Daily Dhamma Drops from Ceylon!

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Never do Evil..

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Any Cause produces an Effect:

Image

Therefore:
Never do any Evil!
Neither openly, nor in Secret...
If having done bad, or is doing wrong now, pain surely returns,
even though one flee by flying away up into the deep empty space...
The effect of any action, good as bad, follows the doer like a shadow,
that never leaves... Consequence is always Certain... Why so?
Because one cannot hide anything for one's own mind!
It knows, remembers and re-creates reactions accordingly!
Mind is therefore the forerunner of all phenomena...

Image

The Blessed Buddha said on non-violence:
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

I am a friend of the footless,
I am a friend of the bipeds;
I am a friend of those with 4 feet,
I am a friend of the many-footed.
May not the footless harm me,
may not the bipeds harm me,
may not those with four feet harm me,
and may not those with many feet harm me.
AN. II, 72

Image

Among tigers, lions, leopards and bears I lived in the woods.
No one was frightened of me, nor did I fear anyone.
Uplifted by such universal friendliness I enjoyed the forest.
Finding great solace in this sweet silent solitude.
Suvanna-sama Jataka 540

On Harmlessness:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ha ... erance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bl ... _Bliss.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Un ... diance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Se ... rmless.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... himsaa.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ma ... _Happy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ge ... odwill.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patie ... erance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bo ... olence.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Never_Kill.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image

Invariable is this Law: Do No Harm!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Invariable_Fact.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Who can do it?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Who can do it ?

Image

Urge, incite & teach yourself by yourself!
Examine & evaluate yourself by yoursel !
Guard yourself, aware of yourself, by yourself!
Bhikkhu & you will live in happiness ...
Dhammapada 379

Image

For self is the master of self.
For self is the protector of self.
For self is the saviour of self.
Control therefore yourself by taming,
as one who has bought a new horse.
Dhammapada 380

Image

Full of Joy, content & satisfied, the Noble friend
with perfect confidence in the Teaching of the Buddha,
will reach the place of Peace, the unconditionally
unconditioned sameness of Free Open Happiness itself ...
Dhammapada 381

More here:
http://what-buddha-said.net/Canon/Sutta ... mapada.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Who can do it?

U can do it! Do it Urself!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Who_can_do_it.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Profound Peace!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

How differs Death and Ceasing of Perception and Feeling?

Image

Venerable Mahakotthita once asked Venerable Sariputta:
Friend, what is the difference between a dead body and a Bhikkhu,
who has attained the state of cessation of perception and feeling?

Venerable Sariputta then answered:
Friend, in a dead body any bodily activity is stilled and has all ceased.
The verbal activity is stilled and has all ceased.
The mental activity is stilled and has all ceased.
The metabolic life activity is exhausted. The heat has dissipated,
and the mental abilities have all broken up and been destroyed.

In the bhikkhu, who has attained to the cessation of perception and feeling,
All bodily activity and breathing is stilled and has all ceased;
All verbal activity and all thinking is stilled and has all ceased;
All mental activity and all sensing is stilled and has completely ceased;

But the metabolic life activity is not exhausted. The heat has not dissipated.
Furthermost: The mental abilities have then become exceptionally clear ... !
Friend, this is the difference between a dead body and a Bhikkhu, who has
attained to the meditative state of cessation of perception and feeling...

Image

More on the profound attainment of stilled Cessation (Nirodha-samapatti):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/9_Stillings.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Ceasing.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... sights.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... irodha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... apatti.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image

Source: MN 43 The Great Speech of Questions and Answers.
For definitions of the Terms: see: The Minor Speech of Questions and Answers. MN 44
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/su ... mn044.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image

Profound Peace!

Attainment of Silenced Cessation (Nirodha-samapatti)...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/St ... t_Dead.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Today is Nikini Poya Day.

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

How to be a Real Buddhist through Observance?

Nikini Poya day is the full-moon of August. Bhikkhus who did not enter the yearly
rains retreat (Vas) early at Esala Poya day (peravas), are allowed to enter the
the rains retreat now in August (pasuvas). Nikini Poya day celebrates the first ever
Dhammasangayana - The First Buddhist Council where, what the Buddha said, was
agreed upon and recited. This took place at the Saptapanni Rock Cave in Rajagaha
(now Rajgir, India), under the patronage of Mahakassapa Thera and it went on for
seven long months. It established the original authentic Tipitaka: The 3 Baskets
of Sacred Text = The Pali Canon spoken by the historical Buddha and his disciples.

