Daily Dhamma Drops from Ceylon!

Friends:

The Sage is a stilled Seer, sweet in his Silence!



The Buddha explained the sweet, yet solid silence of the sage:
From all acquaintance, association, affiliation, and attachment, fear arises!
From any form of civil house-life emerges a mentally dull and dusty pollution!
The sage therefore prefers the disentangled and dissociated houseless state.
He who has cut down what has grown up accumulating, and who would never
neither plant anything new, nor irrigate what has already sprung up, him they
call a solitary wandering sage. Such great seer has seen the state of peace...
Having considered and comprehended all the fields of constructing activity,
having killed all initiation and all clinging affection, such sage indeed, seeing
the end of both birth and death, is beyond both speculation and designation!
Knowing all stations of the mind, yet detached from them all, a silenced sage
with neither greed nor preference, does neither any good nor any bad action,
for he has gone beyond to the far shore, by not accumulating any kamma...
Overcoming all, knowing all, very intelligent, unattached to all phenomena,
giving up all, completely released by the destruction of craving, such one the
wise know as a sage. One who has the power of wisdom, endowed with pure
virtue and ascetic praxis, concentrated, delighting in meditation, possessing
continuous mindfulness, released, detached, with neither mental barrenness,
nor with any mental fermentation brewing, such one the wise know as a sage.
Persistent, unshaken by blame & praise like a lion not trembling at any sound,
or like the wind not caught in any net, or like a lotus not defiled by any mud.
The sage is wandering alone, attentive, leading others, not to be led by any.
In the midst of oppression, despise & accusation he becomes imperturbable
like a pillar, with passion gone, with senses well under control... Immovable,
straight, upright, direct, never ever deviating, disgusted with all evil deeds,
examining both good & bad conduct, such one the wise surely know as a sage.
Fully restrained, fully self-controlled, who cannot be angered and who never
angers anyone, who does no evil, and who neither praises, nor criticizes any
other, him indeed the wise know as a sage. Constantly protecting all living &
breathing beings, the sage meditating in the remote forest, all beyond both
company and sex, completely released, not tied to anything, never negligent,
knowing all in this world, seeing the highest goal, having crossed the flood,
such a one, with his bonds completely cut, not fettered, without any mental
pollution, unselfish, swift and elevated, him indeed the wise know as a sage...
Sn 207-221



On this Quenched State of Peace, Freedom, and Maximum Bliss (Nibbana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Final_Freedom.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/climax_of_calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Reaching_Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Entrance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Nibbana_Still.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Uncreated.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2_Nibbanas.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Nibbana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Unborn_State.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Nibbana_or_non-return.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Nibbana_True_Peace.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Signless_Nibbana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Imperturbable_Equanimity.htm
http://www.What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/n_r/nibbaana.htm

Have a nice silent day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

The silent Sage...

Friends:

What is the Best Fortune that can be Gained?

Once an illuminating deity asked The Buddha:
Which good fortune is the best? Whereto he answered:
Not associating with fools, but only with the wise,
Honouring only those, who really deserves it,
Living in suitable climatic and peaceful regions,
Great learning, good discipline and exact speech,
Service to mother and father, support of wife and sons,
— this is supreme good fortune!
Giving, and living the just and generous life supporting relatives,
Avoidance from all evil behaviour through complete self-control,
Abstinence from intoxicating drinks and drugs causing carelessness,
Reverence, devoted faith in the Dhamma, humility, and contentment,
Grateful hearing and study of the Dhamma, when one is ready for it,
— this is supreme good fortune!
Forbearance, patience, and humble yet keen attention, when corrected,
Seeing ascetics, recluses, sages and bhikkhus, who explain the Dhamma,
Living the Noble life, understanding the Noble Truths, & realising quenching,
Being unperturbed, when contacted by the manifold phenomena of the world,
Having established these exquisite states, one is unconquered everywhere,
One goes in safety everywhere — this is verily the supreme good fortune!
Sn 258-269



Have a nice fortunate day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka .
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

The Best Fortune!

Friends:

What brings beings over the Sea of Suffering?

