Daily Dhamma Drops from Ceylon!

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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Bhikkhu_Samahita
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Alien and Remote ...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Nothing is ever Worth Clinging to!

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A certain Bhikkhu once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Venerable Sir, how should one know and see, in order to eliminate all
ignorance and to facilitate the emergence of real and true knowledge?
Bhikkhu, when one has heard that: Nothing is worth clinging to,
then one directly knows everything! Having directly known everything,
one fully understands everything! Having fully understood everything,
one sees & regards all aspects, signs & phenomena quite differently:
As something remote, as something alien, as something other, & neither
as something that is 'me' nor 'mine', nor as an 'I', a 'self, or an 'Ego'!
One regards the eye, forms, visual consciousness, eye-contact, feelings
& experiences caused seeing quite differently... As something remote...
One regards the ear, sounds, auditory consciousness, ear-contact, and
feelings & experiences by hearing differently... As something foreign...
One regards the nose, all smells, olfactory consciousness, nose-contact,
& smelled feelings & experiences differently. As something quite alien!
One regards the tongue, taste, gustatory consciousness, tongue-contact,
tasted feelings & experiences differently... As something superficial...
One regards the body, touch, tactile consciousness, body-contacts and
touched feelings & experiences very differently... As something external!
One regards the mind, thought, mental consciousness, mental-contacts, &
thought feelings & experiences differently... As something all detached!!!
When, Bhikkhu, whoever knows & sees all signs thus, ignorance is left
behind by him and real and true knowledge has emerged...

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Detached Alien Remoteness: Nothing is worth clinging to!

More on Clinging:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Wit ... inging.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Wit ... ssions.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/St ... inging.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source:
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. Book IV [50]
Section 35: On The 6 Senses. The Elimination of Ignorance: 80.
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=948507" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sa ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nothing is ever worth clinging to!

Detached and released is Alien Remoteness ...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Al ... _Other.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
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Bhikkhu_Samahita
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Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:26 am
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Sense Seclusion...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Sense Seclusion produces Peace!

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Since sensual pleasures, variegated, sweet and delightful, agitate the mind
with their varied forms, thus seeing danger in the streams of sense pleasure,
one should wander alone, solitary as a rhinoceros horn...
This for me is a calamity, a tumour, a setback, a dis-ease, a barb, & danger:
Seeing the vulnerability in the pitfall of these strands of sensual pleasure,
one should wander mentally secluded and reclusive as a rhinoceros horn...
Cold, heat, hunger, thirst, wind, scorching sun, gadflies and snakes, having
endured all these adversities patiently, one should wander alone, withdrawn,
and as imperturbable as a rhinoceros horn! (The Indian Rhinoceros Unicornis
has only one solitary horn!) Sn 50-52

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Whoever is addicted to society and worldly bustle, he will not partake of the
happiness of quiet withdrawal, detached aloofness, peace or enlightenment!

AN VII 86

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The solitary Rhinoceros teaches how to be comfortable within yourself!

On the secluded (Viveka) rhinoceros:
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/DPP ... viveka.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Th ... s_Horn.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_1.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_2.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_4.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_5.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_6.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/The_R ... orns_7.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/DPP ... _sukha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice secluded day!

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

Sense Seclusion...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Sense_Seclusion.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
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Gentle and Controlled!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Gentleness and Self-Control Balances the Mind!

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The wanderer Sabhiya once asked the Blessed Buddha:
What defines a Bhikkhu, a gentle one, a self-controlled, and an enlightened one?
The Blessed Buddha Gotama answered:
He who has reached calm stilling by a path developed by himself, who has crossed
over all doubt and uncertainty, who by giving up both this life & any new becoming,
who has lived the Noble life, whose renewed existence has become fully destroyed,
such one is a Bhikkhu....
Any recluse, who does not harm anyone in the whole world, who just looks on every
object in aware equanimity, imperturbable, humble, without pride, is a gentle one...
Any one whose senses are all controlled, whether the object is internal or external,
who has understood both this world and the next, who being developed just awaits
his last moment, like a waiter waits for his salary, such quiet one, is self-controlled!
Having comprehended all fabrications, journeying-on, dying here & re-arising there,
whose mental pollutions have faded away, who is without blemish, stainless, purified,
arrived at the destruction of the regeneration of birth, him they call enlightened...
This elated the mind of Sabhiya, who approving, delighted, glad, enraptured by joy,
asked for permission to join the Buddha's Sangha. After the usual probationary
period of four months, Sabhiya in this very life awakened himself as an Arahat.
Sutta-Nipata verses 513-517 Edited excerpt.

