-pupil..
Six is what? The Six Sense-Sources, responded this all trained & learned.
Seven is what? The Seven Links to Awakening, answered this eldest boy..
Eight is what? The Noble Eightfold Path, replied this one gone to the end!
Nine is what? The Nine Abodes of Beings, explained this worthy junior...
Ten is what? One who is endowed with Ten Qualities is defined an Arahat.... Khp 1-6;9
Matured Mind and not an old body defines the worthy Senior!
More on this Sopaka, who became Enlightened, when only 7 years old: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/s/sopaka.htm
Having accumulated the right conditions in prior lives, he was almost & very
close to be able to awaken in his last life... Therefore he could enlighten as
only 7 years old in this his last existence! Though his biological frame was
that young, his mind was the eldest & most mature among his un-awakened
monk colleagues. Any Arahat is the oldest and most senior in the universe!
To make the other monks understand, that they should not clap his head &
treat him as junior, although they were much older than him biologically,
the Buddha asked him these ten questions, which are studied intensely by
all Theravada novices even today 2500 years after! May all disciples do so! These 10 questions are not trivial!
I'm guessing by the syntax and vocabulary that English is not anando's native language. I couldn't begin to fathom participating in a thought-rich forum like this one in a foreign language. I certainly don't read it as affrontive to samahita, I read it as inquisitive.
I agree with Steve_B. Also, in his profile, you can see he is connecting from another country (that is not the US or the UK...Germany I think) Also, it could be an autocorrect issue, too, I usually assume that is the problem since it is so common. I doubt he knew that Samahita was a learned and titled monk, I certainly do not check the profiles of every user before I reply to them. I am all for respecting monks and teachers, of course. But I find it kind of odd how many people get offended on Samahita's behalf.
@anando Samahita has a website in his profile that contains a lot of useful information, it will give you a better idea of who he is and what he does He does not participate in the forum in the manner of answering questions and comments, he posts teachings. (I only say that so that you are not awaiting a response from him directly in the forum thread as you are unlikely to get one)
Please then remember what the Buddha once pointed out: Only suffering arises… Only suffering ceases!
Seeing this, one then understands that: Nothing is Worth Clinging to…
Then it is much more easy to let go, when realizing, that it is only pure suffering,
one separates from. Nothing really good is thus lost. Relinquishing all is the only:
Absolute Freedom; Highest Happiness; and Supreme Peace… Yeah!
The deepest kind of craving & clinging is to that of (re)becoming into a new existence!
Clinging to being in existence itself makes one be reborn, die and thus suffer again and again…
All phenomena are sure to cease. All being in existence will be cut off by transience.
All becoming is therefore truly a Terror of being Trapped into Being in Existence!
In reference to the seen, there will be only the seen. In reference to the heard, only the heard. In reference to the sensed, only the sensed. In reference to the cognized, only the cognized. That is how you should train yourself. When for you there will be only the seen in reference to the seen, only the heard in reference to the heard, only the sensed in reference to the sensed, only the cognized in reference to the cognized, then, Bāhiya, there is no you in connection with that. When there is no you in connection with that, there is no you there. When there is no you there, you are neither here nor yonder nor between the two. This, just this, is the end of stress.
Experiencing Right Things might cure illness instantly!
Once when Venerable Girimananda was sick, then the Buddha said to Ven. Ananda:
If you, Ananda, would go to Ven. Girimananda & explain to him the 10 experiences,
it may be that Girimananda's illness will be cured instantly!
And which are these ten experiences? They are:
1: The experience of Impermanence, and inconstancy (Anicca-Sañña).
2: The experience of No-Self, Egolessness, and Impersonality (Anatta-Sañña).
3: The experience of Disgust, Loathsomeness, and Foulness (Asubha-Sañña).
4: The experience of Danger, Damage, and Disadvantage (Adinava-Sañña).
5: The experience of Leaving Behind, Removal, and Giving up (Pahana-Sañña).
6: The experience of Disillusion, Dispassion, and Detachment (Viraga-Sañña).
7: The experience of Ceasing, Stilling, and Final Finishing (Nirodha-Sañña).
8: The experience of Disappointment with entire world (Sabbaloka-Anabhirati-Sañña).
9: The experience of Transience of all formations (Sabbasankharesu Anicca-Sañña).
10: The experience of Breathing Awareness (Anapanasati-Sañña).