The Blessed Buddha once explained the means and method to escape pain:
One should respect an intelligent one, from whom one can learn the Dhamma,
just as the deities respect & honour their divine god Indra. Then with clear
and elevated mind, he will reveal the Dhamma to one, when he is respected!
If anyone cultivates such a great man carefully, making it his aim to listen
and learn attentively, entering upon the Dhamma, and upon what conforms
with the Dhamma, then his understanding will become intelligent and subtle!
However, if one associates with the petty & envious fool, who has no direct
experience of the aim, then one will die still pestered by perplexing doubts!
Since how can a man, who has been dragged down into a swift-flowing river,
who is been carried along with the current, ever help any others to cross?
Similarly, how can one who has not learned the Dhamma, & has not listened
to the explanations given by the learned ones, who is ignorant of it himself,
and has not overcome doubt, help others to realize the stainless certainty?
Just as one embarking upon a strong boat, with well build oars and rudder,
could bring many others across there, being clever, considerate, knowing
well how to do it. In exactly the same way can one, who is self-developed,
who understands, who is learned and imperturbable make others realize it,
if they have got the capacity to understand, and the willingness to listen...
Therefore should one cultivate only a good man, who is clever and learned!
Understanding the meaning, walking the Way by knowing the true Dhamma,
one will thereby plunge into happiness... Sn 316-323


The Boat of Dhamma ferries beings across suffering to Happiness!

One this Dhamma as Teaching, Tool and Vehicle:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Be_Good.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Simple_Core123.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Dhamma_Presence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Supreme_Triumph.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/dhamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Dhamma_Contemplation.htm

Have a nice Dhamma day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

The Boat...

Friends:

Can the Dhamma Teaching be given in short?

Yes! The Blessed Buddha once instructed his son Rahula in this way:
Having left behind desire for the five streams of simple sensual pleasure,
captivating forms, satisfying the mind, having gone forth from the house in
faith, put an end to suffering! Cultivate Noble friends, an isolated lodging,
which is, solitary, secluded, silent, with little traffic. Be moderate in eating!
Do not crave neither for a fine robe, nor food, nor requisites, nor lodging!
Do not return to the worldly life again... Be fully controlled regarding the
monastic discipline and the five sense abilities. Be completely & constantly
aware of the body as a frame of bones, skin, and flesh. By disgusted with
all in this world. Avoid beautiful objects, which provokes lust. Make mind
one-pointed, concentrated, absorbed, well focused on non-attractiveness.
Develop the signless mind. Cast out all latent tendency to the conceit: I am!
Then by the full understanding of self-deception you will wander and dwell
stilled, in perfect peace... Sn 337-342



More on the Buddha's son Rahula, who was the most intent on the training:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/r/raahula.htm
He awakened in Andhavana forest, when hearing the Cula Rahulovada Sutta:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.147.than.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

To my Son!

Friends:

The 10 Questions to the Enlightened Boy!

Sopaka awakened as novice, when 7 years old! The Buddha then asked him:
One is what? All beings are fuelled by Nutriment (Ahara) answered the boy.
Two is what? Name and form (Nama-Rupa), responded the novice promptly!
Three is what? The three kinds of Feeling, was this assured boy's reply...
Four is what? The Four Noble Truths, returned this perfected novitiate..
Five is what? The Five Clusters of Clinging, acknowledged this not-pupil..
Six is what? The Six Sense-Sources, responded this all trained & learned.
Seven is what? The Seven Links to Awakening, answered this eldest boy..
Eight is what? The Noble Eightfold Path, replied this one gone to the end!
Nine is what? The Nine Abodes of Beings, explained this worthy junior...
Ten is what? One who is endowed with Ten Qualities is defined an Arahat....
Khp 1-6;9


Matured Mind and not an old body defines the worthy Senior!

More on this Sopaka, who became Enlightened, when only 7 years old:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/s/sopaka.htm
Having accumulated the right conditions in prior lives, he was almost & very
close to be able to awaken in his last life... Therefore he could enlighten as
only 7 years old in this his last existence! Though his biological frame was
that young, his mind was the eldest & most mature among his un-awakened
monk colleagues. Any Arahat is the oldest and most senior in the universe!
To make the other monks understand, that they should not clap his head &
treat him as junior, although they were much older than him biologically,
the Buddha asked him these ten questions, which are studied intensely by
all Theravada novices even today 2500 years after! May all disciples do so!
These 10 questions are not trivial!

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Questions to the Boy!

Friends:

How to go in order to reach the End!

