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:

Absorption into the Kasina!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Absorption is inducible by Object Unification!

Image

Kasina means: Entirety, Totality, Unity, Wholeness and Oneness...
It is a purely external method of inducing concentration and reach
jhana absorption by unifying & condensing all undivided attention
on a single homogenous, pure and uniform object or aspect...
There are 10 objects. Consciousness itself is regarded the finest:
1: The Earth kasina, 2: Water kasina, 3: Fire kasina, 4: Wind kasina,
5: The Blue kasina, 6: Yellow kasina, 7: Red kasina, 8: White kasina,
9: The Light or the consciousness kasina, 10: The Space kasina.
The colour kasinas is a blue, yellow, red or white circular disk ~1"
feet in diameter of cloth, or painted cardboard or plywood, which
is set up ~2 meters from the meditator who by gazing intensively at
it internalizes it and thereby construct an artificial visualization!
In the earth kasina, the object of gazing may be a ploughed field
seen from afar, or a round piece of earth prepared for the purpose.
In the water kasina one may gaze at a pond seen from an elevation,
or at water contained in a vessel. Similarly with the fire and wind.
One must keep the mind away from all outside contacts & various
thoughts on other objects, as well as all those disturbing and often
detrimental mental visions or pseudo-hallucinations that may arise.
Now, while exclusively fixing the eyes and thoughts on the blue disk
as the sole object, the things around the disk seem to disappear and
the disk itself becomes more and more a purely mental appearance.
Then, whether the eyes are opened or closed, one perceives this now
purely mentalized kasina disk, as wholly pure uniformly bright blue.
This is the so-called acquired image (uggaha-nimitta) which, though
apparently induced by means of the physical eyes, is nevertheless
produced and visualized only by the mind, independent of the eyes!
This fragile mentally produced image one should make so steady it
no longer vanishes, but remains firmly fixed in the mind. Then it will
become continually steadier, brighter, and more intensive. Such all
pervading pure blue is the mental reflex-image (patibhaga-nimitta)
& associated with it is the access concentration (upacara-samadhi).
During this stage all mental hindrances (nivarana) have temporarily,
been suppressed. No sensual lust (kama-chanda) can arise in such
focused state. No ill-will (vyapada) can irritate the mind. So is also
all lethargy and laziness (thina-middha) overcome. No restlessness
or regret (uddhacca-kukkucca) and no wavering in confused doubt
(vicikiccha) can any more divert the mind. If it is still possible for
these five mental hindrances to arise, there can be no lasting calm
of the mind. When they are gone, & the calm appears is if even solid
one may reach the absorption level concentration (appana-samadhi)
and thereby enter into the first jhana. The first jhana is a state of
calm peace, joyful bliss, and directed thought & sustained thinking
(vitakka-vicara), i.e. inner speech or verbal activities of the mind...
By the fading away & stilling of these verbal activities of the mind,
one has attained the second jhana, a state of calm joy & happiness
(piti-sukha), freed from all thinking and pondering. When the joy
fades away the third jhana is reached, which is characterized by
a serene equanimous happiness (upekkha-sukha). At the ceasing of
happiness, a state of perfect equanimity (upekkha) remains. This is
called the fourth jhana. After emerging from the fourth jhana, the
mind becomes serene, pure, lucid, stainless, devoid of wrong, pliable,
able to act, firm and imperturbable. Such mind is capable of all...

Image

The Blessed Buddha explained:
Monks, there are the ten kasina devices (for concentration).
What are the ten? Someone perceives the earth kasina, above, below,
on all sides, undivided, unbounded; another person perceives the water
kasina... the fire kasina... the wind kasina... the blue... yellow... white...
red kasina... the space kasina... the consciousness kasina, above, below,
on all sides, undivided, unbounded. These are the ten kasina devices.
Among these ten, this is the highest — when one perceives this subtle
consciousness kasina above, below... unbounded. There are, indeed,
monks, such persons who perceive in that way. But even for persons
who thus perceive, change takes place, transformation takes place!