Having learnt and fully memorized these ten experiences from the Blessed Buddha,
the Venerable Ananda went to the Venerable Girimananda and recited these ten
experiences to him. Then as soon as the Venerable Girimananda heard these ten
experiences explained, his illness instantly subsided! This was thus the way
the Venerable Girimananda was cured, and could rise from his sick-bed.... (To see and know that in advance takes a SammaSamBuddha!)
for those living with less attainment/capacity remember 'Jesus saves' too. Wot you mean 'no believe'? tsk tsk, mountains not moving for you fast enough . . . ah well . . .
Through refuge and turning the wheel around our practice we find healing of the angst, anger, general purposeless dukkha etc. You knows it, Mr Cushion knows it.
Eventually your confidence that there is a path grows. Bhante banter is sometimes a little over zealous . . .
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federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
This is one of those succinct and emphatic teachings that leaves me, frankly, scratching my head.
MODERN recommendations would be - be diligent in your practice, but if you need those medications to help your system combat whatever ails you - take them.
Or, more succinctly:
"By all means, call on 'God' - but at least row AWAY from the rocks."
@genkaku said:
I willingly respect anyone who makes an effort to clarify a confused and sometimes painful life. It isn't easy and I respect it.
But together with that, I also would like to ask, "higher than what?" How many lives does any one person, of whatever station, live?
If "higher" and "lower" were the hallmarks of Buddhism, would that any longer be Buddhism?
Backwards projection..like hindsight, is a wonderful thing.
So we take values that we hold, or are widely held in in our culture and we figure that Buddhists in the past, even the Buddha himself must share them.
One such is bafflement that the Buddha could leave his wife and child and become a mendicant..
Even though notions like romantic love and monogamous marriage are unlikely to have featured in ancient India 2500 years ago.
Another such assumption is that egalitarian principles must, because our culture values them, be closer to the true than notions of achievement and advancement.
The reality is somewhat different..from the earliest times Buddhism has recognised that some practitioners are more advanced...'higher' or 'deeper' or any other spatial metaphor that appeals , than others.
In the Theravada you have the concepts of 'Stream Winners''Once Returners' and so on.
In Mahayana there is the framework of the Ten Bhumis..which are found across the various schools and which are very clearly predicated on states of advancement..
So in short. it seems that ' higher and lower 'are very much hallmarks of Buddhism and have always been.
However much that might offend modern sensibilities.
@citta -- Just to be clear, I wasn't trying to indicate I was offended or that I had a more perfect (if skewed by your lights) view. If I actually did convey that, I apologize. What I wondered was simply what I wondered ... how does higher and lower, more and less advanced, actually compute. The mediocre haze that often is passed off as "equality" does not much appeal to me either. That said, how realistic in anyone's life are the matters of higher and lower, more and less advanced ... the stuff that might be termed -- ineptly, perhaps -- inegalitarian?
Buddhism historically in both its Theravadin and Mahayanist manifestations sets out a clear hierarchy of achievement in the mastering of its meditative disciplines.
That these disciplines can be undertaken with increasing skillfulness is axiomatic in Buddhadharma.
Whether one then applies or does not apply spatial metaphors to that process seems to me to be of little moment.
Buddhism historically in both its Theravadin and Mahayanist manifestations sets out a clear hierarchy of achievement in the mastering of its meditative disciplines.
@citta -- Thanks very much. "Historically," that makes good sense.
Comments
Friends:
Kamma & Fruit = Cause & Effect!
By Helping others, one thereby helps oneself.
By Harming others, one also harms oneself..
By Supporting others, one supports oneself...
By Cheating others, one also cheats oneself.
By Giving to others, one also gives to oneself!
By Stealing from others, one steals from oneself!
Guarding oneself, one therefore protects others...
Protecting others, one thereby guards oneself...
The Mirror reflects all Action, yet is itself Empty!
To avoid all Killing.
To avoid all Stealing.
To avoid all Abuse.
To avoid all Lying.
To avoid all Alcohol.
Is thus to this world
the Highest Offer!
Avoiding all Evil...
Doing only Good!
Purifying the Mind:
That all Buddhas teach!
Details on the causal mechanics of Kamma = Intentional Action:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_is_intention.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Buddha_on_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Good_Action_dilutes_Evil_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_short_&long_life.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Health&Sickness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Low_or_High_Birth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Wealth_or_Poverty.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Beauty&_Ugliness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Effect_of_kammic_Action_is_Delayed.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Power_or_Disrespect.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Evil_Kamma_enhances_other_Evil_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Good_Action_enhances_other_Good_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Stupidity_or_Intelligence.htm
The Echo: The efficacy of Kamma is a reflected rebound of probability ...
The Mirror!
The efficacy of Kamma is an Echo of Probability ...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Mirror.htm
How shellfish . . . eh selfish . . .
Why not learn to distort the mirror according to requirements . . . Too hard? Something to reflect on . . . as a possibility . . .