Image
One of the 7 Sattapanni Caves, where the First Buddhist Council was held ~ 483 BC.
A huge wooden hall was built outside the cave to house the 500 Arahants.
This was built by King Ajatasattu, who tried to do some good after having killed his
father the good king Bimbisara, King of Magadha.
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/DPP ... niguha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=T ... panni_Cave" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

On this first Buddhist Council:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Buddhist_Council" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Video of the Sattapanni Caves:
http://youtu.be/vNLtLcslKNQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

On such Observance days:
Any Lay Buddhist simply joins the Three Refuges and undertakes
the Five Precepts like this: Newly bathed, shaved, white-clothed,
with clean bare feet, one kneels at a shrine with a Buddha-statue,
and bows first three times, so that feet, hands, elbows, knees and
head touch the floor. Then, with joined palms in front of the heart,
one recite these memorized lines in a loud, calm & steady voice:

As long as this life lasts:
I hereby take refuge in the Buddha.
I hereby take refuge in the Dhamma.
I hereby take refuge in the Sangha.
I hereby seek shelter in the Buddha for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Dhamma for the 2nd time.
I hereby seek shelter in the Sangha for the 2nd time.
I hereby request protection from the Buddha for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Dhamma for the 3rd time.
I hereby request protection from the Sangha for the 3rd time.

I will hereby respect these Three Jewels the rest of my life!

I 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 the Eight Precepts from sunrise until the
next dawn... If any wish an official recognition by the Bhikkhu-Sangha,
they may simply forward the lines starting with "I hereby ..." signed with
name, date, town & country to me or join here:

A public list of this new Saddhamma-Sangha is set up here!
The New Noble Community of Disciples: The Saddhamma Sangha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Saddhamma_Sangha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And can quite advantageously be Joined Here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Sangha_Entry.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
May your journey hereby be light, swift and sweet. Never give up !!
Bhikkhu Samahita: [email protected].

For Details on Uposatha Observance Days:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image
This huge cave hall was built to house the Sixth Buddhist Council convened in 1955
to recite the Pali Tipitaka and authenticate the texts. On the 2,500th Anniversary
of the Buddha’s final passing away (Parinibbana), 2,500 monks assembled from the
Theravada Buddhist countries. Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw performed the central
role as Chief Questioner (Pucchaka), which was fulfilled by Venerable Mahakassapa
in the First Council, held three months after the Buddha’s passing away. To house
this great hall, an artificial hill was constructed by voluntary workers at Kaba-Aye
in Rangoon. This great hall is still used to hold the examinations in the Tipitaka.

Today is Nikini Poya Day.

True Buddhists Respect the Poya Days!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/N ... ya_Day.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Sweet is Solitude :-)

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Purification is best in Sweet Silent Solitude!

Image

CONTENT WHEN UNDERSTANDING
Solitude is happiness for one, who is content,
Who sees and clearly understands this Dhamma.
Harmlessness is happiness in all worlds,
Kindness towards all living beings. :-)
Udana 10

IDEAL SOLITUDE
Avoid going along with fools. Should one fail to find
any one, who is better or equal as a good companion,
then one should continue this journey all alone.
Since there can be no friendship with fools...
Dhammapada 61

Image

SWEET & NOT LONELY
The one who has tasted the sweetness of solitude
in cooled calm, such one fears not, and wrongdo not,
since so indeed is the sweet joy of true Dhamma!
Dhammapada 205

SOLITUDE AS NECESSITY
If one cannot find a clever companion, upright, straight and determined,
then walk alone like a king leaving the kingdom, like an Elephant freely
roam in all the forest...
Dhammapada 329

Image

SOLITARY FREEDOM
Life in solitude is better than friendship with the fool.
Let the one live alone, acting only right, freed from greed,
Like the Bull Elephant freely roam in all the forest.
Dhammapada 330

THE MASTER
Mastering the hands.
Mastering the feet.
Mastering the speech.
Mastering the thoughts.
Highest Master of Mind;
Concentrated and composed,
Calm and content in secluded solitude,
Such one is indeed rightly called a Bhikkhu ...
Dhammapada 362

ImageImage

Comments: Be realistic!
If one cannot be in company with one-self, then something must be wrong!
Any form of company will dissolve, since all meetings end in separation...
The ever socializing parrot-like personality cannot ever end suffering!
Only dead fish float with the stream!