Image

For a detailed explanation of the kasina exercises see Vism IV, V.
The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga. Excellent translation by
Bhikkhu Nanamoli. Written by 'the great explainer' Buddhaghosa
in 5th century AC on Ceylon:
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/pdf ... on2011.pdf

Image

More on Mental Absorption (Jhana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Requi ... rption.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... bility.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... rances.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/C ... amadhi.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... ration.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Samma-Samadhi.htm

Image

The Jhanas in Theravada Buddhist Meditation by Henepola Gunaratana Mahathera:
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/Wheels/wh351.pdf

Absorption into the Kasina!

Jhana is inducible by Object Unification!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ka ... rption.htm
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:

Feeding the Serene Equanimity!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Feeding the Serene Equanimity!

Image

The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus, just as this body, is sustained by feeding, exists in dependence on
feeding and cannot survive without food, so are the 7 Links to Awakening
also sustained by feeding, they can also only exist in dependence on feeding
and they cannot remain without feeding... And what, bhikkhus, is the feeding
of the emergence of any yet unarisen equanimity and also feeding of the
completion by condensation of any arisen Equanimity?
There are states that are the basis & source Equanimity! Frequently pointing
careful and rational attention to them, is feeding the emergence of unarisen
equanimity & also feeding of the gradual fulfillment of any arisen Equanimity
Link to Awakening... And what, Bhikkhus, is the starving that obstructs all
emergence of a yet unarisen equanimity and which also hinders any already
arisen Equanimity Link from reaching complete fulfillment by development?
There are states that are the basis and source for the equanimity!
Not giving frequent, careful and rational attention to them; not considering
them much and often; is the starving that prevents an unarisen equanimity
from arising and also blocks any already arisen equanimity from reaching
any complete fulfillment through training in the form of frequent meditation!

Image

Comments from the classical commentaries:
Imperturbable onlooking ballance is characteristic of the equanimity.
(Upekkha-Sambojjhanga). Moderation, seeking the neutral middle, composure
and control is the purpose of the quality of Equanimity (Upekkha).
Imperturbability is the manifestation of the equanimity. This stable yet still
plastic patience purifies all the other advantageous mental states, which thus
reach their maximum, when joined with Equanimity...

Image

Further conditions helpful for the emergence of the equanimity are:
1: Impartiality regarding all living & sentient beings...
2: Indifference regarding all inanimate constructions...
3: Avoiding biased people who prefer favouritism & one-sided partiality...
4: Friendship with well ballanced people unmoved by both pleasure & pain...
5: Commitment to ballance the mind into even & imperturbable Equanimity!

Image

There is Equanimity towards living beings and regarding material things!
There is Equanimity towards internal states & regarding external states!
There is Equanimity towards all past, present, and future times, and events!
There is Equanimity towards all mentality and regarding all materiality!

Image

On Equanimity (Upekkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Even_ ... nimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/H ... _Alert.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Div ... reedom.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Ser ... nimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/E ... nimity.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Exq ... nimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... nimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/E ... pekkha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ekkhaa.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Un ... nimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_7 ... kening.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Im ... nimity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Se ... Beyond.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ttataa.htm

Image

Sources (edited extracts):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V: 65-6+102-8] 46: Links. 2+51: Group & Nutriments....

Have a nice & noble day!


Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Serene is Mental Ballance...

Feeding Equanimity!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... nimity.htm
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:

Bluish Victory!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Seeing the Body as it really is disables desire!