. . . and now back to our best interests . . .
Friends:
The Seven Qualities of an Arahat:
For any fully awakened Arahat:
1: The impermanence of all constructions is perfectly seen and comprehended.
2: The addiction and torture of all sense-desires is perfectly perceived & known..
3: His mind is only inclined towards solitude, seclusion, silent ease, and Peace...
4: The Four Foundations of Awareness are continually & perfectly established...
5: The Five Mental Abilities & Powers are thoroughly developed & consummated...
6: The Seven Links to Awakening are utterly refined and fully accomplished...
7: The Noble Eightfold Way is perfectly realized, acquired and all concluded...
By these 7 criteria, he clearly and invariably recognizes, that for him, has the
mental fermentations associated with Sense-Desire, joined with Becoming,
and grounded in Ignorance been completely and irreversibly eliminated!
Cut of at the root and like a palm tree stump never ever to grow again...
The mission is completed. Done is what was to be done. No more of this...
More on what those gone to the end, have perfected:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/ay/arahat.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Perfectly_Enlightened.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Best_among_Gods_and_Men.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Five_Abilities_Summary.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Leading_to_Enlightenment.htm
Source: The Exhaustive Speeches by the Buddha. Digha Nikaya 34
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=25103
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/digha/index.html
The 7 Arahat Qualities!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Arahat_Qualities.htm
@samahita. Are the five mental powers: samadhi, virya, smrti, prajna, and sradda?
Don't forget #8: always use an exclamation point!
! ! !
No Mr Cushion, you no are a hat or an Arahat!
. . . you are just an imaginary friend . . . no I am not standing on my head again just for you to be a hat.
! ! !
Friends:
What are the Effects of the 4 Ways to Spiritual Force?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops The 4 Feet of Force quite enriched with concentrated desire,
concentrated energy, concentrated thought and concentrated investigation constructed
by effort thinking: In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither be
too slack nor too tense, and it will neither be constricted internally nor distracted externally,
then he dwells experiencing both what is in front and what is behind, so above, so also below,
as by day, so also at night! Thus, with a mind that is all open and unrestricted, he develops this
unique and dazzling bright mind, that is pervaded by it's own luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined and cultivated in exactly
this way, then the Bhikkhu possesses the various kinds of suprahuman force: having been one,
he becomes many; having been many, he becomes one; he appears and he vanishes; he goes fully
unhindered through a wall, through a barricade, through a mountain as if through empty space;
he dives in and out of the earth as if it were water; seated cross-legged, he travels in space
like a bird, he walks on water without sinking as if it were solid ground; with his hand he touches
and strikes the moon and sun so powerful and mighty; he masters the body and any form as far
as the fine-material Brahma world...
About Abhiñña: The 6 suprahuman forces, higher powers, or supernormal knowledge's see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/abhinna.htm
More on the 4 Steps to Suprahuman Force!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/iddhi_paada.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_II.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_III.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_IV.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_V.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Desire_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Energy_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Thinking_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Investigation_as_Way_to_Force.htm
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
Suprahuman Force I
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_I.htm
Superman is dat you?
I know no man, monk or tinkerbell with such literal abilities. Oh well fantasy dharma better than real super powers?
To be awake.
To be human.
To live, to die.
To be there for others.
does superhumans really exist
Mind is a funny place full of all kinds of fantasies.
It is said that ordinary people cant even begin to comprehend the powers of a Buddha.
Supra - means above.
Super - can mean an unwanted, or unimportant person; a supernumerary. It can also mean fantastic, magnificent, amazing, wonderful, outstanding or marvellous.
Interpret means - explain the meaning of...
Most humans are just ordinary; sometimes you might find an extra-ordinary person in your life - good luck.
Friends:
What are the 4 & very best Right Efforts?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, there are these four right efforts. What four? Here, Bhikkhus:
1 Preventing Avoidance: One generates desire for the non-emergence of yet
unarisen evil disadvantageous mental states, one makes an effort, one arouses
energy, redirects mind, & strives enthusiastically to prevent bad from arising.
2 Overcoming Elimination: One generates desire for the quick elimination of
already arisen bad detrimental states, one makes an effort, arouses energy,
redirects mind, and one strives enthusiastically for eradication of all wrong...
3 Initiating Development: One generates desire for the arising of yet unarisen
advantageous mental states, one makes an effort, one arouses much energy,
redirects the mind, and strives enthusiastically for giving birth to good states...
4 Maintaining Enhancement: One generates desire for the fixed maintenance
of already arisen advantageous states, for their stable increase, expansion,
& final fulfilment by development, one makes an effort, one arouses energy,
redirects the mind, and strives enthusiastically for sustaining all right & good...
