Daily Dhamma Drops from Ceylon!

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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Bhikkhu_Samahita
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In this very life...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

What 5 things causes Awakening in this very Life?

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
If, Bhikkhus and Friends, anyone wishes: Oh, may I in this very life be able
to eliminate the mental fermentations, and thereby come to fully experience
mental release, release through understanding, by directly realizing it and
make it my own! Then he should practise to perfect morality (sila), be devoted
to mental tranquillity (samatha), not neglect the mental absorptions, cultivate
insight (vipassana), and often frequent remote & peaceful places for training!

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More on Insight (Vipassana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ca ... nsight.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Hi ... ibbana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... sights.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Br ... nsight.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source Text (extract): Majjhima Nikaya 6
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... /siila.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... jhaana.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... amatha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ssanaa.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... ssanaa.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What to Do?

In this very life...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/In ... y_Life.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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Going Upwards!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

There is only One really good Noble Way!

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
Some priests postulate this as the way going upwards: "Get up early and walk
facing east. Do not avoid a pit, or a cliff abyss, or a stump, or a thorny place,
or a village or a cesspool! You should expect death wherever you fall.
Thus, good man, with the breakup of the body, after death, you will be reborn
in a good destination, in a heavenly world." This the praxis of the priests, Bhikkhus,
is a foolish & stupid way, since it does neither lead to revulsion, to disillusion, nor
to ceasing, to peace, to direct knowledge, to Enlightenment, nor to Nibbana!
However, Bhikkhus, I will explain the very way Going Upwards in the Noble One's
Discipline, that way, which leads to utter revulsion, to disillusion, to ceasing, to peace,
to safe knowledge, to Enlightenment, to Nibbana: Any Noble Disciple possesses a
sure confirmed confidence in the Buddha thus:
"Worthy, and perfectly self-Enlightened is the Buddha!"
He possesses confirmed confidence in the Dhamma thus:
"Perfectly formulated is the Buddha-Dhamma, visible right here and now.."
He possesses confirmed confidence in the Sangha thus:
"Perfectly training is this Noble Sangha of the Buddha's disciples..."
He also possesses the purity of morality esteemed by the Noble Ones: Unbroken,
untorn, unspotted, freeing, praised by the clever, natural, leading to concentration.
This, Bhikkhus, is the way going upwards, which leads to utter revulsion, to disillusion,
to ceasing, to Peace, to direct knowledge of Enlightenment, and Nibbana!

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On the Noble Way:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Sun.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Way.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Middle_Way.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Noble_Purpose.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Seed_of_Good.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Going Upwards!

There is only One really good Noble Way!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Going_Upwards.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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Ownerless is all being!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Imploding Vacuum Personality Void of any Self!

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The Blessed Buddha explained the flowing transience of existence as void:
Suppose a man with good sight observed the many bubbles on the Ganges
river as they drifted along, by carefully watching and examining them all.
Then after he had carefully examined them, they would appear to him as
empty, evanescent, and unsubstantial. In exactly the same way does the
Bhikkhu observe all the material phenomena, all feelings, all perceptions,
all mental constructions, & all states of consciousness, whether they be
past, present, or future, far or near. By carefully watching, analysing &
examining them all, they appear to him as empty, void, and without a core...
Source (edited extract) SN 22:95

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Comment:
If feeling a bit nausea, or dizziness, or fear, when rigorously attempting
to comprehend egolessness, then one is going in the right direction...
Worth noticing is that one cannot ever loose a self that never was there
in the first place...!

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For more on this universality of selfless impersonality (anatta) see:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ctrine.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Anatta_No_Self.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ownerless is all being!

All Phenomena is an imploding vacuum void of any self or core!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ju ... ubbles.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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Dhamma is the Quintessence!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The 3 Kinds of Sublime Quintessence:

The cream of Teachings are The 4 Noble Truths & the 37 producers of Enlightenment.
The cream of Recipients are The Noble Disciples capable of understanding & praxis.
The cream of Holy Lives is that lived while developing the Noble 8-fold Path.

