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Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 12:05 am
by DNS
SAMADHI
...concentration, contemplation on reality,
the state of even-mindedness
Sammà-samàdhi (Right Concentration) – It is the development
of one-pointedness of the mind. It opens the gate to insight and
understanding of the Four Noble Truths.
A concentrated mind acts as a powerful aid to see things as
they truly are. Thus one can realize the three characteristics of
life, which are anicca (impermanence), dukkha (unsatisfactori-
ness) and anattà (soullessness).
The Buddha recommended 40 objects of meditation for the
development of sammà-samàdhi. They include some of the
essential methods such as mettà-bhàvanà (meditation on loving-
kindness), kàyagatàsati (the reflection on the 32 impure parts of
the body), ànàpànasati (mindfulness on breathing), maraõànu-
sati (reflection on death), etc.
Once a yogi achieves a certain level of concentration, he should
develop insight meditation (vipassanà).
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 2:55 am
by christopher:::
Wonderful thread idea, David..!
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:04 am
by DNS
christopher::: wrote:Wonderful thread idea, David..!
Christopher.
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:04 am
by DNS
DOSA
...hatred, anger, ill will
It comes with many names and faces, such as dislike, grudges,
enmity, aversion, etc. It also appears in a subtle form as retaliation
over a result, upset over the uncertainty in life, resentment... and
in disguise; dosa is boredom, indecisiveness, frustration, envy,
helplessness, ignorance, etc.
Anger is harbored easily in the heart, especially over those
words that are not suited to one’s ears/ego. Anger is prompted by
a cause, be it a mosquito bite or a sight that disgusts. There are
two causes:
1. The repulsive/negative nature of the object. Things are
changing all the time. They are not permanent. So are our
thoughts, feelings and perceptions. If there is no dark, there
is no bright.
2. The unsystematic attention towards that repulsive nature. A
fool views the bright side with greediness and the dark with
anger, while the wise views the bright with loving-kindness
and the dark with detachment.
The manner of overcoming anger includes loving-kindness
(mettà) in the heart, compassion (karuõà), a sense of equanim-
ity (upekkhà) and right understanding of the Law of Kamma.
And if all four have failed, avoid the situation.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 12:04 am
by DNS
PUJA (pūjā)
...a gesture of worship or respect, usually that of
raising the hands and palms together (añjali)
A Buddhist pays homage to the Buddha Råpa (image) represent-
ing the Teacher Himself, the sàrãrika (relics) of the Holy One,
which are normally housed in a stupa (pagoda) and the Bodhi
tree which protected the Buddha during His striving for enlight-
enment.
Besides these three objects of veneration, Buddhists also pay
respect to their Guru (teacher) and their elders (parents).
5-point reverence
(both palms, elbows, knees, toes
and forehead on the floor)
2-point reverence
(both knees and toes on
the floor with an añjali
gesture)
(from
A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 11:36 pm
by DNS
dukkha
...du (dif ficult) + kha (to endure) = suf fering,
ill, incapable of satisfying, a state of dis-ease
in the sense of discomfort, frustration and
disharmony with the environment
Birth (Jati) is suffering, so is aging or decay (Jarà), sickness
(vyàdhi), death (maraõa), and disassociation from loved ones
and not getting what one wants. In short, the five aggregates
(khandas) of grasping are suffering.
The influence of sensuality is so tempting that we believe in
the “Self”. And the more we attach to that, the more suffering
there will be.
The attachment to sense objects and not knowing, or igno-
rance, (avijjà) of their impermanence (anicca), underlies the
cause of dukkha, which is manifested as craving (taõhà).
The three types of Dukkha are:
1. suffering of the mind and body in the ordinary sense, such
pain, discomfort, etc.
2. suffering of the aggregates due to the rising and falling away
of the momentary phase of existence.
3. Dukkha caused by changes, or transience.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Fri Apr 09, 2010 11:37 pm
by DNS
parami (paramita)
...to go beyond, perfection, excellent virtues,
noblest qualities of the Bodhisattas
(Buddhas-to-be)
Dasa Pàramità (10 Perfections) – a line of conduct, or the pre-
requisites for Enlightenment. The practice of these paramitas is
enjoined with wisdom (pa¤¤à), compassion (karuõà) and self-
lessness.