These are the four right efforts!
Bhikkhus, just as the river Ganges slants, slopes, and inclines towards the East,
even so does a Bhikkhu, who develops and cultivates these Four Right Efforts
slant, slope, slide, move, approach, glide and incline directly towards Nibbana!
Defining Comments:
Question: What are these bad, evil, wrong and disadvantageous mental states?
Answer: All mental states motivated by, or mixed with diluted derivatives of
greed, hate and ignorance are bad, evil, wrong and disadvantageous for all...
Question: What are these good, kind, right and advantageous mental states?
Answer: All mental states motivated by, or mixed with diluted derivatives of
generosity, goodwill and understanding are good, right & advantageous for all...
The 4-Fold Right Effort!
More on this Right Effort!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Effort.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Avoiding_Effort.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Avoiding_Effort2.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Energetic_Effort.htm
If Good: GO! If Bad STOP! Keep on doing just that!
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:244] section 49: The 4 Efforts. 1: River Ganges.
Gliding towards Nibbâna..
What are the 4 & very best Right Efforts?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_River_of_Energetic_Effort.htm
Friends:
Mind seeing Mind is Core Essence of the Noble Way:
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops the Feet of Force that is enriched with concentrated desire,
concentrated energy, concentrated thought & concentrated investigation, all constructed
by effort, by thinking: In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither
be too slack nor too tense, it will neither be constricted internally, nor scattered externally,
then he dwells experiencing both what is in front & what is behind, so above, so also below,
so by day, so also at night! Therefore, with a mind that is all open & unrestricted, he develops
the dazzling bright mind, which is pervaded by its own luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined and cultivated in exactly
this way, the Bhikkhu possesses the various kinds of suprahuman force: He understands other
beings minds when having encompassed them with his own mind. He understands a mind with lust
as a mind with lust; a mind without lust as a mind without lust; a mind with hate as a mind with hate;
a mind without hate as a mind without hate; a mind with ignorance as a mind with ignorance;
a mind without ignorance as a mind beyond ignorance; a contracted & lazy mind as contracted
mind and a distracted mind as agitated & distracted; an exalted mind as exalted into jhana and
an unexalted mind as unexalted; a surpassable mind as a surpassable mind and an unsurpassable
mind as unsurpassable; a well concentrated mind as a concentrated mind & an unconcentrated
mind as unconcentrated; a released mind as released and an unreleased mind as unreleased...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
About Abhiñña: The 6 suprahuman forces, higher powers, or supernormal knowledge's see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/abhinna.htm
More on the 4 Feet of Suprahuman Force!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/iddhi_paada.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_I.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_II.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_III.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_IV.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_V.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Desire_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Energy_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Thinking_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Investigation_as_Way_to_Force.htm
Mind1 enveloping Mind2..
Mind seeing Mind is Core Essence of the Noble Way:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_III.htm
"Feet of power" is a rather unfortunate translation.
How can something see itself without a mirror?
I think it's about being able to see other people's minds. I didn't read the links so I can't be sure.
The appearance is self-aware as itself.
So usually we we think that something needs something else to see itself. But even that image of something that needs something else is an image that reflects itself as itself.
So there are never a divide between the mirror and its appearance as both are the same thing.
This unfortunately is impossible to understand conceptually as it is conceptualization which bifurcates a knower apart from known.
seeing is awareness. so if you are seeing such as the mind that something that's only just awareness.
It seems to be about the 3rd foundation of mindfulness, ie mindfulness of state of mind.
There is a tricky question here around who or what is _being _mindful, but probably that's another discussion.
Friends:
Seeing the Long-Term Kammic Causes and Effects ...
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops the Feet of Force that is enriched with concentrated desire,
concentrated energy, concentrated thought & concentrated investigation, all constructed
by effort, by thinking: In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither
be too slack nor too tense, it will neither be constricted internally nor scattered externally,
then he dwells experiencing both what is in front and what is behind, so above, so also below,
so by day, so also at night! Therefore, with a mind that is all open & unrestricted, he develops
the dazzling bright mind, which is pervaded by its own luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined and cultivated in exactly
this way, the Bhikkhu possesses the various kinds of suprahuman force: With the divine eye,
which is purified and surpasses the human, he sees beings passing away and being reborn,
as inferior or superior, beautiful or ugly, fortunate or unfortunate, and he understands how
beings travel on in accordance with their actions (=kamma) thus: The beings who misbehaved
bodily, verbally and mentally, who reviled the Noble Ones, held wrong view, and did actions
based on wrong view, with the break-up of their body, right after death, they are reborn in
a state of misery, in a painful destination, in the lower worlds, even in hell!
