The Vasala Sutta (The Discourse of Outcastes)

The Vasala Sutta (The Discourse of Outcastes)


On one occasion, the Supreme Buddha entered the city of Savatthi for alms.

At that time, a Brahmin happened to be kindling a fire for a ritual offering.

When the Brahmin saw the Buddha, he felt uneasy and spoke to Him harshly, saying,

"Stay there ! O shaveling ! Stop there, O miserable monk ! Stay there, O wretched outcaste !"


Unperturbed, the Buddha asked the Brahmin,

"O Brahmin, do you know who an outcaste is ? Or, do you know what makes one an outcaste ?"

No, I don't," replied the Brahmin, "Would Venerable Gotama be good enough to tell me ?"


And that's when The Buddha, the Great Teacher, gave Brahmin Aggika Bharadvaja, The Discourse on Outcastes.


1) "If a person tends to get angry and habours hatred, if a person growls and grumbles, if one is vicious, if one's views are awry, and if one is deceitful,

Know such a person as an outcaste.


2) If a person hurts a living being; if, in a person, there is no love or sympathy for living beings,

Know such a person as an outcaste.


3) If a person is given to destroying, if one besieges villages and market-towns, intimidating those who live there, attacking innocent people, if one earns a notoriety as a terrorist/oppressor,

Know such a person as an outcaste.


4) Whether in the village or in a forest, if someone steals what belongs to others, or if one takes what is not given -

Know him to be an outcaste.


5) If a person were to take a loan, but were to evade when asked to repay, saying, "I am not indebted to you," -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


6) If a person needing some little thing kills a man walking along a road, and takes some trivial thing -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


7) If an individual, when asked to give evidence, utters lies either for his own sake, or for the sake of another, or for the sake of money -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


8) If a person, whether by force, or by mutual consent, is seen among the wives of relatives or of friends (ie. Has extra-marital affairs / sexual misconduct) -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


9) If a person while being rich, possessing considerable wealth, does not look after one's aged Mother or Father who is decrepit and whose youth is gone -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


10) If a person were to strike physically, or by harsh speech, one's mother, father, brother, sister or one's parents-in-law -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


11) If an individual were to give veiled advice to a person to do harm when that person seeks advice about moral virtues -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


12) If an individual, having done a wrong deed, desires not to be known as the doer of that crime, denying committing the evil deeds, and is secretive in/of his actions -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


13) If a person, who had partaken of delicious food at another's house, does not treat that other person well when he comes to his house -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


14) If a person were to deceive by uttering lies, a brahman, an ascetic or any other wandering monk -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


15) If a person were to scold a brahmin, or an ascetic who comes when meal-time is at hand, and does not give him alms -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


16) If a person, shrouded in ignorance and desiring trivial profits, speaks untruths -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


17) If an individual while praising one's own self, were to denigrate others, being of a lowly mind because of undue pride -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


18) If a person is angry, miserly, given to evil desires, selfish, deceitful, avaricious, sly, shameless, unafraid to do wrong -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


19) If a person were to denounce the Buddha or his (Noble) disciples, or a wandering ascetic or a (Noble) householder -

Know such a person to be an outcaste.


20) If, an individual, while not being holy, or perfected saint, were to claim to be a saint (Noble One), he is a cheat of the whole universe, including the world of the Brahmas.

Indeed he is the worst of outcastes.

Such persons are indeed characterised as outcastes.

Let me tell you, they are the worst outcastes.


One does not become an outcaste by birth.

One does not become a brahmin by birth.

One becomes an outcaste due to deeds.

One becomes a brahman due to deeds.

Know that by this example I will give you.

Sopaka, the son of an outcaste, became famous as Matanga.

He attained the highest glory that is rare to come by.

Khattiyas (Royal Warriors) and many brahmins attended upon him.

Ascending the celestial chariot,

Discarding desire and passion, he took The Noble path of passionlessness and was gone to the world of the Brahmas.

His birth did not prove an obstacle to be born in the world of the Brahmas.

