Mara's daughters Try to Seduce/Entice The Buddha
After The Buddha conquered Mara,
Mara felt despondent and sad over his utter defeat.
Seeing their father's dejection,
Mara's 3 daughters - Tanha (Craving), Arati (Aversion), and Raga (Passion/Lust),
Decide to tempt The Buddha through the lure of feminity.
As an act of revenge, they want and hope to bound The Buddha in the snares of passion and lust.
"We are womenfolk. We know men - Men are ALL Lustful.
All men go weak at the sight of women.
We shall assume different disguises cos menfolk have different tastes :
Some love young and tender females, others like women in the first phase of life.
Still others prefer those of middle phase.
Lets assume these various ages and allure this recluse."
As such, each of them create 100 ladies -
All beautiful and seductive.
Approaching The Buddha,
They said enticingly,
"Venerable Recluse, permit us to attend on you - sitting at your feet, satisfying all your needs."
Undettered, The Buddha remained unmoved and continued to be absorbed in His meditation without opening his eyes or casting them even a glance.
The 3 daughters tried relentlessly over and over again.
Finally, coming out from His meditation,
The Buddha told them,
"Go away dieties.
Of what benefit to you that you try to tempt me thus?
Such a thing should be done to those who are NOT freed yet -
From passion, hate and delusion.
As for me, I have absolutely done away with passion, done away with hate and delusion.
Having overcome passion, I have NOTHING to conquer again.
No defilement that has been conquered follows The Buddha.
The Buddha is devoid of craving -
Which like a net, would ensnare one back to existence;
Which like a venomous, poisonous glue clings and sticks onto things.
For The Buddha who has destroyed craving,
For the trackless Buddha of infinite range,
By which way will you trace Him?"
Hearing that, the 3 daughters of Mara realised that they can't entice The Buddha;
And like their father, Mara,
Dejected, they left the scene.
So, do you want to be like The Buddha i.e. free,
Or do you want to be stuck/trapped and glued in a venomous pit?
* * * Read
1) 'One is Enough' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/08/one-is-enough.html
2) 'Isn't She Lovely?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/09/isnt-she-lovely.html
3) 'How Foolish Can We Get Part 2 : The Trap' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/02/how-foolish-can-we-get-part-2-trap.html
4) 'Complain Complain' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/12/complain-complain.html
"As the creeper strangles the sal tree,
So also, a really immoral person overwhelmed by craving does to himself
Just what his enemy wishes him to suffer."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 162
"From lust springs grief,
From lust springs fear,
For him who is wholly free from lust,
There is NO grief,
Much less fear."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 215
"There is NO fire like lust,
No grip like hate,
No Net like delusion,
No river like craving."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 251
"A man who gives way to pleasure will be swept away by craving
And his thoughts will make him suffer,
Like waves."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 339
"A man's joys are always transient,
And since men devote themselves to pleasure,
Seeking after happiness,
They undergo birth and decay."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 341
"The craving of the person addicted to careless living,
Grows like a creeper.
He jumps from life to life
Like a monkey in the forest looking for fruit."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 334
"People beset with craving are terrified like a hare caught in a snare.
Therefore a bhikkhu who wishes his own passionlessness (Nibbana)
Should eradicate craving."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 343
"He whose mind is NOT soaked by lust,
He who is NOT affected by hatred,
He who has transcended both good and evil -
For such a vigilant one,
There is NO fear."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 39
"He who has reached the goal,
Is fearless,
Is without craving,
Is passionless,
Has cut off the thorns of life;
This, is his final body."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 351
"For him who has completed the journey,
For him who is sorrowless,
For him who from everything is wholly free,
For him who has destroyed ALL Ties,
The fever of passion exists NOT."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 90
"Whose conquest of passion is NOT turned into defeat,
Not conquered passion of his in this world follows him.
That trackless Buddha of infinite range,
By which way will you trace Him?
Him in whom there is NOT that entangling, embroiling craving to lead to any life,
Him the trackless Buddha of infinite range -
By which way will you trace Him?"
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 179/180
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Mara's Tenfold Army
Mara's Tenfold Army
1) Sensual Passion : 'You Mara, there are objects of sensuality, animate or inanimate,
And defilements of sensuality which is craving for these sensual objects,
Both these forms of sensuality cause those householders to become deluded so that they do NOT know The Truth.
These 2 consititutes your 1st Army.
There are householders who die still as worldlings amidst their worldly possessions
Because they cannot let go of them,
Eventhough they know the rarity of the rise of a Buddha.
As for the monastics, the requisites of food, medicine, lodging and robes, are all materials of sensuality which may be craved and enjoyed by them.
There are also monastics who die still as worldlings amidst these 4 requisites
Because they can't give them up.
These householders and monastics meet their hideous death on encountering your 1st Army.
2) Discontentment : Even if they may have taken up the ascetic life after abandoning sensuality,
Some tend to be disturbed and corrupted by aversion and dissatisfaction/discontentment;
Not taking delight in being in recluse, in learning and practice, in seclusion of forest dwellings, in Meditation, Concentration and Insight/Wisdom.
This, is the 2nd Army of yours, Mara.
3) Hunger and Thirst : Although a few may have overcome the 2nd Army,
But while observing the Dhutanga practices,
Some cannot eat to their heart's content,
And are therefore not satisfied, and become hungry again.
As thirst and hunger sets in, they lose interest in the practice and become drowned in this 3rd Army of yours.
4) Craving : Being oppressed by the burning desire to take food and drinks, many become physically and mentally weak;
Disheartened, indolent and unhappy.
They do NOT continue the practice they are engaged in.
5) Laziness, Sloth and Torpor : Becoming lazy, they get bored.
And with no progress in their spiritual practice,
They take to sleeping in their monasteries.
This is your 5th Army.
6) Fear : Sleeping excessively, their minds become dull, and their meditation practice deteriorates.
Overwhelmed by craving, they become fearful, weak and confused.
Theses monastics drowned themselves in your 6th Army.