But these other beings who engaged in good behaviour bodily, verbally and mentally, who did
not revile the Noble Ones, who held right view, and undertook action based on right view,
with the break-up of their body, after death, have been reborn in a good & happy destination,
even a divine world!
Thus with the divine eye, which is purified and surpasses the human, he sees beings passing away
and being reborn, as inferior or superior, as beautiful or ugly, as fortunate or unfortunate,
and he understands how beings are reborn in accordance with their kamma (behaviour).
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
About Abhiñña: The 6 suprahuman forces, higher powers, or supernormal knowledge's see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/abhinna.htm
About Kamma: The accumulation of intentional causes, which may have spurious effects see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kamma_and_Fruit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kamma_is_improvable.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Inevitable_Consequences.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rebirth.htm
About the Divine Eye: The Dibba-Cakkhu see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Divine_Eye.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/dibba_cakkhu.htm
More on the 4 Feet of Suprahuman Force!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/iddhi_paada.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_I.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_II.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_III.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_IV.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_V.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Desire_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Energy_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Thinking_as_Way_to_Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Investigation_as_Way_to_Force.htm
Seeing Them Go ...
Seeing the Long-Term Kammic Causes and Effects ...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_V.htm
Awesome post.
Hey that picture is also so awesome @samahita, I've been looking for something to convey this view; could I take it as my avatar next or is it not freely given to the public domain?
Friends:
The Evil Devil meeting the true Saint![/size][/size]
The Buddha once spoke straight to Namuci also called Mara the Evil One:
Sense pleasure is your first army, discontent your 2nd, while hunger and
thirst is your 3rd army. The 4th is craving, the 5th is lethargy and laziness,
fear is your 6th, doubt is the 7th, hypocrisy and stubbornness is your 8th.
Gain, renown, honour, and whatever falsely received fame is your 9th army
you Kanha black dark-minded one. One who is not hero cannot conquer that,
but having defeated it, one gains great happiness. Having brought my mind
under full control, well-established in continuous awareness, I will wander
through the kingdoms, training many disciples, who alert and well motivated,
despite your temptations, will go where having gone, one cannot ever grieve!
Realizing his defeat Mara , the Evil One, replied: For seven long years I have
followed the Blessed One, step by step, without ever obtaining even a single
opportunity against this perfectly Self-Enlightened One, who is fully aware.
Like a crow, which circled a yellow stone, which appeared like a lump of fat,
thinking "Perhaps I can find something soft & sweet here", but after having
attacked the rock, without getting anything, went away sadly disappointed,
even and exactly so will I have to go away. Discouraged the demon's lute fell
from his armpit and overwhelmed by frustration he disappeared right there..
Sutta-Nipata verses 436-449 . Edited excerpt.
This highborn hedonistic devil is called Namuci = “no escape”, since he lets
no one escape, and Mara = “death”, since he leads beings into a repeated
cycle of birth and death.... Buddha also rightly called him The Evil One,
since he with ease can enter any being's mind and make them do evil.
%0
Friends:
The 5 Mental Hindrances Causes Ignorance!
On the vulture’s peak hill, prince Abhaya once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Sir, what is the Causes of not seeing, not knowing, & not Understanding?
The All-Seeing Blessed One responded:
At such time, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
sensual desire, and one does not know any way to escape this sensual lust, that has
arisen - this condition itself, prince, is the cause of not seeing, and of not knowing.
Therefore, not seeing, and not knowing have indeed a specific cause, and is indeed
conditioned by an essential prerequisite. [Such as desire for sensing ]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
ill will, and does not know any way to escape or still this anger, that has arisen,
then this exact condition itself is the cause of not seeing, and of not knowing.
Therefore, not seeing, and not knowing have indeed a specific cause, and is indeed
conditioned by a necessary requirement. [Such as hate, ill will, anger, and irritation ]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
lethargy and laziness, and does not know any way to escape such apathy & dullness,
then this exact condition itself is the cause of not seeing, and of not knowing.
Therefore, not seeing, and not knowing have indeed a specific cause, and is created
by an indispensable requirement. [Such as lethargy & laziness ]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
restlessness and regret, and does not know any way to escape this restlessness and
anxious remorse, then this exact condition itself, is the cause of not seeing, and of
not knowing. Therefore, not seeing, not knowing have indeed a cause, & is conditioned
by a specific crucial necessity. [Such as restlessness and regre t]
Then again, prince, when one remains with a mind possessed and overwhelmed by
uncertainty, doubt and confusion and does not know any way to escape this doubt,
uncertainty, and confusion, then this very condition, is the cause of not seeing, and
of not knowing.Therefore, not seeing, not knowing have a cause, and is created by a
causal requirement... [Such as uncertainty and skeptical doubt ]
What, Sir, is this method of teaching called?