Even those privileged Brahmins, born into the clans of brahmanic scholars, in whose blood the sacred texts run, are frequently seen doing evil.

They are found fault with, in this birth itself.

After death, they are born in woeful states.

Birth cannot protect them from being born in woeful states or from being blamed.

(So let me tell you)

One does not become an outcaste by birth.

One does not become a brahmin by birth.

One becomes an outcaste by/due to deeds.

One becomes a brahmin by/due to deeds."

How Buddha Taught (Part 3) - Rahula

How Buddha Taught (Part 3) - Rahula


One day, the Buddha visited his son, Rahula, in his cell.

Rahula received the Buddha with due honour, prepared a seat for Him, and brought water to wash the Buddha's feet.

The Buddha took the water little by little in a small vessel, pouring water on His feet with it.

He placed the small vessel upside down and asked Rahula,

"Is there any more water in this little vessel now?"

Rahula replied dutifully and respectfully,

"As the vessel is turned upside down, there is no more water left in it at all."

The Buddha nodded his head and smiled, saying to Rahula,

"Rahula, just as no water remains in a vessel that is upturned, not even a vestige of virtue will remain in a person who utters lies."





"For the person who transgresses in one thing, I tell you, there is no evil deed that is not to be done.

Which one thing?

This : Telling a deliberate lie.

The person who lies, who transgresses in this one thing, transcending concern for the world beyond;

There's no evil he might NOT do."

- The Buddha, Itivuttaka 25





"Easy to do are things that are evil and not beneficial to oneself,

But very difficult indeed, to do, is that which is beneficial and good."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 163





"There is no evil that cannot be done by the liar,

Who has transgressed the one law (of truthfulness)

And who is indifferent to a world beyond."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 176





"Guard against evil speech, control your speech.

Giving up evil speech,

Cultivate good speech."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 232






"Just as rust is formed from iron, and corrodes the iron from which it is formed,

So also, his own deeds lead the transgressor to a lower plane of existence."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 240





"He who destroys life, tells lies, takes what is not given, commits adultery, and is addicted to intoxicating drinks (and things), digs his own roots even in this very life."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 246 - 247





"One who tells lies (about others) goes to niraya (woeful state);

One who has done evil, and says, "I didn't do it", also goes to niraya.

Both of them being evil doers,

Suffer alike (in niraya) in their next existence."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 306

How Buddha Taught (Part 2) - The Horse Trainer

How Buddha Taught (Part 2) - The Horse Trainer


Once, a horse trainer by the name of Kesi came to visit the Buddha.

Seeing Kesi, The Buddha asked him :

"Kesi, you are an expert in the training of horses. What do you do to train an untamed horse?"


"O Venerable Sir, I'll train the horse softly first.

At times, I train horses harshly, too.

Other times, I may train it both softly and harshly."


"Kesi, if you cannot train the horse in all 3 ways, what would you do ?"

"Sir, if I cannot train it in any one of those methods above, I will kill it so that my tradition of training will not be tarnished."


Then, Kesi asked the Buddha,

"Sir, I am described as 'assadamma sarathi' - expert in training horses.

Whereas you, Sir, is described as 'Purisa Damma Sarathi' - the expert in the training of men.

Just now, I described to you how I tame horses. Can you tell me how you train men?"

"Certainly," replied the Buddha.

"Kesi, I too train them in soft, kind manner.

But I train them in harsh ways, too.

Sometimes, I'll mix the 2 methods - both soft and harsh."


"But Venerable Sir, what if you cannot train someone using all these 3 methods? What would you do?"

"Kesi, I will 'kill' him," said the Buddha.


Startled, Kesi asked, "But Sir ! Isn't it unseemly for Buddhas to kill? They must not kill, is it not, Sir?"

Smiling kindly, the Buddha said in a reassuring tone, "Yes, that is true, Kesi...

What I mean by 'killing' is : If I cannot train him in all those 3 methods, I will refrain from instructing him - from advising him. I will give him up as a person to be advised or taught.