The Buddha once explained how to wander appropriately in this world:
Having rooted out omens, symbols, tokens, dreams and signs, such bhikkhu,
will wander properly in this world. Having dispelled his passion for sensual
pleasures, both human and divine. Having gone beyond all renewed becoming.
Having understood the Dhamma doctrine, he would wander properly in this
world. Having put slander, anger and meanness behind him, and with both
compliance and opposition completely relinquished, he wanders worthy here.
Having abandoned both the pleasant and the unpleasant, not clinging, not
dependent upon anything, completely released from all the mental confines,
one will wander rightly in this world. Having dispelled all passion and desire
for attachments and acquisitions void of essence, independent, not to be
led by others, he would wander properly in the world. Not opposing anyone
or anything neither mentally, verbally or physically, longing for the state of
quenching, neither wounding, nor binding others, without thorns or doubts,
one can wander smoothly in this world. Knowing that only harmlessness is
suitable for himself, with the roots of hate, greed & ignorance rooted out,
being without any inclination, latent tendency or mental fermentation, he
would wander properly in this world. Convinced, learned, seeing this 1 way,
not following any faction among the groups, sects, or families, quite wise,
having eliminated both favouritism and aversion, victoriously purified, far
famed, mastering all mental phenomena, gone to the far shore, without lust,
skilled in ceasing all activity, he will wander silenced, all quiet in this world.
Discerning events both past and future, entirely released from all sensing,
knowing the state of peace, self-controlled, having razed all accumulation,
he would wander perfectly in any world... Sn 360-375



More one these Worthy and Noble Arahats all gone beyond even the end:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Arahat_Qualities.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Worthy_Arahat.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Humble_and_amenable.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Best_among_Gods_and_Men.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Intelligent_and_Energetice.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Withdrawn_and_Accomplished.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Worthy Wandering...

Friends:

How to live the ideal Bhikkhu Life!

The Buddha once explained how:
Listen well Bhikkhus, I will explain to you the very way to shake off all evil!
Let the one who sees the goal & is thoughtful cultivate only that behaviour,
which is advantageous for those who have gone forth: One should wander to
the village at the right time early in the morning, since attractions attach
easily to the one wandering at the wrong time... Forms, sounds and tastes,
smells and touches, which drive beings mad, dispelling all desire for these
captivating things, he should enter for his morning meal at the right time...
Having received early alms-food, having returned alone, he should sit down
in solitude. Thinking of internal things, he should not let his mind go outside,
having his body well-constrained. If he should converse with any disciple, or
anyone else, then he should speak only about the outstanding doctrine, and
never slander, nor blame any other! Those of little wisdom will fight against
any argument: We do not praise them, since they scatter their minds there!
Having heard the Dhamma taught by the Well-Gone-One, a disciple who has
excellent intelligence, will wisely reflect, and therefore resort to alms-food,
and a remote silent habitation, since to simple alms-food, lodging, and water
for removing dirt from his outer robe, to such frugal necessities any really
wise bhikkhu cannot cling, like a drop of water not clinging to a lotus leaf...
Sn 385-392



On Clinging (Upadana) and how to release this intensified form of craving:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Cool_Calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Stilling_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/u_v/upaadaana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4_kinds_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Clinging_to_the_notion_I_Am.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_are_the_5_Clusters_of_Clinging.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Shaking off all Evil...

Friends:

How to be a Worthy Lay Disciple!



The Buddha once explained how:
I will tell you the way of life of a householder, who becomes a good disciple.
Laying aside all violence, he would not kill a living creature, nor cause to kill,
nor allow others to kill. He should deliberately avoid taking anything, which
has not been freely given. Neither should he cause to steal, nor allow others
to steal. He should not transgress against another's wife. When gone to the
audience hall, court or assembly, he should neither speak false himself, nor
cause others to speak false, deceive or pretend. He should avoid all untruth.
He should also avoid intoxicating drinks and drugs, nor cause to drink, nor
allow others to drink or take drugs, since intoxication causes carelessness!
Intoxication makes negligent fools commit evil deeds accumulating demerit.
He should neither eat food at night, nor wear jewellery, nor use perfume...
He should sleep on a low couch or on the ground on a mat. For this they say
is the eight-fold fast day observance, declared by the Buddha, who has gone
beyond all suffering. Having kept this fast day every fortnight, with a clear
mind, rejoicing, he should in the morning share suitable food with the Sangha
of Bhikkhus. He should support his mother & father by making honest trade.
A vigilant householder living this Noble way of life is reborn among the devas
who shines bright... Sn 393-404



More on the Best Buddhist Praxis:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/uposatha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Happy_Habbit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Best_Protection.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_Five_Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Back_to_Basics.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Best_Buddhist_Praxis.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_I.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_II.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_III.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_IV.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_V.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_VI.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_VII.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Optimal_Observance_VIII.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Buddhist_Life_Standards_Law_1.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Buddhist_Life_Standards_Law_2.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Buddhist_Life_Standards_Law_3.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Buddhist_Life_Standards_Law_4.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

The Good Disciple...

Friends:

The Evil Devil meeting the true Saint!