7) Doubt/Uncertainty : Even if they were to get back to their meditation practices, having overcome fear,
Your 7th Army : 'Doubt' attacks them on their faith/conviction in Me, The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha.
8) Haughtiness, Ego, Pride and Conceit : While some escape your 7th Army, putting in efforts night and day,
They burn themselves in your 8th Army when unusual signs from meditation appear to them.
Like you, they think highly of themselves and do not accord others their rightful place,
Giving no respect to their competent teachers
And instead, raise their own profile.
9) Fame, Recognition, Fortune, Glory and Praise : As they go on meditating, they see even more unusual signs.
Taking them - the signs - as real,
They become proud of their advancement,
Boasting their 'achievement'.
They destroy themselves in your 9th Army of craving and conceit,
Being pleased and swollen to see the spread of their name,
The amount of gifts they receive, the gains they got,
The increase in ignorant followers eventough they are preaching the false doctrines,
All through the burning desire and craving to increase their ill-gotten gains.
10) Self-praise and condemnation of others : As their ego rises,
They become pleased when they're being praised and become displeased when people question them.
They praise themselves and those who blindly support them, and condemn others who do the Right Practice.
Bringing to their own downfall of pride, conceit and deceit,
They 'kill' themselves in your 10th Army.
"You Mara, who prevent by force, the liberation of devas, humans and Brahmas from the rounds of suffering,
And whose forces are enormous.
I will have you know that :
This Prince Gotama Siddhatta is a Noble Man, a True Hero,
Who will fight you till the end.
If I have to withdraw from battle and be defeated by you and remain alive in this world,
It will be utter disgust and shame for me.
Therefore, You Mara, know me as one who rather die in battle than to concede defeat and live in shame.
I shall fight you and defeat you and vanquish your army and raise The Flag of Victory!"
"Wisdom divorced from Dhamma,
However much it is developed,
CANNOT be appreciated, honoured or trusted."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"Wisdom for destructive purposes is essentially the wisdom of the animal world -
Where might is right,
Where force reigns supreme,
And where happiness comes from satisfying sadistic desires."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"The foolish one,
Who is Lazy, Gluttonous, and Sleepy,
Who just wallows like a well-fed pig,
Is subjected to Repeated Rebirths."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 325
"Faring far, wandering alone,
Bodiless, lying in a cave,
Is the mind.
Those who subdue it
Are Freed from the bond of Mara."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 37
1) Sensual Passion : 'You Mara, there are objects of sensuality, animate or inanimate,
And defilements of sensuality which is craving for these sensual objects,
Both these forms of sensuality cause those householders to become deluded so that they do NOT know The Truth.
These 2 consititutes your 1st Army.
There are householders who die still as worldlings amidst their worldly possessions
Because they cannot let go of them,
Eventhough they know the rarity of the rise of a Buddha.
As for the monastics, the requisites of food, medicine, lodging and robes, are all materials of sensuality which may be craved and enjoyed by them.
There are also monastics who die still as worldlings amidst these 4 requisites
Because they can't give them up.
These householders and monastics meet their hideous death on encountering your 1st Army.
2) Discontentment : Even if they may have taken up the ascetic life after abandoning sensuality,
Some tend to be disturbed and corrupted by aversion and dissatisfaction/discontentment;
Not taking delight in being in recluse, in learning and practice, in seclusion of forest dwellings, in Meditation, Concentration and Insight/Wisdom.
This, is the 2nd Army of yours, Mara.
3) Hunger and Thirst : Although a few may have overcome the 2nd Army,
But while observing the Dhutanga practices,
Some cannot eat to their heart's content,
And are therefore not satisfied, and become hungry again.
As thirst and hunger sets in, they lose interest in the practice and become drowned in this 3rd Army of yours.
4) Craving : Being oppressed by the burning desire to take food and drinks, many become physically and mentally weak;
Disheartened, indolent and unhappy.
They do NOT continue the practice they are engaged in.
5) Laziness, Sloth and Torpor : Becoming lazy, they get bored.
And with no progress in their spiritual practice,
They take to sleeping in their monasteries.
This is your 5th Army.
6) Fear : Sleeping excessively, their minds become dull, and their meditation practice deteriorates.
Overwhelmed by craving, they become fearful, weak and confused.
Theses monastics drowned themselves in your 6th Army.
7) Doubt/Uncertainty : Even if they were to get back to their meditation practices, having overcome fear,
Your 7th Army : 'Doubt' attacks them on their faith/conviction in Me, The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha.
8) Haughtiness, Ego, Pride and Conceit : While some escape your 7th Army, putting in efforts night and day,
They burn themselves in your 8th Army when unusual signs from meditation appear to them.
Like you, they think highly of themselves and do not accord others their rightful place,
Giving no respect to their competent teachers
And instead, raise their own profile.
9) Fame, Recognition, Fortune, Glory and Praise : As they go on meditating, they see even more unusual signs.
Taking them - the signs - as real,
They become proud of their advancement,
Boasting their 'achievement'.
They destroy themselves in your 9th Army of craving and conceit,
Being pleased and swollen to see the spread of their name,
The amount of gifts they receive, the gains they got,
The increase in ignorant followers eventough they are preaching the false doctrines,
All through the burning desire and craving to increase their ill-gotten gains.
10) Self-praise and condemnation of others : As their ego rises,
They become pleased when they're being praised and become displeased when people question them.
They praise themselves and those who blindly support them, and condemn others who do the Right Practice.
Bringing to their own downfall of pride, conceit and deceit,
They 'kill' themselves in your 10th Army.
"You Mara, who prevent by force, the liberation of devas, humans and Brahmas from the rounds of suffering,
And whose forces are enormous.
I will have you know that :
This Prince Gotama Siddhatta is a Noble Man, a True Hero,
Who will fight you till the end.
If I have to withdraw from battle and be defeated by you and remain alive in this world,
It will be utter disgust and shame for me.
Therefore, You Mara, know me as one who rather die in battle than to concede defeat and live in shame.