Setting aside a person, refraining from advising him both by myself and my disciples, is, in terms of the code of Discipline of the Noble Buddhist Dispensation, like 'killing'. It is the most severe punishment."

(Anguttara Nikaya - Catukka Nipata - Kesi Sutta)







"If, as the disciple fares along, he meets no companion who is better or equal,

Let him firmly pursue his solitary career.

There is no fellowship with the foolish."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 61








"If you don't get a prudent companion who (is fit) to live with you, who behaves well and is wise,

Then like a king who leaves a conquered kingdom,

You should live alone as an elephant does in the elephant forest."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 329

"Better it is to live alone.

There is no fellowship with the ignorant.

Let one live alone doing no evil, care-free, like an elephant in the elephant forest."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 330

"Associate with good friends, who are energetic and whose livelihood is pure;

Let him be amiable and be correct in his conduct.

Then (frequently) feeling much joy, he will make an end of dukkha (round of rebirths)."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 376

The Buddha's path was intended for all who cared and dared to take up the challenge .......

There would be no point in teaching those who would NOT listen, or who listen without respect or interest, taking the Dhamma for granted and treating it as merely common place."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun

How Buddha Taught (Part 1) - Is It Love ?

How Buddha Taught (Part 1) - Is It Love ?


One day, Prince Abhayaraja offered alms to the Buddha in his house.

After the offering, Prince Abhayaraja said to The Buddha,

"Venerable Sir, don't mind me saying this - but sometimes you speak words that hurt others, Such as, "Devadatta will go to the evil state. No one can help him." -

When you say things like that, Devadatta get angry. And it seems to me there's no difference between yourself and ordinary worldlings when you talk like that."

The Buddha looked at the Prince, who at that moment was carrying his 2 year old infant son in his arms, replied,

"O Royal Prince, I speak the Truth as it is. But I never say harsh things to anyone.

Let us take an example.

If your infant son were to put a pebble or a morsel of dirt in his mouth, what will you do?"

"I'll take it out immediately", came the unhesitating reply.

"What if it's not easy to take out?" asked the Buddha again.

I'll do whatever it takes - put my finger in my son's mouth, bend it, probe the mouth etc, anything - as long as I can take out whatever he has put in his mouth", answered the Prince.

"But when you do that, you may cause discomfort, or maybe even hurt the child, isn't it?" The Buddha enquired.

"Certainly!" came the reply.

Looking at the Prince, the Buddha asked, "Did you do it because you love your child, or because you did not love your child?"

"Of course it's because I love my child!" cried the Prince.

Nodding his head in understanding, the Buddha said,

"In the same way, when I speak out the Truth as it really is, some people may feel hurt. Others may get angry.

But I do not say these things to hurt them. I say it precisely because of my deep love and limitless compassion for them."






"Only a loving and kind friend who truly cares about you would tell you your faults.

Others only lie and give you false hopes,

Sinking you further and deeper into samsara - Suffering."






"The Buddha only say things as it is;

His Teachings - The Dhamma is simple.

We are the ones who complicate things, who can't accept, who misinterpret, who distort and change the Truth based on our perception, past conditioning, views, opinions and beliefs."





"One should follow a wise man who admonishes one for one's faults;

As one would follow a guide to some buried treasure.

To one who follows such a wise man, it will be an advantage, and NOT a disadvantage."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 76






"The wise man should admonish others;

He should give advice and should prevent others from doing wrong;

Such a man in held dear by the good;

He is disliked only by the bad."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 77






"The foolish man, who, on account of false views,

Scorns the teachings of the Arahants,

The Noble Ones and the Righteous,

Produces fruit like the bamboo,

Only for self-destruction."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 164






"Long is the night to the wakeful;

Long is the journey to the weary;

Long is samsara to the foolish who knows not the Sublime Truth."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 60






"The evil done by oneself, arising in oneself,

And caused by oneself,

Destroys the foolish one,

Just as a diamond grinds a hard gem."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 161






"Just as rust is formed from iron,

And corrodes the iron from which it is formed,

So also, his own deeds lead the transgressor to a lower plane of existence."

- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 240






" 知错 能/肯 改，还不用紧；

帕的是, 知错却不肯改；

更糟的是，不知错也不肯改."

Celebration

Celebration


When we talk about celebration, we usually talk about the so-called happy occasions - birthdays, weddings, promotions, winning something etc etc etc.

Hardly anyone would talk about celebrating death.

Imagine the following :


1) "The doctor said you'll be dying? Oh, that's nice! How are you going to celebrate it?"

Or

2) "Your folk just passed away? Congratulations! How are you and your family going to celebrate it?"



Anyway, increasingly however, I noticed a change in the way funerals are held - no longer is it sad and gloomy -

Instead, there will be bands to play 'Pop' music, and even opera performances to entertain, I believe, not just the deceased, but more so the guests and neighbours,

And not forgetting the delicious food catered for the hungry ghosts ... oops! er ... guests, I mean, and probably the deceased, as well.

I think that's kind of nice ........ although a bit excessive, showy and a total waste of money cos' the money could have been put to better use.

The celebration could be done in a simpler manner, and the money spent/used for all the extravagance can be donated to the needy/charity, and in the process, benefit the departed loved ones and those living as well.

Don't you think?

(Read 'Reflect On It' : No. 4 - Dead & Gone; Alive & Ignored - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2006/11/reflect-on-it.html ,

Why Oh Why : No.3 - Why Burn - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/01/why-oh-why.html )


But I agree that Death should be celebrated.

One thing I know for myself is that when I die,

1) The body : No need to make-up or drain - let it rot, smell and decompose as it is; with the maggots festering and crawling all over it - so that people can see The Truth of the body - that it is ugly, dirty, smelly and filthy.

Thereafter, dispose of it as deemed appropriate, so that it can return to where it truly belongs, where it actually/originally came from : Earth, Wind, Fire and Water.


2) The funeral :

i) As simple and as low cost as possible. I'm not rich, you know. I'm very poor.

ii) Just a normal coffin will do - nothing fanciful. I'm a simple person.

iii) If possible, invite some good monastics to give Dhamma talks - they'll ensure that everyone returns home, happily enlightened.

iv) No tears to be shed. Should there be any tears at all, it'll be tears of laughter, of joy, of happiness, and not of sadness or grief.

v) Throughout the ?days, everyone will be laughing and smiling.

Happiness abound.

In other words, Celebrate! Have fun! Enjoy! Pop the water bottles and cheer.

No alcohol please. Precept No 5 : No intoxicants.

And no mahjong, card games of any kind, or any form of gambling that will bring disturbance to the neighbourhood. In short, no vices.


vi) Dhamma books, and if possible, a publication copy of this whole blog from beginning to the end to be given free-of-charge (read : Priceless) to all guests and on-lookers.

vii) AND, please avoid burning anything (i.e. incense papers, houses etc) to me cos' I know I will NOT receive it.

It's a total waste of time, money, energy, and effort; and is harmful and pollutes the environment and hurts the health of everyone attending the celebration.

Did I tell you I'm allergic to smoke?

Besides, have you ever consider or think about what are the benefits and/or wisdom of burning?

Real benefits / wisdom, I mean.

If there are none, but leads to only more delusion and foolishness, which is what it really does, then please abandon the practice.


viii) Also, no bands or opera or 'getai' etc - performance of any kind - it's noisy, loud and so uncouth.

It disturbs the neighbours and the peace of the surrounding environment.

I'm a considerate person, and such activities are just so 'not me'.

Besides, I have to bear with loud noises when I was alive; surely you can let me die in a peaceful, serene, soft, gentle and refine manner, which is more appropriate and more 'me'?

Have you heard of noise pollution?


ix) I noticed that the bands would play for a long time before the coffin gets loaded up.

If I'm the fella, I'll probably be getting impatient.

