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Balanced Equanimity is the Tenth Mental Perfection:
Equanimity characteristically induces & promotes impartial neutrality... Its function is to look upon things with an even unreactive indifference! Its manifestation is the gradual stilling of both attraction & repulsion.. Its proximate cause is seeing, that all inherit the results of their actions. Its effect is utter purification & perfection of all other mental qualities, by ending both discontent & delight, thereby providing the necessary equal calm required for their complete assessment & accomplishment.
Equanimity means Unaffectable.. Equanimity means Unprovokable.. Equanimity means Undisturbable.. Equanimity means Unexcitable.. Equanimity means Imperturbable.. Equanimity means Disengaged.. Equanimity means Disentangled.. Equanimity means Detached.. Equanimity means Immovable.. Equanimity means Unbeatable.. Equanimity means Untemptable.. Equanimity means Wholly Immune.. Equanimity means Indifferent.. Equanimity means Impartial.. Equanimity means Unbiased.. Equanimity means Disinterested.. Equanimity means Balanced.. Even like a smiling mountain! Cool Calm is the ultimate Balm!
The Threefold Equanimity (Upekkha): If Indifferent towards: Internal states & external phenomena, Living beings & lifeless things, Past, present & future events, How can one be hurt, upset, disturbed or distressed?
Calm is his mind. Calm is his speech. Calm is his action. So is the Tranquility; So is the Equanimity; Of one freed by the Insight Of right Knowledge. Dhammapada 96
Although a man is richly dressed and adorned, if he is in peace, at ease, in equanimity, calmed, composed, controlled, celibate and harmless towards all beings, then verily he is a Holy One, a recluse, a sage ... Dhammapada 142
Equanimity towards one's own internal states - that is indeed a link to Enlightenment. Equanimity regarding external phenomena & conditions - that is indeed also a link to Enlightenment. Samyutta Nikaya V Bojjhanga-samyutta.
Such noble friend finally develops the link to awakening that is Equanimity during Awareness of in-&-out breathing, which protects against damaging mental states, tends to detachment, to ceasing, tends to release & culminates in complete self-surrender... If, friends, Awareness of in-&-out breathing, is so cultivated and so made much of, it is indeed of great fruit, of great advantage! One whose Awareness of breathing in-&-out is perfected, well developed, and gradually brought to refined growth thus, according to the teaching of the Buddha, such one illuminates the entire world, just like the full moon freed from clouds. Samyutta Nikaya V Anapana-samyutta.
The Blessed One once said: Now how, Ananda, in the discipline of a Noble One is there the unsurpassable development of the senses? There is the case where, when seeing a form with the eye, there arises in a monk what is agreeable, or what is disagreeable, or what is both agreeable & disagreeable. He recognizes that: This agreeable thing has arisen in me, or this disagreeable thing... or this both agreeable & disagreeable thing, has arisen in me: And that is constructed, conditioned, coarse & dependently co-arisen! But this is peaceful, this is exquisite, namely even & equal equanimity! Instantly, that arisen agreeable or disagreeable thing ceases, and Equanimity takes its calm stance! Just as a man with good eyes, having closed them, might open them; or when open, might close them, that is how quickly, how rapidly, how easily, no matter what it refers to, Equanimity make whatever arisen agreeable thing... or disagreeable thing... or both agreeable & disagreeable thing cease right there, and Equanimity takes its even stance! In the discipline of The Noble One, this is called the unsurpassable development of the senses with regard to visible forms cognizable by the eye. Similar is the supreme development of the other senses. MN 152
With the fading of rapturous joy, he remains in equanimity, aware & alert, still physically sensitive to bodily pleasure. He enters & remains in the third jhana, of which the Noble Ones declare: 'In aware Equanimity, one abides in pleasure...' With the stilling of pleasure & pain as with the earlier disappearance of elation & frustration, he enters & remains in the fourth jhana: sole Awareness purified by equanimity, - neither pleasure nor pain - This is called Right Concentration... The elimination of both sensual desires & of discontent, the ejection of laziness, the calming of all regrets, just this pure Equanimity being aware of all mental properties exactly at the moment they appear: That I call the direct knowledge of release the breakthrough from ignorance. Sutta Nipata V 13: Udaya's Questions
Equanimity is 'Tatra-majjhattata', which designates the evenly balanced keeping to the moderate middle of all things. It has as characteristic, that it affects the balance of consciousness and mental properties as a single function of single taste, which prevents both overt excessiveness and any lack or insufficiency. Equanimity thereby puts an end to biased partiality by manifesting moderation well within range of the properly reasoned midway. Visuddhimagga XIV
The Buddha once explained: I would make my bed in a charnel ground, with a skeleton for my pillow.. And cowherd boys came up and spat on me, urinated on me, threw dirt at me, and poked sticks into my ears! While others, exultant & thrilled brought me offerings of food, caskets of perfume & incense and garlands of flowers! Yet I do not recall, that I ever showed any partiality towards any of them... I was the same to them all! Neither arousing any fondness nor any aversion! This was my ultimate perfection of equanimity... MN 12 Lomahamsanapariyaya The Hair-raising Presentation Cariyapitaka III 15
Of all the Medicines in the world, even and ever so numerous and different none is comparable to this Dhamma. Therefore, friends, take this Dhamma!
Having swallowed and digested this sublime Dhamma Medicine, you will go beyond ageing and death. You will be freed and cured of all Craving.
Good and Bad Luck in life is actually obvious: Those who respect the Dhamma flourish! Those who despise the Dhamma deteriorate...
Having been shown this straight Middle Way, that thrust into Deathlessness. You, through prudence and patience, will reach it, touch it, and know it directly, as the stream of the river Ganges, always reaches the mighty ocean. Only this Dhamma-Medicine cures Death... Yeah!
Consciousness is a Wave, and the Brain is a transciever of these waves.
The Blessed Buddha has explained consciousness as:
A: Definitions: What, now, is consciousness? There are six kinds of consciousness (viññana-khandha): 1: Consciousness of form is visual consciousness, 2: Consciousness of sound is auditory consciousness, 3: Consciousness of smell is olfactory consciousness, 4: Consciousness of taste is gustatory consciousness, 5: Consciousness of touch is tactile consciousness, 6: Consciousness of thought is mental consciousness. SN: 22:56
Consciousness is a Wave with person specific frequencies just like radio-waves.
B: Causation by Dependent Origination: The arising of consciousness is dependent upon specific conditions... Without presence of these conditions, no consciousness will ever emerge... Consciousness is named after the conditions upon which it is dependent! Consciousness, whose arising depends on the encounter of eye & forms, is called visual consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on the ear & sounds, is called auditory consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on the nose and smells, is called olfactory consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on the tongue and taste, is called gustatory consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on the meeting of the body or skin and touch is called tactile consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on mind meeting a mental object, state, idea or thought is called mental consciousness. MN 38
Consciousness selects & manifests representations out of quantum-potentialities.
The central role of active Attention: Even though the eye is intact, if external form does not fall within the field of vision, then no attentive combination of eye & form takes place, therefore there will not emerge any visual consciousness. Or even though external form actually fall within the field of vision, yet if no attentive combination of eye & form takes place, there will neither emerge any visual consciousness. Only if, the eye is intact, external form fall within the range of vision, & attentive combination of eye & form takes place, then there arises the corresponding phenomenon of visual consciousness. (Similarly so with the other 5 kinds of consciousness) MN 28
Consciousness is both received and emitted from the brain wave transceiver.
C: Dependency on the other four Clusters of Clinging: It is impossible for anyone to explain the passing out of one existence, and the entering into a new process of existence during transmigration, or the initiation, growth, increase, and development of consciousness, independently of form, feeling, perception, and mental construction... SN 22: 53
Consciousness can take up and reflect upon all objects - even itself recursively!
Consciousness is constructed & causes a duality: Naming & Forming: The Origin of Consciousness is the arising of Mental Construction... The Ceasing of Mental Construction also ceases Consciousness... The Origin of Name-&-Form is the arising of Consciousness... The Ceasing of Consciousness also ceases Name-&-Form... MN 9 Only this absolute silencing is Peace, is Bliss, is Freedom…
Consciousness displays the reflected mirror representation of something else...
Comment: Like space has no essence in itself beyond being 'spacious', but can contain, accommodate, hold, & include all material phenomena, then similarly has consciousness no essence in itself beyond being 'aware' of all the mental phenomena it can manifest, display, show, exhibit, expose, express, create and reveal. It defines & establishes being... It is momentary and vanishes instantly after it has arisen. It is Not an abiding presence, entity, soul, I, me, ego, core, nor any identity... Apart from conditions, there is nothing arising as or in consciousness... All forms of consciousness are impermanence, suffering, and no-self, whether it is past, future or present, gross or subtle, arisen internally in oneself or externally in others, inferior or exalted, remote or near... Buddha likened consciousness to a deceiving trick: A made-up illusion... Consciousness is like a burning pit of hot embers one should not enter!
Buddha said: "The entire world starts and ends within this frame of body & mind"
Seeing the Disgusting Aspects of Food disables Craving!
The Blessed Buddha once said: The experience of loathsome disgust with all food, Bhikkhus & friends, developed and frequently repeated, brings a high reward and blessing, and has the Deathless Dimension as its basis & the very nearby goal. Whoever, Bhikkhus & friends, often trains perceiving disgust with food, his mind shrinks and turns away from voracious greed, he is neither attracted, captivated or tempted, but feels only equanimity or disgust! Just as, Bhikkhus & friends, a cock's feather or a piece of bowstring, thrown into the fire, shrinks up, twists, rolls itself up, does not stretch out again: just so in one who often entertains the experience of disgust in all food, the mind shrinks back from greediness, turns away from it, is repulsed by food, is not attracted; and equanimity or disgust arises!
The experience of Disgust in Food includes: Seeing it brings the danger and tribulation of having a fragile and sore body. Seeing what it becomes like when chewed and sunk: Like dogs vomit! Seeing that getting it daily costs one much pain of seeking, work & cleaning. Seeing that it is turned into secretions as bile, pus, blood, snot, slime & spit. Seeing that it undigested stays as vomit in the foul receptacle of the stomach. Seeing that it when digested is turned into diarrheic brown fluid in the intestines. Seeing that it causes a lifelong excretion of stinking messy excrement & urine. Seeing the side effects of obesity, diabetes, cardiac failure and hypertension.
The Blessed Buddha once said: May all creatures, all living things, all beings without any exception, experience good happiness only! May they not fall into any harm. Anguttara Nikaya 4.67
Solitude is happiness for one, who is content, who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees. Non-violence is happiness in this world: Harmlessness towards all living beings. Udana 10
The Noble is not one, who injures living beings. The Noble is one, who never injures living beings. Dhammapada 270
Ever are the true disciples of the Buddha well awake and quite aware. Constantly they meditate both day and night on Harmlessness! Dhammapada 296-301
The one who has left all violence, who never harms any being at all, whether they are moving or still, who neither kill, nor causes to kill, such one, harmless, is a Holy One! Dhammapada 405
Il Poya day is this full-moon day of November. This sacred day celebrates: 1: The Buddha Gotama's declaration of the next Buddha Metteyya. 2: The sending out in the world of the 60 missionary Arahats 3: The passing away of the general of the Dhamma: Sariputta. 4: The Buddha's 1st explanation of Anapanasati Breathing Meditation.
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 accept 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!
All Buddha's disciples undertakes a 3-fold Mental Training (ti-sikkha): 1: Training in higher Morality (adhi-sila-sikkha). 2: Training in higher Mentality(adhi-citta-sikkha). 3: Training in higher Understanding (adhi-pañña-sikkha).
Higher Morality is 3 fold: It is Right Speech(samma-vaca) It is Right Action(samma-kammanta) It is Right Livelihood(samma-ajiva)
Higher Mentality is also 3 fold: It is Right Effort(samma-vayama) It is Right Awareness (samma-sati) It is Right Concentration(samma-samadhi)
Higher Understanding is 2 fold: It is Right Motivation(samma-sankappa) It is Right View (samma-ditthi)
The Blessed Buddha once said: When founded on pure morality, then concentration produces a high fruit and blessing. When based on deep concentration, then understanding brings a high fruit and blessing. Being endowed with understanding, the mind is freed from all the mental fermentations related to sensing, becoming, views/opinions and ignorance. This - in itself- is releasing!
It is through not understanding, not penetrating and not attaining noble higher morality... noble higher mentality.. and noble higher understanding... that both you and I had to pass through this round of rebirths for such an immensely long time, without reaching the bliss of deliverance, the bliss of peace and, the bliss of noble higher release: Enlightenment...
Train yourself in doing only pure good, Since that lasts & brings great happiness! Cultivate generosity, peaceful simple living, and a mentality of infinite friendliness... _/\_ Itivuttaka 16
Who is hospitable, open, straight & friendly, Generous, gentle and always unselfish, A guide, an instructor, a true leader, Such one will great honour gain... Digha Nikaya 31
For one who deliberately and fully attentive, Develops and expands Universal Friendliness Experiencing the fading away of clinging, All his chains are worn down thereby! Itivuttaka 27
With good-will for the entire cosmos, Cultivate a limitless heart and mind: Beaming above, below, and all around, Unobstructed, without trace of hostility. Sutta Nipata I, 8
May all creatures, all breathing & living things, All beings, one and all, without any exception, Experience the good fortune of Happiness! May they not fall into any harm... Anguttara Nikaya II, 72
The Buddha once said about Nibbana: The Uncreated Dimension: That, truly, is peace, this is the absolute supreme, namely, the end of every kammic formation, the final stilling of all mental construction, the letting go and leaving behind of any substrate for rebirth and all fuel for becoming, the fading away of all craving, & the relinquishing of all forms of clinging, silencing, stilling, ceasing, Nibbana.... AN 3:32
Enraptured, ensnared and obsessed with greed, lust, urge & desire, enraged with hate, fuming with anger, stirred by ill will & irritation, blinded by ignorance, agitated by confusion, and fooled by delusion, overwhelmed, with mind entangled, one aims at own ruin, at the ruin of others, at the ruin of both, & one experiences frustration & pain! But if lust, hate, and ignorance are eliminated, one aims neither at own ruin, nor at the ruin of others, nor at the ruin of both, and one experiences neither mental frustration, nor any pain, nor any grief! Thus is Nibbana immediate, visible in this life, inviting, captivating, fascinating & comprehensible to any intelligent & wise being. AN 3:55
The elimination of all Greed, the stilling of all Hate, the eradication of all Confusion: This quenching, indeed, is the true Nibbana. SN 38:1
FREED For him, who has completed this journey. For him, who is untouched by any pain or sorrow. For him, who is in every-way wholly freed. For him, who has broken all chains. For such one, no Suffering is ever Possible! Dhammapada 90
Honesty is Trust Honesty is Truthful Honesty is Guarantee Honesty is Confidence Honesty is Consistence Honesty is Convincing Honesty is Certainty Honesty is Credibility Honesty is Reliability Honesty is Authenticity Honesty is Integrity Honesty is Accuracy Honesty is Commitment Honesty is Sincerity Honesty is Security Honesty is Reality Honesty is a Must!
Honesty characteristically never deceives, it's function is to verify what is actual and factual. Honesty's manifestation is sheer excellence... Sincere and exact truthfulness is the proximate cause of honesty! All evil states and crimes converge upon transgression of Truth... Devotion to Truth is the only reliable foundation of all Nobility!
Like The Buddha demand of your own mind: You have to give me an honest answer, understand! I won't accept anything phony. And once you've answered, you have to stick to that very answer and not slide or glide around. Don't be a traitor to yourself! Be sober & straight! Therefore: Accept now this 4th training rule of avoiding all false speech!
If one is not true to the Buddha's teachings, the Buddha's teachings will not be true to oneself, either! That Dhamma, which is used as a costume, surface, uniform or alibi, does not bear fruit, as it's intention is not true! True Honesty, however, makes you quite worthy of respect!
If one is painstakingly honest towards oneself, one thereby also becomes meticulously honest towards others. If one on the contrary deceives oneself, believing own lies, one automatically also deceives others, betraying them. Honesty, however, always makes you quite worthy of respect...
Make an island of yourself, be your own light and illumination, make yourself your only safe haven; there is no other protection. Make Truth your only island, make Truth your sole refuge; Make Truth your only lamp; there is no other luminosity. Digha Nikaya, 16
The straight person, self-controlled, keeping precepts, open and honest, is both worthy and fit for the yellow robe. The hiding person, imposting, immoral, keeping secrets, not honest, is neither worthy, nor fit for the yellow robe. Dhammapada 9+10
Overcome the furious by friendship. Overcome the evil one by goodness. Overcome the miser by generosity; Overcome the liar by truth. Dhammapada 223
The one who destroys life; The one who speaks false; The one who takes what is not given; The one who mates with another's partner; The one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol; Such one - even in this world - digs up his own root! Dhammapada 246-47
They who falsely declare: "That happened" about what did not happen, or: "I did not do that" about what they actually did, they earn themselves a ticket to grilling in Hell. Dhammapada 306
When the Blessed One heard about the king’s spies, who for money stole information from others, he explained: One should not take just any job. One should not be another’s man. One should not depend on any other. One should not sell the truth for money… Udana VI-2
The Bodhisatta was once caught by a man-eater, which sat him free on the condition that he returned the next day. He kept his word and did so... Much later remembered: Protecting this way of truth, having given up my life and kingdom, I thereby set free 100 captured nobles, as the man-eater lost his nerve. In honesty I thereby reached the ultimate perfection! Mahasutasoma-Jataka no. 537
You can run from your mistake, but not from your regret. You can play with your drama, but not with your karma. Theravada Buddhist Chaiteet Heng, Malaysia
Truthful Honesty is the 7th Mental Perfection. Like the moon remains in its fixed orbit around the earth, even so should one stay and stick with the truth, thereby insisting on honesty. This guarantee induces trust, confidence and assured certainty in the mind, as well as in the society. You can play with your drama, but not with your karma..