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More on these events, institutions and individualities:
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Sa ... lation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Samma ... .short.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/In ... y_Life.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/sa/sabhiya.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/g/gotama.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/b/buddha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/The_Sage.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice & noble day!

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

Gentle and Controlled!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Gen ... rolled.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
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Friends: Thought solidifies into kammically effective behav

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Thought solidifies into kammically effective behaviour!

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The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests into acted out behaviour!
The deed develops into habit, which hardens into deep-grown stubborn character!
So watch the thought and its ways with care and let it spring from infinite friendliness;
Born out of kindness for all sentient beings.
Ignorance leads to ego, Ego leads selfishness,
Selfishness leads to aversion, Aversion leads to anger,
Anger leads to hatred, Hatred leads to Suffering…

The creator of man was greed, For countless lives this was his drive.
With Ignorance at its helm, it grows! No end for it until he knows...

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Watch the Thought Manifestation!

Thought solidifies into words, which manifest as behaviour!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Manifestation.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
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What to Say?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What, when and how to Speak!

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Such speech as the Perfect One knows to be untrue and incorrect,
disadvantageous, and which also is unwelcome and disagreeable to
others, that he does not speak. (No need at all...)
Such speech as the Perfect One knows to be true and correct, yet
still disadvantageous, and which also is unwelcome and disagreeable
to others, that neither does he speak. (No advantage for listener!)
Such speech as the Perfect One knows to be both true and correct,
and also advantageous, yet still unwelcome & disagreeable to others,
that speech the Perfect One waits for the right time to speak!
(Correct constructive critique should fall, when it does not hurt!)
Such speech as the Perfect One knows to be untrue and incorrect,
disadvantageous, but pleasing, agreeable and welcome to others,
that he does neither speak. (Empty and false flatter is all out...)
Such speech as the Perfect One knows to be both true and correct,
but disadvantageous, though pleasing, agreeable & welcome to others,
that he does not speak. (No speech, when no advantage for listener!)
Such speech as the Perfect One knows to be both true and correct,
advantageous, and also pleasing, agreeable and welcome, that speech
the Perfect One knows and picks the exact right time to speak.
(Making well timed maximum impact of advantage for listener!)
MN 58

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

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Have a nice well spoken day!

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

What to Say?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/What_to_Say.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
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Rejoicing produces Bliss!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Unselfish Joy! How to Rejoice in Others Success:

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By seeing that:
If only happy at one's own success, such egoistic Joy is rare and limited!
If happy at others success also, the Joy is more frequent & even infinite!

By observing that:
It starts with basic sympathy, develops into acceptance, genuine approval,
& appreciation. It culminates in rejoicing altruistic sympathy by directing
mind to initiation, much cultivation & boundless expansion of Mutual Joy!

By knowing that:
Mutual Joy is the proximate cause of sweet, fully satisfied contentment!
Lack of mutual joy is therefore the proximate cause of discontentment!
Mutual Joy instantly eliminates acidic jealousy, grudge and green envy!
Mutual Joy is an infinite, truly divine, elevating and sublime mental state!
Mutual Joy is 1 of the 4 mental states of the Brahma-devas (Brahmavihara)


The Blessed Buddha pointed out:
If it were impossible to cultivate this Good, I would not tell you to do so!

Buddhaghosa:
See how this worthy being is very Happy!
How fine! How excellent! How sweet!

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Let there be Happiness. Let there be open Freedom.
Let there be Peace. Let there be Bliss from cultivating this.
Let there be Understanding of this mental state of Mutual Joy!


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Cultivation of Mutual Joy is the specific medicine against Envy & Jealousy:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Mutual_Joy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Rejoicing_Joy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/I ... usness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Mudita: The Buddha's Teaching on Unselfish Joy: BPS Wheel Publication No. 170
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... el170.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice & noble day!

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

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Mutual Joy Rejoices in Other's Success...


Mutually Rejoicing Bliss!

http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rejoi ... Mudita.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
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Barren Stagnation...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The Five Obstructing Obstacles:

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
There are 5 kinds of mental barrenness, that obstruct any mental growth
and any spiritual progress. What are they?