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Check it out!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... Truths.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/mode ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Sa ... lation.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/drops/Best_ ... Praxis.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/The_N ... ld_Way.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source:
Path of Discrimination: Patisambhidamagga by Sariputta...
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=133494" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Buddha-Dhamma is the Quintessence!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Supre ... ssence.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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

Today is Vap Poya Observance Day!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

How to be a Real Buddhist through Observance?

Vap Poya day is the full-moon of October. This holy day celebrates the
end of the Bhikkhu's three months rains retreat and marks the Kathina
month of robes , where lay people donate a set of robes to the Sangha.
This also celebrates the day that Buddha began to teach the Abhidhamma!

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The Buddha descending from the Tusita Level after having spent a rains
retreat there explaining the Abhidhamma to the assembled devas during
a single three months long speech! His biological mother Mahamaya, who
died 7 days after his birth, and was reborn there as a deva, was present.
He is followed down by the deva rulers Sakka and Maha-Brahma.


More about this Higher Abhidhamma Science:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/abhi/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

More about the Kathina Ceremony:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/K ... remony.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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The Kathina Ceremony of giving robes to the Maha-Sangha and receive blessing merit thereby!

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

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

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

I accept to respect & undertake these 5 training rules:
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Killing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Stealing.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Sexual Abuse.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Dishonesty.
I hereby accept the training rule of avoiding all Alcohol & Drugs.

As long as this life lasts, I am thus protected by these 5 precepts...


Then, one keeps and protects these sacred vows better than one's
own eyes & children!, since they protect you & all other beings much
better than any army! They are the highest offer one can give in & to
this world! So is the start towards Nibbana: the Deathless Element!
This is the Noble Way to Peace, to Freedom, to Ease, to Happiness,
initiated by Morality, developed further by Dhamma-Study and
fulfilled by training of Meditation...

Today indeed is Pooya or Uposatha or observance day, where any lay
Buddhist normally keeps even the Eight Precepts from sunrise until the
next dawn... If any wish an official recognition by the Bhikkhu-Sangha,
they may simply forward the lines starting with "I hereby ..." signed with
name, date, town & country to me or join here. A public list of this new
quite rapidly growing global Saddhamma-Sangha is set up here!

The True Noble Community of Buddha's Disciples: Saddhamma Sangha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Saddhamma_Sangha.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Can quite advantageously be Joined Here:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/sangha/Sangha_Entry.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

May your journey hereby be light, swift and sweet. Never give up !!
Bhikkhu Samahita: [email protected]

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

For the 2010 Calendar of Uposatha Observance Days:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/various/Poy ... s.2010.htm" 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;

Respecting Uposatha Days Purifies and Elevates!

Today is Vap Poya Observance Day!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/III/Vap_Poya_Day.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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

Ignorance Causes Animal Rebirth!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

If Blinded by Ignorance one takes Animal Rebirth!

Because of greed one is reborn in eggs of geese, doves or as other animals
obsessed by great passion, like also in the womb of a rhinoceros...
Because of ignorance one is reborn in the eggs of insects and worms.
Because of hate one is reborn as snake. Because of pride and obduracy,
one is reborn as lion. Because of arrogance & narcissism one is reborn in
the wombs of donkeys and dogs. If miserly & discontented one creates
rebirth as a monkey. If foulmouthed, faithless & shameless one is reborn
as crow. Those flogging, chaining & injuring elephants, horses, & buffalos
become spiders, scorpions, & stinging insects of cruel character. Those who
are flesh-eating, angry, & fiery are reborn after death as tigers, jackals,
cats, sharks, vultures, wolves & the like. Those who are generous givers,
but angry & cruel become Nagas = snake-demons of great iddhi-power...
Any deliberate wrongdoing in thought, speech and/or action can produce
rebirth as animal! Therefore one should always shun all that is wrongdoing...

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Animal rebirth induced by cruelty!