I shall fight you and defeat you and vanquish your army and raise The Flag of Victory!"
"Wisdom divorced from Dhamma,
However much it is developed,
CANNOT be appreciated, honoured or trusted."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"Wisdom for destructive purposes is essentially the wisdom of the animal world -
Where might is right,
Where force reigns supreme,
And where happiness comes from satisfying sadistic desires."
- Venerable Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"The foolish one,
Who is Lazy, Gluttonous, and Sleepy,
Who just wallows like a well-fed pig,
Is subjected to Repeated Rebirths."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 325
"Faring far, wandering alone,
Bodiless, lying in a cave,
Is the mind.
Those who subdue it
Are Freed from the bond of Mara."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 37
Monday, January 10, 2011
Who is Mara?
Who is Mara?
Mara is disguise , disturb, deceive, distort, distract, deter, delude so as to destroy.
Mara is a temptress; personification of evil.
Mara is NOT the lawful ruler of any deva world.
Mara is just like an ambitious rebel leader with many followers in the human world e.g. an underworld leader, a druglord, a mastermind of evil, etc.
Mara in Reality is just an inhabitant in the deva world, who happen to have some power,
But who thinks himself / herself so great,
That he/she is above/greater than The Buddha, The Dhamma , and Kamma.
Mara is just a being who's jealous of The Buddha,
Wants to be like The Buddha,
BUT Can't, and will NEVER be cos Mara lacks the calibre.
Just as The Buddha is the personification of Truth and Purity,
Helping beings to do good and earn merits for their present and future benefit and welfare,
Mara is the personification of evil, tempting and encouraging beings to do evil, engage in unwholesome, unrighteous, unskillful ways,
And dissuading them from doing good so as to destroy them and cause their long-term downfall and suffering.
Just as The Buddha is Light, Mara is Darkness whose heart is Totally BLACK.
While The Buddha and His Noble Disciples help to free beings and bring Peace and Bliss to the world,
Mara, together with the evil devas under him/her, bound beings and prevent/stop them from doing meritorious deeds, and instead,
Wreak havoc to the world.
While The Buddha is a Cultivator of Truth and Purity,
Mara is a cultivator of ALL things evil : Anger, Lust, Greed, Delusion, Conceit and Wrong/False Views.
As The Buddha Himself said,
"This wicked Mara is not at all aware that he himself has become a servant of mine :
Having been born in the Vasavatti Deva world just because of the few act of merit,
But having not the slightest knowledge about his own life span, the time of his death, and the realm of suffering which he is destined after his death,
He is thinking of himself :
'I am permanent. I am the only one who rules over the whole world.'
He does not reflect nor is he aware of his own plight and of the hazard of falling into the state of woes.
Due to such ignorance (i.e. foolishness),
He dares commit such wrongs."
So,
The next time you're egoistic, haughty, conceited, wants control and is unashame of your wrong doing, know that Mara is 'in' you.
Each time you're vain, lazy, indulging in sensual pleasures, engaging in idle chatter, false speech, act and pretend etc, that's a sign of Mara.
Whenever you're lustful, greedy, discontent, selfish and stingy, that's Mara inside of you.
Everytime you're jealous, resentful, have anger, enmity, ill-will and hate in your heart, speaking in harsh angry tones, know that Mara is present.
If you hurt, harm, kill and/or destroy through your thoughts, speech and actions,
Perform unskillful, unwholesome, unrighteous deeds,
Engaging in wrongful views and practices and encouraging others to do likewise,
YOU ARE MARA.
So bearing in mind ALL of the above,
Guard yourselves well,
If you do NOT want to be slave to Mara.
* * * Read 'Because' - A blog dedicated to All Maras in the world. - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/02/because.html
"Whoever lives contemplating pleasant things,
With senses UNrestrained,
In food immoderate,
Indolent, inactive,
Him verily Mara overthrows,
As the wind overthrows a weak tree."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 7
"For the person who is perturbed by evil thoughts,
Who is exceedingly lustful, greedy, covetous,
Who contemplates pleasant things,
Craving increases more and more.
Surely, he makes the bond of Mara - the evil one, stronger."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 349
"He who delights in subdueing evil thoughts,
Who meditates on the loathsomeness of the body.
Who is ever mindful -
It is HE who will make an end of craving.
He will sever Mara's bond."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 350
"Self-conquest is, indeed, far greater than the conquest of all other folk;
Neither a god nor a ghandhabba nor Mara, nor Brahma,
Can win back the victory of such a person who is self-subdued
And ever lives in restraint."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 104-105
"Therefore, I say to you :
Greetings to you all who have assembled here!
Dig up the root of craving just as one who wishes to have the fragrant root digs up the birana grass.
Don't let Mara destroy you again and again,
As the flood destroys the reed."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 337
"You yourselves should make the effort;
The Tathagatas are only Teachers.
Those who enter this Path and who are meditative,
Are delivered from the bonds of Mara."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 276
"THIS is the ONLY Way.
There is NONE other for the PURITY of vision.
If you follow this path;
This is the bewilderment of Mara."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 274
Mara is disguise , disturb, deceive, distort, distract, deter, delude so as to destroy.
Mara is a temptress; personification of evil.
Mara is NOT the lawful ruler of any deva world.
Mara is just like an ambitious rebel leader with many followers in the human world e.g. an underworld leader, a druglord, a mastermind of evil, etc.
Mara in Reality is just an inhabitant in the deva world, who happen to have some power,
But who thinks himself / herself so great,
That he/she is above/greater than The Buddha, The Dhamma , and Kamma.
Mara is just a being who's jealous of The Buddha,
Wants to be like The Buddha,
BUT Can't, and will NEVER be cos Mara lacks the calibre.
Just as The Buddha is the personification of Truth and Purity,
Helping beings to do good and earn merits for their present and future benefit and welfare,
Mara is the personification of evil, tempting and encouraging beings to do evil, engage in unwholesome, unrighteous, unskillful ways,
And dissuading them from doing good so as to destroy them and cause their long-term downfall and suffering.