For goodness' sake, I spend my whole life waiting, and now that I'm dead, you still want me to wait?!!

I don't know about you, all that I know is, I don't need all this 'drama-drama' and unnecessary procession.

Now that I'm dead, I want to leave as fast as possible.


And that's how I'll celebrate my death.

How about you? How will you celebrate yours?






"When they are seen and heard,

People are called by this name or that,

But only the name remains to be pointed to

When they are dead."

- The Buddha, Sutta Nipata IV.6

"Death is no cause for sorrow, but it would be sorrow if one dies without having done something for oneself and for the world."

- Venerable Dr K Sri Dhammananda






"Through many a birth in samsara have I wandered in vain,

Seeking the builder of this house (of life).

Repeated birth is indeed suffering!

O house-builder, you are seen!

You shall NOT build this house EVER again.

For thy rafters are broken

Thy ridge pole shattered.

My mind has reached the Unconditioned;

I have attained

The destruction of Craving."

- The Buddha






"As a man, I was born.

As a man, I shall live.

As a Buddha, I shall die;

But as a Buddha, I shall NEVER be reborn ever again."

- The Buddha





"The task is done,

The journey completes;

There is nothing further for this world."






"Mistakes, I have made;

Regrets - NONE."

"Nothing

Exist/belong Nowhere

Just a light in the dark."
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I die, I die.

I die, I die.


A student asked me once if I was afraid to die.

I said no.

She told me she is.

I believe she is not alone.

Many people are. ( Read "Chicken pox and me" - 16/04/07 )

I suppose people are afraid because of the uncertainty,

And also due to the lack of knowledge about death.


Actually,

Death - What is there to be afraid of ?

There are some people who claimed to be so good,

And maybe even holy;

But wherever they go, they need and have a whole entourage of people, guards, armies and soldiers protecting them, surrounding them.


Honestly, if they're truly so good and morally upright,

They'll have nothing to fear -

Cos' the power of their goodness and virtues will protect them.

And, if they're truly enlightened,

The more they have nothing to worry or fear,

Cos' they would have understood, realised and let go.

And they probably can't wait to go, too.

Cos it'll mean the end of their suffering - freed from all worldly bondage, and the rounds of births and rebirths in Samsara,

And no longer under and subjected to the influence and torment of the 5 khandhas (i.e. body, feeling, thought fabrication/imagination, memory and sense consciousness) which are really a burden that all wise men are glad to be relieved of.

However, if there's still a trace of fear in their hearts, it only goes to show they haven't let go - ie. not enlightened yet.

And it also shows they're not so good and holy after all.


As a child, and even now as an adult, I've crossed swords with Death so many times.

(Read Close Encounters of the 'Death' kind - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/01/close-encounter-of-death-kind.html )

To me, all that I know is,

I die, I die.







"From the physical aspect :

Everyone dies.

There is no one ( and nothing ) in this world who doesn't die.

From the spiritual aspect :

In Truth/Reality, nothing really dies.

When one form ceases, another will arise in its place;

And round and round the cycle ( of Samsara ) goes,

And never ends."







"All living beings, without exception, is subjected to birth, ageing, disease and Death."

- The Buddha






"From craving springs grief;

From craving springs fear.

For him who is wholly free from craving,

There's no grief, much less fear."

- The Buddha








"Wheresoever fear arises,

It arises in the minds of the fool.

Not in that of the wise man."

- The Buddha








"Shame and fear is there only when one committed evil, does wrong things.

For him who is wholly restrained and morally upright,

There's no shame;

Nor fear."








"The one thing we should all be afraid of in this world,

Is NOT death;

But in doing wrong/evil."








"Whoever is afraid of death,

Taking delight in birth,

Can (and will) NEVER realise the Dhamma."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun

"Fear death and you will die again."

- Venerable Ajahn Mahha Boowa Nanasampanno

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" ........ In one whose fetters are ended,

All fears are overcome.