Image

The Buddha explained how to regard the body in order to reduce greed:
Whether going or standing, sitting or lying, bending or stretching, then one
should note fully aware: this is movement of the body, which is a frame of
bones joined with sinews, plastered with skin and flesh, full of intestines,
stomach, liver, bladder, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, slime, mucus, sweat,
pus, lymph, blood, joint-fluid, bile, and fat. Filth oozes from its nine holes as
tears, earwax, snot, spittle, vomit, bile, urine, semen and excrement. Sweat
and dirt stick the body, and its hollow skull is filled with a fatty brain...
Only a fool, overwhelmed by ignorance, regards it as beautiful, but when it
lies dead, swollen up and bluish, cast away, eaten by dogs, jackals, wolves,
worms, crows and vultures nobody cares anymore about it. This impure, and
evil-smelling two-footed body is cherished by many and adored as a temple.
However: Whoever would be proud of such a body, or would belittle others
for their less attractive body, what is this, except lack of genuine insight?
The bhikkhu possessing knowledge here, having heard the Buddha's word,
indeed understands it, for he sees this body as it really is. As this corps is,
so is that body of mine also, understanding this, one can relinquish desire
for the body, both one's own and other's. Having eliminated desire, lust &
passion, the bhikkhu possessing knowledge here, has arrived at the undying,
at imperturbable peace, at the unshakable state of quenching. Sn 193-205

Image

On this radical method to cure greed: Meditation on Disgust (Asubha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Me ... a-Sati.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... ations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Co ... uction.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ex ... isgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/B ... y_Form.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ho ... _Greed.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Re ... isgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Co ... tation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... asubha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ev ... g_body.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... Flesch.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Mara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Skeleton.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_32_Parts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Food_Disgust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Oozing_Out.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Any_Kind.htm

ImageImage

Bluish Victory!

Disgust Disables Greedy Lust and Desire!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Bluish_Victory.htm
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:

Never Kill!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What are the 8 Training Rules (Precepts), which brings Divinity?

Image

The Blessed Buddha once said:
The habitual praxis of the observance day endowed with eight features
brings high reward and blessing, & is of sublime dignity and greatness.
And which are these eight features? Here, any Noble Disciple considers
within himself: Throughout their life the Arahats avoid the killing of any
living being, they do not hurt any of them. Without stick or any weapon,
tender-hearted, gentle, caring, & mild they think only of the welfare of
all living beings! So will also I, this day and night, avoid the killing and
hurting of all living and breathing beings. Without any cudgel or weapon,
tender-hearted, full of kindness, I will think only on the joyous welfare
of all living beings and creatures. In this regard I will follow the Arahats,
& I shall observe this observance day praxis perfectly! With this first
praxis is the observance day enriched. Observed in this very way, the
observance day endowed with eight features brings high - even divine -
reward & blessing & is of sublime dignity and immense greatness...

All sentient beings feel pain from violence...
All sentient beings fear death in panic!
Seeing other beings are like oneself;
Treating other beings like oneself;
One should never ever harm or kill ...
Dhammapada 129

Image

Whoever never injures, neither with weapon nor stick,
beings searching for their happiness - when after death -
seeking same happiness, such gentle one always gains it!
Dhammapada 132

Image
Harmlessness protects Everyone!

The one who has left all violence,
who never harms any being at all,
whether they are moving or still,
who neither kill, nor causes to kill,
such one, harmless, is a Holy One.
Dhammapada 405

More on Harmlessness and Non-Violence (Ahimsa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ka ... g_life.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ha ... erance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... Action.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... Action.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Virtue.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm

Image

More on this Optimal Buddhist Behaviour of Observance:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Fullm ... ce_Day.htm
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/atthasila.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/uposatha.html

Image
https://vimeo.com/53853543

Source (edited extract):
Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya AN 8:44

Harmlessness is Crucial

Best Buddhist Behaviour: Never Kill!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... ance_I.htm
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:

Clear Comprehension!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

A Simple Way to Establish True Awareness:

Image

Friends, this highly advantageous praxis can be undertaken by anyone,
at any time, all day long, in all situations, and at all locations! Therefore
Do it!, Repeat it!, and Remember it!:

When walking, one understands: "I am walking.."
When standing, one knows: "I am standing.."
If sitting, one notes: "I am sitting down now.."
While lying down, one reflects: "I am lying down.."


When moving forward or returning, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When looking forward or away, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When bending or extending a limb, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When dressing or carrying things, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When eating, drinking, or chewing, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When defecating or urinating, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When walking, standing or sitting, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When falling asleep or waking up, one clearly comprehends exactly that..
When talking or dwelling in silence, one clearly comprehends exactly that..