Just as The Buddha is Light, Mara is Darkness whose heart is Totally BLACK.
While The Buddha and His Noble Disciples help to free beings and bring Peace and Bliss to the world,
Mara, together with the evil devas under him/her, bound beings and prevent/stop them from doing meritorious deeds, and instead,
Wreak havoc to the world.
While The Buddha is a Cultivator of Truth and Purity,
Mara is a cultivator of ALL things evil : Anger, Lust, Greed, Delusion, Conceit and Wrong/False Views.
As The Buddha Himself said,
"This wicked Mara is not at all aware that he himself has become a servant of mine :
Having been born in the Vasavatti Deva world just because of the few act of merit,
But having not the slightest knowledge about his own life span, the time of his death, and the realm of suffering which he is destined after his death,
He is thinking of himself :
'I am permanent. I am the only one who rules over the whole world.'
He does not reflect nor is he aware of his own plight and of the hazard of falling into the state of woes.
Due to such ignorance (i.e. foolishness),
He dares commit such wrongs."
So,
The next time you're egoistic, haughty, conceited, wants control and is unashame of your wrong doing, know that Mara is 'in' you.
Each time you're vain, lazy, indulging in sensual pleasures, engaging in idle chatter, false speech, act and pretend etc, that's a sign of Mara.
Whenever you're lustful, greedy, discontent, selfish and stingy, that's Mara inside of you.
Everytime you're jealous, resentful, have anger, enmity, ill-will and hate in your heart, speaking in harsh angry tones, know that Mara is present.
If you hurt, harm, kill and/or destroy through your thoughts, speech and actions,
Perform unskillful, unwholesome, unrighteous deeds,
Engaging in wrongful views and practices and encouraging others to do likewise,
YOU ARE MARA.
So bearing in mind ALL of the above,
Guard yourselves well,
If you do NOT want to be slave to Mara.
* * * Read 'Because' - A blog dedicated to All Maras in the world. - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/02/because.html
"Whoever lives contemplating pleasant things,
With senses UNrestrained,
In food immoderate,
Indolent, inactive,
Him verily Mara overthrows,
As the wind overthrows a weak tree."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 7
"For the person who is perturbed by evil thoughts,
Who is exceedingly lustful, greedy, covetous,
Who contemplates pleasant things,
Craving increases more and more.
Surely, he makes the bond of Mara - the evil one, stronger."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 349
"He who delights in subdueing evil thoughts,
Who meditates on the loathsomeness of the body.
Who is ever mindful -
It is HE who will make an end of craving.
He will sever Mara's bond."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 350
"Self-conquest is, indeed, far greater than the conquest of all other folk;
Neither a god nor a ghandhabba nor Mara, nor Brahma,
Can win back the victory of such a person who is self-subdued
And ever lives in restraint."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 104-105
"Therefore, I say to you :
Greetings to you all who have assembled here!
Dig up the root of craving just as one who wishes to have the fragrant root digs up the birana grass.
Don't let Mara destroy you again and again,
As the flood destroys the reed."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 337
"You yourselves should make the effort;
The Tathagatas are only Teachers.
Those who enter this Path and who are meditative,
Are delivered from the bonds of Mara."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 276
"THIS is the ONLY Way.
There is NONE other for the PURITY of vision.
If you follow this path;
This is the bewilderment of Mara."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 274
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Padhana Sutta - How Buddha Conquers Mara
The Padhana Sutta - How Buddha Conquers Mara
I came across the following Sutta by chance, and was very impressed and inspired by it.
It details how The Buddha, before His Enlightenment, as a Bodhisatta, repel Mara.
While The then Bodhisatta was striving and exerting Himself,
Mara - the evil one, feigning goodwill and compassion,
Came and dissuade Him to give up His quest for Buddhahood.
Below is an account of what happened.
Enjoy!
" To me —
Resolute in exertion near the river Nerañjara, making a great effort, doing jhana to attain rest from the yoke —
Namuci (i.e. Mara) came, speaking words of compassion:
"You are ashen, thin.
Death is in your presence.
Death has 1,000 parts of you.
Only one part is your life.
Live, good sir! Life is better.
Alive, you can do acts of merit.
Your living the holy life, performing the fire sacrifice, will heap up much merit.
What use is exertion to you?
Hard to follow — the path of exertion — hard to do, hard to sustain."
Saying these verses, Mara stood in The Awakened One's presence.
And to that Mara, speaking thus, The Blessed One said this:
"Kinsman of the heedless, Evil One, come here for whatever purpose:
I haven't, for merit, even the least bit of need.
Those who have need of merit: those are the ones Mara's fit to address.
In me are Conviction, Austerity, Persistence, Discernment.
Why, when I'm so resolute do you petition me to live?
This wind could burn up even river currents. Why, when I'm resolute shouldn't my blood dry away?
As my blood dries up, gall & phlegm dry up.
As muscles waste away, the mind grows clearer; mindfulness, discernment, concentration stand more firm.
Staying in this way, attaining the ultimate feeling, the mind has NO interest in sensual passions.
See: a being's PURITY!
Sensual passions are your first army.
Your second is called Discontent.
Your third is Hunger & Thirst.
Your fourth is called Craving.
Fifth is Sloth & Drowsiness.
Sixth is called Terror/Fear.
Your seventh is Uncertainty/Doubt.
Hypocrisy & Stubbornness/Conceit, your eighth.
Gains, Offerings, Fame, & Status wrongly gained,
and whoever would praise self & disparage others.
That, Namuci, is your army, the Dark One's commando force.
A coward can't defeat it, but one having defeated it gains bliss.
Do I carry muñja grass?
I spit on my life.
Death in battle woud be better for me than that I, defeated, survive.
Sinking here, they don't appear, some priests & contemplatives.
They don't know the path by which those with good practices go.
Seeing the bannered force on all sides — the troops, Mara along with his mount — I go into battle.