Empty Gossip & Void Babble Infects & Spoil any Social Sphere!
Once in Savatthi the Blessed Buddha said this: What, householder friends, is the Dhamma explanation befitting for oneself? Here, householder friends, any Noble Disciple reflects thus: If someone were to to address me with gossip, idle chatter, empty babble, hearsay, and void prattle, that would neither be pleasing nor agreeable to me. Similarly, if I were to address another with gossip, idle chatter, empty babble, hearsay, and void prattle, that would neither be pleasing, nor agreeable, nor acceptable to that other being either! What is displeasing and disagreeable to me, is also displeasing and disagreeable to any other being too. How can I disturb & bore another being with what provoke annoy and exasperate myself? Having reflected repeatedly thus, then gradually: 1: He/she will carefully avoid all gossip, idle chatter, empty babble, & void hearsay... 2: He/she will persuade others also to avoid all pointless good-for-nothing speech... 3: He/she will praise speaking well formulated reasoned facts worth remembering... In this very way, is this advantageous verbal behaviour purified in 3 aspects!
Gossip returns!
One should never defile other beings by polluting them with empty speech!
Source (edited extract): The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:355] section 55: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 7: To the people at the Bamboo gate...
"I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, just like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos & glassware. 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the cab. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.' 'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice. I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom, where she had gone dancing as a young girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a way that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse. 'Nothing,' I said. 'You have to make a living,' she answered. 'There are other passengers,' I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.' I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was like the sound of the closing of a life.. I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick dry review: I don't think that I have done anything more important in my entire life! We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small nothing..."
The Blessed Buddha once said: Any Bhikkhu contemplates this body from the soles of the feet upward, and from the top of the hair downward, as a disgusting frame with a skin stretched over it, filled with many impurities: This body consists only of head-hairs, body-hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, sinews, bones, marrow, kidneys, bile, lymph, pus, blood, sweat, fat, tears, tallow, spittle, snot, joint fluid, and urine. Just as if a sack with openings at both ends were full of many various kinds of grain: Wheat, rice, mung beans, kidney beans, sesame seeds, husked rice and a man with good eyesight, pouring it out, were to reflect: This is wheat. This is rice. These are mung beans. These are kidney beans. These are sesame seeds. This is husked rice, in exactly the same way, monks, a monk reflects on this very body upward from the soles of the feet, and downward again from the hair-tips of the head... Source: DN 22, MN 10
The Blessed Buddha once said: Bhikkhus, there are these 4 Foundations of Awareness. What four? The ever calmly self reminding awareness of:
1: Body is just a mass of disgusting impurities... 2: Feelings are only a repeating emotional noise... 3: Mind is simply a conditioned set of weird moods... 4: Phenomena are mentally baked and faked appearances ...
While always acutely alert and clearly comprehending, thereby removing all lust, desire, envy, jealousy, frustration, & any kind of discontent rooted in this world... When, Bhikkhus, these 4 Foundations of Awareness have been developed, trained & well established, one of two fruits may be expected: Either Final Knowledge in this very life, or if there is residual clinging, the exalted state of Non-Return...!
Source of reference (edited extract): The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. Book [V: 181] 47. Foundations of Awareness: 36 Final Knowledge..
The Ancient Elders explained reflection thus: One sees all constructions as impermanent based on the following facts: They are inconstant, momentary, non-continuous, temporary, limited by rise and fall, disintegrating, unstable, perishable, transient, subject to change, coreless, due to vanish, constructed, subject to decay, to ageing, to death! One sees all phenomena as ultimate suffering based on the following facts: They are continuously oppressing, hard to bear, the source of pain, a disease, a tumour, a dart, a calamity, an affliction, a stress, a disaster, a terror that offers no protection, no shelter, no refuge, a danger, the root of calamity, murderous, subject to mental fermentation, Mara's bait, subject to birth, subject to ageing, illness and despair, producing sorrow, cause of grieving! One knows all constructions as disgusting, foul & ugly, because they surely are deplorable, stinking, detestable, repulsive, & grotesque pain in disguise! One regards all constructions as egoless no-self based on the these facts: Because they are alien, empty, vain, void, ownerless, with no full controller, with none to wield power over them, prone to washed about by conditions... It is then one acquires Knowledge & Vision of the Way by associating all constructions with these 3 universal characteristics. But why this grossly negative way? It is in order to achieve the tools to releasing deliverance!!! Here is a simile: a man thought to catch a fish, so he took a fishing net and cast it in the water. He put his hand into the mouth of the net under the water and seized a snake by the neck. He was glad, thinking: I have caught a fish! In the belief that he had caught a big fish, he lifted it up to see it... When he saw three marks, he perceived that it was a snake & he was truly terrified. He saw danger, felt revulsion & desired to be delivered from it. Contriving a means to deliverance, he flung it away, yelling: Go, foul snake! Then quickly hasting up on dry land, he stood looking back, while thinking: Happily, by effort, I have been delivered from the jaws of a huge snake!! Vism 652
The Blessed Buddha once said: Bhikkhus, there is one particular idea, when a Bhikkhu rightly disgusts this single scheme, rightly detaches from this distinct concept, rightly releases mentally from this sole dependence, rightly sees the final end of this universal condition, having rightly and thoroughly understood this unique idea, then he is one who makes an end of suffering in this very life! What is this one particular idea? [size=200]All Beings are sustained by Fuel![/size] When a Bhikkhu rightly disgusts, detaches, & releases from this reliance, and rightly sees the end of this phenomenon by complete comprehension, then he ends all suffering right there and then!
The 4 fold Fuel (Ahara) any process of being burns upon are: 1. Material Food (kabalinkarahara), which maintains the body. 2. Sense Contact (phassa), which feeds feeling and perception. 3. Intention (mano-sañcetana), which constructs kammic rebirth. 4. Consciousness (viññana), which sustains new consciousness.
This 'fire' of being, caused by these 5 clusters of clinging: 1: The Cluster of Clinging to Form... 2: The Cluster of Clinging to Feeling... 3: The Cluster of Clinging to Perception… 4: The Cluster of Clinging to Construction… 5: The Cluster of Clinging to Consciousness… is thereby kept burning, since it is sustained by this 4 fold flow of fuel... Nibbana (Sanskrit: Nirvana), which literally means 'blown out' like a candle, is only reached by extinguishing this fire of being by denying it new fuel... When all fuel is burned up, any fire stops and becomes peacefully cool!
Where sits the Consciousness? What is Consciousness? Recently it was found out that both hemispheres can be missing yet the children (though severely impaired) are still Conscious! Laughing without a Brain: “Got a Towel?” Case studies suggest that some forms of consciousness may not require an intact cerebrum! http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=self-awareness-with-a-simple-brain
The Blessed Buddha once said: Supported, Friends, by Himalaya, king of mountains, do the snake-beings [nagas] grow a body and get strength. When they have grown a body and got strength there, they go to the tiny mountain pools, therefrom to the lakes, therefrom to the streams, therefrom to the great rivers, therefrom to the sea, & lastly they go to the mighty ocean, where they complete great growth of body. Just even so, Bhikkhus & Friends, any one supported by morality, fixed in morality, who cultivates the 7 Links to Enlightenment, makes much of them, wins great growth of the right conditions and prerequisite causes of Enlightenment! How does a Noble being, so founded in morality, so fixed in morality, cultivate the 7 Links to Enlightenment, make much of them, & win great growth of the right conditions and necessary causes of total Awakening? Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Awareness, based on isolation, on detachment, on stilling, which culminates in self-surrender. Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Investigation, based on solitude, on dispassion, on ceasing, which culminates in relinquishment. Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Energy, based on seclusion, on indifference, on cooling, which culminates in elevation. Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Joy, based on retreat, on disinterestedness, on ending, which culminates in renouncing. Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Tranquillity, based on aloofness, on disgust, on stopping, which culminates in deliverance. Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Concentration, based on separation, on release, on finishing, which culminates in emancipation. Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Equanimity, based on withdrawal, on detachment, on stilling, which culminates in self-surrender. That is how a Noble being, founded in morality, fixed in morality, cultivates the 7 Links to Enlightenment, and by making much of them, wins to greatness of the conditions that causes the effect of Enlightenment!
The Blessed Buddha once said: What, now, is this Noble Truth on the Elimination of all Suffering? It is the complete fading away & irreversible elimination of all Craving, the rejection & leaving of it, & the liberating release from it! SN 56:11
But where may this craving vanish, where may it be extinguished? Wherever in the world, there are delightful and pleasurable things! Right there and then may this craving be overcome, and quenched... DN 22
Be it in the past, the present, or in any future, whatever true recluse considers all delightful, attractive & pleasurable things in this world as impermanent anicca, as miserable dukkha, & as without a self anatta, as diseases & as cancers, it is he who conquers craving... SN 12:66
By final fading away and elimination of craving, clinging also ceases; By the elimination of clinging, the process of becoming also ceases; By the elimination of the process of becoming, rebirth also ceases; Through the elimination of all rebirth, all decay, ageing & death!, sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, & despair is finally extinguished... Only that is the eradication of this entire mass of Suffering... SN 12:43
By seeing that: If only happy at one's own success, such egoistic Joy is rare and limited! If happy at others success also, the Joy is more frequent & even infinite!
By observing that: It starts with basic sympathy, develops into acceptance, genuine approval, & appreciation. It culminates in rejoicing altruistic sympathy by directing mind to initiation, much cultivation & boundless expansion of Mutual Joy!
By knowing that: Mutual Joy is the proximate cause of sweet, fully satisfied contentment! Lack of mutual joy is therefore the proximate cause of discontentment! Mutual Joy instantly eliminates acidic jealousy, grudge and green envy! Mutual Joy is an infinite, truly divine, elevating and sublime mental state! Mutual Joy is 1 of the 4 mental states of the Brahma-devas (Brahmavihara)
The Blessed Buddha pointed out: If it were impossible to cultivate this Good , I would not tell you to do so!
Buddhaghosa: See how this worthy being is very Happy! How fine! How excellent! How sweet!
Let there be Happiness. Let there be open Freedom. Let there be Peace. Let there be Bliss from cultivating this. Let there be Understanding of this mental state of Mutual Joy!
Those who steal food & who are too lazy for doing good deeds, become corpse or menstruation eating Ghosts, and abortion eating Ghosts (Peta). Whosoever are engaged in low praxis, mean, miserly, avaricious, stingy, & the constantly greedy are reborn after death as swollen neck Ghosts... Whoever prevents others from giving and does not himself give anything, becomes an ever hungry and thirsty Ghost, needle-mouthed & big-bellied... Whoever clings to his wealth only for his family, but who neither enjoys, nor shares it, is reborn as ghost eating only what is given, such as things given at funerals... Whoever longs to steal anothers property, but then later regrets it, is reborn as a peta feeding on excrement, pus and vomit... Whoever speaks aggressively, angry, words hitting like daggers, becomes a ghost with mouth like a furnace burning fiercely with red coals and ashes... And whoever is cruel minded, without sympathy and quarrelsome, would become a fiery ghost eating worms, leeches, insects, crabs and beetles...
Source (edited extract): Pañcagatidipani by Ashvaghosa & Saddhammaghosa: 11-12th century AC. Tr. by Ann A. Hazlewood. Journal of the Pali Text Society. Vol. XI 1987: http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=132714
As the 4 Noble Truths always say: 1: All this and such is Suffering! 2: Craving is the Cause of Suffering! 3: Ceasing of Craving is the End of Suffering! 4: The Noble 8-fold Way is the method to end all Suffering!
Not Killing promotes Harmlessness and thus produces Peace!
Once in Savatthi the Blessed Buddha said this: What, householder friends, is the Dhamma explanation befitting to oneself? Here, householder friends, a Noble Disciple reflects thus: I am one who wishes to live, who does not wish to die; I desire happiness & do not like any suffering. If someone were to take my life, it would neither be pleasing nor agreeable to me. If I kill whatever another being: One who also wishes to live, who also does not wish to die, who also desires happiness & who also dislike suffering, that would neither be pleasant nor acceptable to that other being either... What is displeasing and disagreeable to me, is also displeasing and disagreeable to any other being too. How can I inflict upon another being what is displeasing and disagreeable to myself? Having reflected repeatedly thus, then gradually: 1: He/she will carefully avoid all destruction of any life-form whatsoever... 2: He/she will persuade others also to abstain from all destruction of any life... 3: He/she will speak praising harmlessness and avoidance of all & any killing... In exactly this way is this good bodily behaviour purified in three respects!!!
Source (edited extract): The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:353] section 55: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 7: To the people at the Bamboo gate...
HARMLESSNESS AVOIDS THE ULTIMATE WRONG! All sentient beings feel pain from violence. All sentient beings fear death. Seeing other beings are like oneself; Treating other beings like oneself; One should never ever harm nor kill ... Dhammapada 129
Whoever harms the harmless & innocent beings, upon such very fool, pain of evil promptly return as dust thrown against the wind. Dhammapada 125
Whoever injures, with weapon or stick, beings searching for their happiness - when after death - seeking same happiness, such fool never finds it! Dhammapada 131
Whoever never injures, with weapon nor stick, beings searching for their happiness - when after death - seeking same happiness, such clever & kind one always gain it! Dhammapada 132
The Noble is not one who injures living beings. The Noble is one who never injures living beings. Dhammapada 270
Ever are the true disciples of the Buddha well awake & quite aware. Constantly they meditate both day & night on Harmlessness. Dhammapada 300
The one who has left violence, who never harm any being, whether moving are stationary, who never kill nor causes to kill, such one, harmless, is a Holy One. Dhammapada 405
The one who is friendly among the hostile, who is harmless among the violent, who is detached among the greedy, such one is a Holy One. Dhammapada 406
It was approximately 8.30 a.m. on a busy morning when an elderly gentleman in his eighties arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9.00 a.m. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat. I knew it would take more than an hour before someone would to able to attend to him. I saw him check his watch anxiously for the time and decided to evaluate his wound, since I was not busy with another patient. On examination, the wound was well healed. Hence, I talked to one of the doctors to get the supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. We began to engage in a conversation, while I was taking care of his wound. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment later as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, and said that he needed to go to the nursing home to have breakfast with his wife. I inquired about her health. He told me that she had been in the nursing home for a while as she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. I probed further and asked if she would be upset, if he was slightly late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, and that she had not been able to recognize him since five years ago. I asked him in surprise, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?" Then he smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is!" ;-) I had to hold back my tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm, and I thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, was not, will be, and will not ever be…
Sabbe satta, sabbe pana, sabbe bhuta ca kevala, sabbe bhadrani passantu. Ma kañci papamagama.
May all creatures, all living things, all beings without any exception, experience good happiness only! May they not fall into any harm. Anguttara Nikaya 4.67
Solitude is happiness for one, who is content, who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees. Non-violence is happiness in this world: Harmlessness towards all living beings. Udana 10
HARMLESS The one, who has left violence, who never harm any being, whether they are trembling or still, who never kill, nor causes to kill, such one, harmless, is a Holy One. Dhammapada 405
When one has understood constructions by seeing the three characteristics in them and their voidness, then one can leave both terror & delight by becoming indifferent and neutral to all states, taking them neither to be 'I' nor 'mine'! One becomes like a man who has recently divorced his wife: The man who was married to a lovely, gorgeous, & charming wife and so deeply in love with her as to be unable to bear separation from her for a single moment. He would be disturbed & displeased to see her standing, talking & laughing with another man, and would be very unhappy & jealous, but later, when he found out that woman's faults, and he divorced her, he would no more take her as 'mine'; and thereafter, even though he saw her doing whatever it might be, with whomsoever it might be, he would neither be disturbed, nor displeased, but only neutral and indifferent! So too with the meditating disciple, who wants to get free from all phenomena: He recognizes all constructions as impermanent, and void of pleasure and self, thus seeing that nothing in reality is 'I' or 'mine'. He therefore abandons both terror and delight, and becomes indifferent and neutral towards all phenomena... Vism 656
Divorced from Possessiveness, Egoism, Clinging and Frustration!
Equanimity describes the unattached awareness of one's experience as a result of perceiving the impermanence of momentary reality. It is a peace of mind and dwelling in even calmness that cannot be shaken by any grade of both fortunate and unfortunate circumstances. It is a concept promoted by several religions...! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equanimity
The Blesses Buddha once said: Not attending to the experience of people or city, the monk focuses on the single, even and same experience of Forest...! His mind is absorbed into that experience of Forest and he acquires assured confidence, fixed imperturbability and determination. There and then he understands: Whatever agitation there always was in the experience of city and people, all that is absent here.. Here only remains a minor distraction rooted in this silent, sweet, same, single and even experience of endless Forest! Thus he understands: This field of mental state is indeed void of the experience of the buzz of people and city. There is present only this stilled sameness condensed on the experience of Forest. Thus he regards the present state as void of what actually is absent, while what now actually still remains in presence, that he notes as still present! This, Ananda is the very first step in the gradual, genuine, undistorted, ancient and pure descent into Voidness... Again and then, Ananda, by now not attending to the experience of forest, the monk shifts and focuses until he reaches one-pointed absorption on the single, even and same unified Experience of the extensive solidity of Earth... Experience of the cohesive fluidity of Water... Experience of the vibrating radiation of Heat... Experience of the energetic mobility of Motion... Experience of the infinitude of Space... Experience of the infinitude of Consciousness... Experience of the empty void of Nothingness... Experience of neither perception, nor non-perception... Experience of the signless and objectless mental absorption... In this void state, he understands that all other phenomena are now quite absent! Only the non-voidness due to the subtle signless mental absorption is still present... This too, Ananda, is the gradual, genuine, undistorted and pure descent into voidness...