Image

Rational and alert attention is thus a cause of ultra clear comprehension!
When continuous Awareness is established, it can prevent all mistakes,
and their painful after-effects... In this way do clear comprehension lead
reduced frustration and gain of new satisfaction! If correctly cultivated,
and made much of, this praxis will be for all beings welfare and happiness
for a long, long time... Why so? Clear comprehension purifies the purpose,
the suitability, the domain, and the unconfused focus of any activity!

More on Comprehension (Sampajañña):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/A ... s_Sati.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ajanna.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/C ... ension.htm

ImageImage

Source: The Exhaustive Speeches by the Buddha. Digha Nikaya 22
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/su ... a/dn22.htm
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=25103l

Image

Be Aware of every single Monent!

Clear Comprehension!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Clear ... ension.htm
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:

Avoid all Stealing ..

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Avoid all Stealing ..



Any Buddhist disciple should avoid taking anything from anywhere knowing it belongs to another. He should neither steal, nor swindle, nor incite others to steal or cheat. He should completely avoid all theft, deception and fraud. Sutta Nipata 2.397

The second Basic Buddhist Training-rule (precept) is avoiding taking what is not given. Avoidance of all stealing, cheating, fraud, theft, embezzlement and misappropriating of any kind of valuables from any individual or organization that pure and for all advantageous behaviour induces a safe harmony personally and also in any society.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Stealing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Back_to_Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... Action.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Hu ... ebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... nce_II.htm
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 is Pure Merit?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

To whom should one give, to gain most Merit?

Image
The gods became gods as a result of their giving!

The young brahman Magha once asked the Blessed Buddha:
When giving food, where would this offering be most purified for the donor?
The Blessed One answered: If any open-handed householder, a lordly giver,
Magha, seeking merit, looking for merit, sacrifices, giving food and drink to
others, such one would achieve most merit, if the recipient is pure and Noble.
Such, who indeed wander unattached in the world, having & wanting nothing,
fully accomplished, in complete self-control, upon them, at the right time one
should bestow an offering. Those who have cut all mental bonds and fetters,
who are tamed, completely released, without affliction, without desire, upon
them, at the right time, should one bestow an offering. Upon these purified &
Noble Ones should any brahman, who is looking for merit, place his sacrifice!
Sutta-Nipata verses 488-491 Edited excerpt.

ImageImage
Pure giving cut short: Give 2 those who don't want anything!

More on Giving (Dana) and Merit (Puñña), which is the main next life support:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/giving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/4_Goods.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Glad_Giving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /punna.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /caaga.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/K ... remony.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /daana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Rev ... rosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Openh ... rosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ge ... lation.htm

Image
Giving is getting, since this kamma wealth, will be reflected back as a future echo :-)

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Giving is Future Getting!

Pure Merit!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Pure_Merit.htm
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:

Crossing any Border!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Friendliness can cross any Border!

Image

If friendship between animal beings can cross even remote species borders,
so can and should we humans also make our kind friendship extend beyond
any national, religious, cultural, gender, educational, job, and age border!
Only in this very good way, can we establish a society, where we can sleep
with the doors open, and dance with the children in our arms. So be it :-)

Image

May all creatures, all breathing things,
all beings one and all, without exception,
experience good fortune only.
May they not fall into any harm.
Anguttara Nikaya II, 72

Image

With good will for the entire cosmos,
cultivate a limitless heart & mind:
Beaming above, below, & all around,
unobstructed, without trace of hostility.
Sutta Nipata I, 8

Image

For one who deliberately & aware
develops Universal Friendliness
Seeing the fading away of clinging,
All chains are worn down & broken.
Itivuttaka 27

Image

Let no one deceive another
or despise anyone anywhere,
or through anger or irritation
wish for another to suffer.
Sutta Nipata I, 8

Image

I am a friend of the footless,
I am a friend of all bipeds;
I am a friend of those with four feet,
I am a friend of the many-footed!
Anguttara Nikaya 4.67

Image

As I am, so are others...
As others are, so am I...
Having thus identified self and others,
Never Harm anyone, nor have any abused.
Sutta Nipata 3.710