May they not budge me from my spot.
That army of yours, that the world with its devas can't overcome, I will smash with discernment — as an unfired pot with a stone.
Making my resolve mastered, mindfulness well-established, I will go about, from kingdom to kingdom, training many disciples.
They — heedful, resolute doing my bidding — despite your wishes, will go where, having gone, there's no grief."
Mara:
"For seven years, I've dogged The Blessed One's steps, but haven't gained an opening in the One Self-awakened & glorious.
A crow circled a stone the color of fat —
'Maybe I've found something tender here. Maybe there's something delicious' —
But not getting anything delicious there, the crow went away.
Like the crow attacking the rock, I weary myself with Gotama."
As he (i.e. Mara) was overcome with sorrow, his lute fell from under his arm.
Then he, the despondent spirit, right there disappeared."
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.3.02.than.html
- The Buddha, The Padhana Sutta - The Discourse of Conquest, Sutta Nipata 3.2
"You Mara, I would like you to take me as one who would fight and vanquish your tenfold army,
And raise The Flag of Victory! "
- The Buddha, The Padhana Sutta / Sutta Nipata 3.2
"Whoever lives contemplating the Impurities,
With senses Restrained,
In food moderate,
Full of Faith, Full of Sustained Energy,
Him, Mara overthrows NOT,
Just as the wind does not overthrow a rocky mountain."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 8
"Realising that this body is as fragile as a jar,
Establishing this mind as firm as a fortified city,
He should attack Mara with the Weapon of Wisdom (Dhamma)
He should guard his conquest and be WITHOUT attachment."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 40
"Mara finds NOT the path of those who are virtuous,
Careful in living,
And Freed by Right knowledge."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 57
"Swans wing along on the path of the Sun.
Men go through air by psychic powers.
The Wise are led away from the world,
Having conquered Mara and his host (i.e. army)."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 175
"He who delights in subduing evil thoughts
Who meditates on the loathsomeness of the body
Who is ever mindful
It is He who will make an END of craving.
He WILL sever Mara's bond."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 350
I came across the following Sutta by chance, and was very impressed and inspired by it.
It details how The Buddha, before His Enlightenment, as a Bodhisatta, repel Mara.
While The then Bodhisatta was striving and exerting Himself,
Mara - the evil one, feigning goodwill and compassion,
Came and dissuade Him to give up His quest for Buddhahood.
Below is an account of what happened.
Enjoy!
" To me —
Resolute in exertion near the river Nerañjara, making a great effort, doing jhana to attain rest from the yoke —
Namuci (i.e. Mara) came, speaking words of compassion:
"You are ashen, thin.
Death is in your presence.
Death has 1,000 parts of you.
Only one part is your life.
Live, good sir! Life is better.
Alive, you can do acts of merit.
Your living the holy life, performing the fire sacrifice, will heap up much merit.
What use is exertion to you?
Hard to follow — the path of exertion — hard to do, hard to sustain."
Saying these verses, Mara stood in The Awakened One's presence.
And to that Mara, speaking thus, The Blessed One said this:
"Kinsman of the heedless, Evil One, come here for whatever purpose:
I haven't, for merit, even the least bit of need.
Those who have need of merit: those are the ones Mara's fit to address.
In me are Conviction, Austerity, Persistence, Discernment.
Why, when I'm so resolute do you petition me to live?
This wind could burn up even river currents. Why, when I'm resolute shouldn't my blood dry away?
As my blood dries up, gall & phlegm dry up.
As muscles waste away, the mind grows clearer; mindfulness, discernment, concentration stand more firm.
Staying in this way, attaining the ultimate feeling, the mind has NO interest in sensual passions.
See: a being's PURITY!
Sensual passions are your first army.
Your second is called Discontent.
Your third is Hunger & Thirst.
Your fourth is called Craving.
Fifth is Sloth & Drowsiness.
Sixth is called Terror/Fear.
Your seventh is Uncertainty/Doubt.
Hypocrisy & Stubbornness/Conceit, your eighth.
Gains, Offerings, Fame, & Status wrongly gained,
and whoever would praise self & disparage others.
That, Namuci, is your army, the Dark One's commando force.
A coward can't defeat it, but one having defeated it gains bliss.
Do I carry muñja grass?
I spit on my life.
Death in battle woud be better for me than that I, defeated, survive.
Sinking here, they don't appear, some priests & contemplatives.
They don't know the path by which those with good practices go.
Seeing the bannered force on all sides — the troops, Mara along with his mount — I go into battle.
May they not budge me from my spot.
That army of yours, that the world with its devas can't overcome, I will smash with discernment — as an unfired pot with a stone.
Making my resolve mastered, mindfulness well-established, I will go about, from kingdom to kingdom, training many disciples.
They — heedful, resolute doing my bidding — despite your wishes, will go where, having gone, there's no grief."
Mara:
"For seven years, I've dogged The Blessed One's steps, but haven't gained an opening in the One Self-awakened & glorious.
A crow circled a stone the color of fat —
'Maybe I've found something tender here. Maybe there's something delicious' —
But not getting anything delicious there, the crow went away.
Like the crow attacking the rock, I weary myself with Gotama."
As he (i.e. Mara) was overcome with sorrow, his lute fell from under his arm.
Then he, the despondent spirit, right there disappeared."
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.3.02.than.html
- The Buddha, The Padhana Sutta - The Discourse of Conquest, Sutta Nipata 3.2
"You Mara, I would like you to take me as one who would fight and vanquish your tenfold army,
And raise The Flag of Victory! "
- The Buddha, The Padhana Sutta / Sutta Nipata 3.2
"Whoever lives contemplating the Impurities,
With senses Restrained,
In food moderate,
Full of Faith, Full of Sustained Energy,
Him, Mara overthrows NOT,
Just as the wind does not overthrow a rocky mountain."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 8
"Realising that this body is as fragile as a jar,
Establishing this mind as firm as a fortified city,
He should attack Mara with the Weapon of Wisdom (Dhamma)
He should guard his conquest and be WITHOUT attachment."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 40
"Mara finds NOT the path of those who are virtuous,
Careful in living,
And Freed by Right knowledge."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 57
"Swans wing along on the path of the Sun.