Source: The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha. 121 [iii 106] The minor speech on Voidness.
The Blessed Buddha once said: Which concentration, Bhikkhus, when practised and developed often will lead to gaining the divine eye of vast understanding (dibba-cakkhu ? When the Bhikkhu reflects on experiencing light, fixes his mind on this perception of daylight, always, both at day-time and also at night! In this way, with wakeful and stainless mind, he develops a state of luminous consciousness accompanied by a bright radiant inner mental light. This concentration, developed and practised often indeed leads to the attainment of the eye of understanding (dibba-cakkhu) ...
Visuddhimagga XIII, 95says that this luminous state of mind is a prerequisite condition for reaching the knowledge of the divine eye. This enlightening training also evaporates all Lethargy-and-Laziness.
A friend asked: Conditioned by clinging, becoming comes into being... What is Becoming?
Answer: Cut short: Becoming is the process whereby the next moment arises... This next moment has both physical and mental properties and is as such dependent upon consciousness... If no clinging is present in this moment, no next moment will arise for that Arahat individuality... That is Nibbana! Every new moment and thus also the death-rebirth-moment is the result of this process of becoming, which drives all change and push time forward!
In more detail: The process of becoming can take place in three planes or dimensions: 1: Becoming in the plane of sense desire (kama-bhava), which is what drives the life-process forward for all ghosts, animals, humans and lower devas. 2: Becoming in the plane of fine-material existence (rupa-bhava), which is what drives the life-process forward for higher devas like e.g. Brahma etc. 3: Becoming in the plane of formless existence (arupa-bhava), which is what drives the life-process forward for the highest formless devas.
This process of becoming has two sides: The active side: Where new advantageous or detrimental intentional actions (kamma-bhava) create delayed future resultant forms of high or low rebirth. The passive resultant side: Where this rebirth in every moment & in between lives recreates or regenerates mental and material phenomena of existence.
There are the two kinds of craving related to becoming! 1: Craving for Becoming: Examples: May I become rich, famous, praised, satisfied, beautiful, happy... 2: Craving for Non-Becoming: Examples: May I not become sick, criticized, poor, ugly, old, dead, unhappy... As these states are uncontrollable, both kinds of craving create suffering!
The Blessed Buddha explained the process of Becoming (bhava) like this:
At Savatthi. "Monks, there are these four floods. Which four? The flood of sensuality, the flood of becoming, the flood of views, and the flood of ignorance. These are the four floods." SN v 59
"Monks, there are these four yokes. Which four? The yoke of sensuality, the yoke of becoming, the yoke of views, and the yoke of ignorance. And what is the yoke of becoming? There is the case where a certain person does not understand, as it really is, the arising, the passing away, the allure, the drawbacks, and the escape from becoming. When he does not understand this becoming, as it really is, he becomes obsessed with passion, delight, attraction, infatuation, thirst, and fascinated fever for new forms of becoming. Thereby he then induces craving for becoming something new: To go further, wandering-on, heading to new birth & ever repeated death! This is the yoke of becoming..." AN ii 10
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard: "There are these three searches. Which three? The search for sensuality, the search for becoming, the search for a holy noble life. These are the three searches." Iti 44-98
"What is the origin of suffering? The craving that induce further becoming, accompanied by passion and delight, relishing now here & later there, that is: Craving for sensing, craving for becoming, craving for non-becoming... This is called the origin of suffering." MN i 46
"From the arising of becoming, comes the arising of birth. From the ceasing of becoming, comes the ceasing of birth. And the way leading to the ceasing of birth is just this very noble eightfold path: Right view, right motivation, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness, and right concentration." MN i 46
"And what is becoming? What is the arising of becoming? What is the ceasing of becoming? What is the way leading to the cessation of becoming? There are these three forms of becoming: Sensual becoming, fine material becoming, and formless becoming. This is called becoming. From the arising of clinging comes the arising of becoming. From the ceasing of clinging comes the ceasing of becoming. And the way of practice leading to the ceasing of becoming is just this very noble eightfold path: Right view, right motivation, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness, and right concentration." MN i 46
"From craving as a requisite condition comes clinging... From clinging as a requisite condition comes becoming... From becoming as a requisite condition comes birth... From birth as a requisite condition comes ageing, decay, sickness and death! So is the emergence of this entire mass of suffering!" D ii 55
"Having seen danger right in the process of becoming itself, and in searching for new forms of becoming or for non-becoming, I didn't affirm any kind of becoming, or cling to any kind of delight in becoming." MN i 326
"What are these four noble truths? They are the noble truth of suffering; the noble truth of the origin of suffering; the noble truth of the cessation of suffering; and the noble truth of the way to the cessation of suffering. When these profound truths, bhikkhus, have been realized and penetrated, then craving for existence is cut off, destroyed is that process which leads to renewed becoming, & there is not created fresh future becoming." DN ii 72
Any form of Becoming proliferates into Suffering...
Documentary about Buddhist Hermits in the Chinese mountains. Extracts from the award winning film: "Amongst White Clouds" by Edward A. Burger about Zen Buddhist hermit monks living in remote hermitages in China's Zhongnan Mountains. Some fine pearls: "Put all your mind into it, but don't think...", "This reckless deluded mind", "Don't fear it, don't hurt it", "Let go of it all: Examine yourself & meditate quietly!", "Everyone has this precious jewel opportunity to awaken", "Work is spiritual cultivation", "When old your body won't list to you anymore, then it's too late to practice", "Leaving the world is a way of returning to it..." "Don't follow your old habits: Observe you mind", "We plant seeds in the past", "Why did you come here...?", "Holding on to this self is birth & death", "The Buddha is like a wise Doctor and all beings are like sick patients..." "There is nothing more to say..." To buy full HD DVD go: http://www.amongstclouds.com
The Blessed Buddha once said: Bhikkhus, just exactly as, when rain pours down in heavy drops on a mountain, then the water runs down the slope and fills the clefts, gullies, and creeks. When these brim over, then they replenish the pools, which fill up the lakes, which supply the rivers, which run out in the great ocean... Similarly for any Noble Disciple, do verified confidence in the Three Jewels the Buddha, the Dhamma, & the Sangha, and morality praised by the Nobles flow onwards & beyond, leading to eradication of the 3 Mental Fermentations.
Release of Mind through Friendliness (Metta-ceto-vimutti):
Can be reached through systematic & continuous maintenance of this noble wish: May all sentient beings without exception, in all 31 forms of individual existence, residing in the 3 realms, of inconceivable number, extending infinitely in all 10 directions, enduring boundlessly through all past, present and future time, to an absolute complete and endless degree, come to see it all as it really is, conquer all craving and hostility, reach utter harmlessness, and by that be perfused with the ultimate bliss ... !!!
The FRIEND of pure GOODWILL (Metta): May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Friendliness! May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Friendliness based on endless Goodwill! May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Friendliness! May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Friendliness! May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Friendliness made inestimable! May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Friendliness! May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Friendliness!
The all-embracing PITY of UNDERSTANDING EMPATHY (Karuna): May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Pity! May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Pity based on endless Understanding! May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Pity! May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Pity! May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Pity made inestimable! May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Pity! May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Pity!
The MUTUAL JOY: Joy with the success of others too (Mudita): May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Mutual Joy! May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Mutual Joy based on endless rejoicing! May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Mutual Joy! May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Mutual Joy! May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Mutual Joy made inestimable! May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Mutual Joy! May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Mutual Joy!
EQUANIMITY: Unaffectable, Unprovokable, and Undisturbable (Upekkha): May all the infinite number of sentient beings, without even any single exception, in all 31 forms of individual existence, residing in the 3 realms, of inconceivable number, extending infinitely in all 10 directions, enduring eternally through all past, present & future time, to a completely infinite degree, develop Equanimity & become one who smiles silently like a mountain! May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Equanimity! May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Equanimity based on endless imperturbability! May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Equanimity! May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Equanimity! May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Equanimity made inestimable! May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Equanimity! May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Equanimity!
Yeah, let it be even so :- ) In brevity the 4 Sublime Abidings permuted with the 7 links to Awakening It shines, blazes, lifts, elevates, and protects supremely like indeed nothing else .... Going through systematically each morning keeps all day smiling !!! hehehe :-) For free copy as a gift of Dhamma, May I & all beings be freed by friendliness thereby!
The Blessed Buddha once said: What, now, is the Second Noble Truth on the Cause of Suffering? The Cause of suffering is Craving, which bound up with pleasure and desire, delighting now here, now there, gives rise to renewed rebirth! SN 56:11
But where and when does this Craving arise and take root? Wherever in the world there are delightful and pleasurable objects, exactly right there & then this craving arises, takes root & grows... The eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind, forms, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, ideas, thoughts, mental states, consciousness of sensation, sense contacts, feelings born of contact, perceptions, intentions, cravings, thoughts, & reflections are all attractive and pleasurable: Right there & then this toxic craving arises, roots & grows... This is called the Noble Truth on the Origin of Suffering! DN 22
Feeling is the Cause of Craving: If perceiving a form, sound, smell, taste, touch, idea, or mental state as pleasant, then one is attracted: Right there craving, greed, desire, lust, longing and urge is born. Pleasant feeling thus causes Greed! If perceiving the sense object as unpleasant, then one is repelled: Right there hate, anger, aversion, antipathy, and opposition is born! Unpleasant or painful feeling thus causes Hate & all its derivatives! If perceiving the object as neither pleasant nor unpleasant, then one is disinterested, and thus neither observes nor examines the object: Right there Ignorance, neglect, unawareness, and disregard is born... Neutral & indifferent feeling thus causes Ignorance to arise! MN 38
The 3 kinds of Craving: 1: There is craving for Sensing forms, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, ideas, thoughts and mental objects & states! (This is Kama-Tanha)... 2: There is craving for Becoming this or that like rich, healthy, famous, beautiful, respected, successful & adored etc. (This is Bhava-Tanha)... 3: There is craving for Non-Becoming this or that like poor, sick, dead, ignored, disregarded, ugly, failed & despised. (This is Vibhava-Tanha)... DN 22
How to be Real Buddhist through Observance? Unduwap Poya is this Fullmoon of December celebrating 2 events: 1: The arrival of Arahat Nun Theri Sanghamitta, sister of Arahat Mahinda, daughter of emperor Asoka from India in the 3rd century B.C. establishing the Order of Nuns. 2: The arrival at Anuradhapura of a sapling of the sacred Bodhi-tree at Buddhagaya, brought to Sri Lanka by Arahat Theri Sanghamitta.
Arahat Theri Sanghamitta arrives w. tree.
This day is designated Sanghamitta Day. Nowadays Dasasil Matas; ten-precept nuns, take an active part in making these celebrations.
On such Full-Moon Uposatha Poya Observance days: Any Lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges & 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 accept 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 / observance day, where any lay Buddhist normally keeps even the Eight Precepts from sunrise until the next dawn... If any wish a 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!
Overcome the angry by friendliness, overcome the wicked by goodness, overcome the miser by generosity, overcome the liar by truth... Dhammapada 223
He who neither punishes, nor makes others punish, He who neither steals, nor makes others steal, who in friendly goodwill shares with all that lives, such kind gentle one meets no enmity anywhere... Itivuttaka 27
Train yourself in doing only what is good, that will last and bring great happiness! Cultivate generosity, a peaceful living, and a mentality of infinite friendliness... Itivuttaka 16
DISTRACTIONS MULTIPLY, DIVERSIFY, and DISTURB... Bzzz... Distractions are like flies buzzing around inside the mind & not outside in the world. Distractions Multiply, Diversify, and Disturb... Bzzzz. The external live 'flies' symbolizes the inner mental distractions, which cannot ever be defeated by svinging swords... The Mind sent Outside is the Cause of Suffering. The Effect of the Mind sent Outside is Suffering. The Mind seeing the Mind is the Path: The Noble Way! The Effect of the Mind seeing the Mind, is the End of Suffering. Late Venerable Luang Pu Dun Atulo Thera. (1888-1983) Thailand.
When ignorance of the 4 Noble Truths finally fully evaporates, One no longer clings to any sense pleasure, any views, or any rules and rituals! One no longer clings to any idea of a self, I, Me, Ego, Soul or Identity at all... When one does not cling, one is not agitated! One remains imperturbable... When one is not agitated, one attains the state of Nibbana right there! One then understands: Rebirth is ended, this Noble life has been lived, What had to be done is done, there is no more relapsing into any state of being...
You have very kindly and quite cleverly participated in a modest reduction of all worldly Greed, Hate and Ignorance, trough using this: http://What-Buddha-Said.net Events like US mass-shootings & Indian Gang-Rape make this global mental purification crucial! ThanQ quite much for that! Sadhu = Well Done indeed!
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Support your Forest Sangha! If you wish to help the Forest Sangha materially with upholding and sharing the Saddhamma, then a quite good opportunity is open right here! Any support is indeed dire needed and quite appreciated. All on-line Donations are processed securely by . Both credit cards & bank accounts are accepted.
Many Thanx in Advance! Sabbe Sattâ Bhavantu Sukhi Tattâ: May All Beings Become Thus Happy Thereby!
Support your Forest Sangha! If you wish to help the Forest Sangha materially with upholding and sharing the Saddhamma, then a quite good opportunity is open right here! Any support is indeed dire needed and quite appreciated. All on-line Donations are processed securely by . Both credit cards & bank accounts are accepted.
A recent violent storm-flood caused by a heavy rainfall on >100mm in 6 hours killed 19 people up here in the mountains by mudslides and battered the micro-hydropower-plant here by 1: Lifting up and tossing about a cement-bridge, 2: Trashing & Blowing-Out an intake-filter-box, 3: Cutting a 2 inch PVC pipeline, 4: Digging up several 2 inch Polyethylene pipelines and 5: Blocking out 3 out of 4 turbine nozzles in the generator with sand, silt and pebbles! See pictures below for documentation and explanation. A major repair including re-laying of several pipelines and full cementing of many fragile places like pipeline stream crossings and water intake filter-boxes is therefore necessary before the next rain-storm arrives... (Anicca ... sigh) Since the electricity hereby ensured is required for the Dhamma-sharing is your kind and gracious assistance with this crucial repair hereby gently requested. Many Thanx in Advance _/\_
The Buddha indeed pointed out Gratitude as an important mental quality: These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two? The one who is first to do a kindness, and the one who is grateful and thankful for a kindness done. Anguttara Nikaya 2.118
I tell you, monks, there are two people who are not easy to repay. Which two? Your mother & father. Even if you were to carry your mother on one shoulder & your father on the other shoulder for 100 years, & were to look after them by anointing, massaging, bathing, & rubbing their limbs, and they were to defecate and urinate right there on your shoulders, you would not thereby repay your parents. Even if you were to establish your mother & father in absolute sovereignty over this great earth, abounding in the seven treasures, you would not in that way repay your parents! Why is that? Mothers and fathers do much for their children. They care for them, they nourish them for long, and they introduce them to this world. But anyone who rouses his unbelieving mother & father, settles & establishes them in faith; rouses his immoral mother & father, establishes them in virtue; rouses his stingy mother & father, settles & establishes them in generosity; rouses his unwise mother & father, settles & establishes them on a new level of understanding: It is in this way that one truly repays one's mother's and father's many longstanding services. Anguttara Nikaya 2.32
Mother & father, compassionate to their family, are called Brahma, first teachers, honour them with food & drink, clothing & bedding, and anointing, bathing, washing their feet. Performing these services to their parents, the wise are praised right here and after death rejoice in heaven. Itivuttaka 106
If this is what you think of me: The Blessed One, is sympathetic, is seeking our well-being, teaches us this Dhamma out of sympathy, then you should train yourself in being in harmony, cordial, and without conflict and train in yourselves cultivation of all the 37 best mental qualities: The 4_Foundations_of_Awareness, the 4 right efforts, the 4_Feet_of_Force, the 5 Abilities, 5 powers, the 7 Links to Awakening, & the Noble_8-Fold_Way. Majjhima Nikaya 103 A Tathagata is worshipped, honoured, respected, thanked & shown gratitude by any follower, who keeps practicing the Dhamma in accordance with true Dhamma, who keeps practicing masterfully, who lives in and by the Dhamma! Digha Nikaya 16
We will undertake & practice those qualities that makes one a contemplative, so that all those who helped us by services of robes, alms-food, lodging, and medicines will bring them great fruit and great future reward. Majjhima Nikaya 39
Comments: In Pali, the word for gratitude = kataññu literally means to have a sense of what was done for one in the past even when long ago. Remembering all help! A network of kindness and gratitude is what sustains whatever goodness there is and ever will be in this - otherwise destitute & impoverished - world!
The Blessed Buddha once explained: How is the 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, altruistic, appreciative & rejoicing joy? Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu dwells pervading the frontal quadrant with a mind imbued with infinite mutual joy, so the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quadrant. As above, so below, across, and everywhere to all beings as for himself, he dwells pervading the entire cosmos with a mind fully saturated with unlimited mutual joy, immense, exalted, measureless, without hostility, without any enmity, without any trace of ill will, of jealousy or of envy! Thus prepared and mentally quite expanded, he then develops: 1: The Awareness Link to Awakening joined with limitless mutual joy. 2: The Investigation Link to Awakening fused with such mutual joy. 3: The Energy Link to Awakening together with infinite mutual joy. 4: The Joy Link to Awakening accompanied with absolute mutual joy. 5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening linked with noble mutual joy. 6: The Concentration Link to Awakening associated with mutual joy. 7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening joined with endless mutual joy. Based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, and culminating in release...