1: Skeptical doubt about the perfect Awakening of the Buddha
is the first mental barrenness.
2: Skeptical doubt about the absolute Truth of the ancient Dhamma
is the second mental barrenness.
3: Skeptical doubt about the Purity of the Noble part of the Sangha
is the third mental barrenness.
4: Skeptical doubt about the Efficacy of the mental Training
is the fourth mental barrenness.
5: Angry opposition towards one's friends and fellows on the Noble Path
is the fifth mental barrenness.


These 5 kinds of mental barrenness disable all initiative, enthusiasm, energy,
effort, exertion, and endurance... Therefore do they eliminate any effective
training & thereby also all the advantageous fruit of such mental training...
Review the mind regularly so to recognize these obstructions and cure them
with faith, investigation, and friendliness.

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See also:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Do ... tainty.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Ho ... _Doubt.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Cu ... tainty.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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The Moderated Speeches by the Buddha. Majjhima Nikaya
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=25072X" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/ma ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Barren Stagnation...

The Five Obstructing Obstacles!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Barren_Stagnation.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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Causes of Emergence...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Emergence of the Four Frames of Reference:

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The Buddha once explained the profundity of causality like this:

Arising of Nutriment induces the emergence of the Body...
Ceasing of Nutriment induces the passing away of the Body...

Arising of Contact induces the emergence of Feeling...
Ceasing of Contact induces the passing away of Feeling...

Arising of Naming-&-forming induces the emergence of Mind...
Ceasing of Naming-&-forming induces the passing away of Mind...

Arising of Attention induces the emergence of Phenomena...
Ceasing of Attention induces the passing away of Phenomena...


Therefore is considering, contemplating, analyzing, and recollecting:
1: Body merely as a transient form grown up on food;
2: Feeling only as passing emotion arisen from sense-contact;
3: Mind just as changing mood emerged from naming-&-forming;
4: Phenomena only as momentary mental states created by attention...
a crucial necessity! Reflecting on these 4 facts repeatedly, & thoroughly,
is called initiating and developing the Four_Foundations_of_Awareness,
which, in itself, is the mental treasure par excellence, leading steadily,
and directly to the Deathless Element: Nibbana...

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More on these Four Foundations of Awareness (Satipatthana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/A ... s_Sati.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/T ... bility.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... thaana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... reness.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source: The Grouped Sayings by the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya V 184
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=948507" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sa ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Causes of Emergence...

The Four Frames of Reference
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/Causes_of_sati.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
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Game Over!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Contemplation on Death is Advantageous!

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
The days and nights are flying past,
Life shrinks & dwindles hurriedly away,
The life of mortals ebbs, and runs away,
Vanishes, like water in a tiny stream.
SN 4:10

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As every morning one may worry & fear
The sudden falling of the ripened fruits,
So all mortals in this and any other world,
Have to live in constant fear of abrupt dying.
Sn 576

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Death looks over your shoulder to see how you fool around...

All beings are subject to death, will die
end in death, can never ever escape death.
As absolutely every earthen pot that has
been shaped & born by the potter's hand,
whether big or small, firm or frail, each one,
All will crack up & fall to pieces in the end!
Exactly so are all beings subject to death,
come to death, can never escape death...
All beings at due time have to pass away,
Their life one day will finish and perish,
Then they all fare according to their deeds,
Thus good or bad fruits they all will earn.
The evil-doer fares all screaming to hell,
The good man smiling to a happy world.
Hence, Noble deeds one should perform
As a supplying store for the next life!
For good deeds in the next world give
living beings their only strong support!
Without that there is only the free fall!
SN 3:22

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END-MAKER
Neither in the distant space, nor in the deepest ocean,
nor in the darkest cave, can anyone escape the crushing
fact of Death ...!!!
Dhammapada 128

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More on the inevitable fact of Death:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Death.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Deathless.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /amata.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/De ... lation.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... ension.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/D ... thless.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Game Over!

Contemplation on Death is Advantageous!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Game_Over.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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Wise + Virtuous = Worthy!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends

The Blessed Buddha once said:
Pandito silasampanno,
Sanho ca patibhanava,
Nivatavutti atthaddho,
Tadiso labhate yasam.


Worthy, wise and virtuous:
Who is wise and virtuous,
Gentle and keen-witted,
Humble and amenable,
Such one will honour gain.


