asahi wrote: ↑Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:15 am
How to train like this ? Is it at all possible other than arahants ?
If someone give you a blow with a weapon (says a knife or a gun) , would you able to take it ?
It is thus that you must train yourself, Phagguna.
Wherefore, Phagguna, even if anyone face to face with you should give a blow with the hand to these nuns, should give a blow with a clod of earth, should give a blow with a stick, should give a blow with a weapon, even then, Phagguna, should you train yourself thus:
‘Neither will my mind become perverted, nor will I utter an evil speech, but kindly and compassionate will I dwell with a mind of friendliness and void of hatred.’
It is thus that you must train yourself, Phagguna .
An interesting question, because here the example is not being threatened with a weapon or with blows, but witnessing the abuse of those who are dear - in this case, nuns. Some people might find it easier to withstand their own pain or fear than to witness that of others. I think most parents would, if their children were threatened. I read that one of the ways in which Saddam Hussein's security services gained compliance from people was to routinely threaten to torture their children in front of them. So this might be a far more stringent test than merely being able to endure our own suffering inflicted by others.
Interestingly, the sutta (MN 21) doesn't specify what emotions of anger, fear, resentment, etc. should be avoided in such a situation. The Buddha says to Phagguna that intentions and thoughts appropriate to the household life should be avoided. This seems to suggest (along with the background setting, which is concern that Phagguna has become too close to the nuns) that the issue is less one of responding appropriately to violence and threats, and more about the wisdom of not allowing certain relationships and their attendant emotions to arise in the first place.
It would I think be theoretically possible to take action to remedy the situation which is specified - to stop someone abusing those who are dear to us - and to maintain equilibrium. But yes, it would I think be far beyond the capacities of most of us.