If he then wishes: May I dwell experiencing repulsion by any attractive & tempting object, then he can dwell experiencing repulsiveness therein. If he wishes: May I dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in any disgusting and repulsive object, then he experiences pleasing beauty in whatever disgusting & ugly thing! If he wishes: Avoiding both the repulsive & the unrepulsive, may I dwell in equanimity, just aware & clearly comprehending, then he experiences equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending! When meditating he can completely transcend the realm of infinitude of space, only aware that consciousness is infinite, he can enter and dwell 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 and mutual joy has the sphere of the infinitude of consciousness as its culmination!
Comments: Are you Discontent? Here is Why! Mutual joy is the proximate cause of contentment. Consequentially: Lack of mutual joy produces frustrated discontent! Mutual joy also eliminates jealousy and envy! Absence of mutual joy therefore induces the acid like mental pain called envy and jealousy!
Source of reference (edited extract): The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. Book [V: 115-21] 46: The Links. 54: Joined by Friendliness...
One naturally devoted to generosity by the constant practice of giving and sharing makes the decision: From now on, whenever there is anyone present to receive, I shall not eat even a single mouthful without having given a gift! And that very day he should give a gift by sharing whatever according to his means and his ability with those, who have distinguished mental qualities. When he has apprehended the sign in that, he should go into solitary retreat and recollect his own generosity in its special qualities of being free from the stain of mean miserliness like this: It is gain for me, it is great gain for me, that in a culture obsessed by the greedy stain of niggardliness, I abide with my mind & heart free from penny-pinching stinginess. I delight indeed in relinquishing by being freely generous & open-handed, always welcoming any request by rejoicing in all altruistic giving and sharing (AN III 287 ). Any who gives life by giving food will get life & strength either divine or as a human (AN III 42 ). Any giver is loved & frequented by many (AN III 40 ). One who gives, is ever loved, according to the wise man's law! (AN III 41 ).
When a Bhikkhu is devoted to this recollection of generosity, he becomes ever more intent on generosity, his favourite becomes non-greedy charity, he acts with kind, noble, & loving liberality, and he gains a fine lion-heart. He enjoys much happiness and gladness. And if he penetrates no higher, he is at least headed for a happy destiny.
The Gods became Gods as a result of their magnanimous Giving!
Now when a man is truly wise, His constant task will surely be This recollection of his prior giving Blessed with such mighty potency! Vism I 224
The Pilot & Ruth ...! How could this boy ever remember that his big-sister's name was Ruth in his former life as a World-War-2 fighter pilot, when he had no knowledge of this past family life, before it was tracked down by records of the carrier ship's crew? He thereby proves the fact of re-incarnation! A former "big-sister Ruth" does not just pop out of fantasy by random...
REBIRTH VIDEOS: Scientific Rebirth Research: http://www.near-death.com/experiences/reincarnation01.html BBC documentary on Near Death Experiences: Near-Death Experiences on the Intensive Care Unit Reincarnation research by Ian Stevenson Children's past life memories: Scientific Evidence of Rebirth by Dr Jim Tucker: The Cardiologist on the Near-Death Experience 1 The Cardiologist on the Near-Death Experience 2 Near-Death Website: http://near-death.com/
Sitting alone, in silence, each early morning, with closed eyes, one wishes: May I radiate and meet with only infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all the various beings on the 31 levels of existence develop & find only this genuine gentleness of infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all beings on the sense-desire, fine-material, & the formless plane develop & encounter this tender infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all beings in the front, to the right, the back, the left & below as above develop & experience caring infinite pity, sympathy, & compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country, and universe always be fully aware and deeply mindful of this warm infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country, and universe examine all details & subtle aspects of this benevolent infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country, & universe put enthusiastic effort in their praxis of this affectionate infinite pity, sympathy, & compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country and universe find enraptured joy & jubilant gladness in this fond infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country, & universe cultivate the tranquillity of quiet, silent, stilled, & endlessly merciful pity, sympathy, & compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country and universe attain concentrated & absorbed one-pointedness by this infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion! May I & all beings in this city, country, and universe dwell in imperturbable equanimity joined with this loving infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion... Yeah! Print this out, dwell in each state until clear, use ~ 25-45 minutes.
Comment: All-Embracing Pity is the 2nd infinitely divine state (Appamañña) This gradually reduces all aggressiveness, cruelty, ferocity, viciousness, rage, inner & outer violence, and unhappiness related with these states. Joined with the 7 links to Awakening it will later cause formless jhanas...
The Blessed Buddha once said: How, Nandiya, does a Noble Disciple live in alert elevated joy? Here, Nandiya, any Noble Disciple is endowed with verified conviction in the Buddha thus: Worthy, honourable & perfectly self-Enlightened is the Buddha! Not satisfied with that verified conviction in the Buddha, he makes a further effort in solitude by day and seclusion at night! When thus enthusiastic, he is elevated by alertness! When thus elevated by alertness, then gladness is born! When he is gladdened, then a rapturous joy arises! When the mind is uplifted by joy, the body becomes all tranquil... One tranquil in body experiences a pure bliss of happiness! The mind of one who is happy becomes condensed and concentrated... When mind is concentrated, even subtle phenomena become plain & manifest. Since these subtle phenomena become plain and manifest, he becomes one, who lives and dwells in alert elevated joy...
Source (edited extract): The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:398] Section 55 on Stream-Entry: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 40: Nandiya.
The Blessed Buddha once said: Knowing that the other person is angry, The one who remains aware and calm acts in and for his own best interest, and for the other's interest, too! Samyutta Nikaya I, 162
Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages: One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! Udana IV, 7
Calm is his mind. Calm is his speech. Calm is his action. So is the tranquillity; So is the equanimity; of one freed by the insight of right understanding... Dhammapada 96
The blessed Buddha once said: Friends, the first clever consideration is: Such is Suffering, and This is the Cause of Suffering. Another consequent & subsequent consideration is: Such is the End of Suffering, and This is the Way to end Suffering. One who lives considering these cautiously, resolutely & enthusiastically, may either enter the state of Nibbana right here & now in this very life, or if there is remaining traces of clinging, the state of non-return... Those who neglect understanding Suffering, The Cause of Suffering, The End of Suffering, & The Way all Suffering is completely eliminated, are incapable of release by understanding, are incapable of mental release, are incapable of direct knowledge, & are thereby incapable of making an end... While those who undertake to develop real understanding of This Suffering, The Cause of Suffering, The End of Suffering, & The Way to End Suffering, are indeed capable of mental release by understanding, direct knowledge, and thus also capable of making an end...
Comments
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Pandito silasampanno,
Sanho ca patibhanava,
Nivatavutti atthaddho,
Tadiso labhate yasam.
Worthy, wise and virtuous:
Who is wise and virtuous,
Gentle and keen-witted,
Humble and amenable,
Such one will honour gain.
Wise + Virtuous = Worthy!
Pure innocence is both sweet & strong!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Humble_and_amenable.htm
Balanced Equanimity is the Tenth Mental Perfection:
Equanimity characteristically induces & promotes impartial neutrality...
Its function is to look upon things with an even unreactive indifference!
Its manifestation is the gradual stilling of both attraction & repulsion..
Its proximate cause is seeing, that all inherit the results of their actions.
Its effect is utter purification & perfection of all other mental qualities,
by ending both discontent & delight, thereby providing the necessary
equal calm required for their complete assessment & accomplishment.
Equanimity means Unaffectable..
Equanimity means Unprovokable..
Equanimity means Undisturbable..
Equanimity means Unexcitable..
Equanimity means Imperturbable..
Equanimity means Disengaged..
Equanimity means Disentangled..
Equanimity means Detached..
Equanimity means Immovable..
Equanimity means Unbeatable..
Equanimity means Untemptable..
Equanimity means Wholly Immune..
Equanimity means Indifferent..
Equanimity means Impartial..
Equanimity means Unbiased..
Equanimity means Disinterested..
Equanimity means Balanced..
Even like a smiling mountain!
Cool Calm is the ultimate Balm!
The Threefold Equanimity (Upekkha):
If Indifferent towards:
Internal states & external phenomena,
Living beings & lifeless things,
Past, present & future events,
How can one be hurt, upset,
disturbed or distressed?
Calm is his mind.
Calm is his speech.
Calm is his action.
So is the Tranquility;
So is the Equanimity;
Of one freed by the Insight
Of right Knowledge.
Dhammapada 96
Although a man is richly dressed and adorned,
if he is in peace, at ease, in equanimity, calmed,
composed, controlled, celibate and harmless
towards all beings, then verily he is a Holy One,
a recluse, a sage ...
Dhammapada 142
Equanimity towards one's own internal states -
that is indeed a link to Enlightenment.
Equanimity regarding external phenomena & conditions -
that is indeed also a link to Enlightenment.
Samyutta Nikaya V Bojjhanga-samyutta.
Such noble friend finally develops
the link to awakening that is Equanimity
during Awareness of in-&-out breathing,
which protects against damaging mental states,
tends to detachment, to ceasing, tends to release
& culminates in complete self-surrender...
If, friends, Awareness of in-&-out breathing,
is so cultivated and so made much of, it is
indeed of great fruit, of great advantage!
One whose Awareness of breathing in-&-out
is perfected, well developed, and gradually
brought to refined growth thus, according to the
teaching of the Buddha, such one illuminates the
entire world, just like the full moon freed from clouds.
Samyutta Nikaya V Anapana-samyutta.
The Blessed One once said:
Now how, Ananda, in the discipline of a Noble One is there
the unsurpassable development of the senses?
There is the case where, when seeing a form with the eye,
there arises in a monk what is agreeable, or what is disagreeable,
or what is both agreeable & disagreeable. He recognizes that:
This agreeable thing has arisen in me, or this disagreeable thing...
or this both agreeable & disagreeable thing, has arisen in me:
And that is constructed, conditioned, coarse & dependently co-arisen!
But this is peaceful, this is exquisite, namely even & equal equanimity!
Instantly, that arisen agreeable or disagreeable thing ceases,
and Equanimity takes its calm stance!
Just as a man with good eyes, having closed them, might open them;
or when open, might close them, that is how quickly, how rapidly,
how easily, no matter what it refers to, Equanimity make
whatever arisen agreeable thing... or disagreeable thing...
or both agreeable & disagreeable thing cease right there,
and Equanimity takes its even stance!
In the discipline of The Noble One, this is called the unsurpassable
development of the senses with regard to visible forms cognizable
by the eye. Similar is the supreme development of the other senses.
MN 152
With the fading of rapturous joy, he remains in equanimity,
aware & alert, still physically sensitive to bodily pleasure.
He enters & remains in the third jhana, of which the Noble Ones
declare: 'In aware Equanimity, one abides in pleasure...'
With the stilling of pleasure & pain as with the earlier disappearance
of elation & frustration, he enters & remains in the fourth jhana:
sole Awareness purified by equanimity, - neither pleasure nor pain -
This is called Right Concentration...
The elimination of both sensual desires & of discontent,
the ejection of laziness, the calming of all regrets,
just this pure Equanimity being aware of all mental
properties exactly at the moment they appear:
That I call the direct knowledge of release
the breakthrough from ignorance.
Sutta Nipata V 13: Udaya's Questions
Equanimity is 'Tatra-majjhattata', which designates the evenly balanced
keeping to the moderate middle of all things. It has as characteristic, that
it affects the balance of consciousness and mental properties as a single
function of single taste, which prevents both overt excessiveness and any
lack or insufficiency. Equanimity thereby puts an end to biased partiality by
manifesting moderation well within range of the properly reasoned midway.
Visuddhimagga XIV
The Buddha once explained:
I would make my bed in a charnel ground, with a skeleton for my pillow..
And cowherd boys came up and spat on me, urinated on me, threw dirt at me,
and poked sticks into my ears! While others, exultant & thrilled brought me
offerings of food, caskets of perfume & incense and garlands of flowers!
Yet I do not recall, that I ever showed any partiality towards any of them...
I was the same to them all! Neither arousing any fondness nor any aversion!
This was my ultimate perfection of equanimity...
MN 12 Lomahamsanapariyaya
The Hair-raising Presentation
Cariyapitaka III 15
More on Equanimity (Upekkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Serene_Equanimity_and_Beyond.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Imperturbable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unshakable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Empty_Equanimity.htm
More of the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Ten_Perfections.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_10_mental_perfections_(parami)_in_three_levels.htm
Even is Equanimity...
Balanced Equanimity is the 10th Mental Perfection!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Even_is_Equanimity.htm
Mental Dhamma-Medicine!
Of all the Medicines in the world,
even and ever so numerous and different
none is comparable to this Dhamma.
Therefore, friends, take this Dhamma!
Having swallowed and digested
this sublime Dhamma Medicine,
you will go beyond ageing and death.
You will be freed and cured of all Craving.
Good and Bad Luck in life is actually obvious:
Those who respect the Dhamma flourish!
Those who despise the Dhamma deteriorate...
Having been shown this straight Middle Way,
that thrust into Deathlessness.
You, through prudence and patience,
will reach it, touch it, and know it directly,
as the stream of the river Ganges,
always reaches the mighty ocean.
Only this Dhamma-Medicine cures Death...
Yeah!
Exquisite Bliss!
More on Happiness, pleasure, bliss (Sukha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/s_t/sukha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Untroubled_Yeah.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samana-Sukha.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Buddha_on_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Happy.htm
Adapted from Gemstones of Good Dhamma
Wheel 342/344 Ven. S. Dhammika,
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/dhammika/wheel342.html
BPS Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Prozac-Free Happiness!
Mental Medicine...
The Dhamma produces Prozac-Free Bliss!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mental_Medicine.htm
What is Consciousness?
Consciousness is a Wave, and the Brain is a transciever of these waves.
The Blessed Buddha has explained consciousness as:
A: Definitions:
What, now, is consciousness?
There are six kinds of consciousness (viññana-khandha):
1: Consciousness of form is visual consciousness,
2: Consciousness of sound is auditory consciousness,
3: Consciousness of smell is olfactory consciousness,
4: Consciousness of taste is gustatory consciousness,
5: Consciousness of touch is tactile consciousness,
6: Consciousness of thought is mental consciousness.
SN: 22:56
Consciousness is a Wave with person specific frequencies just like radio-waves.
B: Causation by Dependent Origination:
The arising of consciousness is dependent upon specific conditions...
Without presence of these conditions, no consciousness will ever emerge...
Consciousness is named after the conditions upon which it is dependent!
Consciousness, whose arising depends on the encounter of eye & forms,
is called visual consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on
the ear & sounds, is called auditory consciousness. Consciousness, whose
arising depends on the nose and smells, is called olfactory consciousness.
Consciousness, whose arising depends on the tongue and taste, is called
gustatory consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on the
meeting of the body or skin and touch is called tactile consciousness.
Consciousness, whose arising depends on mind meeting a mental object,
state, idea or thought is called mental consciousness. MN 38
Consciousness selects & manifests representations out of quantum-potentialities.
The central role of active Attention:
Even though the eye is intact, if external form does not fall within the
field of vision, then no attentive combination of eye & form takes place,
therefore there will not emerge any visual consciousness. Or even though
external form actually fall within the field of vision, yet if no attentive
combination of eye & form takes place, there will neither emerge any
visual consciousness. Only if, the eye is intact, external form fall within
the range of vision, & attentive combination of eye & form takes place,
then there arises the corresponding phenomenon of visual consciousness.
(Similarly so with the other 5 kinds of consciousness) MN 28
Consciousness is both received and emitted from the brain wave transceiver.
C: Dependency on the other four Clusters of Clinging:
It is impossible for anyone to explain the passing out of one existence,
and the entering into a new process of existence during transmigration,
or the initiation, growth, increase, and development of consciousness,
independently of form, feeling, perception, and mental construction...
SN 22: 53
Consciousness can take up and reflect upon all objects - even itself recursively!
The Origin of Consciousness is the arising of Mental Construction...
The Ceasing of Mental Construction also ceases Consciousness...
The Origin of Name-&-Form is the arising of Consciousness...
The Ceasing of Consciousness also ceases Name-&-Form... MN 9
Only this absolute silencing is Peace, is Bliss, is Freedom…
Consciousness displays the reflected mirror representation of something else...
Comment:
Like space has no essence in itself beyond being 'spacious', but can
contain, accommodate, hold, & include all material phenomena, then
similarly has consciousness no essence in itself beyond being 'aware'
of all the mental phenomena it can manifest, display, show, exhibit,
expose, express, create and reveal. It defines & establishes being...
It is momentary and vanishes instantly after it has arisen. It is Not
an abiding presence, entity, soul, I, me, ego, core, nor any identity...
Apart from conditions, there is nothing arising as or in consciousness...
All forms of consciousness are impermanence, suffering, and no-self,
whether it is past, future or present, gross or subtle, arisen internally
in oneself or externally in others, inferior or exalted, remote or near...
Buddha likened consciousness to a deceiving trick: A made-up illusion...
Consciousness is like a burning pit of hot embers one should not enter!
Buddha said: "The entire world starts and ends within this frame of body & mind"
For more on consciousness see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Origin.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Leash.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Like_Foam.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/By_Nature.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Ego-Projection.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Without_Wavering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Selfless_Camera.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/In_Dependence_on_Contact.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_are_the_5_Clusters_of_Clinging.htm
Have a nice conscious day!