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Wise + Virtuous = Worthy!

Pure innocence is both sweet & strong!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Hu ... enable.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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Even is Equanimity...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Balanced Equanimity is the Tenth Mental Perfection:

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Equanimity characteristically induces & promotes impartial neutrality...
Its function is to look upon things with an even unreactive indifference!
Its manifestation is the gradual stilling of both attraction & repulsion..
Its proximate cause is seeing, that all inherit the results of their actions.
Its effect is utter purification & perfection of all other mental qualities,
by ending both discontent & delight, thereby providing the necessary
equal calm required for their complete assessment & accomplishment.

Equanimity means Unaffectable..
Equanimity means Unprovokable..
Equanimity means Undisturbable..
Equanimity means Unexcitable..
Equanimity means Imperturbable..
Equanimity means Disengaged..
Equanimity means Disentangled..
Equanimity means Detached..
Equanimity means Immovable..
Equanimity means Unbeatable..
Equanimity means Untemptable..
Equanimity means Wholly Immune..
Equanimity means Indifferent..
Equanimity means Impartial..
Equanimity means Unbiased..
Equanimity means Disinterested..
Equanimity means Balanced..
Even like a smiling mountain!
Cool Calm is the ultimate Balm!


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The Threefold Equanimity (Upekkha):
If Indifferent towards:
Internal states & external phenomena,
Living beings & lifeless things,
Past, present & future events,
How can one be hurt, upset,
disturbed or distressed?

Calm is his mind.
Calm is his speech.
Calm is his action.
So is the Tranquility;
So is the Equanimity;
Of one freed by the Insight
Of right Knowledge.
Dhammapada 96

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Although a man is richly dressed and adorned,
if he is in peace, at ease, in equanimity, calmed,
composed, controlled, celibate and harmless
towards all beings, then verily he is a Holy One,
a recluse, a sage ...
Dhammapada 142

Equanimity towards one's own internal states -
that is indeed a link to Enlightenment.
Equanimity regarding external phenomena & conditions -
that is indeed also a link to Enlightenment.
Samyutta Nikaya V Bojjhanga-samyutta.

Such noble friend finally develops
the link to awakening that is Equanimity
during Awareness of in-&-out breathing,
which protects against damaging mental states,
tends to detachment, to ceasing, tends to release
& culminates in complete self-surrender...
If, friends, Awareness of in-&-out breathing,
is so cultivated and so made much of, it is
indeed of great fruit, of great advantage!
One whose Awareness of breathing in-&-out
is perfected, well developed, and gradually
brought to refined growth thus, according to the
teaching of the Buddha, such one illuminates the
entire world, just like the full moon freed from clouds.
Samyutta Nikaya V Anapana-samyutta.

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The Blessed One once said:
Now how, Ananda, in the discipline of a Noble One is there
the unsurpassable development of the senses?
There is the case where, when seeing a form with the eye,
there arises in a monk what is agreeable, or what is disagreeable,
or what is both agreeable & disagreeable. He recognizes that:
This agreeable thing has arisen in me, or this disagreeable thing...
or this both agreeable & disagreeable thing, has arisen in me:
And that is constructed, conditioned, coarse & dependently co-arisen!
But this is peaceful, this is exquisite, namely even & equal equanimity!
Instantly, that arisen agreeable or disagreeable thing ceases,
and Equanimity takes its calm stance!
Just as a man with good eyes, having closed them, might open them;
or when open, might close them, that is how quickly, how rapidly,
how easily, no matter what it refers to, Equanimity make
whatever arisen agreeable thing... or disagreeable thing...
or both agreeable & disagreeable thing cease right there,
and Equanimity takes its even stance!
In the discipline of The Noble One, this is called the unsurpassable
development of the senses with regard to visible forms cognizable
by the eye. Similar is the supreme development of the other senses.
MN 152

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With the fading of rapturous joy, he remains in equanimity,
aware & alert, still physically sensitive to bodily pleasure.
He enters & remains in the third jhana, of which the Noble Ones
declare: 'In aware Equanimity, one abides in pleasure...'
With the stilling of pleasure & pain as with the earlier disappearance
of elation & frustration, he enters & remains in the fourth jhana:
sole Awareness purified by equanimity, - neither pleasure nor pain -
This is called Right Concentration...
The elimination of both sensual desires & of discontent,
the ejection of laziness, the calming of all regrets,
just this pure Equanimity being aware of all mental
properties exactly at the moment they appear:
That I call the direct knowledge of release
the breakthrough from ignorance.
Sutta Nipata V 13: Udaya's Questions