Image

Among tigers, lions, leopards & bears I lived in the jungle.
No one was frightened of me, nor did I fear anyone.
Uplifted by such universal friendliness, I enjoyed the forest.
Finding great solace in such sweetly silenced solitude…
Suvanna-sama Jataka 540

Image

Train yourself in doing good
that lasts and brings happiness.
Cultivate generosity, the life of peace,
and a mind of infinite universal love.
Itivuttaka 22

Image

The 9th mental Perfection is Friendliness (Metta):
Just as water refreshes and cleanses both just and unjust persons without
discrimination, so does the perfection of friendliness include both friends
and foes alike, and doesn't enact any distinction, favouritism, or partiality.

Image

More on this fabulously fine Friendliness (Metta):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Sy ... mpathy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ve_Saw.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The ... ntages.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Eva ... _Enemy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ge ... odwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bl ... odwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Unbounded_Mind.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Goodness_Galore.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Loving-Kindness.htm

ImageImage

Goodwill Blazes Beyond... :-)

Friendship can cross any Border!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Across_Borders.htm
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 is Harmlessness!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Harming others will Hurt yourself!

Therefore did the Buddha point out Harmlessness as the best protection:

I am a friend of the footless,
I am a friend of all bipeds;
I am a friend of those with four feet,
I am a friend of the many-footed!

Anguttara Nikaya 4.67

As I am, so are others...
As others are, so am I...
Having thus identified self with others,
Never Harm anyone, nor make any hurt.

Sutta-Nipata 705

Among tigers, lions, leopards & bears I lived in the jungle.
No one was frightened of me, nor did I fear anyone...
Uplifted by such universal friendliness, I enjoyed the forest.
Finding great solace in that sweetly silenced solitude…

Suvanna-sama Jataka 540

ImageImage

More on Harmlessness (Ahimsa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ha ... erance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bl ... _Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Un ... diance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Se ... rmless.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... himsaa.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ma ... _Happy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ge ... odwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patie ... erance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bo ... olence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Never_Kill.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Happy Harmlessness!

Non-Violence Protects all Beings...
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Hap ... ssness.htm
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:

Mental Perfection is Possible!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The 3 Stages of Mental Perfection:

Image

The 10 Mental Perfections (paramis = paramitas) are:

1: Generosity (Dana)
2: Morality (Sila)
3: Withdrawal (Nekkhamma)
4: Understanding (Pañña)
5: Enthusiastic Energy (Viriya)
6: Patient Forbearance (Khanti)
7: Honesty & Truthfulness (Sacca)
8: Resolute Determination (Adhitthana)
9: Kind Friendliness (Metta)
10: Balanced Equanimity (Upekkha)


Image

The Buddha said:
"So few as these only, are these supreme mental qualities, which culminates
in Awakening. There is nothing elsewhere beyond them! Be thorough, firm
and systematic to complete them all..."

These 10 mental perfections can be developed to three levels:
I: Those who awakens as disciples = Savaka-Bodhis give all possessions away
including wife and kids to perfect generosity. Similar level with the 9 other
perfections...

II: Those who awakens as Solitary Buddhas = Pacceka-Buddhas give an
organ, limb or eye away to perfect generosity. Similar level with the 9 other
perfections...

III: Those who awakens as Perfect Buddhas = Sammasam-Buddhas give
even their own life away to perfect generosity. Similar level with the 9
other metal perfections...