The aspirants are required to perfect themselves through stren-
uous development and cultivation in numerous cycles of birth and
death.
The 10 Perfections are:
1. Dàna (Charity)
2. Sãla (Morality)
3. Nekkhamma (Renunciation)
4. Paññà (Wisdom)
5. Viriya (Energy)
6. Khanti (Patience)
7. Sacca (Truthfulness)
8. Adhiññhàna (Determination)
9. Mettà (Loving-kindness)
10. Upekkhà (Equanimity)
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 11:48 pm
by DNS
Ehipassiko
...“come and see”
This is one of the virtues of the Buddha-dhamma. The Buddha
invites us to come and see, to examine, to verify, test and to expe-
rience the results of His teachings.
The learning of the Buddha-dhamma demands no blind faith.
There are no commandments or rules to penalize followers who
do not want to believe in it.
The only way for one to realize the Truth is to acquire the
knowledge and practice by one’s own free will. Forcing someone
to accept certain teachings which they are not ready to receive
will not benefit them in their spiritual progress.
The Buddha is not afraid to let His teachings be tested, for real-
ization only comes from the practice of His teachings. The Buddha-
dhamma is also Svàkkhàto(well taught), sandiññhiko(to be
self-realized), akàliko(with immediate result), opanayiko(cap-
able of being entered upon), paccattaü veditabbo vi¤¤åhãti (to
be attained by the wise, each for himself).
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 11:48 pm
by DNS
Pañca-sīla
...Five Precepts – they form the basic
Buddhist code of conduct with the
objective of guarding the sense doors
I undertake to observe the precept to abstain...
1. ...from destroying living beings (pàõàtipàtà). With the culti-
vation of loving kindness and compassion, this precept helps
in controlling the passion of hate and anger in us.
2. ...from taking what is not given (adinnàdànà). Avoiding
stealing, robbing, swindling or even taking more than what is
given, we exercise self control over the desire to possess
things belonging to others. In other words, one is practising
generosity and sincerity, and is developing trustworthiness.
3. ...from sexual misconduct (kàmesu-micchàcàrà). By curb-
ing our lust for excessive sensual pleasures such as adultery,
we show respect for the safety and integrity of others and
cultivate contentment.
4. ...from false speech (musàvàdà). Lying or deceiving (by
telling less than one should) are the negative values of hon-
esty. One should avoid using cheating, exaggeration and slan-
der to gain wealth, fame and power.
5. ...from drugs and liquor (surà). This way is not one of
escapism from reality. One should be mindful at all times and
be self-controlled.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:48 am
by DNS
Jataka
'about birth'
...accounts of previous births (of the Buddha)
A work of the Theràvada (Doctrines of the Elders) Canon, it con-
tains a collection of 547 stories of previous existences of Buddha
Gotama.
Of great value in folklore and Buddhist mythology as the back-
ground of moral tales. Each Jàtaka has its own moral story as it
shows how the Bodhisatta practised and developed the virtues
required for the attainment of Buddhahood.
The Jàtaka Tales are accounts of the Buddha’s previous lives,
originally told by the Buddha to His disciples. In His previous lives
the Buddha appeared in many forms, such as animals, human
beings, nagas (dragons) and devas (heavenly beings).
The Jàtakas emphasize the selflessness of compassion, love and
kindness and the beauty of virtuous action.
The Jàtakas teach us that we are fully responsible for our
actions, and that what we think and do affects the quality of our
lives. This basic principle is known as Kamma.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2010 12:39 am
by DNS
Mudita
...sympathetic joy, altruistic joy, appreciative joy
– it is the congratulatory attitude of a person
Its chief characteristic is happy acquiescence in others’ prosperity
and success. It is one of the four Sublime Abodes of Conduct
(Brahma Vihàras). The other three are Mettà, Karuõà and
Upekkhà.
By rejoicing in the skillful action and merits of others, one
tends to eradicate the jealousy (issà) which would lead to un-
wholesome deeds through action, speech and thoughts. The prac-
tice of mudità demands great personal effort and strong will
power.