The Buddha once spoke straight to Namuci also called Mara the Evil One:
Sense pleasure is your first army, discontent your 2nd, while hunger and
thirst is your 3rd army. The 4th is craving, the 5th is lethargy and laziness,
fear is your 6th, doubt is the 7th, hypocrisy and stubbornness is your 8th.
Gain, renown, honour, and whatever falsely received fame is your 9th army
you Kanha black dark-minded one. One who is not hero cannot conquer that,
but having defeated it, one gains great happiness. Having brought my mind
under full control, well-established in continuous awareness, I will wander
through the kingdoms, training many disciples, who alert and well motivated,
despite your temptations, will go where having gone, one cannot ever grieve!
Realizing his defeat Mara , the Evil One, replied: For seven long years I have
followed the Blessed One, step by step, without ever obtaining even a single
opportunity against this perfectly Self-Enlightened One, who is fully aware.
Like a crow, which circled a yellow stone, which appeared like a lump of fat,
thinking "Perhaps I can find something soft & sweet here", but after having
attacked the rock, without getting anything, went away sadly disappointed,
even and exactly so will I have to go away. Discouraged the demon's lute fell
from his armpit and overwhelmed by frustration he disappeared right there..
Sutta-Nipata verses 436-449. Edited excerpt.



This highborn hedonistic devil is called Namuci , since he lets no one escape,
and Mara, since he leads beings into a repeated cycle of birth and death....

More on this poor devil some others call Satan or Mara:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/g_m/maara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/What_is_Mara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/ma/maara.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Mara Namuci: The Evil One!

Friends:

To whom should one give, to gain most Merit?


The gods became gods as a result of their giving!!!

The young brahman Magha once asked the Blessed Buddha:
Giving food, where would the offering be most purified for the donor?
The Blessed One answered: If any open-handed householder, a lordly giver,
Magha, seeking merit, looking for merit, sacrifices, giving food and drink to
others, such one would achieve most merit, if the recipient is pure and Noble.
Such, who indeed wander unattached in the world, having & wanting nothing,
fully accomplished, in complete self-control, upon them at the right time one
should bestow an offering. Those who have cut all mental bonds and fetters,
who are tamed, completely released, without affliction, without desire, upon
them at the right time should one bestow an offering. Upon these purified &
Noble ones should any brahman, who is looking for merit, place his sacrifice!
Sutta-Nipata verses 488-491 Edited excerpt.


Pure giving cut short: Give to those who don't want anything…

More on Giving (Dana) and Merit (Puñña) which is the main next life support:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/giving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/4_Goods.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Glad_Giving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_3_Gifts.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kathina_Ceremony.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/caaga.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Reviewing_Generosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Openhanded_Generosity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/n_r/punna.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Generosity_Contemplation.htm



Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Pure Merit!

Friends:

Gentleness and Self-Control Balances the Mind!



The wanderer Sabhiya once asked the Blessed Buddha:
What defines a Bhikkhu, a gentle one, a self-controlled, and an enlightened one?
The Blessed Buddha Gotama answered:
He who has reached calm stilling by a path developed by himself, who has crossed
over all doubt and uncertainty, who by giving up both this life & any new becoming,
who has lived the Noble life, whose renewed existence has become fully destroyed,
such one is a Bhikkhu....
Any recluse, who does not harm anyone in the whole world, who just looks on every
object in aware equanimity, imperturbable, humble, without pride, is a gentle one...
Any one whose senses are all controlled, whether the object is internal or external,
who has understood both this world and the next, who being developed just awaits
his last moment, like a waiter waits for his salary, such quiet one, is self-controlled!
Having comprehended all fabrications, journeying-on, dying here & re-arising there,
whose mental pollutions have faded away, who is without blemish, stainless, purified,
arrived at the destruction of the regeneration of birth, him they call enlightened...
This elated the mind of Sabhiya, who approving, delighted, glad, enraptured by joy,
asked for permission to join the Buddha's Sangha. After the usual probationary
period of four months, Sabhiya in this very life awakened himself as an Arahat.
Sutta-Nipata verses 513-517 Edited excerpt.



More on these events, institutions and individualities:
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/Sangha_Contemplation.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/SammaSambuddho.short.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/IV/In_this_very_Life.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/sa/sabhiya.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/g/gotama.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/b/buddha.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/The_Sage.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Gentle and Controlled!

Friends:

Life is short, difficult, unknown and surely Lethal!