What is Consciousness?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Consciousness.htm
Seeing the Disgusting Aspects of Food disables Craving!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
The experience of loathsome disgust with all food, Bhikkhus & friends,
developed and frequently repeated, brings a high reward and blessing,
and has the Deathless Dimension as its basis & the very nearby goal.
Whoever, Bhikkhus & friends, often trains perceiving disgust with food,
his mind shrinks and turns away from voracious greed, he is neither
attracted, captivated or tempted, but feels only equanimity or disgust!
Just as, Bhikkhus & friends, a cock's feather or a piece of bowstring,
thrown into the fire, shrinks up, twists, rolls itself up, does not stretch
out again: just so in one who often entertains the experience of disgust
in all food, the mind shrinks back from greediness, turns away from it,
is repulsed by food, is not attracted; and equanimity or disgust arises!
Source: The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya AN 7:46
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/Index.Numerical.htm
The experience of Disgust in Food includes:
Seeing it brings the danger and tribulation of having a fragile and sore body.
Seeing what it becomes like when chewed and sunk: Like dogs vomit!
Seeing that getting it daily costs one much pain of seeking, work & cleaning.
Seeing that it is turned into secretions as bile, pus, blood, snot, slime & spit.
Seeing that it undigested stays as vomit in the foul receptacle of the stomach.
Seeing that it when digested is turned into diarrheic brown fluid in the intestines.
Seeing that it causes a lifelong excretion of stinking messy excrement & urine.
Seeing the side effects of obesity, diabetes, cardiac failure and hypertension.
Source: Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga XI 5th century AC.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/pdfs/PathofPurification2011.pdf
560 Kg Mexican Male.
More on disabling the craving, urge, and greed for food:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Oozing_Out.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Sons_Flesch.htm
Why Note Disgust in Food?
Seeing the Disgusting Aspects of Food disables Craving!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Food_Disgust.htm
Harmlessness is the Best Protection!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
May all creatures, all living things,
all beings without any exception,
experience good happiness only!
May they not fall into any harm.
Anguttara Nikaya 4.67
Solitude is happiness for one, who is content,
who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees.
Non-violence is happiness in this world:
Harmlessness towards all living beings.
Udana 10
The Noble is not one, who injures living beings.
The Noble is one, who never injures living beings.
Dhammapada 270
Ever are the true disciples of the Buddha
well awake and quite aware. Constantly they
meditate both day and night on Harmlessness!
Dhammapada 296-301
The one who has left all violence,
who never harms any being at all,
whether they are moving or still,
who neither kill, nor causes to kill,
such one, harmless, is a Holy One!
Dhammapada 405
More on Harmlessness (Ahimsa = Non-Violence):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Harmlessness_and_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blessing_all_Beings_by_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Selfless_and_Harmless.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_I.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Happy_Harmlessness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patient_is_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bon_Benevolence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm
Have a nice & noble day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Holy is Harmlessness...
Harmlessness is the very best Protection!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Holy_Harmlessness.htm
How to be a Real Buddhist through Observance?
Il Poya day is this full-moon day of November. This sacred day celebrates:
1: The Buddha Gotama's declaration of the next Buddha Metteyya.
2: The sending out in the world of the 60 missionary Arahats
3: The passing away of the general of the Dhamma: Sariputta.
4: The Buddha's 1st explanation of Anapanasati Breathing Meditation.
More on the Significance of Il Poya Day:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Importance_of_Il_Poya.htm
The next Buddha Metteyya (Maitreya): The Friendly One!
More on this last perfectly self-enlightened one in this universe: Metteyya!
The Coming Buddha: Ariya Metteyya. Sayagyi U Chit Tin: BPS Wheel 381/383
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Metteyya/arimet00.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/Wheels/wh381.pdf
He says: You can come as you like, but you pay as you go!
On how to meet Buddha Metteyya in the future:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/How-2-Meet_Buddha_Metteyya.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 accept 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 !!
For Details on The Origin of Uposatha Observance Days:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html
Have a nice Poya day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Il Poya day: The coming of the next Buddha Metteyya!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Il_Poya_Day.htm
What are the Three Buddhist Trainings?
All Buddha's disciples undertakes a 3-fold Mental Training (ti-sikkha):
1: Training in higher Morality (adhi-sila-sikkha).
2: Training in higher Mentality (adhi-citta-sikkha).
3: Training in higher Understanding (adhi-pañña-sikkha).
Higher Morality is 3 fold:
It is Right Speech (samma-vaca)
It is Right Action (samma-kammanta)
It is Right Livelihood (samma-ajiva)
Higher Mentality is also 3 fold:
It is Right Effort (samma-vayama)
It is Right Awareness (samma-sati)
It is Right Concentration (samma-samadhi)
Higher Understanding is 2 fold:
It is Right Motivation (samma-sankappa)
It is Right View (samma-ditthi)
The Blessed Buddha once said:
When founded on pure morality, then concentration produces a high fruit and blessing.
When based on deep concentration, then understanding brings a high fruit and blessing.
Being endowed with understanding, the mind is freed from all the mental fermentations
related to sensing, becoming, views/opinions and ignorance. This - in itself- is releasing!
It is through not understanding, not penetrating and not attaining noble higher morality...
noble higher mentality.. and noble higher understanding... that both you and I had to pass
through this round of rebirths for such an immensely long time, without reaching the bliss
of deliverance, the bliss of peace and, the bliss of noble higher release: Enlightenment...
More good even better here ;-)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/magga.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/s_t/sikkhaa.htm
References: MN 44, DN 16 and AN IV 1
Have a nice Training day!
Buddhist Mental Training is 3-fold!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Buddhist_Training_is_3-fold.htm
The Buddha on Gentle Goodness:
Train yourself in doing only pure good,
Since that lasts & brings great happiness!
Cultivate generosity, peaceful simple living,
and a mentality of infinite friendliness... _/\_
Itivuttaka 16
Who is hospitable, open, straight & friendly,
Generous, gentle and always unselfish,
A guide, an instructor, a true leader,
Such one will great honour gain...
Digha Nikaya 31
For one who deliberately and fully attentive,
Develops and expands Universal Friendliness
Experiencing the fading away of clinging,
All his chains are worn down thereby!
Itivuttaka 27
With good-will for the entire cosmos,
Cultivate a limitless heart and mind:
Beaming above, below, and all around,
Unobstructed, without trace of hostility.
Sutta Nipata I, 8
May all creatures, all breathing & living things,
All beings, one and all, without any exception,
Experience the good fortune of Happiness!
May they not fall into any harm...
Anguttara Nikaya II, 72
More on this Infinite, Elevating and Protecting Goodwill:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blazing_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Genuine_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Goodwill_Encore.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Released_by_GoodWill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Grace_of_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unsurpassable_Radiance.htm
Have a nice kind & gentle day!
Cosmic Goodness!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm
Nibbâna is the Highest Happiness!!!
The Buddha once said about Nibbana: The Uncreated Dimension:
That, truly, is peace, this is the absolute supreme, namely, the end of
every kammic formation, the final stilling of all mental construction,
the letting go and leaving behind of any substrate for rebirth and all
fuel for becoming, the fading away of all craving, & the relinquishing
of all forms of clinging, silencing, stilling, ceasing, Nibbana.... AN 3:32
Enraptured, ensnared and obsessed with greed, lust, urge & desire,
enraged with hate, fuming with anger, stirred by ill will & irritation,
blinded by ignorance, agitated by confusion, and fooled by delusion,
overwhelmed, with mind entangled, one aims at own ruin, at the ruin
of others, at the ruin of both, & one experiences frustration & pain!
But if lust, hate, and ignorance are eliminated, one aims neither at
own ruin, nor at the ruin of others, nor at the ruin of both, and one
experiences neither mental frustration, nor any pain, nor any grief!
Thus is Nibbana immediate, visible in this life, inviting, captivating,
fascinating & comprehensible to any intelligent & wise being. AN 3:55
The elimination of all Greed, the stilling of all Hate, the eradication
of all Confusion: This quenching, indeed, is the true Nibbana. SN 38:1
FREED
For him, who has completed this journey.
For him, who is untouched by any pain or sorrow.
For him, who is in every-way wholly freed.
For him, who has broken all chains.
For such one, no Suffering is ever Possible!
Dhammapada 90
More on this sublime Blissful State called Nibbana:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Final_Freedom.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Reaching_Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/climax_of_calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Nibbana_Still.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Uncreated.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2_Nibbanas.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Stilled_One.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Nibbana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/n_r/nibbaana.htm
Have a nice unconditioned day!
The Uncreated!
True Peace is Absolute & Everlasting!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Nibbana_True_Peace.htm
Truthful Honesty is the 7th Mental Perfection:
Honesty is Trust
Honesty is Truthful
Honesty is Guarantee
Honesty is Confidence
Honesty is Consistence
Honesty is Convincing
Honesty is Certainty
Honesty is Credibility
Honesty is Reliability
Honesty is Authenticity
Honesty is Integrity
Honesty is Accuracy
Honesty is Commitment
Honesty is Sincerity
Honesty is Security
Honesty is Reality
Honesty is a Must!
Honesty characteristically never deceives, it's function is to verify what
is actual and factual. Honesty's manifestation is sheer excellence...
Sincere and exact truthfulness is the proximate cause of honesty!
All evil states and crimes converge upon transgression of Truth...
Devotion to Truth is the only reliable foundation of all Nobility!
Like The Buddha demand of your own mind:
You have to give me an honest answer, understand! I won't accept anything
phony. And once you've answered, you have to stick to that very answer and
not slide or glide around. Don't be a traitor to yourself! Be sober & straight!
Therefore: Accept now this 4th training rule of avoiding all false speech!
If one is not true to the Buddha's teachings, the Buddha's teachings will
not be true to oneself, either! That Dhamma, which is used as a costume,
surface, uniform or alibi, does not bear fruit, as it's intention is not true!
True Honesty, however, makes you quite worthy of respect!
If one is painstakingly honest towards oneself, one thereby also becomes
meticulously honest towards others. If one on the contrary deceives oneself,
believing own lies, one automatically also deceives others, betraying them.
Honesty, however, always makes you quite worthy of respect...
Make an island of yourself, be your own light and illumination,
make yourself your only safe haven; there is no other protection.
Make Truth your only island, make Truth your sole refuge;
Make Truth your only lamp; there is no other luminosity.
Digha Nikaya, 16
The straight person, self-controlled, keeping precepts,
open and honest, is both worthy and fit for the yellow robe.
The hiding person, imposting, immoral, keeping secrets,
not honest, is neither worthy, nor fit for the yellow robe.
Dhammapada 9+10
Overcome the furious by friendship.
Overcome the evil one by goodness.
Overcome the miser by generosity;
Overcome the liar by truth.
Dhammapada 223
The one who destroys life;
The one who speaks false;
The one who takes what is not given;
The one who mates with another's partner;
The one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol;
Such one - even in this world - digs up his own root!
Dhammapada 246-47
They who falsely declare: "That happened" about what did not happen, or:
"I did not do that" about what they actually did, they earn themselves a
ticket to grilling in Hell.
Dhammapada 306
When the Blessed One heard about the king’s spies, who for money stole
information from others, he explained: One should not take just any job.
One should not be another’s man. One should not depend on any other.
One should not sell the truth for money…
Udana VI-2
The Bodhisatta was once caught by a man-eater, which sat him free on the
condition that he returned the next day. He kept his word and did so...
Much later remembered: Protecting this way of truth, having given up my
life and kingdom, I thereby set free 100 captured nobles, as the man-eater
lost his nerve. In honesty I thereby reached the ultimate perfection!
Mahasutasoma-Jataka no. 537
More of the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Ten_Perfections.htm
You can run from your mistake, but not from your regret.
You can play with your drama, but not with your karma.
Theravada Buddhist Chaiteet Heng, Malaysia
Truth always Triumphs!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Truth_Triumphs.htm
HD Video:
Truthful Honesty is the 7th Mental Perfection. Like the moon remains in its fixed orbit around the earth, even so should one stay and stick with the truth, thereby insisting on honesty. This guarantee induces trust, confidence and assured certainty in the mind, as well as in the society. You can play with your drama, but not with your karma..
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Truth_Triumphs.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Deceiving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Speech.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_IV.htm
Empty Gossip & Void Babble Infects & Spoil any Social Sphere!
Once in Savatthi the Blessed Buddha said this:
What, householder friends, is the Dhamma explanation befitting for oneself?
Here, householder friends, any Noble Disciple reflects thus: If someone were to
to address me with gossip, idle chatter, empty babble, hearsay, and void prattle,
that would neither be pleasing nor agreeable to me. Similarly, if I were to address
another with gossip, idle chatter, empty babble, hearsay, and void prattle, that
would neither be pleasing, nor agreeable, nor acceptable to that other being either!
What is displeasing and disagreeable to me, is also displeasing and disagreeable
to any other being too. How can I disturb & bore another being with what provoke
annoy and exasperate myself? Having reflected repeatedly thus, then gradually:
1: He/she will carefully avoid all gossip, idle chatter, empty babble, & void hearsay...
2: He/she will persuade others also to avoid all pointless good-for-nothing speech...
3: He/she will praise speaking well formulated reasoned facts worth remembering...
In this very way, is this advantageous verbal behaviour purified in 3 aspects!
Gossip returns!
One should never defile other beings by polluting them with empty speech!
More on not polluting the social soup with foolish words:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Three_Doors.htm
And on Right Speech (Samma Vaca):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/samma-vaca.html
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Truth_Triumphs.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Splitting.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Scolding.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Deceiving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Gossiping.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Speech.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Fourfold_Right_Speech.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_IV.htm
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:355]
section 55: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 7: To the people at the Bamboo gate...
Avoid all Empty Babble and Gossip!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Gossiping.htm
NYC Taxi driver made compassion shine in action:
"I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I
honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about
just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door
and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear
something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me.
She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, just like
somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.
The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was
covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils
on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos & glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab,
then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward
the cab. She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just
try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'
'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an
address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any
family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very
long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building
where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when
they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse
that had once been a ballroom, where she had gone dancing as a young girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and
would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.
Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low
building, like a small convalescent home, with a way that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous
and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was
already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said.
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light..
Behind me, a door shut. It was like the sound of the closing of a life..
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought.
For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an
angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused
to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick dry review:
I don't think that I have done anything more important in my entire life!
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware beautifully wrapped in what others
may consider a small nothing..."
Compassionate Pity (Karuna), which cures all cruelty, is a divine state!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Endless_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Safe_Medicine.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Karuna_is_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Wrong.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Great_Compassion.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Compassionate_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Space_Compassion.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/brahma_vihaara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Cure_Cruelty_and_Revengefulness.htm
Cab Compassion!
NYC Taxi driver made compassion shine in action.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cab_Compassion.htm
The 10 Contemplations is Daily Buddhist Routine!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Any Bhikkhu contemplates this body from the soles of the feet upward,
and from the top of the hair downward, as a disgusting frame with a skin
stretched over it, filled with many impurities: This body consists only of
head-hairs, body-hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, sinews, bones, marrow,
kidneys, bile, lymph, pus, blood, sweat, fat, tears, tallow, spittle, snot,
joint fluid, and urine. Just as if a sack with openings at both ends were
full of many various kinds of grain: Wheat, rice, mung beans, kidney beans,
sesame seeds, husked rice and a man with good eyesight, pouring it out,
were to reflect: This is wheat. This is rice. These are mung beans. These are
kidney beans. These are sesame seeds. This is husked rice, in exactly the
same way, monks, a monk reflects on this very body upward from the soles
of the feet, and downward again from the hair-tips of the head...
Source: DN 22, MN 10
For Inspiration have a collection of Corpse Pictures Only for Adults been deposited here:
http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac350/Asubha/ Guest Password: corpses
WARNING! STRONG PICTURES!
Video: Any BODY is just a transient FRAME of FRAGILE FLESH!
More on reflection on the Body:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Meditation_On_the_Body_Kayagata-Sati.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_9_Corpse_Meditations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Four_Postures.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Body_as_only_Form.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_32_Parts.htm
Contemplating the Body!
Any body is just a transient frame of fragile flesh!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Body_Contemplation.htm
How to reach the Certainty of Final Knowledge?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, there are these 4 Foundations of Awareness.
What four? The ever calmly self reminding awareness of:
1: Body is just a mass of disgusting impurities...
2: Feelings are only a repeating emotional noise...
3: Mind is simply a conditioned set of weird moods...
4: Phenomena are mentally baked and faked appearances ...
While always acutely alert and clearly comprehending, thereby removing all lust,
desire, envy, jealousy, frustration, & any kind of discontent rooted in this world...
When, Bhikkhus, these 4 Foundations of Awareness have been developed, trained
& well established, one of two fruits may be expected: Either Final Knowledge in
this very life, or if there is residual clinging, the exalted state of Non-Return...!
Awareness is Always Advantageous!
Details On Four Foundations of Awareness (Sati):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Four_Foundations_of_Awareness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Awareness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Awareness_Sati.htm
The 4 Great Frames of Reference!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 181] 47. Foundations of Awareness: 36 Final Knowledge..
Awareness of the 4!
The 4 Great Frames of Reference!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Final_Knowledge.htm
Catching the Snake when fishing for Pleasure!
The Ancient Elders explained reflection thus:
One sees all constructions as impermanent based on the following facts:
They are inconstant, momentary, non-continuous, temporary, limited by rise
and fall, disintegrating, unstable, perishable, transient, subject to change,
coreless, due to vanish, constructed, subject to decay, to ageing, to death!