Men go through air by psychic powers.
The Wise are led away from the world,
Having conquered Mara and his host (i.e. army)."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 175
"He who delights in subduing evil thoughts
Who meditates on the loathsomeness of the body
Who is ever mindful
It is He who will make an END of craving.
He WILL sever Mara's bond."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 350
Monday, December 27, 2010
Letter To An Unknown Friend
Letter To An Unknown Friend
Somewhere in 2007, a friend, who was a staunch Christian, then a born-again Christian, who became a Buddhist,
Read to me an exchange that was taking in a Buddhist forum on the internet.
Apparently, a person from another faith went to the forum and put up several questions to the Buddhists,
Challenging them on their faith,
And substantiating his own religion with conversion in mind.
Being the nosey-parker me, that evening, I wrote a letter based on what's been transpired.
However, I didn't put it up on the forum.
I kept the letter cos it can be good material for my blog.
Actually, I thought of closing last year (2009) with it,
But didn't.
Anyhow, enjoy - eventhough it's a year late.
Dear XXX
Were you a child before?
Do you remember your childhood days?
Do you remember your growing up years as a pimply teenager,
Or as a foetus in your mother's womb?
Were you a consummation of your mom's and dad's deep love for each other,
Of your father's sperm fertilising your mother's egg;
Or, did God took you out from a 'baking factory' and present you as you are now to your parents?
Who creates/causes the greenhouse gases?
Is it because God farted?
What about the terrorists, criminals, murderers, rapists, con-men etc?
Did God create them to terrorise and cause havoc to the world?
If so, why?
Does it mean that they can continue their acts of terror and then repent on their death beds and still get a place in heaven?
What about the victims?
Aren't they God's 'children', too?
It's not very just, isn't it?
Considering that you say God is 'justice'.
And not very loving, too.
Cos if you truly love someone or something,
You'll want to take good care of them, protect them, and keep them free from harm and danger,
And not harm, hurt, or kill them.
We are living in developed countries, enjoying ease and luxury,
But there are others out there who are in poverty and starving,
Who are in undeveloped countries, and suffering.
We're born with 2 arms and 2 legs,
But there are many who are born with more, less, or maybe none.
If God is just and loving, why the inequality?
Wouldn't God ensure that all share equal wealth and health?
And more so since we're all 'said' to be his creation, replicas of him.
Why the disparity?
Why even the colour difference of black, brown, yellow and white?
I remember a friend of mine who, like you, was a staunch Christian, then a born-again Christian, but who is now a Buddhist.
He told me how, even as a Christian, he used to wonder and ask -
Why the difference in skin colour -
A question he put to his Christian friends, the elders, and the church,
And which NONE could answer but just evade totally.
If you think about it, his question is valid, justified and reasonable,
Cos it's true.
If using the 'baking factory' analogy,
Is it because some got burnt,
While others uncooked?
Did God misjudged the 'time'?
All that I know is,
Whether black, white, yellow or blue,
From your point of view,
God and Jesus loves you.
From my point of view,
I love you.
Who's right? Who's wrong?
Isn't harmony more important?
You say 'To-mah-to', I say 'To-may-to'.
It's still just a fruit, it's still just a vegetable.
I'm sure God and Jesus would be pleased to know if you're practising their teachings.
With All my Love and May All Beings be Well and Happy Always,
Maitre-Light :)
"If, O Bhikkhus, beings experience pain and happiness as a result of God's creation,
Then certainly these naked ascetics must have been created by a wicked God,
Since they are at present experiencing such terrible pain."
- http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.101.than.html
- The Buddha, Devadaha Sutta, No.101, Majjhima Nikaya Vol 2 page 222
"Having approached the brahmans & contemplatives who hold that …
'Whatever a person experiences … is ALL caused by a supreme being's act of creation,'
I said to them:
'Is it true that you hold that … Whatever a person experiences …
Is ALL caused by a supreme being's act of creation?'
Thus asked by me, they admitted, 'Yes'.
Then I said to them,
'Then in that case, a person is a killer of living beings because of a supreme being's act of creation.
A person is a thief … a holder of wrong views because of a supreme being's act of creation.'
When one falls back on a supreme being's act of creation as being essential, monks,
There is no desire, no effort (at the thought),
'This should be done. This shouldn't be done.'
When one can't pin down as a truth or reality what should & shouldn't be done, ...
One remains stuck in inaction.” — AN 3:62
- The Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya 3:62
"Being open does NOT mean accepting others' beliefs,
Being open means accepting what you thought/perceived/believed to be the Truth,
Is actually UN-True."
"One is not thereby righteous because one arbitrates hastily.
He who is Wise investigate both right and wrong.
The Wise man who guides others with due deliberation,
With righteous and just judgement
Is called a true guardian of the law,
Wise and righteous."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 256/257
"Man himself is responsible for his own happiness and misery.
He creates his own heaven and hell.
He is master of his own destiny.
Child of his past
And parent of his future."
- Sayadaw U. Thittila
"Thus, unlike a religion where trust involves the belief that the deity will provide for one's salvation -
Either through grace or as a reward for unquestioning obedience,
Trust in the Buddha and belief in His Teachings means that
One's salvation is ultimately one's own responsibility."
- Thanissaro Bhikkhu
* * * Read :
1) 'Good or Bad' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/04/good-or-bad.html
2) 'Man and His Questions Part 2 : God or Not?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/06/man-and-his-questions-part-2-god-or-not.html
3) 'Where's God?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/08/wheres-god.html
4) 'Do You Believe in God?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/08/do-you-believe-in-god.html
Have a Happy 'Questioning' and Reflective New Year, Everyone!
Somewhere in 2007, a friend, who was a staunch Christian, then a born-again Christian, who became a Buddhist,
Read to me an exchange that was taking in a Buddhist forum on the internet.
