Did the Buddha encourage his followers to spread the dhamma?

[Gami47]

[DNS]

yes

[Ceisiwr]

Personally I don’t, unless people ask. Even then I try to judge how much they can comprehend. Usually I restrict it to simple kamma and rebirth. It’s really up to the individual to seek the path. Most people don’t have the previous kamma for it.

[DNS]

Personally I don’t, unless people ask. Even then I try to judge how much they can comprehend. Usually I restrict it to simple kamma and rebirth. It’s really up to the individual to seek the path. Most people don’t have the previous kamma for it.

Yes, in modern times, this is best.

During the time of the Buddha, the Dhamma-Vinaya was still new (dispensation), so he encouraged missionary type activities, but in today's world that would not be such a good idea and might be counter-productive (unless someone asks).

“Wander forth, O bhikkhus, for the welfare of the multitude, for the happiness of the multitude, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of devas and humans. Let not two go the same way. Teach, O bhikkhus, the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, good in the end, with the right meaning and phrasing.” Samyutta Nikaya 4.453

[bpallister]

Spead the Dhamma like peanut butter, monks.

[form]

Yes. But to the correct people only at the right time and the content taught must be appropriate for the target and done skillfully.

[justindesilva]

Yes. But to the correct people only at the right time and the content taught must be appropriate for the target and done skillfully.

There were times when even lord budda did not teach damma , when he knew inappropriate. Hunger was one aspect and secondly when he sensed that the the receiver of advice was psychologically not ready.

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

Spead the Dhamma like peanut butter, monks.

Maybe it is better to spread it like Marmite. Not everyone will like it. Spread it thinly at first until they acquire the salty taste for the truth of suffering.

[asahi]

Why not some fruity jam and butter . Some sweet flavor to inspire them . Some butter to nourish their faith .

[Pondera]

Personally I don’t, unless people ask. Even then I try to judge how much they can comprehend. Usually I restrict it to simple kamma and rebirth. It’s really up to the individual to seek the path. Most people don’t have the previous kamma for it.

Pure speculation. There’s a sutta where the Buddha addresses several Jain monks who are practicing severe austerities. The Jains greet the Buddha and go on to say Nanaputta has told us that we suffer because we’ve done evil in the past. By these penances we will atone for that evil and this is to our liking.

The Buddha then proceeds to completely tear apart their arguments asking questions such as, “do you know which evil in a past life it is that you are doing penance for?” - and they have no clue.

So, when you say most people haven’t cultivated the kamma to understand the dhamma, that’s like blaming a kid who hasn’t learnt to read on the basis of past life kamma.

It’s superstitious. Unless you have the divine eye, you can’t comment on the fertility of one’s reaction to the dhamma.

[bpallister]

Spead the Dhamma like peanut butter, monks.

Maybe it is better to spread it like Marmite. Not everyone will like it. Spread it thinly at first until they acquire the salty taste for the truth of suffering.

i had to look up marmite. now i'd like to try some. looks interesting.

[Jack19990101]

What i remembered is that Buddha advises -
only when there is explicit interest expressed.

My impression is that Buddha wants his followers to teach Dhamma only to respectful audiences.

[Ceisiwr]

Spead the Dhamma like peanut butter, monks.

Maybe it is better to spread it like Marmite. Not everyone will like it. Spread it thinly at first until they acquire the salty taste for the truth of suffering.

i had to look up marmite. now i'd like to try some. looks interesting.

I find it disgusting.

[cappuccino]

you can’t comment on the fertility of one’s reaction to the dhamma.

one has to be sick of Saṃsāra

[bpallister]

Maybe it is better to spread it like Marmite. Not everyone will like it. Spread it thinly at first until they acquire the salty taste for the truth of suffering.

i had to look up marmite. now i'd like to try some. looks interesting.

I find it disgusting.

One man's aversion is another man's greed