One sees all phenomena as ultimate suffering based on the following facts:
They are continuously oppressing, hard to bear, the source of pain, a disease,
a tumour, a dart, a calamity, an affliction, a stress, a disaster, a terror that
offers no protection, no shelter, no refuge, a danger, the root of calamity,
murderous, subject to mental fermentation, Mara's bait, subject to birth,
subject to ageing, illness and despair, producing sorrow, cause of grieving!
One knows all constructions as disgusting, foul & ugly, because they surely
are deplorable, stinking, detestable, repulsive, & grotesque pain in disguise!
One regards all constructions as egoless no-self based on the these facts:
Because they are alien, empty, vain, void, ownerless, with no full controller,
with none to wield power over them, prone to washed about by conditions...
It is then one acquires Knowledge & Vision of the Way by associating all
constructions with these 3 universal characteristics. But why this grossly
negative way? It is in order to achieve the tools to releasing deliverance!!!
Here is a simile: a man thought to catch a fish, so he took a fishing net and
cast it in the water. He put his hand into the mouth of the net under the
water and seized a snake by the neck. He was glad, thinking: I have caught
a fish! In the belief that he had caught a big fish, he lifted it up to see it...
When he saw three marks, he perceived that it was a snake & he was truly
terrified. He saw danger, felt revulsion & desired to be delivered from it.
Contriving a means to deliverance, he flung it away, yelling: Go, foul snake!
Then quickly hasting up on dry land, he stood looking back, while thinking:
Happily, by effort, I have been delivered from the jaws of a huge snake!!
Vism 652
More On Knowledge and Vision of the Way:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The_8_Understandings.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The_Burning_Turban.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Being_is_Danger.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm
Catching the Snake!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Catching_the_Snake.htm
One single idea can Enlighten!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, there is one particular idea, when a Bhikkhu
rightly disgusts this single scheme,
rightly detaches from this distinct concept,
rightly releases mentally from this sole dependence,
rightly sees the final end of this universal condition,
having rightly and thoroughly understood this unique idea,
then he is one who makes an end of suffering in this very life!
What is this one particular idea?
[size=200]All Beings are sustained by Fuel![/size]
When a Bhikkhu rightly disgusts, detaches, & releases from this reliance,
and rightly sees the end of this phenomenon by complete comprehension,
then he ends all suffering right there and then!
The 4 fold Fuel (Ahara) any process of being burns upon are:
1. Material Food (kabalinkarahara), which maintains the body.
2. Sense Contact (phassa), which feeds feeling and perception.
3. Intention (mano-sañcetana), which constructs kammic rebirth.
4. Consciousness (viññana), which sustains new consciousness.
This 'fire' of being, caused by these 5 clusters of clinging:
1: The Cluster of Clinging to Form...
2: The Cluster of Clinging to Feeling...
3: The Cluster of Clinging to Perception…
4: The Cluster of Clinging to Construction…
5: The Cluster of Clinging to Consciousness…
is thereby kept burning, since it is sustained by this 4 fold flow of fuel...
Nibbana (Sanskrit: Nirvana), which literally means 'blown out' like a candle,
is only reached by extinguishing this fire of being by denying it new fuel...
When all fuel is burned up, any fire stops and becomes peacefully cool!
The Fire
Source (edited extract):
The Numerical Sayings of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya. [AN V:50-51]
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Acquisition_of_Fuel.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/ahara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/n_r/nibbaana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_5_Clusters_of_Clinging.htm
Have a nice cool day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
One idea: Fuel!
One single idea can Enlighten!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/One_Idea.htm
Where sits the Consciousness? What is Consciousness?
Recently it was found out that both hemispheres can be missing yet the children (though severely impaired) are still Conscious! Laughing without a Brain: “Got a Towel?” Case studies suggest that some forms of consciousness may not require an intact cerebrum!
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=self-awareness-with-a-simple-brain
On the early Buddhist definition of Consciousness (vinnana):
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/u_v/vinnaana.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Consciousness.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/The_Selfless_Camera.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Momentary_Consciousness.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Consciousness.htm
Contemporary Bafflement if not Confusion about Consciousness:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousness
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind-body_problem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_problem_of_consciousness
The Seven Links to Enlightenment Out-Shines All!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Supported, Friends, by Himalaya, king of mountains, do the snake-beings [nagas] grow a body and get
strength. When they have grown a body and got strength there, they go to the tiny mountain pools,
therefrom to the lakes, therefrom to the streams, therefrom to the great rivers, therefrom to the sea,
& lastly they go to the mighty ocean, where they complete great growth of body. Just even so, Bhikkhus
& Friends, any one supported by morality, fixed in morality, who cultivates the 7 Links to Enlightenment,
makes much of them, wins great growth of the right conditions and prerequisite causes of Enlightenment!
How does a Noble being, so founded in morality, so fixed in morality, cultivate the 7 Links to Enlightenment,
make much of them, & win great growth of the right conditions and necessary causes of total Awakening?
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Awareness,
based on isolation, on detachment, on stilling, which culminates in self-surrender.
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Investigation,
based on solitude, on dispassion, on ceasing, which culminates in relinquishment.
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Energy,
based on seclusion, on indifference, on cooling, which culminates in elevation.
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Joy,
based on retreat, on disinterestedness, on ending, which culminates in renouncing.
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Tranquillity,
based on aloofness, on disgust, on stopping, which culminates in deliverance.
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Concentration,
based on separation, on release, on finishing, which culminates in emancipation.
Such Noble Being simply cultivates the Link to Enlightenment that is Equanimity,
based on withdrawal, on detachment, on stilling, which culminates in self-surrender.
That is how a Noble being, founded in morality, fixed in morality, cultivates the 7 Links to Enlightenment,
and by making much of them, wins to greatness of the conditions that causes the effect of Enlightenment!
More on these Seven Links to Awakening:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Seven_Links_to_Awakening.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Meaning_of_the-7_Links_to_Awakening.htm
Source: Samyutta Nikaya V
Holy Himalaya
The 7 Links to Enlightenment Out-Shines All ..
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Holy_Himalaya.htm
No Craving is the Ceasing of all Suffering!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
What, now, is this Noble Truth on the Elimination of all Suffering?
It is the complete fading away & irreversible elimination of all Craving,
the rejection & leaving of it, & the liberating release from it! SN 56:11
But where may this craving vanish, where may it be extinguished?
Wherever in the world, there are delightful and pleasurable things!
Right there and then may this craving be overcome, and quenched...
DN 22
Be it in the past, the present, or in any future, whatever true recluse
considers all delightful, attractive & pleasurable things in this world
as impermanent anicca, as miserable dukkha, & as without a self anatta,
as diseases & as cancers, it is he who conquers craving... SN 12:66
By final fading away and elimination of craving, clinging also ceases;
By the elimination of clinging, the process of becoming also ceases;
By the elimination of the process of becoming, rebirth also ceases;
Through the elimination of all rebirth, all decay, ageing & death!,
sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, & despair is finally extinguished...
Only that is the eradication of this entire mass of Suffering...
SN 12:43
More on this thorny Craving causing all pain:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Cut_Craving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Craving_is_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Cause.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Origin_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Catastrophic.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Craving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2nd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Cause_of_Suffering.htm
No Craving = No Suffering!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
Unselfish Joy! How to Rejoice in Others Success:
By seeing that:
If only happy at one's own success, such egoistic Joy is rare and limited!
If happy at others success also, the Joy is more frequent & even infinite!
By observing that:
It starts with basic sympathy, develops into acceptance, genuine approval,
& appreciation. It culminates in rejoicing altruistic sympathy by directing
mind to initiation, much cultivation & boundless expansion of Mutual Joy!
By knowing that:
Mutual Joy is the proximate cause of sweet, fully satisfied contentment!
Lack of mutual joy is therefore the proximate cause of discontentment!
Mutual Joy instantly eliminates acidic jealousy, grudge and green envy!
Mutual Joy is an infinite, truly divine, elevating and sublime mental state!
Mutual Joy is 1 of the 4 mental states of the Brahma-devas (Brahmavihara)
The Blessed Buddha pointed out:
If it were impossible to cultivate this Good , I would not tell you to do so!
Buddhaghosa:
See how this worthy being is very Happy!
How fine! How excellent! How sweet!
Let there be Happiness. Let there be open Freedom.
Let there be Peace. Let there be Bliss from cultivating this.
Let there be Understanding of this mental state of Mutual Joy!
Cultivation of Mutual Joy is the specific medicine against Envy & Jealousy:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Rejoicing_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Mudita: The Buddha's Teaching on Unselfish Joy: BPS Wheel Publication No. 170
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel170.html
Have a nice & noble day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Mutual Joy Rejoices in Other's Success...
Mutually Rejoicing Bliss!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoicing_Bliss_is_Mudita.htm
Those who steal get a Hungry Ghost Rebirth!
Those who steal food & who are too lazy for doing good deeds, become
corpse or menstruation eating Ghosts, and abortion eating Ghosts (Peta).
Whosoever are engaged in low praxis, mean, miserly, avaricious, stingy,
& the constantly greedy are reborn after death as swollen neck Ghosts...
Whoever prevents others from giving and does not himself give anything,
becomes an ever hungry and thirsty Ghost, needle-mouthed & big-bellied...
Whoever clings to his wealth only for his family, but who neither enjoys,
nor shares it, is reborn as ghost eating only what is given, such as things
given at funerals... Whoever longs to steal anothers property, but then
later regrets it, is reborn as a peta feeding on excrement, pus and vomit...
Whoever speaks aggressively, angry, words hitting like daggers, becomes
a ghost with mouth like a furnace burning fiercely with red coals and ashes...
And whoever is cruel minded, without sympathy and quarrelsome, would
become a fiery ghost eating worms, leeches, insects, crabs and beetles...
Source (edited extract):
Pañcagatidipani by Ashvaghosa & Saddhammaghosa: 11-12th century AC.
Tr. by Ann A. Hazlewood. Journal of the Pali Text Society. Vol. XI 1987:
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=132714
More details on the Peta (ghost) destination:
From the Tipitaka: Minor Anthologies Vol 4, Vimanavatthu & Petavatthu
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=130738
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/pu/peta_vatthu.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ghosts_Petas.htm
Please enjoy study here for details on Rebirth:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Rare_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Divine_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Animal_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Endless_Round.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samsaric_Dread.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Minor_Hells.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/One_BIG_Family.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Hell_Destiny.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Five_Destinations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_5_Destinations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Kamma_and_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Samsaric_Round.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mad_Demon_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Human_Being_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Hungry_Ghost_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/What_passes_on_by_Rebirth-Linking.htm
Hungry Ghost Rebirth!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Hungry_Ghost_Rebirth.htm
Indeed is this Samsara a Sea of Suffering!
As the 4 Noble Truths always say:
1: All this and such is Suffering!
2: Craving is the Cause of Suffering!
3: Ceasing of Craving is the End of Suffering!
4: The Noble 8-fold Way is the method to end all Suffering!
More on these core facts here:
The 1st Noble Truth on Suffering (Dukkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_1st_Noble_Truth_on_Suffering.htm
The 2nd Noble Truth on The Cause of Suffering:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2nd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Cause_of_Suffering.htm
The 3rd Noble Truth on The Ceasing of Suffering:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3rd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
The 4th Noble Truth on The Noble Way to end all Suffering:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4th_Noble_Truth_on_The_Way_to_Cease_Suffering.htm
The 4 Noble Truths...
This Samsara is indeed a Sea of Suffering!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Indeed_True.htm
Not Killing promotes Harmlessness and thus produces Peace!
Once in Savatthi the Blessed Buddha said this:
What, householder friends, is the Dhamma explanation befitting to oneself?
Here, householder friends, a Noble Disciple reflects thus: I am one who wishes
to live, who does not wish to die; I desire happiness & do not like any suffering.
If someone were to take my life, it would neither be pleasing nor agreeable to me.
If I kill whatever another being: One who also wishes to live, who also does not
wish to die, who also desires happiness & who also dislike suffering, that would
neither be pleasant nor acceptable to that other being either...
What is displeasing and disagreeable to me, is also displeasing and disagreeable
to any other being too. How can I inflict upon another being what is displeasing
and disagreeable to myself? Having reflected repeatedly thus, then gradually:
1: He/she will carefully avoid all destruction of any life-form whatsoever...
2: He/she will persuade others also to abstain from all destruction of any life...
3: He/she will speak praising harmlessness and avoidance of all & any killing...
In exactly this way is this good bodily behaviour purified in three respects!!!
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:353]
section 55: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 7: To the people at the Bamboo gate...
HARMLESSNESS AVOIDS THE ULTIMATE WRONG!
All sentient beings feel pain from violence.
All sentient beings fear death.
Seeing other beings are like oneself;
Treating other beings like oneself;
One should never ever harm nor kill ...
Dhammapada 129
Whoever harms the harmless & innocent beings,
upon such very fool, pain of evil promptly return
as dust thrown against the wind.
Dhammapada 125
Whoever injures, with weapon or stick, beings
searching for their happiness - when after death -
seeking same happiness, such fool never finds it!
Dhammapada 131
Whoever never injures, with weapon nor stick, beings
searching for their happiness - when after death -
seeking same happiness, such clever & kind one
always gain it!
Dhammapada 132
The Noble is not one who injures living beings.
The Noble is one who never injures living beings.
Dhammapada 270
Ever are the true disciples of the Buddha
well awake & quite aware. Constantly they
meditate both day & night on Harmlessness.
Dhammapada 300
The one who has left violence,
who never harm any being,
whether moving are stationary,
who never kill nor causes to kill,
such one, harmless, is a Holy One.
Dhammapada 405
The one who is friendly among the hostile,
who is harmless among the violent,
who is detached among the greedy,
such one is a Holy One.
Dhammapada 406
More on Harmlessness and non-violence (Ahimsa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_short_&_long_life.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Harmlessness_and_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_I.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Threefold_Right_Action.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_Action.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Five_Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Virtue.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Slaying_Anger.htm
NEVER KILL! May all Beings become Happy thereby!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Never_Kill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_I.htm
ViDeO: Back-2-Basics #1 = Never Kill!
High Definition:
[video]
Avoid all Killing!
Not Killing promotes Harmlessness & thus produces Peace!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm
On True Love (A Doctors observation):
It was approximately 8.30 a.m. on a busy morning when an elderly gentleman in
his eighties arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that
he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9.00 a.m.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat. I knew it would take more than
an hour before someone would to able to attend to him. I saw him check his
watch anxiously for the time and decided to evaluate his wound, since I was
not busy with another patient. On examination, the wound was well healed.
Hence, I talked to one of the doctors to get the supplies to remove his sutures
and redress his wound. We began to engage in a conversation, while I was taking
care of his wound. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment later as
he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, and said that he needed to
go to the nursing home to have breakfast with his wife.
I inquired about her health. He told me that she had been in the nursing home
for a while as she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. I probed further and
asked if she would be upset, if he was slightly late. He replied that she no longer
knew who he was, and that she had not been able to recognize him since five
years ago. I asked him in surprise, "And you still go every morning, even though
she doesn't know who you are?" Then he smiled as he patted my hand and said,
"She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is!" ;-)
I had to hold back my tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm, and I thought,
"That is the kind of love I want in my life." True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, was not, will be, and will not ever be…
More on True Love (Metta):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Advantageous_is_Friendship.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/May_all_Beings_Be_Happy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Friendship_is_Universal.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Goodwill_is_Genuine.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The_11_Advantages.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Unbounded_Mind.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Goodness_Galore.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Loving-Kindness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Mothers_Love.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Hey_Friend.htm
A Love Supreme!
On True Love (A Doctors observation):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Love_Supreme.htm
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Sabbe satta, sabbe pana,
sabbe bhuta ca kevala,
sabbe bhadrani passantu.
Ma kañci papamagama.
May all creatures, all living things,
all beings without any exception,
experience good happiness only!
May they not fall into any harm.
Anguttara Nikaya 4.67
Solitude is happiness for one, who is content,
who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees.
Non-violence is happiness in this world:
Harmlessness towards all living beings.
Udana 10
HARMLESS
The one, who has left violence,
who never harm any being,
whether they are trembling or still,
who never kill, nor causes to kill,
such one, harmless, is a Holy One.
Dhammapada 405
More on Harmlessness (Ahimsa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blessing_all_Beings_by_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_I.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patient_is_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bon_Benevolence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm
May all Beings be Happy!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/May_all_be_Happy.htm
Regarding all Phenomena with aloof Equanimity!
When one has understood constructions by seeing the three characteristics in
them and their voidness, then one can leave both terror & delight by becoming
indifferent and neutral to all states, taking them neither to be 'I' nor 'mine'!
One becomes like a man who has recently divorced his wife: The man who was
married to a lovely, gorgeous, & charming wife and so deeply in love with her as to
be unable to bear separation from her for a single moment. He would be disturbed
& displeased to see her standing, talking & laughing with another man, and would
be very unhappy & jealous, but later, when he found out that woman's faults,
and he divorced her, he would no more take her as 'mine'; and thereafter, even
though he saw her doing whatever it might be, with whomsoever it might be,
he would neither be disturbed, nor displeased, but only neutral and indifferent!
So too with the meditating disciple, who wants to get free from all phenomena:
He recognizes all constructions as impermanent, and void of pleasure and self,
thus seeing that nothing in reality is 'I' or 'mine'. He therefore abandons both
terror and delight, and becomes indifferent and neutral towards all phenomena...
Vism 656
Divorced from Possessiveness, Egoism, Clinging and Frustration!
More On Equanimity (Upekkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Serene_Equanimity_and_Beyond.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Imperturbable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unshakable_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Equanimity_Upekkha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Empty_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Serene_Equanimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Even_is_Equanimity.htm
Equanimity describes the unattached awareness of one's experience as a result
of perceiving the impermanence of momentary reality. It is a peace of mind and
dwelling in even calmness that cannot be shaken by any grade of both fortunate
and unfortunate circumstances. It is a concept promoted by several religions...!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equanimity
Have a nice divorced day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Serene Ease...