More on Sweet Secluded Solitude:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Alone_yet_Free.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... s_Horn.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/Wheels/wh_188.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sweet Solitude!

Only dead fish float with the stream!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Sweet_Solitude.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Happy, Harmless, and Holy...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Happy and Holy is Absolute Harmlessness!

Image
Image

The Blessed Buddha once explained Harmlessness like this:
May all creatures, many all breathing things,
all beings every one and all, without exception,
experience good fortune only!
May they not fall into any harm.

Anguttara Nikaya II, 72

With good will for the entire cosmos,
cultivate an infinite heart and mind:
Beaming above, below, and all around,
unobstructed, without trace of hostility.

Sutta Nipata I, 8

Train yourself in doing only the good.
That lasts and brings great happiness!
Cultivate generosity, a peaceful living,
and a mentality of infinite friendliness.

Ittivuttuka 16

Solitude is happiness for one who is content,
Who has heard the Dhamma & clearly understands.
Non-violence is happiness in this world:
Harmlessness towards all living beings!

Udana 10

Image
Image

On this holy and happy Harmlessness (Ahimsa = Non-violence):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Never_Kill.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Hol ... ssness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Hap ... ssness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ma ... _Happy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... himsaa.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Se ... rmless.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bl ... _Bliss.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ha ... erance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Happy, Harmless, and Holy...

Non-violence is happiness in all worlds!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Har ... d_Holy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Nibbana are two states..

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The 2 Dimensions of Nibbãna:

Image

There is Nibbana here & now in this very life:
We call it Sa-upadi-sesa-Nibbana i.e. Nibbana with traces of the substrates of becoming
- some subtle forms of clinging - still remaining in the mind...
Then there is the final Nibbana, with no substrates for being, or fuels for any form of
becoming left remaining: This is called An-upadi-sesa-Nibbana.

The Blessed Buddha explained it thus: The 2 aspects of Nibbana:
Bhikkhus, there are these two Nibbana-elements. What are the two?
The Nibbana-element with residue left, and the Nibbana-element without any traces of
substrate left. What, Bhikkhus, is the Nibbana-element with residue left?
Here a Bhikkhu is an Arahant, one whose mental fermentations is silenced, who has fulfilled
the Noble life, who has done all what had to be done, who has laid down the burden, attained
the goal, who has destroyed the bondages of being, and who is completely released through
final knowledge. However, his five sense abilities remain unimpaired. Through these he still
experiences what is agreeable and what is disagreeable, and he feels both pleasure and pain.
It is the extinction of greed, hate, and ignorance in his mind that is called this Nibbana-element
with residue left. Now what, Bhikkhus, is the Nibbana-element with no residue remaining?
Here a Bhikkhu is an Arahant, one whose mental fermentations is silenced, who have fulfilled
the Noble life, who has done all what was to be done, who has laid down the burden, attained
the goal, who has destroyed the bondages of being, who is fully released through final knowledge.
For him, here in this very life, all that is experienced, not being delighted in, will grow cold right
there and then. and cease. That is called Nibbana-element with no residue left.
These, Bhikkhus, are the two Dimensions of Nibbana...

Image

These two Nibbana-elements were thus made known by the All-Seeing One, confident
and detached: The first is the element with substrates of being remaining, realized here
and now, but with rebirth re-becoming destroyed. The other, having no residue left for
the future, is that wherein all modes of being utterly cease. Having understood this
unconstructed and unconditioned state, released in mind, with the navel string to becoming
eliminated, they attain to the sublime essence of all states. Delighting in calming and ceasing
of all craving, those steady ones have left all being, and any becoming irreversibly behind...


Comments:
Sa-upadi-sesa-Nibbana i.e. Nibbana with traces of becoming remaining is the state of the still
living Arahant, who still has a body, feelings, perceptions, mental constructions and consciousness
as a remaining result and delayed effect of clinging in his past, the kammic effects of which have
not yet been fully exhausted...
Final Nibbana with no substrate fuels for being or becoming left remaining: An-upadi-sesa-Nibbana
is the state of the Arahant after death, where body, feeling, perception, mental construction and
consciousness have irreversibly ceased without ever re-arising anywhere anymore.. This is the only
end of the Samsaric Suffering inherent in the ever recurring rebirth, ageing, sickness and death...

