Daily Dhamma Drops from Ceylon!

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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Bhikkhu_Samahita
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Holy is Harmlessness...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Harmlessness is the Best Protection!

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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

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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

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The Noble is not one, who injures living beings.
The Noble is one, who never injures living beings.
Dhammapada 270

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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

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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

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More on Harmlessness (Ahimsa = Non-Violence):
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/Se ... rmless.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... ance_I.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/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;

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Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Holy is Harmlessness...

Harmlessness is the very best Protection!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Hol ... ssness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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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
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Il Poya day: The coming of the next Buddha Metteyya!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

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/T ... l_Poya.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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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/Met ... imet00.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/Wheels/wh381.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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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/Ho ... tteyya.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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...


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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...

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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" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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 !!

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

Have a nice Poya day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Il Poya day: The coming of the next Buddha Metteyya!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Il_Poya_Day.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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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
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Mental Training!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What are the Three Buddhist Trainings?

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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)

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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!

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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...

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More good even better here ;-)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /magga.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ikkhaa.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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/Bu ... 3-fold.htm
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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
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Cosmic Goodness!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The Buddha on Gentle Goodness:

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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More on this Infinite, Elevating and Protecting Goodwill:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bl ... odwill.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/III/G ... Encore.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Re ... odWill.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... odwill.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;

Have a nice kind & gentle day!

Cosmic Goodness!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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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
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The Uncreated..

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Nibbâna is the Highest Happiness!!!

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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

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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

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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

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More on this sublime Blissful State called Nibbana:
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/Reaching_Peace.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/III/Nibbana_Still.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/The_2_Nibbanas.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ed_One.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/library/DPP ... bbaana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice unconditioned day!

The Uncreated!

True Peace is Absolute & Everlasting!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ni ... _Peace.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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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
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Truth always Triumphs!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Truthful Honesty is the 7th Mental Perfection:

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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!


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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!

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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...

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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

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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

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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

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More of the 10 mental perfections (paramis):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ctions.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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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
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TRUTH always TRIUMPHS!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

TRUTH always TRIUMPHS!

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" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Deceiving.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... Speech.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... nce_IV.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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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:

Avoid all Gossip!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Empty Gossip & Void Babble Infects & Spoil any Social Sphere!

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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!

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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/Th ... _Doors.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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And on Right Speech (Samma Vaca):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/samma-vaca.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Truth_Triumphs.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Splitting.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Scolding.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Deceiving.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Gossiping.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... Speech.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Fo ... Speech.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... nce_IV.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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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" 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
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Cab Compassion!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

NYC Taxi driver made compassion shine in action:

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"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..."

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Compassionate Pity (Karuna), which cures all cruelty, is a divine state!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Endless_Pity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Safe_Medicine.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Karuna_is_Pity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Wrong.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Gr ... assion.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Com ... e_Pity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/S ... assion.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ihaara.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;

Cab Compassion!

NYC Taxi driver made compassion shine in action.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cab_Compassion.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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Contemplating the Body!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The 10 Contemplations is Daily Buddhist Routine!

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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

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For Inspiration have a collection of Corpse Pictures Only for Adults been deposited here:
http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac350/Asubha/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Guest Password: corpses
WARNING! STRONG PICTURES!

Video: Any BODY is just a transient FRAME of FRAGILE FLESH!
http://youtu.be/FGdcaB690Yc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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More on reflection on the Body:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Me ... a-Sati.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... ations.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... stures.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/B ... y_Form.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_32_Parts.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Contemplating the Body!

Any body is just a transient frame of fragile flesh!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bo ... lation.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
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Awareness of the 4!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

How to reach the Certainty of Final Knowledge?

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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...!

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Awareness is Always Advantageous!

Details On Four Foundations of Awareness (Sati):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... reness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... reness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/A ... s_Sati.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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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..

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Awareness of the 4!

The 4 Great Frames of Reference!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... wledge.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
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Catching the Snake!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Catching the Snake when fishing for Pleasure!

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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

ImageImage

More On Knowledge and Vision of the Way:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The ... ndings.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The ... Turban.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Being_is_Danger.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Catching the Snake!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Cat ... _Snake.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
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Posts: 2750
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One idea: Fuel!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

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?
All Beings are sustained by Fuel!
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!

ImageImage

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 Image of becoming Image is Suffering!

Source (edited extract):
The Numerical Sayings of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya. [AN V:50-51]
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Acqui ... f_Fuel.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /ahara.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/II/Th ... inging.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice cool day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One idea: Fuel!

One single idea can Enlighten!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/One_Idea.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
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BBC Documentary on Consciousness

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

BBC Documentary on Consciousness

http://youtu.be/sNc52LmHgUs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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/artic ... mple-brain" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

On the early Buddhist definition of Consciousness (vinnana):
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/DPP ... nnaana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Wh ... usness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/T ... Camera.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Mom ... usness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Consciousness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Contemporary Bafflement if not Confusion about Consciousness:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousness" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind-body_problem" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_probl ... sciousness" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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Posts: 2750
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Holy Himalaya

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The Seven Links to Enlightenment Out-Shines All!

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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!

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More on these Seven Links to Awakening:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... kening.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... kening.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source: Samyutta Nikaya V

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Holy Himalaya

The 7 Links to Enlightenment Out-Shines All ..
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Holy_Himalaya.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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