Please enjoy study here for details on Rebirth:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Rebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Rare_Rebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Divine_Rebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Animal_Rebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Endless_Round.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Samsaric_Dread.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... _Hells.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/O ... Family.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... estiny.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Fi ... ations.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ations.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ka ... ebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... _Round.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ma ... ebirth.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/IV/Hu ... ebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/W ... inking.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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The Animal Realm!

Source (edited extract):

Pañcagatidipani by Ashvaghosa & Saddhammaghosa: 11-12th century AC.
Tr. by Ann A. Hazlewood. Journal of the Pali Text Society. Vol. XI 1987:
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=132714" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Have a nice human day!

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

Animal Rebirth!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Animal_Rebirth.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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

Actually So!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Actually, exactly so, invariable, & not otherwise!

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The Blessed Buddha once said this:
Bhikkhus, there are these four things, that are actually so, invariable,
not otherwise... What four?
Suffering is actually so, invariable, not otherwise...
The Cause of Suffering is actually so, invariable, not otherwise...
The Ending of Suffering is actually so, invariable, and not otherwise...
The Way to End all Suffering is actually so, invariable, not otherwise...

These 4 Noble Truths are actually & exactly so, invariable, & not otherwise...
Therefore, Bhikkhus, an effort should be dedicated now to really understand:
All this is Suffering! An effort should be made much of to truly comprehend:
Craving is the Cause of Suffering! An effort should be cultivated to realize:
No Craving is the End of Suffering! Effort should be made to break through,
reinforce, and develop: This Noble 8-fold Way, which ceases all Suffering...

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More on these 4 Noble Truths (Cattari Ariya Saccani):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ignorance.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/True_Wisdom.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Cl ... Truths.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... e_Fact.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Si ... omplex.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... Truths.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... fering.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... fering.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... fering.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... fering.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:430-1]
section 56: Saccasamyutta. Thread 19: Actually So...

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Have a nice true day!

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

Actually So!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Actually_So.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Image

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Careful Attention weakens the Mental Hindrances:

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
When one attends carefully unarisen Sense-Desire does neither arise, nor later expand.
When one attends carefully unarisen Ill-Will does neither arise, nor later expand.
When one attends carefully unarisen Lethargy & Laziness does neither arise, nor expand.
When one attends carefully unarisen Restlessness & Regret does neither arise, nor expand.
When one attends carefully unarisen Doubt & Uncertainty does neither arise, nor expand.
Furthermore the Awareness Link to Awakening arises, & is gradually completed by repetition.
Any unarisen Investigation Link to Awakening arises, and is completed by gradual evolution.
Any unarisen Energy Link to Awakening arises, & is completed by repeated mental refinement.
Any unarisen Joy Link to Awakening arises, & is completed by meditative mental improvement.
Any unarisen Tranquillity Link to Awakening arises, and is completed by mental silencing.
Any unarisen Concentration Link to Awakening arises, & is completed by mental sophistication.
Any unarisen Equanimity Link to Awakening arises, and is completed by mental maturation.

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More on the 5 Mental Hindrances and 7 Links to Awakening:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Th ... rances.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/T ... kening.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya.
Book [V:93-4] section 46: The Links. 35: Careful Attention...

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Careful Attention Protects!

The best umbrella, life-buoy, and armour...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ca ... ention.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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

Blending like Milk and Water...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The 6 Things Uniting in Harmony to be Remembered:

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
These six things are to be remembered in order to Unite any Community in Harmony:
Which six?
1: Friendly Behaviour (metta-kaya-kamma=friendly bodily action) both in public and in private.
2: Friendly Speech (metta-vaci-kamma=friendly verbal action) both in public and in private.
3: Friendly Thought (metta-mano-kamma=friendly mental action) both in public and in private.
4: Sharing of Gains (sadharana-bhogi=common wealth) even down to any single lump of food.
5: Moral Harmony (sila-samannagato=uniform morality): All respect the same ethical rules.
6: Harmony in Views (ditthi-samannagato=uniform attitude): All share the same general views.
These 6 things are to be considered & remembered both for individual & social Harmony...