Apparently, a person from another faith went to the forum and put up several questions to the Buddhists,
Challenging them on their faith,
And substantiating his own religion with conversion in mind.
Being the nosey-parker me, that evening, I wrote a letter based on what's been transpired.
However, I didn't put it up on the forum.
I kept the letter cos it can be good material for my blog.
Actually, I thought of closing last year (2009) with it,
But didn't.
Anyhow, enjoy - eventhough it's a year late.
Dear XXX
Were you a child before?
Do you remember your childhood days?
Do you remember your growing up years as a pimply teenager,
Or as a foetus in your mother's womb?
Were you a consummation of your mom's and dad's deep love for each other,
Of your father's sperm fertilising your mother's egg;
Or, did God took you out from a 'baking factory' and present you as you are now to your parents?
Who creates/causes the greenhouse gases?
Is it because God farted?
What about the terrorists, criminals, murderers, rapists, con-men etc?
Did God create them to terrorise and cause havoc to the world?
If so, why?
Does it mean that they can continue their acts of terror and then repent on their death beds and still get a place in heaven?
What about the victims?
Aren't they God's 'children', too?
It's not very just, isn't it?
Considering that you say God is 'justice'.
And not very loving, too.
Cos if you truly love someone or something,
You'll want to take good care of them, protect them, and keep them free from harm and danger,
And not harm, hurt, or kill them.
We are living in developed countries, enjoying ease and luxury,
But there are others out there who are in poverty and starving,
Who are in undeveloped countries, and suffering.
We're born with 2 arms and 2 legs,
But there are many who are born with more, less, or maybe none.
If God is just and loving, why the inequality?
Wouldn't God ensure that all share equal wealth and health?
And more so since we're all 'said' to be his creation, replicas of him.
Why the disparity?
Why even the colour difference of black, brown, yellow and white?
I remember a friend of mine who, like you, was a staunch Christian, then a born-again Christian, but who is now a Buddhist.
He told me how, even as a Christian, he used to wonder and ask -
Why the difference in skin colour -
A question he put to his Christian friends, the elders, and the church,
And which NONE could answer but just evade totally.
If you think about it, his question is valid, justified and reasonable,
Cos it's true.
If using the 'baking factory' analogy,
Is it because some got burnt,
While others uncooked?
Did God misjudged the 'time'?
All that I know is,
Whether black, white, yellow or blue,
From your point of view,
God and Jesus loves you.
From my point of view,
I love you.
Who's right? Who's wrong?
Isn't harmony more important?
You say 'To-mah-to', I say 'To-may-to'.
It's still just a fruit, it's still just a vegetable.
I'm sure God and Jesus would be pleased to know if you're practising their teachings.
With All my Love and May All Beings be Well and Happy Always,
Maitre-Light :)
"If, O Bhikkhus, beings experience pain and happiness as a result of God's creation,
Then certainly these naked ascetics must have been created by a wicked God,
Since they are at present experiencing such terrible pain."
- http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.101.than.html
- The Buddha, Devadaha Sutta, No.101, Majjhima Nikaya Vol 2 page 222
"Having approached the brahmans & contemplatives who hold that …
'Whatever a person experiences … is ALL caused by a supreme being's act of creation,'
I said to them:
'Is it true that you hold that … Whatever a person experiences …
Is ALL caused by a supreme being's act of creation?'
Thus asked by me, they admitted, 'Yes'.
Then I said to them,
'Then in that case, a person is a killer of living beings because of a supreme being's act of creation.
A person is a thief … a holder of wrong views because of a supreme being's act of creation.'
When one falls back on a supreme being's act of creation as being essential, monks,
There is no desire, no effort (at the thought),
'This should be done. This shouldn't be done.'
When one can't pin down as a truth or reality what should & shouldn't be done, ...
One remains stuck in inaction.” — AN 3:62
- The Buddha, Anguttara Nikaya 3:62
"Being open does NOT mean accepting others' beliefs,
Being open means accepting what you thought/perceived/believed to be the Truth,
Is actually UN-True."
"One is not thereby righteous because one arbitrates hastily.
He who is Wise investigate both right and wrong.
The Wise man who guides others with due deliberation,
With righteous and just judgement
Is called a true guardian of the law,
Wise and righteous."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 256/257
"Man himself is responsible for his own happiness and misery.
He creates his own heaven and hell.
He is master of his own destiny.
Child of his past
And parent of his future."
- Sayadaw U. Thittila
"Thus, unlike a religion where trust involves the belief that the deity will provide for one's salvation -
Either through grace or as a reward for unquestioning obedience,
Trust in the Buddha and belief in His Teachings means that
One's salvation is ultimately one's own responsibility."
- Thanissaro Bhikkhu
* * * Read :
1) 'Good or Bad' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/04/good-or-bad.html
2) 'Man and His Questions Part 2 : God or Not?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/06/man-and-his-questions-part-2-god-or-not.html
3) 'Where's God?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/08/wheres-god.html
4) 'Do You Believe in God?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/08/do-you-believe-in-god.html
Have a Happy 'Questioning' and Reflective New Year, Everyone!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saying A Prayer
Saying A Prayer
Christians have a very good practice :
They say a prayer of Thanks to God before every meal.
As a matter of fact, they thank God for everything.
I remember in one of my previous jobs, one day the despatch uncle gave me a lift home.
On the way, he spoke about his daughter who recently adopted the Christian faith.
He told me that she would, with total disregard to the rest of the family, say a prayer of thanks to God for the meal/food they're about to partake.
It carried on for sometime while he and the rest of the family patiently let her carry on her ways,
Until one day, after her prayers, which she is very proud of,
He told her this :
'If father did not go out and work, delivering and despatching things regardless of sun or rain,
To earn the money to give to your mom who goes to the market to buy food and cook it,
Would you have food to eat?
You didn't even thank us, Yet you thank God.
Can you tell me in what way did God give you all these food?'