The basic perfection of generosity is the relinquishing of one's children,
wives, and belongings, such as wealth. The intermediate perfection of
giving is the relinquishing of one's own limbs. The ultimate perfection of
giving is the relinquishing of one's own life. The 3 stages in the perfection
of morality should be understood as the non-transgression of morality on
account of the three: children and wife, limbs, and life. The three stages in
the perfection of withdrawal, as the withdrawal of those three bases after
cutting off attachment to them. The 3 perfections of understanding, as the
discrimination between what is advantageous or detrimental to beings after
rooting out craving for one's belongings, limbs, and life. The three stages in
the perfection of energy, as striving for the relinquishing of these 3things.
The three stages in the perfection of patience, as tolerance to obstacles
to one's belongings, limbs, and life. The 3 stages of perfection of Honesty,
as the non-abandoning of honesty due to one's belongings, limbs, and life.
The 3 stages of perfection of determination, as unshakeable determination
despite the destruction of one's belongings, limbs, & life, bearing in mind
that perfections ultimately succeed through a unflinching determination!
The three stages in the perfection of friendliness, as the maintaining of
friendliness towards any one, who destroys one's belongings! The 3 stages
in the perfection of equanimity, as maintaining an attitude of imperturbable
impartial neutrality towards all beings and phenomena, whether they are
helpful or harmful in regard to ones belongings, limbs, and life. In this way
should the analysis of the mental perfections be understood.

ImageImage

Image

More on the 10 Mental Perfections:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... aramii.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ctions.htm

Image

Perfection!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_1 ... levels.htm
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 are the 7 Sets producing Enlightenment?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What are the 7 Sets, which produces Enlightenment?

Image

Before the Blessed Buddha Gotama (563-483 BC) was the good Buddha Kassapa, and
before him were the Buddhas: Konagamana & Kakusandha all in this universal eon!
Before them were there Buddhas: Vessabhu, Sikhi, Vipassi, Phussa, and Tissa,
Siddhattha, Dhammadassi, Atthadassi, Piyadassi, Sujata, and Sumedha,
Padumuttara, Narada, Paduma, Anomadassi, Sobhita, Revata, and Sumana,
Mangala, Kondañña, Dipankara, Saranankara, Medhankara & Tanhankara!
Even before them were an endless number of Buddhas, who all explained
these Seven Sets of Qualities Producing Enlightenment! What Seven?

1: The Four Foundations of Awareness
2: The Four Best Efforts
3: The Four Ways to Force
4: The Five mental Abilities
5: The Five mental Powers
6: The 7 Links to Awakening
7: The Noble 8-fold Way


All Buddhas in the future beginning with Metteyya will also explain these!
Those who stay here and pays attention will learn each single set of ability
to an extent he/she will not easily forget.. Thus is lasting progress ensured!!!
When the mirror is polished, then it produces an entirely perfect reflection
of the original supreme absolute...Therefore: Hang on here! Never Give Up!
May all sentient beings awaken into the ultimate peace, freedom & happiness!
Yeah!

The next Future Buddha
Image
Bodhisatta Ajita Metteyya

More on these 37 requisites for Enlightenment (bodhipakkhiya-dhamma):
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... index.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... /wings.pdf

Image

The 7 Sets!

What are the 7 Sets producing Enlightenment?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... n_Sets.htm
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:

Stilling the Perpetual Yearning ...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Stilling Desire and Lust, Stops the Yearning!

Image

The Blessed Buddha once said:
Friends, you should abandon all desire and any lust for whatever there is
impermanent, vanishing, and neither me, nor mine, nor owned by any self!
And what is impermanent, suffering & neither me, nor mine, nor any self?
The eyes and all forms are impermanent, suffering, and all impersonal...
The ears and all sounds are transient, affliction, and without any self...
The nose and all smells are fleeting, miserable, and not belonging to any..
The tongue & all flavours are temporary, addictive, and always ownerless.
The body and all touches are passing, obsessive, remote, alien, & non-self!
The mind and all thoughts are momentary, imaginary and without a core...
Friends, you should eliminate all desire and any lust for whatever there is
impermanent, suffering, and impersonal, whether these appearances are
past, present or future, internal or external, high or low, fine or gross,
far or near... That will indeed ease your well-fare for a long, long time...
Why so? Because - Craving in itself! - is the very cause of all Suffering...
This is the 2nd Noble Truth, unheard of before, the Buddha discovered it!