The Blessed Buddha once pointed out:
The life of mortals here is difficult, brief, unknown, without any guarantees and
it is always joined with the inherent misery of ageing, decay, sickness and death!!!
For there is no chance, that one born will not die! To die is the nature of all beings.
Just as for ripe fruit, there is constantly fear of falling, even so do all beings also
constantly fear death. Just as clay-pots all break up sooner or later, even so is the
life of all mortals. Whether young or old, foolish or wise, all of them will surely die!
When they are overcome by death, going from here to the next existence, no one,
neither father, son, or family can protect the mortal, who is led away like a cow to
be slaughtered. And that even while the wailing relatives are actually looking on...
This world is irreversibly infected by death, sickness and old age. Knowing this as
unavoidable absolute, wise men do not grieve, but accept this very fact just as it is.
Lamenting over a mortal is utterly useless. One whose path one cannot know, seeing
neither from where he came, nor where he is going, cannot be helped by moaning!
Any wise can realize, that lamentation just harms oneself, serving no good purpose..
And this is true, whether it is oneself or another who is dying: Weeping won't help!
Sutta-Nipata verses 574-583 Edited excerpt.



More on this inevitable fact of Death (Marana):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Death.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Game_Over.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/End_Making.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Ageing_Again.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Problem.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Momentary_Life.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Ageing_and_Death.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Death_Contemplation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Inevitable_but_not_the_End.htm

Have a nice, noble and realistic day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

The Thorn!

Friends:

Behaviour determines the State of all Beings!

The young brahmins Vasettha and Bharadvaja once asked Blessed Buddha:
What makes a brahmin a brahmin? Whereto the Blessed One responded:
Not by pure descent from seven generations of ancestors does one become
a brahmin, and neither by family descent does one become a non-brahmin.
By action one becomes a brahmin. By action one also becomes a non-brahmin.
By action one becomes a farmer. By action one becomes a craftsman.
By action one becomes a merchant. By action one becomes a servant.
By action one becomes a thief too. By action one becomes a killer too.
By action one becomes a priest. By action one becomes even a king.
Knowing the fruit of causal effects of any action, the wise gains complete
understanding of conditional origination and sees this action as it really is!
By action is all phenomena determined, by action the world goes on, and by
action the people go on. Beings are bounded, conditioned & created by their
behaviour! By self-taming, by self-control, & by living the Noble life, only by
this supremely pure state does one becomes a brahmin. Whoever is endowed
with the three knowledges (te-vijja), at peace, with renewed existence all
destroyed, Vasettha, such one is like the gods Brahma and Sakka to those
who really know! The two brahmins Vasettha & Bharadvaja then exclaimed:
Wonderful, venerable Gotama! We hereby accept the venerable Gotama, the
Dhamma, and the Bhikkhu Sangha as our refuge. May the Venerable Gotama
accept us as lay disciples who have taken refuge as long as this life lasts...
Sutta-Nipata verses 650-656 Edited excerpt.



More on Intentional Action = Intention = Kamma (Sanskrit=Karma):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Impossible.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_Mirror.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Creating_Future.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_is_intention.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kamma_and_Fruit.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_5_Destinations.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Intention_is_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Kamma_and_Rebirth.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Rebirth_and_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kamma_is_improvable.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Inevitable_Consequences.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Good_Action_dilutes_Evil_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Effect_of_Action_(kamma)_is_Delayed.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Evil_Kamma_enhances_other_Evil_Kamma.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Good_Action_enhances_other_Good_Kamma.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Action Determines!

Friends:

Harming others will Hurt yourself!

Therefore did the Buddha point out Harmlessness as the best protection:

I am a friend of the footless,
I am a friend of all bipeds;
I am a friend of those with four feet,
I am a friend of the many-footed!
Anguttara Nikaya 4.67

As I am, so are others...
As others are, so am I...
Having thus identified self with others,
Never Harm anyone, nor make any hurt.
Sutta-Nipata 705

Among tigers, lions, leopards & bears I lived in the jungle.
No one was frightened of me, nor did I fear anyone...
Uplifted by such universal friendliness, I enjoyed the forest.
Finding great solace in that sweetly silenced solitude…
Suvanna-sama Jataka 540



More on Harmlessness (Ahimsa):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Harmlessness_and_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blessing_all_Beings_by_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unsurpassable_Radiance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Selfless_and_Harmless.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/a/avihimsaa.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/May_all_be_Happy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Genuine_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Patient_is_Tolerance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Bon_Benevolence.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Not_Killing.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Never_Kill.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Happy Harmlessness!

Friends:

Clinging to Wrong Views is Catastrophic!