Equanimity is 'Tatra-majjhattata', which designates the evenly balanced
keeping to the moderate middle of all things. It has as characteristic, that
it affects the balance of consciousness and mental properties as a single
function of single taste, which prevents both overt excessiveness and any
lack or insufficiency. Equanimity thereby puts an end to biased partiality by
manifesting moderation well within range of the properly reasoned midway.
Visuddhimagga XIV

The Buddha once explained:
I would make my bed in a charnel ground, with a skeleton for my pillow..
And cowherd boys came up and spat on me, urinated on me, threw dirt at me,
and poked sticks into my ears! While others, exultant & thrilled brought me
offerings of food, caskets of perfume & incense and garlands of flowers!
Yet I do not recall, that I ever showed any partiality towards any of them...
I was the same to them all! Neither arousing any fondness nor any aversion!
This was my ultimate perfection of equanimity...
MN 12 Lomahamsanapariyaya
The Hair-raising Presentation
Cariyapitaka III 15

More on Equanimity (Upekkha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Se ... Beyond.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Im ... nimity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Un ... nimity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/E ... pekkha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/F ... nimity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/E ... nimity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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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;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_1 ... erfections_(parami" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)_in_three_levels.htm

Even is Equanimity...

Balanced Equanimity is the 10th Mental Perfection!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Even_ ... nimity.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
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Prozac-Free Bliss!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Mental Dhamma-Medicine!

Of all the Medicines in the world,
even and ever so numerous and different
none is comparable to this Dhamma.
Therefore, friends, take this Dhamma!


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Having swallowed and digested
this sublime Dhamma Medicine,
you will go beyond ageing and death.
You will be freed and cured of all Craving.


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Good and Bad Luck in life is actually obvious:
Those who respect the Dhamma flourish!
Those who despise the Dhamma deteriorate...


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Having been shown this straight Middle Way,
that thrust into Deathlessness.
You, through prudence and patience,
will reach it, touch it, and know it directly,
as the stream of the river Ganges,
always reaches the mighty ocean.
Only this Dhamma-Medicine cures Death...

Yeah!

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Exquisite Bliss!

More on Happiness, pleasure, bliss (Sukha):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /sukha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Un ... d_Yeah.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samana-Sukha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Buddha_on_Bliss.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Happy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Adapted from Gemstones of Good Dhamma
Wheel 342/344 Ven. S. Dhammika,
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... el342.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
BPS Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

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Prozac-Free Happiness!

Mental Medicine...

The Dhamma produces Prozac-Free Bliss!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Me ... dicine.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
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What is Consciousness?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What is Consciousness?

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The Blessed Buddha has explained consciousness as:

A: Definitions:
What, now, is consciousness?
There are six kinds of consciousness (viññana-khandha):
1: Consciousness of form is visual consciousness,
2: Consciousness of sound is auditory consciousness,
3: Consciousness of smell is olfactory consciousness,
4: Consciousness of taste is gustatory consciousness,
5: Consciousness of touch is tactile consciousness,
6: Consciousness of thought is mental consciousness.

SN: 22:56

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Consciousness is a Wave with person specific frequencies just like radio-waves.

B: Causation by Dependent Origination:
The arising of consciousness is dependent upon specific conditions...
Without presence of these conditions, no consciousness will ever emerge...
Consciousness is named after the conditions upon which it is dependent!
Consciousness, whose arising depends on the encounter of eye & forms,
is called visual consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on
the ear & sounds, is called auditory consciousness. Consciousness, whose
arising depends on the nose and smells, is called olfactory consciousness.
Consciousness, whose arising depends on the tongue and taste, is called
gustatory consciousness. Consciousness, whose arising depends on the
meeting of the body or skin and touch is called tactile consciousness.
Consciousness, whose arising depends on mind meeting a mental object,
state, idea or thought is called mental consciousness. MN 38

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Consciousness selects & manifests representations out of quantum-potentialities.