Image

More on this dual Desire (Chanda):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... Desire.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/De ... _Force.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ob ... uption.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/D ... thless.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Tw ... Desire.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Co ... _Muddy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... chanda.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... al_Pit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Desire_&_Lust.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Just_a_Flash.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Why_Not.htm

ImageImageImage

Source:
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. Book IV [149-151]
Section 35: On The 6 Senses. The abandoning of desire & lust: 168-183.
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=948507
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sa ... index.html

ImageImageImage

Stop Yearning!

Desire and Lust Burns with Suffering!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/Desire_&_Lust.htm
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

Theravada Forest Tradition.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
perkele
Posts: 1048
Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 2:37 pm

Re: Water filter insets are urgently needed!

Post by perkele »

Bhikkhu_Samahita wrote:Dear Friends:

Some Water filter insets are urgently needed!
So not to get re-infected with bilharzia liver-worms again! are some water filter
insets needed for purification of the water here.
Advantageous Donations for this Noble purpose are welcome here:

http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Image

Many thanx in advance for kind assistance w. health. :-)
Remembering this old request, I would like to ask how it is now? Have the water filters been acquired?
How is your health?
How is the situation of support and health over there in general?
How often are such water filter inserts needed?
What do they cost?

Kind regards
User avatar
Bhikkhu_Samahita
Posts: 2750
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
Location: Ceylon
Contact:

Re: Water filter insets are urgently needed!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

perkele wrote:
Bhikkhu_Samahita wrote:Dear Friends:

Some Water filter insets are urgently needed!
So not to get re-infected with bilharzia liver-worms again! are some water filter
insets needed for purification of the water here.
Advantageous Donations for this Noble purpose are welcome here:

http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Image

Many thanx in advance for kind assistance w. health. :-)
Remembering this old request, I would like to ask how it is now? Have the water filters been acquired?
How is your health?
How is the situation of support and health over there in general?
How often are such water filter inserts needed?
What do they cost?

Kind regards
Water filters have been promised, but no-one have arrived here yet..
Water filters have to be replaced twice yearly. Cost per year = ~ 300$
My health is acceptable. Support is very welcome and advantageous here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net
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:

Compassionate is Pity!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Compassionate Pity cures all bitter Cruelty:

Image

How does a Bhikkhu dwell pervading one direction with his mind endued
with compassion? Just as he would feel compassion on seeing an unlucky,
unfortunate person, so he pervades all beings with boundless compassion!
Therefore first of all, on eyeing a wretched man, deplorable, unfortunate,
in every way a fit object for compassion, horrid, reduced to utter misery,
with hands and feet cut off, sitting in the shelter for the weak & helpless
with an empty dirty pot placed before him, with maggots in all his wounds,
moaning, compassionate pity should be felt for him in this way: This being
has been reduced to misery: If only he could be freed from his suffering!
Similarly too should a Bhikkhu whose meditation subject is compassion also
arouse compassion for an evil-wrong-doing person, even if he is happy now:
Though this poor wretch is now happy, cheerful, & enjoying his wealth, but
still, since he has neglected to do even one single good deed, he can come to
experience untold suffering anytime after a downfall to the states of loss!
Such infinitely compassionate pity he feels towards all beings and especially
both towards himself, the dear friend, the neutral one, & the hostile person,
thereby breaking down the wrong attitude barrier separating these objects.
Vbh 273, Vism I 315

ImageImage

Compassionate Pity (Karuna), which cures all cruelty, is a divine state!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Endless_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Karuna_is_Pity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Safe_Medicine.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/What_is_Wrong.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Gr ... assion.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/S ... assion.htm

Image

What is the proximate cause of Pity?
The proximate cause of Compassionate Pity (Karuna), which induces this
fine mental state, is seeing, knowing and understanding the HELPLESSNESS
of most beings, since they do the wrong that cause their misery influenced
by ignorance, which blind and obstruct their understanding of right & wrong,
and influenced by greed, lust and desire, which bind and drag them despite
their struggles, and influenced by hate, aversion and opposition, which push
and burn them from inside. Out of self-control they are thus bound to commit
wrong repeatedly and thus later experience the resulting downfall!

Image

Have a nice compassionate day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Compassionate Pity!

There are many in worse circumstances than ourselves!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Com ... e_Pity.htm
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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