With the ending of craving,

The guide to becoming,

When phenomena are seen for what they are,

Then just as in laying down of a burden,

There is no fear in death.

I have lived well the Holy life,

Well developed the path.

Death holds no fear for me,

It's like the end of a disease.

......... One gone to the far shore

Without clinging

Without effluent

His task completed,

Welcomes the ending of life,

As if freed from a place of execution.

Having attained the Supreme Rightness,

Unconcerned with all the world,

As if released from a burning house,

He does not sorrow at death."

- Venerable Adhimutta, Theragatha XVI.1

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..

"I don't delight in death,

Don't delight in living.

I await my time

Like a worker his wage."

- Venerable Revata, Theragatha XIV.1








"Fear, I have been afraid;

Boldness, I have been bold;

Love, I have loved;

Hate, I have hated;

Detestation, I have detested;

Anger, I have been angry -

All this because I have a heart,

I am not a dead man,

Or monk.

But I have tried with my utmost ability to train myself without ever slipping back or giving way.

Those things which used to be in-charge and overpowering

Crumbled away under the power of the work and diligence of

The One who is NOT afraid to die."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun

"I die, I die.

I don't give a damn anymore.

I spit at birth, I spit at life

Life and Birth is nothing but Suffering!

I've tasted it all, seen it all -

Enough !

I want NOTHING to do with life or birth NO MORE!

Shavasana - The Art of Dying

Shavasana - The Art of Dying


Shavasana - Corpse pose.

My students' favourite pose.

All my students love this pose.

They always can't wait to lie down, to go into this pose;

So that they can sleep.

Sleeping time, they call it.

Sometimes, in the mid of other poses, they'll ask when will they get to lie down.

Or, to quote some,

"Haven't lie down yet, ah ?!!"


I wonder if they know that this pose is practising to die -

Preparing for death.

After all, it is the corpse pose,

And death is 'sleeping', isn't it ?


Before everyone gets panicky and give up yoga completely,

May I also add that shavasana is also a kind of meditation -

Sleeping/lying down meditation.


I remember when I was 10, my grandpa died.

It was said that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

And I can understand why.

Cos' he settled everything.

My grandpa was a very good, honourable and respectable man;

And I love him very much.


A yoga session can be liken to our life :

Sometimes hard and tiring, maybe even demanding (Sun salutation);

Sometimes difficult and painful (holding of poses).

Sometimes calm and peaceful (balancing poses);

Sometimes relaxing and easy (restorative poses).

The final part, is of course, to die.

The only thing/question is,

Can we die peacefully and happily (like my grandpa) ?


Some of my students, the moment they lie down, they fall asleep.

And even snore.

These are the really smart ones.

Cos' they let go easily.


There are others who can't even keep their eyes closed.

They have to open their eyes and think think think.

Even with their eyes closed, you can see that they're still absorbed in their thinking.

These are the ones who have a lot of stress and worries.

Who can't let go,

Who have a lot of unfinished business.

And, they'll also have a hard time when it's time to go.

Of course the ideal is to totally let go.

Of the body, the mind (the knower), the senses, the world, past and future.

But how many of us can do that ?


A lot of my students say they feel very relaxed in shavasana.

I wonder if they'll feel the same when it's time to die.

And if only they'll like dying as much as they like being in the 'corpse pose'.







"Death with detachment is the death of all worries and sufferings."

- Venerable Ajahn Mun

"You are getting old.

Your body is like a withered leaf.

Your life has come to an end now.

To the presence of death you are setting out.

Be wise and develop your devotion and spiritual way of life.

Make an island unto yourself.

Strive without delay;

Become wise.

Having removed (all) impurities and being free from moral defilements,

You'll no longer be subject to rebirth and decay."

- The Buddha

"What is to be done, is done;

Now you can rest."

"RIP : Rest in Peace."

"Death is nature's way of telling us to slow down;

And STOP."

"When it's time to die, die.

Happily and peacefully;

Knowing all the love, joy and

Happiness you've brought to people's hearts,

And the help and service you've rendered them."