The central role of active Attention:
Even though the eye is intact, if external form does not fall within the
field of vision, then no attentive combination of eye & form takes place,
therefore there will not emerge any visual consciousness. Or even though
external form actually fall within the field of vision, yet if no attentive
combination of eye & form takes place, there will neither emerge any
visual consciousness. Only if, the eye is intact, external form fall within
the range of vision, & attentive combination of eye & form takes place,
then there arises the corresponding phenomenon of visual consciousness.
(Similarly so with the other 5 kinds of consciousness) MN 28

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Consciousness is both received and emitted from the brain wave transceiver.

C: Dependency on the other four Clusters of Clinging:
It is impossible for anyone to explain the passing out of one existence,
and the entering into a new process of existence during transmigration,
or the initiation, growth, increase, and development of consciousness,
independently of form, feeling, perception, and mental construction...
SN 22: 53

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Consciousness can take up and reflect upon all objects - even itself recursively!

D: Consciousness is constructed & causes a duality: Naming & Forming:
The Origin of Consciousness is the arising of Mental Construction...
The Ceasing of Mental Construction also ceases Consciousness...
The Origin of Name-&-Form is the arising of Consciousness...
The Ceasing of Consciousness also ceases Name-&-Form... MN 9
Only this absolute silencing is Peace, is Bliss, is Freedom…

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Consciousness displays the reflected mirror representation of something else...

Comment:
Like space has no essence in itself beyond being 'spacious', but can
contain, accommodate, hold, & include all material phenomena, then
similarly has consciousness no essence in itself beyond being 'aware'
of all the mental phenomena it can manifest, display, show, exhibit,
expose, express, create and reveal. It defines & establishes being...
It is momentary and vanishes instantly after it has arisen. It is Not
an abiding presence, entity, soul, I, me, ego, core, nor any identity...
Apart from conditions, there is nothing arising as or in consciousness...
All forms of consciousness are impermanence, suffering, and no-self,
whether it is past, future or present, gross or subtle, arisen internally
in oneself or externally in others, inferior or exalted, remote or near...
Buddha likened consciousness to a deceiving trick: A made-up illusion...
Consciousness is like a burning pit of hot embers one should not enter!

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Buddha said: "The entire world starts and ends within this frame of body & mind"

For more on consciousness see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Origin.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_Leash.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Like_Foam.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/By_Nature.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Ego-Projection.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Wi ... vering.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/II/In ... ontact.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... inging.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Have a nice conscious day!

What is Consciousness?
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Wh ... usness.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
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Why Note Disgust in Food?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Seeing the Disgusting Aspects of Food disables Craving!

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
The experience of loathsome disgust with all food, Bhikkhus & friends,
developed and frequently repeated, brings a high reward and blessing,
and has the Deathless Dimension as its basis & the very nearby goal.
Whoever, Bhikkhus & friends, often trains perceiving disgust with food,
his mind shrinks and turns away from voracious greed, he is neither
attracted, captivated or tempted, but feels only equanimity or disgust!
Just as, Bhikkhus & friends, a cock's feather or a piece of bowstring,
thrown into the fire, shrinks up, twists, rolls itself up, does not stretch
out again: just so in one who often entertains the experience of disgust
in all food, the mind shrinks back from greediness, turns away from it,
is repulsed by food, is not attracted; and equanimity or disgust arises!

Source: The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya AN 7:46
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/Canon/Sutta ... erical.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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The experience of Disgust in Food includes:
Seeing it brings the danger and tribulation of having a fragile and sore body.
Seeing what it becomes like when chewed and sunk: Like dogs vomit!
Seeing that getting it daily costs one much pain of seeking, work & cleaning.
Seeing that it is turned into secretions as bile, pus, blood, snot, slime & spit.
Seeing that it undigested stays as vomit in the foul receptacle of the stomach.
Seeing that it when digested is turned into diarrheic brown fluid in the intestines.
Seeing that it causes a lifelong excretion of stinking messy excrement & urine.
Seeing the side effects of obesity, diabetes, cardiac failure and hypertension.

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Source: Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga XI 5th century AC.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/pdf ... on2011.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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560 Kg Mexican Male.

More on disabling the craving, urge, and greed for food:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Oozing_Out.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... Flesch.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Why Note Disgust in Food?

Seeing the Disgusting Aspects of Food disables Craving!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Food_Disgust.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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STEALING induces POVERTY!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

BACK-2-BASICS #2 = STEALING induces POVERTY!



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" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Back_to_Basics.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_ ... Action.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Hu ... ebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... nce_II.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
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