The Buddha often emphasized wrong view as thee most detrimental:
When one has imagined, assumed, constructed, approved of and authorized
Wrong Views & opinions, then one is relying that, which is unstable & unsafe!
Clinging to these long cherished wrong views, are not easily relinquished...
One adheres to these persuasions having chosen them from among many
hypothetical ideas, laying down one assumption, just to take up a another
new fancy theory! A purified man, however, does indeed not form any view
about anything anywhere! He is not involved..! Having cut out all deceptions
illusions and conceits, where could such a clear-sighted man ever be driven?
An involved person, however, engages easily in disputes about opposed ideas,
but how can one ever dispute with one, who is not involved? He has neither
taken up, nor laid down anything, but has shaken off having any view at all!
Sutta-Nipata 784-787 Edited excerpt.



More on how to abandon Wrong Views:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Sun.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Certain_Rightness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_View.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Leaving_Wrong_View.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Not Involved!

Friends:

Adopting a particular View, Generates a particular Future!

The Buddha often emphasized that any view leads to a specific future being:
When one regards one's own views and opinions as the best, seeing all other
views as inferior, that very tenacious attitude, the experts know as a knot!
A Bhikkhu should thus not depend upon anything seen, heard or thought of..
Neither should he form any views based on his knowledge, virtuous conduct,
or vows. He should not think of himself as neither equal, nor inferior, nor as
superior to anything or anybody. Having relinquished what had been taken up,
and not taking anything new up again, not depending even upon knowledge,
not a member of any faction, he does not believe in any view at all... They do
neither form or adopt any views, nor do they prefer or select any opinion,
nor do they cling to any particular dogma. Gone to the far shore, such a one
does not come back again! For him who has no desire for renewed existence
neither here nor beyond, for him there are no form of being whatever, that
he would propel into through having decided among the particular views...
Sutta-Nipata 796-803 Edited excerpt.



MAKER OF CATASTROPHES
Whatever an enemy might do to an enemy,
or one hater might do to another blinded by hate,
the mind wrongly directed by false or evil view,
may do to oneself, yet even far much worse!!!
Dhammapada 42

WRONG VIEW
Seeing wrong, where there is no wrong,
while ignoring the wrong, when it really is there,
such false views lead to a painful future state...
Dhammapada 318

HAPPY VIEW
Knowing the wrong as wrong,
and the right to be right,
such correct view brings one to
a happy future state.
Dhammapada 319



More on Views (Ditthi)
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Straight_View.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_is_Right_View.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Advanced_Right_View.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Without Views!

Friends:

Clinging to Possessions always entails Misery!

The Buddha encouraged relinquishing possessions thereby ending suffering:
Those who are greedy and needy for cherished things cannot ever end grief,
sorrow, and miserliness. Seeking security the recluse therefore relinquishes
all possessions and wanders forth into homelessness. Dwelling withdrawn and
remote, secluded in senses, he finds it agreeable not show himself anywhere!
Not dependent upon anything, the sage finds nothing pleasant or unpleasant.
Neither possessiveness, nor lamentation, nor what is seen or heard or thought
clings to his mind, just as water cannot ever cling to a lotus-leaf...
Sutta-Nipata 809-812 Edited excerpt.



More on Clinging (Upadana) which is an intensified quite painful form of craving:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Cool_Calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Shaking_off_Evil.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Stilling_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Terror_of_Being.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/u_v/upaadaana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4_kinds_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Clinging_to_the_notion_I_Am.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_are_the_5_Clusters_of_Clinging.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Without Possessions!

Friends:

Avoiding all Controversies induces inner Peace!

The brahmin Magandiya asked the Buddha about how to find inner peace:
Mental purity is neither caused by particular views, nor by learning, nor by
knowledge, nor even by perfect morality. Neither by absence of right view,
missing learning, lack of knowledge, or tainted morality, not by that either!
Discarding all these oppositions, detached, calmed, independent, one stops
longing for any form of existence... Whoever thinks himself equal, superior,
or inferior, he will dispute on that account! But the imperturbable one does
not enter any self-deceit! Since for such one, there is no I-Me-Self or Ego
how much less can there ever be any equal, inferior or superior I-Me-Self!
Leaving home, wandering homeless, not making acquaintances in any village,
free from desire for sensual pleasures, showing no preferences, such sage
will never engage in any controversy. One who really knows does not become
proud because of any particular view, learning, thought, or experience, for
he is not tied to, influenced by, or led by any of these momentary illusions..
He is completely released through his understanding. But those who cling to
certain experiences and particular views wander about causing controversy!
Sutta-Nipata 839-842-844-846-847 Edited excerpt.



Commentary:
This true speech made Magandiya and his wife never-returners (Anagamins).