Source; Thus Was it Said: Itivuttaka II.17; Iti 38

Image

More on this uncreated state - Nibbana (Sanskrit = Nirvana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Peace.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Final_Freedom.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/climax_of_calm.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Reaching_Peace.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Entrance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Nibbana_Still.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/How_to_Enter.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Uncreated.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Wh ... ibbana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_P ... _Cause.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... _State.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Nibba ... return.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ni ... _Peace.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... bbaana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ibbana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Im ... nimity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice & noble day!

Nibbana x 2!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/The_2_Nibbanas.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Wounded is any Pride!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Any Pride gives wounded Pride ending in Arrogance:

Image

COOLED
One whose senses have been guarded & calmed,
like horses well tamed by the trainer, whose pride,
conceit & mental fermentation are all uprooted,
Even the Divine loves such one.
Dhammapada 94

CURED
The one who has shredded both lust, hate &
folly pride as the fallen seed, which never again
returns to the straw, such one is a Holy One.
Dhammapada 407

STILLED
One should cool any anger,
let go of any pride and
relinquish any attachment.
Such cooled one, not clinging neither
to identity, body, form nor any world
cannot ever suffer any pain...
Dhammapada 221

MY BODY
It is a bag held up by bones, plastered with flesh,
blood and skin. In it lives aging, sickness, death,
puffed pride & sleek self-deceit...
Dhammapada 150

TRANSMISSION
If a Bhikkhu masters his speech.
If he speaks exact, clever & wise.
If he is not of puffed up by pride.
If he expound both text, meaning & spirit.
Then exceedingly sweet will be his talks.
Dhammapada 363

Image

http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta ... mapada.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wounded is any Pride!

From Haughtiness grows Arrogance..
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Pride.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Generosity Rocks..

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

How to Win the Social Game using Wisdom?

Image

The Blessed Buddha once explained:
Overcome the angry with friendliness;
Overcome the wicked with goodness;
Overcome the miser with generosity;
Overcome the liar with truth.

Dhammapada 223

Image

And what is the treasure of generosity?
There is the case where a disciple of the Noble Ones,
having cleaned his mind of the stain of stinginess,
living at home, freely generous, and open-handed,
delighting in being magnanimous, enjoying any request,
delighting in the giving of alms to those needy & worthy...
This is called the treasure of generosity!

AN 7.6

Image

There are these five future rewards of generosity:
One is admired and liked by an overwhelming majority of the people.
One is respected by the good, the intelligent and the wise persons.
One's good reputation is spread easily, rapidly and far about.
One fulfills the rightful duties of the householder, and
With the break-up of the body, one will reappear in a good destination,
in the heavenly and exquisitely divine worlds!

AN 5.35

On this Future Wealth Creating and Wisely Open-Handed Generosity (Dana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/giving.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Pure_Merit.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Glad_Giving.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_3_Gifts.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/K ... remony.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /caaga.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /daana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Openh ... rosity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Rev ... rosity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ge ... lation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Winning Wisdom!


How to Win the Social Game using Wisdom?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Winning_Wisdom.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Simple core 1-2-3 & bingo :-)

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

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: Accepting all Good
3: Purifying own Mind
So all Buddhas teach!


Source: Dhammapada 183:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta ... mapada.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image


Simple core 1-2-3 bingo :-)

Harmless + Good + Pure = Success!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Simple_Core123.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

The Grace of Gratitude :-)

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Gratitude Appreciates all Assistance!

Image

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

Image

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

Image

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/auth ... itude.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ap ... iation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Gracious is Gratitude!

Appropiate Appreciation is Advantageous!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/The ... titude.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Most Advantageous is Friendship!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Friendship is Most Advantageous!

Image

Hello: Meeting the locals ;-)

Buddha once explained the Advantages of Friendship (Mittanisamsa):
He who maintains genuine friendship, never betraying anybody, will always
whenever he goes far out of his home, receive abundance of hospitality.
Many will obtain their benefit through him.

He who nurtures genuine friendship will be honoured in whatever country,
village, town, house, group or family he visits.

He who perpetuates genuine friendship will triumph over all his enemies.
Robbers cannot overpower him. Royalty will not look down upon him.

He who continues genuine friendship, returns home with feeling of amity,
rejoices in the crowds of people, and becomes the chief among his kinsmen.

He who keeps up genuine friendship, being hospitable to all others, in turn,
receives hospitality. Being respectful to others, in turn, receives respect.
He enjoys both praise and fame.

He who sustains genuine friendship, a generous giver, receives gifts himself.
Worshipping the worthy, will himself be worshipped gaining prosperity & fame.