These, prince, are called: The Hindrances...!
Comment:
Ignorance is not seeing and not knowing the 4 Noble Truths!
More on the Mental Hindrances (Nivarana) and How to Escape them:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Causes_of_Ignorance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_5_Mental_Hindrances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Starving_the_Hindrances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_5_Become_10.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/AN.I.3-4.html
Source: Samyutta Nikaya – The Grouped Sayings V, Mahavagga.
Have a nice unhindered day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Blocked and Blinded!
Friends:
Without Fermentation one is Fully Free..
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When a Bhikkhu develops the Feet of Force that is enriched with
concentrated desire, concentrated energy, concentrated thought &
concentrated investigation, all constructed by effort, by thinking:
In this way will my desire, energy, thinking and investigating neither
be too slack nor too tense, it will neither be constricted internally
nor scattered externally, then he dwells experiencing both what is
in front & what is behind, so above, so also below, so by day, so also
at night! Therefore, with a mind that is all open & unrestricted, he
develops the dazzling bright mind, which is pervaded by luminosity...
When the 4 feet of suprahuman force have been developed, refined
and cultivated in exactly this way, the Bhikkhu possesses the various
kinds of suprahuman force: Such Bhikkhu, by the total destruction
& complete elimination of the 3 mental fermentations, in this very
life enters and dwells in the fermentation-free release of mind, in
the fermentation-freed release of understanding, realizing it for
himself by direct knowledge, through own direct experience...
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:265-66]
section 51: The 4 Forces: Thread 11: Shaking The Mansion.
About Abhiñña: The 6 suprahuman forces, higher powers, see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/abhinna.htm
For Details on the 3 or 4 Mental Fermentations (asava) see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Final_Abilities.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Naturally_Radiant.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/aasava.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Proximate_Cause.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Cause_of_Ignorance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Three_Fermentations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Freed_from_Fermentation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_9_Supremes_Explained.htm
Fermentation Free ...
Without Mental Fermentation one is Fully Freed..
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Suprahuman_Force_VI.htm
Friends:
The Way of the 3 Higher Trainings:
The Blessed Buddha once explained:
There are, Bhikkhus, these 3 kinds of training:
1: Training in Higher Morality (adhi-sila-sikkha)...
2: Training in Higher Consciousness (adhi-citta-sikkha)...
3: Training in Higher Understanding (adhi-pañña-sikkha)...
What, Bhikkhus, is the training in higher morality?
Herein the monk is possessed of morality, is fully controlled by the monastic code
of 227 disciplinary rules, perfected in pure conduct & behaviour by recoiling from
even the minutest offense, he trains himself in these higher moral training rules.
This is called the training in higher morality!
What, Bhikkhus, is the training in higher consciousness?
Herein the monk, secluded from sensual desires, protected from any detrimental
mental state, enters & dwells in the 1st jhana of joy & pleasure born of solitude,
in directed & sustained thought. He enters the 2nd, 3rd & 4th jhana absorption.
This is called the training in higher consciousness!
What, Bhikkhus, is the training in higher understanding?
Herein the monk completely understands according to the actual reality:
What Suffering is, What the Cause of Suffering is,
What the Ceasing of Suffering is, and
What the Way leading to ceasing of Suffering is.
This is called the training in higher understanding!
More on the Noble 8-fold Way:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Middle_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_3-fold_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Noble_8-Fold_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Golden_Middle_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Fruits_of_the_Noble_Way.htm
Making Light Shine in a barren place!
Source (edited extract):
Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya AN 3:88-89
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/Index.Numerical.htm
Higher Training!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Three_Trainings.htm
Hello,
it´s ok with Higher Mind Training, but what i mussed was literature you were delaying on. Could you please tell me and all the others where you drained your knowledge from.
anando
First of all, @anando, your post makes no sense.
'delaying on'....? What is that?
'drained your knowledge from'....? Further incomprehensible comment.
Secondly, @samahita is a long-time member who is a Buddhist monk,
see his profile for more information.
Also, here.
It is not seemly or skillful to question the 'qualifications' of a respected Bhante, who has been a long-term member here.
If indeed that is what your intention is.
Thanks.
Friends:
The 10 Questions to the Enlightened Boy!
Sopaka awakened as novice, when 7 years old! The Buddha then asked him:
One is what? All beings are fuelled by Nutriment (Ahara) answered the boy.
