Search found 378 matches

by fivebells
Fri Oct 21, 2016 5:43 pm
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta
Replies: 5
Views: 2630

Re: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta

Thanks, Ven. Pesala.
by fivebells
Tue Oct 18, 2016 2:15 pm
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta
Replies: 5
Views: 2630

Re: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta

Looking over this thread, it occurs to me that I might appear combative. I'm not asking these questions with any combative intent, though.
by fivebells
Sun Oct 16, 2016 1:36 pm
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta
Replies: 5
Views: 2630

Re: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta

What are the spiritual consequences for a monk who practices meteorology or accounting?

Where does tracking the monastery's inventory fit in this picture? Do monks do that?
by fivebells
Sat Oct 15, 2016 6:08 pm
Forum: Classical Theravāda
Topic: Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta
Replies: 5
Views: 2630

Right livelihood in the Samanaphala Sutta

Is there anything in the Pali Canon which gives more details on how forecasting, accounting and calculation are harmful? How would working as a meteorologist impede one's spiritual progress? " Whereas some contemplatives & brahmans, living off food given in faith, maintain themselves by wro...
by fivebells
Sun Sep 18, 2016 11:42 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: On the proliferation of anatta discussions
Replies: 13
Views: 3154

Re: On the proliferation of anatta discussions

Looking back on my state of mind during the many wasteful anatta debates I participated in, I think a bigger factor is that people just enjoy nattering, and they'll mostly natter about minor issues where it's hard to come to a clear resolution because those are the arguments which can go on forever....
by fivebells
Sat Sep 17, 2016 11:01 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: An example of no intension
Replies: 8
Views: 2330

Re: An example of no intension

Can you quote the passages which indicate that an enlightened being harbors no intentions? It seems like this might be a matter of over-generalization or mistranslation.

The highest levels of jhana involve no intention, but in the story you cite, the Buddha executed blatantly intentional actions.
by fivebells
Wed Aug 24, 2016 3:38 am
Forum: Vipassanā / Satipaṭṭhāna Bhāvana
Topic: Another vipassana technique
Replies: 5
Views: 2420

Re: Another vipassana technique

I was a big fan of his back in the day. It's a dead end. Don't go that way.
by fivebells
Wed Aug 24, 2016 3:32 am
Forum: Samatha Bhāvana
Topic: Metta towards the opposite sex
Replies: 9
Views: 2775

Re: Metta towards the opposite sex

This is a good chance to practice the four noble truths. That your thoughts are turning towards her is suffering, obviously borne of craving. How can you relinquish the craving and experience the release? Keep an eye out for when it happens by accident, and notice what leads up to it.
by fivebells
Sun Aug 21, 2016 11:10 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Q&A Forum: PATICCA SAMUPPADA by Bhante Punnaji
Replies: 11
Views: 3593

Re: Q&A Forum: PATICCA SAMUPPADA by Bhante Punnaji

At 15 minutes, the speaker claims privileged ability to translate from Pali, relative to Rhys Davies, because Davies was an Englishman, and he is an Indian. I would be happy to stipulate that Davies got many things wrong, but that is not much of an argument. SarathW, did you learn anything in the ta...
by fivebells
Sun Aug 21, 2016 10:59 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Q&A Forum: PATICCA SAMUPPADA by Bhante Punnaji
Replies: 11
Views: 3593

Re: Q&A Forum: PATICCA SAMUPPADA by Bhante Punnaji

Worth noting that if you click on the gear icon in the bottom right-hand side of the youtube window, then choose "speed", then choose "2", it will play at double speed. So it's really only 45 minutes! :)
by fivebells
Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:53 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Trusting in Brahma?
Replies: 72
Views: 14021

Re: Trusting in Brahma?

Dan74 wrote:Some people try to combine monotheism and Dhamma.
Has Ryan95227 (whom cappuccino's advising in the OP) given any indication that he's doing that?
by fivebells
Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:19 am
Forum: Lounge
Topic: Trusting in Brahma?
Replies: 72
Views: 14021

Re: Trusting in Brahma?

The Brahma of the suttas is a fatuous dolt. Telling someone to trust in him is like telling them to trust in Donald Trump.
by fivebells
Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:09 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Metta - How long is too long?
Replies: 11
Views: 3446

Re: Metta - How long is too long?

Jon wrote:It makes me feel overjoyed and I do not want to leave that process. Is this a bad attachment??
Nope. Enjoy.
by fivebells
Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:06 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: arising and ceasing of metta
Replies: 7
Views: 2804

Re: arising and ceasing of metta

You can certainly practice that way, whether it will lead to arahantship, I can't say. Study the fabrications which go into the practice of metta, this is the arising. When the metta decays, study the factors which led to its decay, and the craving underlying those factors. Very sharp sati is necess...
by fivebells
Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:07 am
Forum: General Theravāda discussion
Topic: Merit accumulation in our past lives
Replies: 20
Views: 5783

Re: Merit accumulation in our past lives

The point of merit is to gladden and calm the mind down for the real work of meditation. It does not have to be very much. For Angulimala , despite his terrible crimes, it was enough to wish wellbeing for a mother and her child: "Just now, lord, early in the morning, having put on my robes and ...