Comments:
So we can sleep with open doors and dance with the children in our arms :-)

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On Harmony:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unique_Unity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Milk_and_Water.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Source (edited extract):
The Numerical Sayings of the Buddha. Anguttara Nikaya.
The Book of Sixes 11: To be Remembered... [III: 288-9]

United in Harmony :-)

Blending like Milk and Water...
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Un ... armony.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita, Ceylon.

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

Patience is the Highest Praxis...!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Patience is the 6th Perfection:

The characteristic of patience is acceptance, its function is to endure,
and its manifestation is non-opposing tolerance! The cause of patience
is understanding how things really are.. The effect of patience is calm
tranquility despite presence of intensely stirring provocation..
Patience of the will produces forgiving forbearance!
Patience of the intellect produces faith, confidence and certainty!
Patience of the body produces resolute and tenacious endurance!
Internal tolerance of states within oneself is patient endurance...
External tolerance of other beings is forbearance and forgiveness...

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He who patiently protects himself, protects also all other beings!
He who patiently protects all other beings, protects also himself!

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Not from speaking much is one called clever.
The patient one is free from anger and free from fear,
only such steady persisting one, is rightly called clever...
Dhammapada 258

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Patient tolerance is the highest praxis...
Nibbana is the supreme Bliss!
So say all the Buddhas.
Dhammapada 184

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The innocent one, who has done nothing wrong,
Who endures abuse, flogging and even imprisonment,
Such one, armed with stamina, the great force of tolerance,
Such stoic one, who self-possessed can accept, I call a Holy One!
Dhammapada 399

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One should follow those who are determined, tolerant, and enduring,
intelligent, wise, diligent, clever, good-willed and evidently Noble.
One shall stick to them as the moon remains in its regular orbit.
Dhammapada 208

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Friends, even if bandits were to cut you up, savagely, limb by limb,
with a two-handled saw, you should not get angry, but do my bidding:
Remain pervading them and all others with a friendly Awareness imbued
with an all-embracing good-will, kind, rich, expansive, and immeasurable!
Free from hostility, free from any ill will. Always remembering this very
Simile of the Saw is indeed how you should train yourselves.
Majjhima Nikaya 21

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The five ways of removing irritating annoyance:
Bhikkhus, there are these five ways of removing annoyance, by which any
irritation can be entirely removed by a Bhikkhu, when it arises in him.
What are these five ways?
1: Friendliness can be maintained towards an irritating person or state..
2: Understanding can be undertaken towards an irritating person or state..
3: On-looking Equanimity can be kept towards an irritating person or state..
4: One can forget and ignore the irritating person, mental or physical state..
5: Ownership of Kamma of the irritating person can be reflected upon thus:
This good person is owner of his actions, inherit the result his actions, is
indeed born of his actions and only he is responsible for his actions be they
good or bad. This too is how annoyance with the irksome can be instantly
removed. These are the five ways of removing annoyance, and by which any
irritation can be entirely removed in a friend, exactly when it arises...
Anguttara Nikaya V 161

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Buddha to his son Rahula: Develop an Imperturbable Mind like the elements:
Rahula, develop a mind like earth, then contacts of arisen like and dislike
will not obsess your mind! Rahula, on the earth is dumped both the pure and
the impure: excreta, urine, saliva, pus, blood, but the earth does not detest
any of those... Even and exactly so make your mind stable like the earth!
Rahula, develop a mind like water, then contacts of arisen pleasure and pain
will not seize your mind. Rahula with water both the pure and the impure
are cleaned... Washed away with water are excreta, urine, saliva, pus, and
blood, yet the water does not despise any of that! Even so make the mind
fluid and adaptable like the water!
Rahula, develop a mind like fire, then the contacts of any arisen attraction
or aversion will neither consume, nor hang on to your mind! Rahula, fire burns
both the pure and the impure, burns excreta, urine, saliva, pus, and blood,
yet the fire does not loathe any of that.. In the same manner refine the mind
into a tool like an all consuming and purifying fire!
Rahula, develop a mind similar to space, then contacts of arisen delight and
frustration does neither take hold of, nor remain in your mind. Space does
not settle anywhere! Similarly make the mind unsettled and unestablished
like open space. When you expand mind like space, contacts of delight and
frustration will neither be able to dominate, nor obsess your mind...
Majjhima Nikaya 62

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

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Have a nice, noble & patient day!