More on selfless impersonality, ego-lessness, the No-Self fact (Anatta):
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/I-dentification.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Ego-Projection.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Egoless.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Anatta_No_Self.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Self-less_Anatta.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Uprooting_Egoism.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Anatta_Doctrine.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Invisible_Impersonlatity.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Experiencing_Egolessness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Neither_Agent_nor_Actor.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Without Controversy!

Friends:

One becomes Calmed by Stilling all Agitation!

The brahmin Magandiya asked the Buddha about how to become calmed:
Not dwelling in the past, stilled in the present, one prefers no kind of future!
Without irritation, without agitation, without regrets, without worry, neither
boasting, nor proud, but humble and modest, one is indeed a restrained sage...
Withdrawn, not opposed to anything, not wanting anything, all unconcerned,
aloof, gentle, independent, for such one there exists neither craving or fear
for any kind of existence, nor craving or fear for any form of non-existence...
Such calmed one is indifferent to sense pleasures, detached, not clinging to
any kind of property! For him there is nothing more to take up or lay down!
For whatever others might accuse him, he remains tranquil and not agitated!
Neither opposed to anything, nor attracted to anything, with nothing of his
own, not perturbed by what does not exist, such tranquil one is truly calmed!
Sutta-Nipata 849-861 Edited excerpt.



More on Calm (Samatha) = Tranquil Ease:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Calm.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Forest_Bliss.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Silenced.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Calm_Power.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Calm_and_Insight.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Tranquil_One.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/s_t/samatha.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Breathing_Calm_and_Insight.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Calmed...

Friends:

Mere Wishing cannot produce Happiness!

May 2010 become more Calm, due to better focus on Tranquillity...
May 2010 become more Modest by renouncing all puffed Pride...
May 2010 become more Peaceful by giving up all Anger and Hate...
May 2010 become less Painful by relinquishing all Craving and Clinging...
May 2010 become less Discontent by cultivation of Rejoicing Mutual Joy...
May 2010 become entirely Happy through the eradication of Ignorance!


Happy New-Year 2010 to all friends. Yeah!

How to Meditate? Check here:
http://what-buddha-said.net/library/Manual/Meditation.Manual.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Focus 2010...

Friends:

Compassion is the Core of Buddhism!

Overcome the angry by friendliness,
overcome the wicked by goodness,
overcome the miser by generosity,
overcome the liar by truth...
Dhammapada 223

He who neither punishes, nor makes others punish,
He who neither steals, nor makes others steal,
who in friendly goodwill shares with all that lives,
such kind gentle one meets no enmity anywhere...
Itivuttaka 27

Train yourself in doing only what is good,
that will last and bring great happiness!
Cultivate generosity, a peaceful living,
and a mentality of infinite friendliness...
Itivuttaka 16



More on Friendly Goodwill (Metta): The sweetest fragrance of all!
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/brahma_vihaara.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Unsurpassable_Radiance.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Grace_of_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Released_by_GoodWill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/The_11_Advantages.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Genuine_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Goodwill_Encore.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Blazing_Goodwill.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Cosmic_Goodness.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Loving-Kindness.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Goodness Galore _/\_ :-)

Friends:

Doubt is overcome by asking those who Know!

The brahmin Magandiya once asked the Buddha some subtle questions:
Question: How does quarrels and disputes arise?
Answer: From what is liked and beloved arise quarrels and disputes.

Question: How does these likes, longings and hopes emerge?
Answer: Likes, longings and hopes all have desire as their origin.

Question: How does this desire come into being?
Answer: Desire arises depending on pleasure and pain.

Question: How does pleasure and pain then appear?
Answer: Pleasure and pain arises depending on contact.

Question: How does this event of contact happen?
Answer: Contact arises dependent upon name and form.

Question: How does such sensed contact completely cease?
Answer: When form has disappeared, contacts cannot make contact....

Question: In which mental state does all forms of form disappear?
Answer: In neither-perception-nor-non-perception does all form disappear!

Question: Is this state the supreme mental purity?
Answer: The state of quenching without remaining clinging is the supreme!
The recluse does neither dispute that, nor does he renew any existence...

Sutta-Nipata 862-877 Edited excerpt.



More on clearing Doubt-&-Uncertainty by asking questions:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Noble_Purpose.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Sakkas_Question.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Who_is_the_Creator.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/V/Questions_to_the_Boy.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Feeding_Investigation.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Neither_Agent_nor_Actor.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Fixed_Destiny_or_Free_Will.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Curing_Doubt_and_Uncertainty.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Questions and Answers...

Friends:

Quenching all Craving & Clinging Releases!