Two is what? Name and form (Nama-Rupa), responded the novice promptly!
Three is what? The three kinds of Feeling, was this assured boy's reply...
Four is what? The Four Noble Truths, returned this perfected novitiate..
Five is what? The Five Clusters of Clinging, acknowledged this not-pupil..
Six is what? The Six Sense-Sources, responded this all trained & learned.
Seven is what? The Seven Links to Awakening, answered this eldest boy..
Eight is what? The Noble Eightfold Path, replied this one gone to the end!
Nine is what? The Nine Abodes of Beings, explained this worthy junior...
Ten is what? One who is endowed with Ten Qualities is defined an Arahat....
Khp 1-6;9
Matured Mind and not an old body defines the worthy Senior!
More on this Sopaka, who became Enlightened, when only 7 years old:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/s/sopaka.htm
Having accumulated the right conditions in prior lives, he was almost & very
close to be able to awaken in his last life... Therefore he could enlighten as
only 7 years old in this his last existence! Though his biological frame was
that young, his mind was the eldest & most mature among his un-awakened
monk colleagues. Any Arahat is the oldest and most senior in the universe!
To make the other monks understand, that they should not clap his head &
treat him as junior, although they were much older than him biologically,
the Buddha asked him these ten questions, which are studied intensely by
all Theravada novices even today 2500 years after! May all disciples do so!
These 10 questions are not trivial!
Questions to the Boy!
This Enlightened Novice was only 7 yerars old...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Questions_to_the_Boy.htm
I'm guessing by the syntax and vocabulary that English is not anando's native language. I couldn't begin to fathom participating in a thought-rich forum like this one in a foreign language. I certainly don't read it as affrontive to samahita, I read it as inquisitive.
I agree with Steve_B. Also, in his profile, you can see he is connecting from another country (that is not the US or the UK...Germany I think) Also, it could be an autocorrect issue, too, I usually assume that is the problem since it is so common. I doubt he knew that Samahita was a learned and titled monk, I certainly do not check the profiles of every user before I reply to them. I am all for respecting monks and teachers, of course. But I find it kind of odd how many people get offended on Samahita's behalf.
@anando Samahita has a website in his profile that contains a lot of useful information, it will give you a better idea of who he is and what he does
He does not participate in the forum in the manner of answering questions and comments, he posts teachings. (I only say that so that you are not awaiting a response from him directly in the forum thread as you are unlikely to get one)
Sila... Samadhi... Prajna :-)
I willingly respect anyone who makes an effort to clarify a confused and sometimes painful life. It isn't easy and I respect it.
But together with that, I also would like to ask, "higher than what?" How many lives does any one person, of whatever station, live?
If "higher" and "lower" were the hallmarks of Buddhism, would that any longer be Buddhism?
Friends:
The Terror of being Trapped into Being...
A good Friend noted:
>it's tough to let go…
Please then remember what the Buddha once pointed out:
Only suffering arises… Only suffering ceases!
Seeing this, one then understands that: Nothing is Worth Clinging to…
Then it is much more easy to let go, when realizing, that it is only pure suffering,
one separates from. Nothing really good is thus lost. Relinquishing all is the only:
Absolute Freedom; Highest Happiness; and Supreme Peace… Yeah!
The deepest kind of craving & clinging is to that of (re)becoming into a new existence!
Clinging to being in existence itself makes one be reborn, die and thus suffer again and again…
All phenomena are sure to cease. All being in existence will be cut off by transience.
All becoming is therefore truly a Terror of being Trapped into Being in Existence!
On craving and clinging: Trapped into Being!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Craving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4_kinds_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Trap.htm
Nothing is Worth Clinging to…
The Terror of being Trapped into Being...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Terror_of_Being.htm
Thanks for this......your timing was perfect!
In reference to the seen, there will be only the seen. In reference to the heard, only the heard. In reference to the sensed, only the sensed. In reference to the cognized, only the cognized. That is how you should train yourself. When for you there will be only the seen in reference to the seen, only the heard in reference to the heard, only the sensed in reference to the sensed, only the cognized in reference to the cognized, then, Bāhiya, there is no you in connection with that. When there is no you in connection with that, there is no you there. When there is no you there, you are neither here nor yonder nor between the two. This, just this, is the end of stress.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/ud/ud.1.10.than.html
and now back to the next mountain . . .
Are you saying it is not?
@Steve_B, @karasti, you will by now know I have replied to you via PM.
Just to clarify the conclusion for others.
Friends:
Experiencing Right Things might cure illness instantly!
Once when Venerable Girimananda was sick, then the Buddha said to Ven. Ananda:
If you, Ananda, would go to Ven. Girimananda & explain to him the 10 experiences,
it may be that Girimananda's illness will be cured instantly!