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

Very Advantageous is Patience, Tolerance & Endurance!

Patience is the Highest Praxis!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patie ... erance.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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Unsurpassable Perfect ...

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

The 10 Contemplations are Daily Buddhist Routine!

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
Bhikkhus & friends: There is one contemplation which when often practised
and much developed leads to the complete turning away from the world, to
detachment, to stilling, to ceasing, to peace, to final penetrating knowledge,
to Enlightenment, and thus to Nibbana...
Any Noble Disciple who by progress have understood the true Dhamma dwells
frequently in this state. Which is that one contemplation? It is reflecting over
the qualities of the Buddha exactly like this:
Worthy, honourable & perfectly self-Enlightened is the Buddha! Consummated
in knowledge and behaviour, totally transcended, expert in all dimensions,
knower of all worlds, unsurpassable trainer of those who can be tamed,
both teacher & guide of gods as well as of humans, blessed, exalted, awakened,
and perfectly enlightened is the Buddha! Source: AN 1:16.1 + 6:10

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More on the Deathless Dimension: Nibbana:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Peace.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Nibbana_Still.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2_Nibbanas.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;

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Unsurpassable Perfect ...

Contemplating the Qualities of the Buddha!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bu ... lation.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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Compassionate is Pity!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Compassionate Pity cures all bitter Cruelty:

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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

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

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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!

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Have a nice compassionate day :-)

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

Compassionate Pity!

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

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

An Advantageous Daily Routine:

One should often contemplate the inevitable fact of DEATH!
Why so? Because it makes one approach Nibbana – The Deathless Dimension!
Neglecting thinking about death makes one accumulate future rebirths,
and thereby also future rounds of ageing, decay and inevitable death!
Considering death is therefore quite advantageous, but not pleasant…
Neglecting death is therefore quite disadvantageous, though more pleasant…
One looses all (again & again) at the moment of death including this body…
Death itself is painless and should not be feared. Life is painful & dreadful!
The only way to escape the fact of death is not to be (re)-born…
Only this is Peace ! Only this is Freedom from all future suffering!
Only this - in itself - is lasting Happiness !

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On daily Death-Contemplation as advised by the Buddha:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Death.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Game_Over.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Problem.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/drops/IV/Th ... _State.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/III/D ... thless.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;

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Stopping the Spin...

About End-Making!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/End_Making.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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No Substance is Out There!

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

No Substance exists 'out there', nor any Subject 'in here'!

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The Blessed Buddha once said:
In the seen is merely the process of seeing...
In the heard is merely the process of hearing...
In the sensed is merely the process of sensing...
In the thought is merely the process of thinking...
So knowing, you will not be connected 'with that'...
So disconnected you will not be absorbed 'into that'...
So neither 'with that', nor 'within that' you are not 'by that' sensation!
When there is no 'You' inferred or conjectured by that very sensation,
then 'You' are neither 'here', 'there', 'both', 'beyond', nor 'in between'.

On realizing the importance of this incident the Blessed One exclaimed:
Where neither solidity, fluidity, heat nor motion find any footing,
there no sun, moon nor star ever shines. There is neither any light,
yet nor is there any darkness! When the Noble, through stilling of
all construction, through quieting of all mental formation, directly
experiences this, then is he freed from both form & formlessness,
then is he released from both pleasure and pain ...