He who upholds genuine friendship, shines gloriously like fire, radiant like
a deity. Prosperity and good fortune will never forsake or leave him.

He who prolongs genuine friendship, will enjoy abundant wealth. What is
sown in his field will flourish. The fruit of that which is sown he enjoys.

He who carries on genuine friendship, should he fall from a precipice or
mountain or tree, he will be protected and will not be seriously harmed.

He who preserves genuine friendship cannot be overthrown by enemies even
as the deep-rooted banyan tree cannot be overthrown by the gust of wind.

Image

Source:
These ten gathas (stanzas) recounting the beneficial effects of friendship,
are found in the Mugapakkha (Temiya) Jataka, vol. vii. No. 538.
Translated by Ven. Piyadassi Thero kindly forwarded by Seelagawesi Thero.

Image

More on this mighty Friendliness (Metta) and Friendship:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Un ... diance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Al ... ndness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Sy ... mpathy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The ... ntages.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ge ... odwill.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bl ... odwill.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Unbounded_Mind.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Goodness_Galore.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Loving-Kindness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Hey_Friend.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image

Most Advantageous is Friendship!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Adv ... ndship.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

What Feeds the 5 Mental Hindrances?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What Feeds the Five Hindrances?

Image

At Savatthi the Blessed Buddha once explained:
Just as this body, is sustained by food, is dependent on food, and cannot
continue without food, even so, friends, are the five mental hindrances
indeed also sustained by a kind of food, they are also dependent on food,
and cannot continue without ever renewed feeding…

And what, friends, is feeding for the arising and growth of sense-desire?
It is frequent and careless attention to the alluring & attractive features!
This food makes sensual lust arise and feeds also growth of habitual greed…

And what, friends, is feeding for the arising and aggravation of ill-will?
It is frequent & careless attention to the displeasing & repulsive features!
This is food makes aversion arise and feeds also growth of habitual anger…

And what is feeding the emergence & deterioration of lethargy-&-laziness?
It is frequent & careless attention to drowsiness, & eaten too much Dullness!
This is food makes sloth arise and feeds also worsening of habitual Laziness…

And what is feeding for the arising and escalation of restlessness-&-regret?
It is frequent & careless attention to the excited, agitated & stressed mind!
This food upsets and stirs the mind and feeds also habitual anxiety & worry…

And what feeds the arising, deepening & expansion of doubt-&-uncertainty?

It is frequent & careless attention to doubtful theories & speculative views!
This food bewilders the mind & feeds also escalation of habitual confusion...

Just as this body, is supported by food, is dependent on food, and cannot
go on without food, exactly so, friends, are these 5 Mental Hindrances
supported by feeding, dependent on feeding, and cannot persist without
this continual mental feeding by wrongly directed attention…

Image

More on these 5 Mental Hindrances (Nivaranas):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... rances.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... Desire.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/St ... rances.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Re ... Regret.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Do ... tainty.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Le ... ziness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Su ... tution.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Co ... _Muddy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/An ... tation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ho ... ome_10.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta ... I.3-4c.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/AN.I.3-4.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image
Though not visible the 5 Hindrances effectively Obstruct beings!

Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:64-5] section 46: The Links. 2: The Body...

What Feeds the Hindrances?

Mentally Hindered = No Progress = No Happiness!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Fe ... rances.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Is Hedonism Happiness?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

How does Sense-Desire Muddle the Mind?

Image

A Brahmin Priest once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Master Gotama, what is the cause of being unable to remember something
that has been memorized over a long period & also that which has not been?
Brahmin, when the mind is obsessed, beset, and dominated by sense-desire,
and one does not understand any safe escape from this arisen sense-desire,
in that moment, one neither sees nor understands, what is advantageous,
neither for oneself, nor for others, nor for both...
On such occasions, even texts, that have been long memorized, cannot be
recalled by mind. Why is this neglect so? Imagine a bucket of water mixed
with dyes or paints: Yellow, blue, and crimson red. If a man with good eyes
were to inspect the reflection of his own face in it, he would neither see nor
recognize his own face! So too, brahmin, when the mind is obsessed, beset,
and dominated by sense-desire, on that occasion those texts, that have been
long memorized does not recur to the mind, not to speak of those texts,
events and things, that have not been memorized at all…

Image
Hieronymus Bosch: The Garden of Earthly Delights...