Aloof is Equanimity!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Divorced_Freedom.htm
Voidness is Absolute Absence of Agitation:
The Blesses Buddha once said:
Not attending to the experience of people or city, the monk focuses on the single,
even and same experience of Forest...! His mind is absorbed into that experience of
Forest and he acquires assured confidence, fixed imperturbability and determination.
There and then he understands: Whatever agitation there always was in the experience
of city and people, all that is absent here.. Here only remains a minor distraction
rooted in this silent, sweet, same, single and even experience of endless Forest!
Thus he understands: This field of mental state is indeed void of the experience of
the buzz of people and city. There is present only this stilled sameness condensed on
the experience of Forest. Thus he regards the present state as void of what actually is
absent, while what now actually still remains in presence, that he notes as still present!
This, Ananda is the very first step in the gradual, genuine, undistorted, ancient and
pure descent into Voidness...
Again and then, Ananda, by now not attending to the experience of forest, the monk shifts
and focuses until he reaches one-pointed absorption on the single, even and same unified
Experience of the extensive solidity of Earth...
Experience of the cohesive fluidity of Water...
Experience of the vibrating radiation of Heat...
Experience of the energetic mobility of Motion...
Experience of the infinitude of Space...
Experience of the infinitude of Consciousness...
Experience of the empty void of Nothingness...
Experience of neither perception, nor non-perception...
Experience of the signless and objectless mental absorption...
In this void state, he understands that all other phenomena are now quite absent!
Only the non-voidness due to the subtle signless mental absorption is still present...
This too, Ananda, is the gradual, genuine, undistorted and pure descent into voidness...
Source:
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha. 121 [iii 106] The minor speech on Voidness.
More on these supremely sublime mental states:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/9_Stillings.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_LAMP_III.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_8_Deliverances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Formless_Dimensions.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_8_stages_of_Mental_Mastery.htm
Abstract absorbed Absence ...
Pure Descent into Voidness!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Descent_into_Voidness.htm
How does one gain the Divine All-Seeing Eye?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Which concentration, Bhikkhus, when practised and developed often will lead
to gaining the divine eye of vast understanding (dibba-cakkhu ?
When the Bhikkhu reflects on experiencing light, fixes his mind on this perception
of daylight, always, both at day-time and also at night! In this way, with wakeful
and stainless mind, he develops a state of luminous consciousness accompanied by
a bright radiant inner mental light. This concentration, developed and practised
often indeed leads to the attainment of the eye of understanding (dibba-cakkhu) ...
Visuddhimagga XIII, 95 says that this luminous state of mind is a prerequisite
condition for reaching the knowledge of the divine eye. This enlightening training
also evaporates all Lethargy-and-Laziness.
More on the divine eye (dibba-cakkhu):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/dibba_cakkhu.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Divine_Eye.htm
The All-Seeing Eye..
Making Mental Light!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Making_Mental_Light.htm
What is the process of Becoming?
A friend asked:
Conditioned by clinging, becoming comes into being... What is Becoming?
Answer:
Cut short: Becoming is the process whereby the next moment arises...
This next moment has both physical and mental properties and is as such
dependent upon consciousness... If no clinging is present in this moment,
no next moment will arise for that Arahat individuality... That is Nibbana!
Every new moment and thus also the death-rebirth-moment is the result of
this process of becoming, which drives all change and push time forward!
In more detail:
The process of becoming can take place in three planes or dimensions:
1: Becoming in the plane of sense desire (kama-bhava), which is what drives
the life-process forward for all ghosts, animals, humans and lower devas.
2: Becoming in the plane of fine-material existence (rupa-bhava), which is
what drives the life-process forward for higher devas like e.g. Brahma etc.
3: Becoming in the plane of formless existence (arupa-bhava), which is
what drives the life-process forward for the highest formless devas.
On this Buddhist Cosmology of these three main dimensions please study:
The 31 Planes of Existence:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/bhava.htm
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sagga/loka.html
This process of becoming has two sides:
The active side: Where new advantageous or detrimental intentional actions
(kamma-bhava) create delayed future resultant forms of high or low rebirth.
The passive resultant side: Where this rebirth in every moment & in between
lives recreates or regenerates mental and material phenomena of existence.
There are the two kinds of craving related to becoming!
1: Craving for Becoming:
Examples: May I become rich, famous, praised, satisfied, beautiful, happy...
2: Craving for Non-Becoming:
Examples: May I not become sick, criticized, poor, ugly, old, dead, unhappy...
As these states are uncontrollable, both kinds of craving create suffering!
The Blessed Buddha explained the process of Becoming (bhava) like this:
At Savatthi. "Monks, there are these four floods. Which four?
The flood of sensuality, the flood of becoming, the flood of views,
and the flood of ignorance. These are the four floods." SN v 59
"Monks, there are these four yokes. Which four?
The yoke of sensuality, the yoke of becoming, the yoke of views, and
the yoke of ignorance. And what is the yoke of becoming?
There is the case where a certain person does not understand, as it really is,
the arising, the passing away, the allure, the drawbacks, and the escape
from becoming. When he does not understand this becoming, as it really is,
he becomes obsessed with passion, delight, attraction, infatuation, thirst,
and fascinated fever for new forms of becoming. Thereby he then induces
craving for becoming something new: To go further, wandering-on, heading
to new birth & ever repeated death! This is the yoke of becoming..." AN ii 10
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard:
"There are these three searches. Which three? The search for sensuality,
the search for becoming, the search for a holy noble life.
These are the three searches." Iti 44-98
"What is the origin of suffering? The craving that induce further becoming,
accompanied by passion and delight, relishing now here & later there, that is:
Craving for sensing, craving for becoming, craving for non-becoming...
This is called the origin of suffering." MN i 46
"From the arising of becoming, comes the arising of birth. From the ceasing
of becoming, comes the ceasing of birth. And the way leading to the ceasing
of birth is just this very noble eightfold path: Right view, right motivation,
right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness,
and right concentration." MN i 46
"And what is becoming? What is the arising of becoming? What is the ceasing
of becoming? What is the way leading to the cessation of becoming?
There are these three forms of becoming: Sensual becoming, fine material
becoming, and formless becoming. This is called becoming. From the arising of
clinging comes the arising of becoming. From the ceasing of clinging comes
the ceasing of becoming. And the way of practice leading to the ceasing of
becoming is just this very noble eightfold path: Right view, right motivation,
right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness,
and right concentration." MN i 46
"From craving as a requisite condition comes clinging...
From clinging as a requisite condition comes becoming...
From becoming as a requisite condition comes birth...
From birth as a requisite condition comes ageing, decay, sickness
and death! So is the emergence of this entire mass of suffering!" D ii 55
"Having seen danger right in the process of becoming itself, and in searching
for new forms of becoming or for non-becoming, I didn't affirm any kind of
becoming, or cling to any kind of delight in becoming." MN i 326
"What are these four noble truths? They are the noble truth of suffering;
the noble truth of the origin of suffering; the noble truth of the cessation
of suffering; and the noble truth of the way to the cessation of suffering.
When these profound truths, bhikkhus, have been realized and penetrated,
then craving for existence is cut off, destroyed is that process which leads
to renewed becoming, & there is not created fresh future becoming." DN ii 72
Any form of Becoming proliferates into Suffering...
What is Becoming?
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/What_is_Becoming.htm
Documentary about Buddhist Hermits in the Chinese mountains.
Extracts from the award winning film: "Amongst White Clouds" by Edward A. Burger about Zen Buddhist hermit monks living in remote hermitages in China's Zhongnan Mountains. Some fine pearls: "Put all your mind into it, but don't think...", "This reckless deluded mind", "Don't fear it, don't hurt it", "Let go of it all: Examine yourself & meditate quietly!", "Everyone has this precious jewel opportunity to awaken", "Work is spiritual cultivation", "When old your body won't list to you anymore, then it's too late to practice", "Leaving the world is a way of returning to it..." "Don't follow your old habits: Observe you mind", "We plant seeds in the past", "Why did you come here...?", "Holding on to this self is birth & death", "The Buddha is like a wise Doctor and all beings are like sick patients..."
"There is nothing more to say..."
To buy full HD DVD go: http://www.amongstclouds.com
How does rightly verified Faith lead to Nibbãna?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just exactly as, when rain pours down in heavy drops on a mountain,
then the water runs down the slope and fills the clefts, gullies, and creeks.
When these brim over, then they replenish the pools, which fill up the lakes,
which supply the rivers, which run out in the great ocean...
Similarly for any Noble Disciple, do verified confidence in the Three Jewels
the Buddha, the Dhamma, & the Sangha, and morality praised by the Nobles
flow onwards & beyond, leading to eradication of the 3 Mental Fermentations.
On Faith (Saddha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Three_Jewels.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Faith_Summary.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Fruits_of_the_Noble_Way.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/ariya_puggala.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Three_Fermentations.htm
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:396]
Section 55 on Stream-Entry: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 38: Rain.
Raining Faith ..
Fine Faith Flows into Nibbana!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Raining_Faith.htm
Release of Mind through Friendliness (Metta-ceto-vimutti):
Can be reached through systematic & continuous maintenance of this noble wish:
May all sentient beings without exception, in all 31 forms of individual existence,
residing in the 3 realms, of inconceivable number, extending infinitely in all 10 directions,
enduring boundlessly through all past, present and future time, to an absolute complete
and endless degree, come to see it all as it really is, conquer all craving and hostility,
reach utter harmlessness, and by that be perfused with the ultimate bliss ... !!!
The FRIEND of pure GOODWILL (Metta):
May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Friendliness!
May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Friendliness based on endless Goodwill!
May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Friendliness!
May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Friendliness!
May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Friendliness made inestimable!
May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Friendliness!
May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Friendliness!
The all-embracing PITY of UNDERSTANDING EMPATHY (Karuna):
May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Pity!
May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Pity based on endless Understanding!
May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Pity!
May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Pity!
May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Pity made inestimable!
May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Pity!
May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Pity!
The MUTUAL JOY: Joy with the success of others too (Mudita):
May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Mutual Joy!
May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Mutual Joy based on endless rejoicing!
May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Mutual Joy!
May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Mutual Joy!
May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Mutual Joy made inestimable!
May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Mutual Joy!
May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Mutual Joy!
EQUANIMITY: Unaffectable, Unprovokable, and Undisturbable (Upekkha):
May all the infinite number of sentient beings, without even any single exception,
in all 31 forms of individual existence, residing in the 3 realms, of inconceivable number,
extending infinitely in all 10 directions, enduring eternally through all past, present & future time,
to a completely infinite degree, develop Equanimity & become one who smiles silently like a mountain!
May I & all beings pay Constant Attention to, Always Aware of infinite Equanimity!
May I & all beings keep Examining Noble Equanimity based on endless imperturbability!
May I & all beings put enthusiastic effort & energy into developing limitless Equanimity!
May I & all beings rejoice in the Blissful Joy emanating from all genuine Noble Equanimity!
May I & all beings dwell in the Tranquillity which follows Equanimity made inestimable!
May I & all beings gain one-pointed Concentration arised from the calm of vast Equanimity!
May I & all beings experience imperturbable Equanimity arised from illimitable Equanimity!
Yeah, let it be even so :- ) In brevity the 4 Sublime Abidings permuted with the 7 links to Awakening
It shines, blazes, lifts, elevates, and protects supremely like indeed nothing else ....
Going through systematically each morning keeps all day smiling !!! hehehe :-)
For free copy as a gift of Dhamma, May I & all beings be freed by friendliness thereby!
More here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Buddha_on_Noble_Frienship.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Infinite_and_Divine_Classic.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Metta.htm
Released by Friendliness!
Release of Mind can occur thorugh Friendliness (Metta-ceto-vimutti):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Released_by_GoodWill.htm
That Craving Causes Pain is a Noble Truth!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
What, now, is the Second Noble Truth on the Cause of Suffering?
The Cause of suffering is Craving, which bound up with pleasure and
desire, delighting now here, now there, gives rise to renewed rebirth!
SN 56:11
But where and when does this Craving arise and take root?
Wherever in the world there are delightful and pleasurable objects,
exactly right there & then this craving arises, takes root & grows...
The eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind, forms, sounds, smells, tastes,
touches, ideas, thoughts, mental states, consciousness of sensation,
sense contacts, feelings born of contact, perceptions, intentions,
cravings, thoughts, & reflections are all attractive and pleasurable:
Right there & then this toxic craving arises, roots & grows...
This is called the Noble Truth on the Origin of Suffering! DN 22
Feeling is the Cause of Craving:
If perceiving a form, sound, smell, taste, touch, idea, or mental state
as pleasant, then one is attracted: Right there craving, greed, desire,
lust, longing and urge is born. Pleasant feeling thus causes Greed!
If perceiving the sense object as unpleasant, then one is repelled:
Right there hate, anger, aversion, antipathy, and opposition is born!
Unpleasant or painful feeling thus causes Hate & all its derivatives!
If perceiving the object as neither pleasant nor unpleasant, then one
is disinterested, and thus neither observes nor examines the object:
Right there Ignorance, neglect, unawareness, and disregard is born...
Neutral & indifferent feeling thus causes Ignorance to arise! MN 38
The 3 kinds of Craving:
1: There is craving for Sensing forms, sounds, smells, tastes, touches,
ideas, thoughts and mental objects & states! (This is Kama-Tanha)...
2: There is craving for Becoming this or that like rich, healthy, famous,
beautiful, respected, successful & adored etc. (This is Bhava-Tanha)...
3: There is craving for Non-Becoming this or that like poor, sick, dead,
ignored, disregarded, ugly, failed & despised. (This is Vibhava-Tanha)...
DN 22
More on this thorny Craving causing all pain:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Cut_Craving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Craving_is_Pain.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Cause.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Origin_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Craving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2nd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Cause_of_Suffering.htm
Why do we Suffer?
Craving is the Cause of Suffering!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Cause.htm
How to be Real Buddhist through Observance?
Unduwap Poya is this Fullmoon of December celebrating 2 events:
1: The arrival of Arahat Nun Theri Sanghamitta, sister of Arahat Mahinda, daughter
of emperor Asoka from India in the 3rd century B.C. establishing the Order of Nuns.
2: The arrival at Anuradhapura of a sapling of the sacred Bodhi-tree at Buddhagaya,
brought to Sri Lanka by Arahat Theri Sanghamitta.
Arahat Theri Sanghamitta arrives w. tree.
This day is designated Sanghamitta Day. Nowadays Dasasil Matas;
ten-precept nuns, take an active part in making these celebrations.
Arahat Theri Sanghamitta
Details on the Arahat Nun Theri Sanghamitta and the MahaBodhi:
See: http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/sa/sanghamitta_theri.htm
and the Tree http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/b/bodhirukka.htm
The over 2000 years old Bodhi Tree in Ceylon.
On such Full-Moon Uposatha Poya Observance days:
Any Lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges & 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 accept 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 / observance day, where any lay
Buddhist normally keeps even the Eight Precepts from sunrise until
the next dawn... If any wish a 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 Modern 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: bhikkhu.samahita@what-buddha-said.net
For Details on The Origin of Uposatha Observance Days:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html
Have a nice observance day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Lay Buddhists keep the Poya days clean!
On this unduwap Poya day did Arahat Theri Sanghamitta arrive!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Unduwap_Poya_Day.htm
Compassion is the Core of Buddhism!
Overcome the angry by friendliness,
overcome the wicked by goodness,
overcome the miser by generosity,
overcome the liar by truth...
Dhammapada 223
He who neither punishes, nor makes others punish,
He who neither steals, nor makes others steal,
who in friendly goodwill shares with all that lives,
such kind gentle one meets no enmity anywhere...
Itivuttaka 27
Train yourself in doing only what is good,
that will last and bring great happiness!
Cultivate generosity, a peaceful living,
and a mentality of infinite friendliness...
Itivuttaka 16
More on Friendly Goodwill (Metta): The sweetest fragrance of all!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/brahma_vihaara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unsurpassable_Radiance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Grace_of_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Released_by_GoodWill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The_11_Advantages.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Genuine_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Goodwill_Encore.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blazing_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Loving-Kindness.htm
Have a nice & noble day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
[color=#800000]Goodness Galore _/\_ :-)
Try to Be Good in all Thought, Speech and Action.
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Goodness_Galore.htm
Distractions are like flies buzzing around inside the mind & not outside in the world. Distractions Multiply, Diversify, and Disturb... Bzzzz. The external live 'flies' symbolizes the inner mental distractions, which cannot ever be defeated by svinging swords... The Mind sent Outside is the Cause of Suffering. The Effect of the Mind sent Outside is Suffering. The Mind seeing the Mind is the Path: The Noble Way! The Effect of the Mind seeing the Mind, is the End of Suffering. Late Venerable Luang Pu Dun Atulo Thera. (1888-1983) Thailand.
Video:
How to remove Distracting Thoughts?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/solid_siam.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Wheels/wh021.pdf
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Remove_Distracting_Thoughts.htm
The Last Relinquishment:
When ignorance of the 4 Noble Truths finally fully evaporates,
One no longer clings to any sense pleasure, any views, or any rules and rituals!
One no longer clings to any idea of a self, I, Me, Ego, Soul or Identity at all...
When one does not cling, one is not agitated! One remains imperturbable...
When one is not agitated, one attains the state of Nibbana right there!
One then understands: Rebirth is ended, this Noble life has been lived,
What had to be done is done, there is no more relapsing into any state of being...