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Comments:
There is no-one 'who' senses, nor is there any 'substance' that is sensed,
even though the process of sensing occurs! Seeing is just a selfless event
of contact between the eye, the object & visual consciousness. Neither is
any 'person', nor any 'observer' involved nor inferred just by this seeing!
No subject or 'I' is thereby created, just because there is an object, or
just because there occurs the impersonal, automatic process of sensing...
Sensing itself, thus neither create any object, nor any subject, just as a
camera - though making an image - neither creates the object, nor does
the camera create the photographer! Thus can neither any 'substance',
nor 'reality out there' per se be ascribed to neither object, nor subject:
Just because there is a picture, one cannot by that in itself infer or even
ascribe any existence to neither the object, nor the picture-maker! Both
may actually be artificial, or of past existence and not real anymore ...
The fact that there is an image projected, does not per se imply, in or by
itself, that any-one actually is 'looking in' or 'is behind' the camera …
'By that' perception no 'perceiver' is thereby instrumentally present or
created... So the 'personal entity' we assume, suppose, deduce, expect &
believe to enjoy our experience, is merely a mental construct, a habitual
idea, a concept, & not a reality... The passive impersonal process of sensing,
perceiving and experiencing cannot thereby be 'instrumental' for neither
creating, nor inferring any 'being in existence'. The fact of this enigmatic
yet fundamental 'selflessness' is far the most essential core of the unique
Buddha-Dhamma... Outmost important to grasp, yet subtle, counterintuitive
and thereby difficult & somewhat 'nasty' to comprehend. Please keep on
trying, since this central Anatta doctrine is the opener, releaser & freer
of any mind. No-one is 'inside' the conditions that arise, cease & pass by!
Being hopelessly in love with an imagined idea of 'I=EGO' & 'World=Real'
is both fatal, tragic and sardonically comic... Hehehe ;-)

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Source: The Udana – Inspirations by the Buddha: I - 10
http://www.pariyatti.com/book.cgi?prod_id=404214" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/kh ... index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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More on No-Self (Anatta) = ego-susbstance-lessness, no entity/identity:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Ne ... _Actor.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/No-Ag ... ndence.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Se ... rmless.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Th ... ctrine.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/No ... Inside.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/No_ ... Person.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Dee ... t_Doer.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Div ... reedom.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Se ... Anatta.htm" 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;

No External Substance is independent of the internal Mind!

No Substance exists 'Out There'!
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/II/No ... There'.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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Who are Really Rich?

Post by Bhikkhu_Samahita »

Friends:

Really Rich are those who have gained a fine future!

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Anathapindika was a millionaire banker (setthi) of Savatthi, who donated
the famous Jetavana Monastery to the Buddha, the Dhamma and his Sangha!
He had to cover the entire ground with gold to pay for it to prince Jetakumara!

Venerable Sariputta thanked the householder Anathapindika with these verses:
When one has faith in the Tathagata, Unshakable and well established,
And good conduct built on virtue, dear to the Noble ones and praised;
When one has confidence in the Sangha and a view that has been rectified,
They say, that one is not poor then, that one's life has not been in vain!
Therefore the person of intelligence, remembering the Buddha's Teaching,
Should be devoted to faith and purity, to confidence in & vision if the Dhamma!
Just as the many rivers flow downstream and finally reach the mighty ocean,
As these rivers carry their waters to the sea. the great boundless mass of water,
Exactly so do the streams of merit reach any donor, any good & wise man, giver
of food, drink, & clothes, provider of housing, beds, seats, and coverlets...
Just as the rivers carry their waters to the sea!
One who has Faith in the Three Jewels, who purifies his behaviour by Morality
Having given to those, who seek the absolute, is Really Rich - most wealthy -
even without a penny!

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Anathapindika was a millionaire banker (setthi) of Savatthi, who became
famous because of his unparalleled generosity to the Buddha. As kammic result,
he was later reborn in the Tusita  heaven! The place of those who are content :-)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... indika.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Sariputta : The chief disciple (aggasavaka) of Buddha Gotama.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPP ... iputta.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Source (edited extract):
The Grouped Sayings of the Buddha. Samyutta Nikaya. [V:384]
section 55: Sotapattisamyutta. Thread 26: Anathapindika

Who are Really Rich?

Really Rich are those who have gained a fine future!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Really_Rich.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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