More on the folly vanity of desire for simple Sense Pleasure (Hedonism):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Why_Not.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/C ... s_Pain.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/AN.I.1-2.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta/AN/AN.I.3-4.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... al_Pit.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta ... I.3-4c.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Co ... _Muddy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Cr ... rophic.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... Desire.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/W ... ageous.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Jo ... Beyond.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ha ... Beyond.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image
Hooked on Hedonism, while carried towards death ever again..

Blissful is being without passions in this world,
Blissful is the overcoming of all sense-desires!

Udana II, 1

Image

Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:121-2] section 46: The Links. 55: To Sangarava...

Sense pleasure cannot ever give lasting Happiness!

Is Hedonism Happiness?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Co ... _Muddy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Alleviating all Anger..

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Anger, Irritation, and Stubborn Contrariety!

Image

Evil and ill-will is the mental hindrance, which is resisting against and
opposing phenomena. It can be quite violent when manifesting as quarrels,
conflict, hate, hostility and war. Aversion instantly destroys all harmony
and peace and thus any potential for happiness. It can only be cured by
meditation on the four infinitely divine states (Brahma-viharas).


First priority: Noticing evil Ill-Will arise -in itself- makes it fade away:
The Buddha said: When ill-will is present in him then he understands:
"There is ill-will in me now" and when ill-will is absent, he also notices:
"There is no ill-will in me now". He understands how unarisen ill-will arises.
He understands how to leave behind any arisen ill-will, and he understands
how left ill-will will not ever arise again in the future. MN 10

ImageImage

What is the feeding cause that makes ill-will arise?
There are displeasing and repulsive features and aspects of any object,
frequently giving irrational & unwise attention to them, this is the feeding
cause of the arising of unarisen ill-will, and the feeding cause of the very
increase and expansion of ill-will that already has arisen. SN 46:51

The 3 paranoid thoughts that induces resentment:
1: He or she has done, is doing or will in the future do me some wrong!
2: He or she has done, is doing or will do those I like some wrong!
3: He or she has done, is doing or will do those I dislike some good!

What is the starving cause that makes ill-will cease?
There is the release of mind through Universal Good-Will and Friendliness,
frequently giving rational and wise attention to this is the starving cause
of the non-arising of unarisen ill-will, and the starving cause of decrease
and shrinking of ill-will that already has arisen. SN 46:51

ImageImage

Which medicine cures ill-will, so that it does not re-arise ever again?
One should cultivate the meditation on Universal Friendliness (Metta)!
For the meditation on universal friendliness gradually evaporates ill-will.
One should cultivate the meditation on All-embracing Pity (Karuna)!
Meditation on embracing pity, makes cruel harming violence fade away.
One should cultivate the meditation on Sympathetic Mutual Joy (Mudita)!
Meditation on mutual joy eliminates discontent, green envy and jealousy.
One should cultivate the meditation on composed Equanimity (Upekkha)!
Meditation on imperturbable equanimity can make anger & aversion cease.
MN 62

ImageImage

Some advantageous reflections to return to:
Remember the Simile of the Saw... The Blessed Buddha once said:
Friends, even if bandits were to cut you up, savagely, limb by limb, with a
two-handled saw, you should not be angry with them but do my bidding:
Remain pervading them with a friendly mentality imbued only with an all
embracing good will, kind, rich, expansive, and immeasurable. Free from
hostility, free from ill will. Always remembering this Simile of the Saw
is indeed how you should train yourselves... MN 21

Being OWNER of ANGER is Pain: Know that everyone is the owner of the
consequences of all their actions (Kamma), whether good or bad...

ImageImage

The 11 advantages won by cultivating Universal Friendliness (Metta):
1: One sleeps happy!
2: One wakes happy!
3: One dreams no evil dreams!
4: One is liked and loved by all human beings!
5: One is liked and loved by all non-human beings too!
6: One is guarded and protected by the divine devas!
7: One cannot be harmed by fire, poison or weapons!
8: One swiftly attains the concentration of absorption!
9: Ones appearance becomes serene, calm and composed!
10: One dies without confusion, bewilderment or panic!
11: One reappears after death on the Brahma level if gone no higher!
AN V342

ImageImage

More on Anger, Irritation & Stubbornness as dilutions of Hate (Dosa):
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Break_Anger.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Slaying_Anger.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/No_Revenge.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/A ... _Anger.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Su ... tation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/An ... tation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ho ... l_Will.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_E ... _Anger.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ho ... tation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ho ... ulness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Image

Alleviating Anger!

Hate eats up the angry mind from within...
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/An ... tation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
Post Reply