Tag: Dharma

  • Death as Process

    A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma: The Abhidhammattha Sangaha of Ācariya Anuruddha By Anuruddha, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Bodhi, Nārada, Revatadhamma, U Sīlānanda Published by Buddhist Publication Society, 1999First BPS Pariyatti Edition, 2000 ISBN : 1928706029EAN : 9781928706021Cover : PaperbackPages : 432Size : 214 x 214mm The advent of death is fourfold, namely: (i) through the expiration of…

  • Death – Understanding the Inevitable

    Majjhima Nikaya MN.9.21-23 Sammaadi.t.thi Sutta: Right View (AGEING AND DEATH) [spoken by Mahaathera Saariputta] (สัมมาทิฏฐิสูตร) 21. “When, friends, a noble disciple understands ageing and death, the origin of ageing and death, the cessation of ageing and death, and the way leading to the cessation of ageing and death, in that way he is one of…

  • Abandon what is not yours

    Majjhima Nikaya MN.22. Alagadduupama Sutta: The Simile of the Snake (อลคัททูปมสูตร) 40. “Therefore, bhikkhus whatever is not yours, abandon it, when you have abandoned it, that will lead to your welfare and happiness for a long time. What is it that is not yours? Material form (ruupa) is not yours. Abandon it. When you have…

  • Love and Attachment

    In a worldly way, it is normal and praiseworthy that people are attached to family and friends. We are expected to display emotions that imply deep attachment and concern for our loved ones. In a Buddhist way, we try to remove attachment to all things including family and friends because any attachment is unsatisfactory and…

  • Birth

    Majjhima Nikaya MN.9. Sammaadi.t.thi Sutta: Right View [spoken by Mahaathera Saariputta] (สัมมาทิฏฐิสูตร) 26. “And what is birth, what is the origin of birth, what is the cessation of birth, what is the way leading to the cessation of birth? The birth of beings in the various orders of beings, their coming to birth, precipitation [in…

  • Mental Occupations – Skilful Mental Objects

    Beginners may develop a skilful mind by cultivatingthe five controlling faculties (indriya) and the five mental powers (bala)1. confidence (saddha)2. wisdom/discernment (panna)3. mindfulness (sati)4. concentration (samaadhi) and5. energy (viriya) andthe seven enlightenment factors (bojjha’nga) 1. mindfulness (sati)2. investigation (dhammavicaya)3. energy (viriya)4. joy/rapture (piiti)5. tranquillity (passadhi)6. concentration (samaadhi) and7. equanimity (upekkhaa) The four right strivings (samma-padhaana)…

  • The Removal of Distracting Thoughts

    MeditatingYogis, especially beginners, are often discouraged by distracting thoughts. They say that meditation is difficult and they want to give up because of distracting thoughts. Sincere yogis, can spend long periods sitting, walking or in other postures, apparently meditating but in fact, just thinking. Thoughts of the past, present and future keep arising and the…

  • Wise Attention to Eliminate Aasava-Taints

    Majjhimanikaaya MN.2. Sabbaasava Sutta: All the Taints (สัพพาสวสังวรสูตร)3. “Bhikkhus, I say that the destruction of the taints is for one who knows and sees, not for one who does not know and see. Who knows and what? Wise attention and unwise attention. When one attends unwisely, unarisen taints arise and arisen taints increase. When one…

  • Aasava – Taints are like a Seeping Abscess

    There have been moments when the mind is relatively clear and concentrated, peaceful and calm. Then an object that activates lust or anger arises and with that a subtle sensation in the chest area and at the back of the throat reminiscent of sickness also arises. Then sati-mindfulness and samaadhi-concentration declines and awareness becomes cloudy…

  • Noting the Object

    I read a few pages from Ven. Saydaw U Pandita’s book The State of Mind Called Beautiful. This is a great book for yogis practicing the technique of Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. I found many excellent passages. The following instructions struck a chord with me.p. 88. A meditator’s mind must continuously enter and penetrate the object.…