Nibbana is a phase transition of consciousness!
More on Nibbana A quenched state of Peace, Freedom, and supreme Bliss:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Final_Freedom.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/climax_of_calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Reaching_Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Entrance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Nibbana_Still.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Enter.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Uncreated.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Nibbana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Proximate_Cause.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Unborn_State.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Nibbana_or_non-return.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Nibbana_True_Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/n_r/nibbaana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Signless_Nibbana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Imperturbable_Equanimity.htm
Source: Majjhima Nikaya I 68: The shorter speech on the Lion's Roar.
The Entrance!
Ignorance Meltdown!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Entrance.htm
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Many Thanx in Advance!
Sabbe Sattâ Bhavantu Sukhi Tattâ:
May All Beings Become Thus Happy Thereby!
Support your Forest Sangha!
If you wish to help the Forest Sangha materially with upholding and
sharing the Saddhamma, then a quite good opportunity is open right here!
Any support is indeed dire needed and quite appreciated.
All on-line Donations are processed securely by .
Both credit cards & bank accounts are accepted.
Single Donation: Click
http://what-buddha-said.net/various/Dhammadhara_Foundation.htm
For subscribing to Automatically Recurring Monthly Donation: click here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/various/Subscribe_to_Regular_Donation.htm
Many Thanx in Advance!
Support your Forest Sangha!
What-Buddha-Said.net 2012 Progress Report:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/various/WBS_Progress_Report_2012.htm
A recent violent storm-flood caused by a heavy rainfall on >100mm in 6 hours killed 19 people
up here in the mountains by mudslides and battered the micro-hydropower-plant here by
1: Lifting up and tossing about a cement-bridge, 2: Trashing & Blowing-Out an intake-filter-box,
3: Cutting a 2 inch PVC pipeline, 4: Digging up several 2 inch Polyethylene pipelines and
5: Blocking out 3 out of 4 turbine nozzles in the generator with sand, silt and pebbles!
See pictures below for documentation and explanation.
A major repair including re-laying of several pipelines and full cementing of many
fragile places like pipeline stream crossings and water intake filter-boxes is
therefore necessary before the next rain-storm arrives... (Anicca ... sigh)
Since the electricity hereby ensured is required for the Dhamma-sharing is your
kind and gracious assistance with this crucial repair hereby gently requested.
Many Thanx in Advance _/\_
All on-line Donations are processed securely by Paypal: Click:
http://what-buddha-said.net/various/Dhammadhara_Foundation.htm
Trashed and blown-out micro-hydro-power filter-intake box. New is needed.
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood12.jpg
Pipe battered by handball sized stones rolling about in roaring flood-water
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood14.jpg
2 inch PVC pipe splintered and broken
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/cutpipe.jpg
150 kg Cement bridge lifted up off foundation and tossed down into cave!
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood1.jpg
Pipes digged out despite being buried 1-2 feet down underground!
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood19.jpg
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood5.jpg
3 inch earth cracks and level depression pending an earth-slip/mud-slide!
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood9.jpg
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood8.jpg
Preliminary pipe elevation in dire & urgent need of a solid cement foundation!
http://what-buddha-said.net/Pics/storm.flood7.jpg
All on-line Donations are processed securely by Paypal: Click:
http://what-buddha-said.net/various/Dhammadhara_Foundation.htm
Many Thanx in Advance!
About Generosity (Dana): The First Mental Perfection:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Openhanded_Generosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Reviewing_Generosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Glad_Giving.htm
Have a nice & noble day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Sabbe Sattâ Bhavantu Sukhi Tatthâ:
May Many Beings Become Thus Happy Thereby!
Storm-Flood Request..
Some urgent assistance is needed!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/various/Stormflood_Request.htm
Gratitude appreciates all assistance!
The Buddha indeed pointed out Gratitude as an important mental quality:
These two people are hard to find in the world. Which two?
The one who is first to do a kindness, and
the one who is grateful and thankful for a kindness done.
Anguttara Nikaya 2.118
I tell you, monks, there are two people who are not easy to repay.
Which two? Your mother & father. Even if you were to carry your mother
on one shoulder & your father on the other shoulder for 100 years, & were
to look after them by anointing, massaging, bathing, & rubbing their limbs,
and they were to defecate and urinate right there on your shoulders, you
would not thereby repay your parents. Even if you were to establish your
mother & father in absolute sovereignty over this great earth, abounding in
the seven treasures, you would not in that way repay your parents!
Why is that? Mothers and fathers do much for their children. They care for
them, they nourish them for long, and they introduce them to this world.
But anyone who rouses his unbelieving mother & father, settles & establishes
them in faith; rouses his immoral mother & father, establishes them in virtue;
rouses his stingy mother & father, settles & establishes them in generosity;
rouses his unwise mother & father, settles & establishes them on a new level
of understanding: It is in this way that one truly repays one's mother's and
father's many longstanding services.
Anguttara Nikaya 2.32
Mother & father, compassionate to their family, are called Brahma, first teachers,
honour them with food & drink, clothing & bedding, and anointing, bathing, washing
their feet. Performing these services to their parents, the wise are praised right
here and after death rejoice in heaven. Itivuttaka 106
If this is what you think of me:
The Blessed One, is sympathetic, is seeking our well-being, teaches us this
Dhamma out of sympathy, then you should train yourself in being in harmony,
cordial, and without conflict and train in yourselves cultivation of all the 37
best mental qualities: The 4_Foundations_of_Awareness, the 4 right efforts,
the 4_Feet_of_Force, the 5 Abilities, 5 powers, the 7 Links to Awakening,
& the Noble_8-Fold_Way. Majjhima Nikaya 103
A Tathagata is worshipped, honoured, respected, thanked & shown gratitude
by any follower, who keeps practicing the Dhamma in accordance with true
Dhamma, who keeps practicing masterfully, who lives in and by the Dhamma!
Digha Nikaya 16
We will undertake & practice those qualities that makes one a contemplative,
so that all those who helped us by services of robes, alms-food, lodging, and
medicines will bring them great fruit and great future reward.
Majjhima Nikaya 39
Comments:
In Pali, the word for gratitude = kataññu literally means to have a sense of
what was done for one in the past even when long ago. Remembering all help!
A network of kindness and gratitude is what sustains whatever goodness
there is and ever will be in this - otherwise destitute & impoverished - world!
Thus: Thank you for reading this!
Source (edited extract): The Lessons of Gratitude by Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/lessonsofgratitude.html
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Appropriate_Appreciation.htm
Have a nice & noble day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Appropiate Appreciation is Advantageous!
Gracious is Gratitude!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/The_Grace_of_Gratitude.htm
How is the Mental Release by Mutual Joy?
The Blessed Buddha once explained:
How is the 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, altruistic, appreciative & rejoicing joy?
Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu dwells pervading the frontal quadrant with a
mind imbued with infinite mutual joy, so the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quadrant.
As above, so below, across, and everywhere to all beings as for himself,
he dwells pervading the entire cosmos with a mind fully saturated with
unlimited mutual joy, immense, exalted, measureless, without hostility,
without any enmity, without any trace of ill will, of jealousy or of envy!
Thus prepared and mentally quite expanded, he then develops:
1: The Awareness Link to Awakening joined with limitless mutual joy.
2: The Investigation Link to Awakening fused with such mutual joy.
3: The Energy Link to Awakening together with infinite mutual joy.
4: The Joy Link to Awakening accompanied with absolute mutual joy.
5: The Tranquillity Link to Awakening linked with noble mutual joy.
6: The Concentration Link to Awakening associated with mutual joy.
7: The Equanimity Link to Awakening joined with endless mutual joy.
Based upon seclusion, disillusion, ceasing, and culminating in release...
If he then wishes:
May I dwell experiencing repulsion by any attractive & tempting object,
then he can dwell experiencing repulsiveness therein. If he wishes: May I
dwell experiencing the unrepulsive in any disgusting and repulsive object,
then he experiences pleasing beauty in whatever disgusting & ugly thing!
If he wishes: Avoiding both the repulsive & the unrepulsive, may I dwell
in equanimity, just aware & clearly comprehending, then he experiences
equanimity, just aware and clearly comprehending! When meditating he
can completely transcend the realm of infinitude of space, only aware
that consciousness is infinite, he can enter and dwell 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 and mutual joy has the sphere of
the infinitude of consciousness as its culmination!
More on Mutual Joy (Mudita):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/brahma_vihaara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoicing_Bliss_is_Mudita.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Wrong.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Safe_Medicine.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Rejoicing_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm
Comments: Are you Discontent? Here is Why!
Mutual joy is the proximate cause of contentment.
Consequentially: Lack of mutual joy produces frustrated discontent!
Mutual joy also eliminates jealousy and envy! Absence of mutual joy
therefore induces the acid like mental pain called envy and jealousy!
Source of reference (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 115-21] 46: The Links. 54: Joined by Friendliness...
Rejoice!
Mutual joy is the cause of contentment!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Contemplating the Extent of own Generosity:
One naturally devoted to generosity by the constant practice of giving and
sharing makes the decision: From now on, whenever there is anyone present
to receive, I shall not eat even a single mouthful without having given a gift!
And that very day he should give a gift by sharing whatever according to his
means and his ability with those, who have distinguished mental qualities.
When he has apprehended the sign in that, he should go into solitary retreat
and recollect his own generosity in its special qualities of being free from
the stain of mean miserliness like this: It is gain for me, it is great gain for
me, that in a culture obsessed by the greedy stain of niggardliness, I abide
with my mind & heart free from penny-pinching stinginess. I delight indeed
in relinquishing by being freely generous & open-handed, always welcoming
any request by rejoicing in all altruistic giving and sharing (AN III 287 ).
Any who gives life by giving food will get life & strength either divine or as
a human (AN III 42 ). Any giver is loved & frequented by many (AN III 40 ).
One who gives, is ever loved, according to the wise man's law! (AN III 41 ).
When a Bhikkhu is devoted to this recollection of generosity, he becomes
ever more intent on generosity, his favourite becomes non-greedy charity,
he acts with kind, noble, & loving liberality, and he gains a fine lion-heart.
He enjoys much happiness and gladness. And if he penetrates no higher, he
is at least headed for a happy destiny.
The Gods became Gods as a result of their magnanimous Giving!
Now when a man is truly wise,
His constant task will surely be
This recollection of his prior giving
Blessed with such mighty potency!
Vism I 224
More on Generosity (Dana) = The 1st mental perfection:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/giving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_3_Gifts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Glad_Giving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/caaga.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kathina_Ceremony.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/daana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Openhanded_Generosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Generosity_Contemplation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Wealth_or_Poverty.htm
Have a nice open-handed day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Reviewing Own Generosity!
Have I done any Good today?
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Reviewing_Generosity.htm
How could this boy ever remember that his big-sister's name was Ruth in his former life as a World-War-2 fighter pilot, when he had no knowledge of this past family life, before it was tracked down by records of the carrier ship's crew? He thereby proves the fact of re-incarnation! A former "big-sister Ruth" does not just pop out of fantasy by random...
Rebirth from an Early Buddhist Perspective:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Rare_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Divine_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Animal_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samsaric_Dread.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Minor_Hells.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Five_Destinations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Birth_is_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Hell_Destiny.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Endless_is_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_5_Destinations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Kamma_and_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Rebirth_and_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mad_Demon_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Samsaric_Round.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Human_Being_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Hungry_Ghost_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Past_Cause_Present_Effect.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/What_passes_on_by_Rebirth-Linking.htm
The Truth of Rebirth And Why it Matters for Buddhist Practice by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/truth_of_rebirth.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/truth_of_rebirth.pdf
REBIRTH VIDEOS:
Scientific Rebirth Research:
http://www.near-death.com/experiences/reincarnation01.html
BBC documentary on Near Death Experiences:
Near-Death Experiences on the Intensive Care Unit
Reincarnation research by Ian Stevenson Children's past life memories:
Scientific Evidence of Rebirth by Dr Jim Tucker:
The Cardiologist on the Near-Death Experience 1
The Cardiologist on the Near-Death Experience 2
Near-Death Website:
http://near-death.com/
Daily Words of the Buddha
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Sabbapapassa akaranam,
kusalassa upasampada,
sacittapariyodapanak -
etam buddhana sasanam.
Harmless + Good + Pure = Success!
1: Avoiding all Harm
2: Doing only Good
3: Purifying own Mind
So all Buddhas teach!
Source: Dhammapada 183:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/KN/Dhammapada.htm
Simple core 1-2-3 bingo :-)
Harmless + Good + Pure = Success!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Simple_Core123.htm
How to train endless Pity and Compassion!
Sitting alone, in silence, each early morning, with closed eyes, one wishes:
May I radiate and meet with only infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all the various beings on the 31 levels of existence develop & find
only this genuine gentleness of infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all beings on the sense-desire, fine-material, & the formless plane
develop & encounter this tender infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all beings in the front, to the right, the back, the left & below as
above develop & experience caring infinite pity, sympathy, & compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country, and universe always be fully aware
and deeply mindful of this warm infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country, and universe examine all details &
subtle aspects of this benevolent infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country, & universe put enthusiastic effort
in their praxis of this affectionate infinite pity, sympathy, & compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country and universe find enraptured joy &
jubilant gladness in this fond infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country, & universe cultivate the tranquillity
of quiet, silent, stilled, & endlessly merciful pity, sympathy, & compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country and universe attain concentrated &
absorbed one-pointedness by this infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion!
May I & all beings in this city, country, and universe dwell in imperturbable
equanimity joined with this loving infinite pity, sympathy, and compassion...
Yeah! Print this out, dwell in each state until clear, use ~ 25-45 minutes.
Comment: All-Embracing Pity is the 2nd infinitely divine state (Appamañña)
This gradually reduces all aggressiveness, cruelty, ferocity, viciousness,
rage, inner & outer violence, and unhappiness related with these states.
Joined with the 7 links to Awakening it will later cause formless jhanas...
More on Pity (Karuna = Compassion):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Karuna_is_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Safe_Medicine.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Wrong.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Great_Compassion.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Compassionate_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Space_Compassion.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Cure_Cruelty_and_Revengefulness.htm
Have a nice & noble day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Karunã is All-Embracing Pity!
An Endless and Divine State...
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Endless_Pity.htm
How does the Noble live in Alert Elevated Joy?
The Blessed Buddha once said:
How, Nandiya, does a Noble Disciple live in alert elevated joy?
Here, Nandiya, any Noble Disciple is endowed with verified conviction in the
Buddha thus: Worthy, honourable & perfectly self-Enlightened is the Buddha!
Not satisfied with that verified conviction in the Buddha, he makes a further
effort in solitude by day and seclusion at night!
When thus enthusiastic, he is elevated by alertness!
When thus elevated by alertness, then gladness is born!
When he is gladdened, then a rapturous joy arises!
When the mind is uplifted by joy, the body becomes all tranquil...
One tranquil in body experiences a pure bliss of happiness!
The mind of one who is happy becomes condensed and concentrated...
When mind is concentrated, even subtle phenomena become plain & manifest.
Since these subtle phenomena become plain and manifest, he becomes one,
who lives and dwells in alert elevated joy...
More on this blessed Bliss:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Forest_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Joy_Piti.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Joy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoicing_Bliss_is_Mudita.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Joys_Beyond_This_World.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blessing_all_Beings_by_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Joys_of_the_Flesch_and_Beyond.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Infinitely_Joyous_Consciousness.htm
Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:398]
Section 55 on Stream-Entry: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 40: Nandiya.
Have a nice elevated day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Joy Sweeps Mind into Bliss!
Alert Elevated Joy!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Alert_Elevated_Joy.htm
Imperturbable Calm!
The Blessed Buddha once said:
Knowing that the other person is angry,
The one who remains aware and calm
acts in and for his own best interest,
and for the other's interest, too!
Samyutta Nikaya I, 162
Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware,
the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:
One who is such, calmed and ever mindful,
He has no sorrows!
Udana IV, 7
Calm is his mind.
Calm is his speech.
Calm is his action.
So is the tranquillity;
So is the equanimity;
of one freed by the insight
of right understanding...
Dhammapada 96
More on this sweetly silenced Tranquillity (Passaddhi):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Forest_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Tranquillity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Tranquillity_Passaddhi.htm
Have a nice calm day!
Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Sweet Serene Calm!
Tranquillity Causes Happiness!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Calm.htm
The Twin Truths won by Dual Consideration:
The blessed Buddha once said:
Friends, the first clever consideration is:
Such is Suffering, and This is the Cause of Suffering.
Another consequent & subsequent consideration is:
Such is the End of Suffering, and This is the Way to end Suffering.
One who lives considering these cautiously, resolutely & enthusiastically,
may either enter the state of Nibbana right here & now in this very life,
or if there is remaining traces of clinging, the state of non-return...
Those who neglect understanding Suffering, The Cause of Suffering,
The End of Suffering, & The Way all Suffering is completely eliminated,
are incapable of release by understanding, are incapable of mental release,
are incapable of direct knowledge, & are thereby incapable of making an end...
While those who undertake to develop real understanding of This Suffering,
The Cause of Suffering, The End of Suffering, & The Way to End Suffering,
are indeed capable of mental release by understanding, direct knowledge,
and thus also capable of making an end...
Dig further here on the 4 Great and Noble Truths:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_1st_Noble_Truth_on_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2nd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Cause_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3rd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Ceasing_of_Suffering.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4th_Noble_Truth_on_The_Way_to_Cease_Suffering.htm
Source: The Bundle of Threads. The Sutta-Nipata 724-765
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/khuddaka/suttaNipata/index.html
Dual Consideration!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Rhinocero's_Horns_1.htm