And which are these ten experiences? They are:
1: The experience of Impermanence, and inconstancy (Anicca-Sañña).
2: The experience of No-Self, Egolessness, and Impersonality (Anatta-Sañña).
3: The experience of Disgust, Loathsomeness, and Foulness (Asubha-Sañña).
4: The experience of Danger, Damage, and Disadvantage (Adinava-Sañña).
5: The experience of Leaving Behind, Removal, and Giving up (Pahana-Sañña).
6: The experience of Disillusion, Dispassion, and Detachment (Viraga-Sañña).
7: The experience of Ceasing, Stilling, and Final Finishing (Nirodha-Sañña).
8: The experience of Disappointment with entire world (Sabbaloka-Anabhirati-Sañña).
9: The experience of Transience of all formations (Sabbasankharesu Anicca-Sañña).
10: The experience of Breathing Awareness (Anapanasati-Sañña).
Having learnt and fully memorized these ten experiences from the Blessed Buddha,
the Venerable Ananda went to the Venerable Girimananda and recited these ten
experiences to him. Then as soon as the Venerable Girimananda heard these ten
experiences explained, his illness instantly subsided! This was thus the way
the Venerable Girimananda was cured, and could rise from his sick-bed....
(To see and know that in advance takes a SammaSamBuddha!)
On the 10 experiences:
1: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Impermanence.htm
2: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Egolessness.htm
3: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Disgust.htm
4: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Danger.htm
5: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Elimination.htm
6: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Fading_Away.htm
7: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Ceasing.htm
8: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Disappointment.htm
9: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Universal_Transience.htm
10: http://WhaBuddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_the_Breath.htm
Source (edited extract):
Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya AN 10:60, AN V 108ff.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/Index.Numerical.htm
The 10 Experiences!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_10_Experiences.htm
sigh
It's a really good teaching. You don't have to believe that it cures diseases.
Yes you did, thank you amiable foreigner.
I feel better already . . .
for those living with less attainment/capacity remember 'Jesus saves' too. Wot you mean 'no believe'? tsk tsk, mountains not moving for you fast enough . . . ah well . . .
Through refuge and turning the wheel around our practice we find healing of the angst, anger, general purposeless dukkha etc. You knows it, Mr Cushion knows it.
Eventually your confidence that there is a path grows. Bhante banter is sometimes a little over zealous . . .
This is one of those succinct and emphatic teachings that leaves me, frankly, scratching my head.
MODERN recommendations would be - be diligent in your practice, but if you need those medications to help your system combat whatever ails you - take them.
Or, more succinctly:
"By all means, call on 'God' - but at least row AWAY from the rocks."
Backwards projection..like hindsight, is a wonderful thing.
So we take values that we hold, or are widely held in in our culture and we figure that Buddhists in the past, even the Buddha himself must share them.
One such is bafflement that the Buddha could leave his wife and child and become a mendicant..
Even though notions like romantic love and monogamous marriage are unlikely to have featured in ancient India 2500 years ago.
Another such assumption is that egalitarian principles must, because our culture values them, be closer to the true than notions of achievement and advancement.
The reality is somewhat different..from the earliest times Buddhism has recognised that some practitioners are more advanced...'higher' or 'deeper' or any other spatial metaphor that appeals , than others.
In the Theravada you have the concepts of 'Stream Winners' 'Once Returners' and so on.
In Mahayana there is the framework of the Ten Bhumis..which are found across the various schools and which are very clearly predicated on states of advancement..
So in short. it seems that ' higher and lower 'are very much hallmarks of Buddhism and have always been.
However much that might offend modern sensibilities.
@federica -- It's nice to smile. Thanks.
@citta -- Just to be clear, I wasn't trying to indicate I was offended or that I had a more perfect (if skewed by your lights) view. If I actually did convey that, I apologize. What I wondered was simply what I wondered ... how does higher and lower, more and less advanced, actually compute. The mediocre haze that often is passed off as "equality" does not much appeal to me either. That said, how realistic in anyone's life are the matters of higher and lower, more and less advanced ... the stuff that might be termed -- ineptly, perhaps -- inegalitarian?
I simply don't understand the question.
Buddhism historically in both its Theravadin and Mahayanist manifestations sets out a clear hierarchy of achievement in the mastering of its meditative disciplines.
That these disciplines can be undertaken with increasing skillfulness is axiomatic in Buddhadharma.
Whether one then applies or does not apply spatial metaphors to that process seems to me to be of little moment.
@citta -- Thanks very much. "Historically," that makes good sense.