The brahmin Magandiya once asked the Buddha about how to detach:

Question: How does one quench all this urge of craving and clinging?

Answer:
One should stop all mental diversification and proliferation by giving up the
conception "I am"! This internal craving for existence should be dispelled...
Whatever theory one understands should neither induce pride, nor thereby
regarding of 'Me' as better, worse or equal to anyone. When contacted by
various forms, one should not form a mental image or concept about a self!
Such friend is at peace within himself & need not seek peace from another!
He neither takes up, nor lays down anything. Therefore he cannot be moved!
He does not desire any sights, sounds, flavours, amusements or common talk.
He would not cherish or delight in any phenomena at all, in the entire world...
When affected by pain, he does not lament, nor does he long for survival or
tremble, when in great danger. He would not accumulate anything, whether
things, eatables or clothes. Nor is he afraid of not receiving or loosing all...
Such Bhikkhu is a meditator, not foot-loose, pure, not negligent, dwelling in
remote lodgings, where there is little noise & no disturbance from company...
Sutta-Nipata 915-925 Edited excerpt.



On this Craving (Tanha) and Clinging (Upadana) that has to be quenched:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/s_t/tanhaa.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/u_v/upaadaana.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Craving_is_Catastrophic.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_3_kinds_of_Craving.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_4_kinds_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Clinging_to_the_notion_I_Am.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/What_are_the_5_Clusters_of_Clinging.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/The_2nd_Noble_Truth_on_The_Cause_of_Suffering.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Quenched...

Friends:

Giving up everything, one is Calmed!

The Blessed Buddha once summarized his own mental development like this:
Fear comes from embracing violence. Looking at people quarreling I became
agitated. Seeing people floundering, like fish floundering when hauled out of
water, seeing them opposing others, made fear and consternation arise in me!
The world was without safety anywhere, in all quarters conflict tossed about.
Yet I wanted to find a safe peaceful dwelling-place for myself, I could not...
Dissatisfied, seeing opposition itself, I realized that the barb is here within,
hard to see, not out there in the world, but in here nestling deep in the mind.
Injured by this barb, one runs in all directions. Having pulled that barb out,
one neither runs, nor stands still... That relief requires purifying training:
One should be truthful, and neither mischievous, nor deceiving, rid of gossip!
One should overcome lethargy and laziness, be fully aware, and not negligent.
One should not bestow affection upon any external form, & give up all pride
over any internal form. Neither longing back for the past, nor liking any new,
one will not grieve, when something is vanishing. One should give up whatever
fascination attaching to a given object. Greed is like a great flood. Desire is
like the current. Sense objects are like the shifting tides. Sense pleasure is
like vast stretches of deep entrapping mud, which is very hard to cross over..
Not deviating from the Dhamma, crossing by that truth, the sage, a recluse,
comes to stand safe on high ground. Having given up everything, he is calmed!
Sutta-Nipata 935-946 Edited excerpt.



More on this relieving relinquishment:
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Free_from_Fear.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Leaving_All_Behind.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Not_Resisting_Anything.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka.
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Not Resisting even Violent Fear!

Friends:

Without desires, cravings or doubts one is Silenced!

The venerable Todeyya once asked the Blessed Buddha:
One who has cooled all sense desire, cut all craving, and overcome all doubts,
is there any higher release for him?
In whom no sensual pleasures dwell, Todeyya, said the Blessed One, and for
whom no craving exists, and who has crossed over all doubts, for such one is
there no other higher release... Todeyya then further asked:
Is he without longings, or is he hoping? Does he possess final understanding,
or is he still seeking understanding? Please explain this to me, Sakyan with
universal vision, so that I may recognise a true sage.
He is without longings, he is not hoping for anything. He do indeed possess
complete understanding, he is not searching for anything. In this very way,
Todeyya, recognise the sage, he possesses nothing, he is neither attached to
any form of sense pleasure, nor to any form of existence. He is all silenced!
Sutta-Nipata 1088-91 Edited excerpt.

Comment:
While dwelling on these answers the venerable Todeyya became an arahat!


The Awakened Arahats just looks upon all in equanimity as if from above...

More on these Worthy and Awakened Arahats:
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/The_Sage.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Arahat_Qualities.htm
http://what-buddha-said.net/drops/V/Gentle_and_Controlled.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/The_Worthy_Arahat.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Best_among_Gods_and_Men.htm
http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Withdrawn_and_Accomplished.htm

Have a nice & noble day!

Friendship is the Greatest!
Bhikkhu Samahita _/\_ Sri Lanka
http://What-Buddha-Said.net

Without Doubts!