🟧 Iti 78 “Like Elements” (Week of September 12, 2021)

Where we gather to focus on a single discourse or thematic collection from the Sutta Piṭaka (new selection every two weeks)
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SDC
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🟧 Iti 78 “Like Elements” (Week of September 12, 2021)

Post by SDC »

:reading:

A very light week with a very important message…please share any thoughts below.

Enjoy. :smile:



:reading:


Itivuttaka
Dhātusosaṁsandanasutta (Like Elements) Iti 78 (PTS 70-71)
Translated by John D. Ireland


  • This was said by the Lord…

    “Bhikkhus, it is according to like elements that beings associate with each other and come together. Beings of low disposition associate and come together with beings of low disposition. Beings of good disposition associate and come together with beings of good disposition. It was so in the past, it will be so in the future, and it is so in the present.”

    Desire born of association
    Is severed by non-association.
    As one riding on a wooden plank
    Would sink in the mighty ocean,
    Even so one of virtuous life
    Sinks by consorting with an idler.

    Therefore shun an idle person,
    One who makes little effort.
    Live with those who dwell secluded,
    The noble ones resolved and meditative,
    Who are ever strenuous and wise.
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mikenz66
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Re: 📍Iti 78 “Like Elements” (Week of September 12, 2021)

Post by mikenz66 »

Thank you for this important, and potentially shocking ,message...

I thought that for this passage:
SDC wrote: Sat Sep 11, 2021 11:59 pm As one riding on a wooden plank
Would sink in the mighty ocean,
Even so one of virtuous life
Sinks by consorting with an idler.
Bhikkhu Sujato's rendering even more disconcerting:
If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea,
and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink.
So too, a person who lives well
sinks by relying on a lazy person.
:heart:
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DooDoot
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Re: 📍Iti 78 “Like Elements” (Week of September 12, 2021)

Post by DooDoot »

mikenz66 wrote: Sun Sep 12, 2021 12:07 am ...
Beings of low disposition associate and come together with beings of low disposition. :ugeek:
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.

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Bundokji
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Re: 📍Iti 78 “Like Elements” (Week of September 12, 2021)

Post by Bundokji »

Beyond the obvious that the company of the wise is of great benefits, i think this teachings also encourage us to be a positive in the lives of others by being of a good disposition ourselves. The best impact would be on our families by avoiding finding faults in them and be aware of our own, we help them be better humans, at least when they deal with us. If we are conditioned, then relationship is a dynamic thing.
One who, while himself seeking happiness, does not oppress with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will find happiness hereafter.
And the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus, saying: "Behold now, bhikkhus, I exhort you: All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness!"

This was the last word of the Tathagata.
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mjaviem
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Re: 📍Iti 78 “Like Elements” (Week of September 12, 2021)

Post by mjaviem »

Anandajoti Dhp 76 wrote:One should regard someone who shows your faults just like one who points out hidden treasure,
one should keep company with such a sagacious, learned person who reproves you;
keeping company with such is surely better for you, not worse.

One should advise and instruct, and forbid whatever is vile,
for he is dear to the good, but he is not dear to the bad.

One should not keep company with wicked friends, one should not keep company with the ignoble,
you should keep company with spiritual friends, you should keep company with superior people....
Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Sammā Sambuddhassa
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