The development of mudità requires systematic evaluation,
Right Understanding and moderation. Hence, one should always
be mindful of its near enemy, which is laughter, merriment,
excitableness and exhilaration, while its far enemy is jealousy and
envy.
Mudità is like a mother’s joy over the success and youthfulness
of her child. A Buddhist practising mudità will happily say,
“Sàdhu! Sàdhu! Sàdhu!” which means well done or excellent, to
rejoice in the merits of others.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2010 12:51 am
by DNS
kamma
...actions performed with intention
or conscious motive
The Law of Kamma – the law of cause and effect, action and the
appropriate result of action.
All our actions fit into three classifications: namely thought
(mental action), speech (verbal action) and body (physical
action). Therefore, in order for these actions to become kamma,
they must be associated with cetanà (volition) or intention. Thus
kamma can be kusala (wholesome) or akusala (unwholesome).
Kamma is not a doctrine of pre-determination. The past influ-
ences the present but does not dominate it. The past and present
influence the future.
The result of Kamma is called Vipàka (consequence) or Phala
(fruition). And this leads to another better-known fundamental
teachings of the Buddha – the doctrine of Rebirth.
Kamma is the chief cause of all the inequalities in the world,
yet not everything is due to these past actions. The simple expla-
nation of how Kamma works is: good begets good; bad begets
bad; good and bad begets good and bad; neither good nor bad
begets neither good nor bad.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 1:04 am
by DNS
mitta
...friend, companion
Kalyāna Mitta – Spiritual friends and friendship.
The purpose of friendship is to grow mutually, to improve spir-
ituality in faith (saddhà), generosity (càga), virtue (sãla), know-
ledge and wisdom (paññà).
It is the forerunner of goodness in life such as happiness,
wealth, opportunity, etc. It is the supporting condition for the
growth of all goodness.
A real friend is a friend who helps when in need, who shares
the same weal and woes with you, who gives good counsel and
who sympathizes.
An enemy disguised as a friend is one who associates for gain
(a taker), who render lips services (a talker), who flatters (a flat-
terer) and who brings ruin to your wealth (a spender).
The qualities of a good friend are, one who...
1. gives what is hard to give (dàna)
2. does what is hard to do
3. hears what is hard to hear or bear
4. confesses (shares) his, or her, own secret with you
5. keeps others’ secrets
6. in need, forsakes one not
7. despises one not when one is ruined.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 9:37 pm
by DNS
karuna
...compassion, harmless, willing to bear
the pain of others
Karunà should be practiced with wisdom (paññà). It is a thought
of peace and harmlessness meant to reduce the pain of other fel-
low beings that are not so fortunate compared to oneself.
At the height of this practice, one might even go to the extent
of sacrificing one’s own life to alleviate the suffering of others. It
has the characteristic of a loving mother whose thoughts, words
and deeds always tend to release the distress of her sick child.
The purpose of Karunà is to help eliminate the element of cruel-
ty. The cultivation of Karunà is not just talking – action counts
also. Compassion is the motivating factor for the making of a
Bodhisatta Vow.
One must be able to identify the feelings of emotional upset
caused by the suffering of others as being pity or grief, and not
karuõà. Karunà, like the other three virtues in the Brahma
Vihàras, is a positive mental quality.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)
Re: Pali word of the day
Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 2:04 am
by DNS
METTĀ
...loving-kindness, divine love,
active good will
It is also a warm and friendly feeling of good will and concern for
the well being and happiness of one self and others. It is a prac-
tice of positive mental qualities to overcome anger (dosa), ill will,
hatred and aversion.
Just as a mother will protect her only child, even at the risk of
her life, even so one should cultivate boundless love towards all
living beings.
Metta should be radiated in equal measure towards oneself,
and to friends, enemies and neutral persons, regardless of their
strength and size, whether they are seen or unseen, whether they
dwell far away or near.
The culmination of this metta is the identification of oneself
with all beings, making no difference between oneself and others
thus the so-called “I” does not exist.
Metta is neither passionate love (pema) nor desire to possess
(want). It is above the normal human love of caring, trust and
respect. It is universal and limitless in its scope.
Metta possesses a magnetic power that can produce a good
influence on others even at a distance.
(from A Pali Word a Day, BuddhaNet pdf)