How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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dude_305
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Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2018 5:48 am

How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by dude_305 »

I'm having difficulties managing the feelings associated with samvega.

I don't feel quite ready to renounce the world yet, despite having strong urges to do so.

In a way, I want to have my cake and eat it too. I have always known that I want to pursue the monastic life eventually; the thought is always in my mind's background. However, I also feel that I have to succeed in worldly terms, and I'm not there yet.

I have been a Buddhist for almost 20 years. My grandpa introduced me to the Four Noble Truths when I was a kid. I have experienced samvega before, but this time, it feels stronger than ever, maybe due to the concomitant pasada (clarity) being stronger as well.

I need a plan of action. I feel that I need to settle out or reach closure on certain personal social issues before I set out on the path to nibbana, yet these feelings of samvega are threatening my plans, and I'm afraid I will end up not achieving either goal.
SarathW
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Re: How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by SarathW »

It is a gradual training.
Start with observing the precepts.
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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robertk
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Re: How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by robertk »

While you are thinking about social issues, becoming a monk , or samvega what is real...

The path is right there - and here and now.
Alexander____
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Re: How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by Alexander____ »

Is it common for householders to observe the 8 precepts everyday not just on the moon cycle observant days
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JamesTheGiant
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Re: How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by JamesTheGiant »

dude_305 wrote: Wed Mar 28, 2018 6:21 am
I need a plan of action.
●Start with following the 5 precepts.
●Once every few weeks follow the 8 precepts for a day.
●Start meditating a little every day. Start small! 10 mins to begin with.
●Start reading buddhist books, or listening to dhamma talks once a week.
●Once a year, make time for a retreat at a buddhist place somewhere. Monastery or meditation centre.
That's a good start.
2600htz
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Joined: Fri Aug 27, 2010 11:37 pm

Re: How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by 2600htz »

Hello:

Honestly thats a hindrance just like any other, so you deal with it in the same way.
Also, you can progress pretty fast being a householder if you follow what the buddha taught, its immediately effective, you don´t need 20 years and becoming a monk to start thinking about the path to nibbana.

Regards.
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aflatun
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Re: How do I deal with samvega while being a householder?

Post by aflatun »

robertk wrote: Wed Mar 28, 2018 9:49 am While you are thinking about social issues, becoming a monk , or samvega what is real...

The path is right there - and here and now.
:goodpost:
"People often get too quick to say 'there's no self. There's no self...no self...no self.' There is self, there is focal point, its not yours. That's what not self is."

Ninoslav Ñāṇamoli
Senses and the Thought-1, 42:53

"Those who create constructs about the Buddha,
Who is beyond construction and without exhaustion,
Are thereby damaged by their constructs;
They fail to see the Thus-Gone.

That which is the nature of the Thus-Gone
Is also the nature of this world.
There is no nature of the Thus-Gone.
There is no nature of the world."

Nagarjuna
MMK XXII.15-16
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