When you think about it, he has a point there.
As a matter of fact, alot of effort has been made by many sources - be it animate or inanimate - so that we can have food to eat, clothes to wear etc.
Take an example : The wooden chair we sit on -
If you trace back, it comes from the trees.
Without the wood from the trees that's been felled, we won't have a chair to sit on.
If you trace back further, there's the sun and rain as well,
To ensure that the trees grow well.
Yet we never thank the animals who sacrifice their lives so that we have meat to eat
(Read 'Love' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/01/dose-of-wisdom_03.html),
OR the weather,
Or even Mother Earth - So that we have this wonderful place to reside in, and to provide us with all our needs.
I remember a class when 2 of my students blamed the weather cos the plane was delayed.
And I pointedly told them this :
'The weather gets blamed for everything.
If it's hot, people complain it's too hot.
If it's cold or rain, people complain about the cold and rain.
If the weather can speak , the weather would be saying,
'Why don't you human take a good look at yourselves first and see what you're doing -
Instead of putting ALL the blame on me!'"
It's true.
We never admit to our faults and weaknesses.
We always portray ourselves as so good, so pure, so wonderful.
Anything that happens, it's always somebody else's fault,
NOT ours.
(Read 'Not Me' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/04/not-me.html,
'Truth / Honesty' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/07/truth-honesty.html,
'Honesty and Courage' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/01/honesty-and-courage.html
We never look back at our thoughts, speech and actions - the 'crimes' / Kamma we commit.
We always self-delude ourselves with an illusion that we are blameless/Faultless.
Like I said in 'Earth - Do You Know She's In Pain' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/02/earth.html, and
'What Are We Going To Do About It Part 1 : Our Climate, Our Environment, Our Earth, and Us - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-are-we-going-to-do-about-it-part-1.html,
"The 'end' of the world lies NOT in the forces of Nature,
Nor in the hands of some Supreme Being (God),
Or any other beings (ETs, UFOs etc);
BUT in the hands of mankind/humankind.
Mankind/Humankind alone, through an ignorant, delusioned and selfish mind, can and will destroy civilisation.
It is through the irresponsible and egoistic acts of Mankind/Humankind that civilisation will be destroyed.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcano eruptions, tsunamis etc are all symptoms/results of anger, enmity, greed, selfishness and hate that is expressed by humans.
Collective anger, enmity, hate etc of human and living beings manifesting in/through Nature.
It's the mind that needs to be changed.
Everything begins from the mind,
And therefore will have to end with the mind.
The way in is the way out.
If we don't change our minds (i.e. our thinking, attitude, actions, behaviour etc),
We will self-destroy ourselves."
P.S. So, the next time you say a prayer, please don't just thank 'God',
Please also remember all the other things that make your life possible, and comfortable.
"The heart (i.e mind) is the principal actor,
And the one ultimately held accountable for ALL actions.
If people's hearts motivate them to act in evil ways,
The entire planet can easily be destroyed as a consequence.
Thus, it is essential that our hearts should receive proper training and care,
So that we can safely look after ourselves and the world we live in.
- Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa NanaSampanno
"The world comes to ruin only if people's spiritual values comes to ruin first.
When spiritual values deteriorate,
Then everything people do becomes just another means of destroying the world and subverting Dhamma (Truth)."
- Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa NanaSampanno
.
.
Christians have a very good practice :
They say a prayer of Thanks to God before every meal.
As a matter of fact, they thank God for everything.
I remember in one of my previous jobs, one day the despatch uncle gave me a lift home.
On the way, he spoke about his daughter who recently adopted the Christian faith.
He told me that she would, with total disregard to the rest of the family, say a prayer of thanks to God for the meal/food they're about to partake.
It carried on for sometime while he and the rest of the family patiently let her carry on her ways,
Until one day, after her prayers, which she is very proud of,
He told her this :
'If father did not go out and work, delivering and despatching things regardless of sun or rain,
To earn the money to give to your mom who goes to the market to buy food and cook it,
Would you have food to eat?
You didn't even thank us, Yet you thank God.
Can you tell me in what way did God give you all these food?'
When you think about it, he has a point there.
As a matter of fact, alot of effort has been made by many sources - be it animate or inanimate - so that we can have food to eat, clothes to wear etc.
Take an example : The wooden chair we sit on -
If you trace back, it comes from the trees.
Without the wood from the trees that's been felled, we won't have a chair to sit on.
If you trace back further, there's the sun and rain as well,
To ensure that the trees grow well.
Yet we never thank the animals who sacrifice their lives so that we have meat to eat
(Read 'Love' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/01/dose-of-wisdom_03.html),
OR the weather,
Or even Mother Earth - So that we have this wonderful place to reside in, and to provide us with all our needs.
I remember a class when 2 of my students blamed the weather cos the plane was delayed.
And I pointedly told them this :
'The weather gets blamed for everything.
If it's hot, people complain it's too hot.
If it's cold or rain, people complain about the cold and rain.
If the weather can speak , the weather would be saying,
'Why don't you human take a good look at yourselves first and see what you're doing -
Instead of putting ALL the blame on me!'"
It's true.
We never admit to our faults and weaknesses.
We always portray ourselves as so good, so pure, so wonderful.
Anything that happens, it's always somebody else's fault,
NOT ours.
(Read 'Not Me' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/04/not-me.html,
'Truth / Honesty' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/07/truth-honesty.html,
'Honesty and Courage' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/01/honesty-and-courage.html
We never look back at our thoughts, speech and actions - the 'crimes' / Kamma we commit.
We always self-delude ourselves with an illusion that we are blameless/Faultless.
Like I said in 'Earth - Do You Know She's In Pain' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/02/earth.html, and
'What Are We Going To Do About It Part 1 : Our Climate, Our Environment, Our Earth, and Us - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-are-we-going-to-do-about-it-part-1.html,
"The 'end' of the world lies NOT in the forces of Nature,
Nor in the hands of some Supreme Being (God),
Or any other beings (ETs, UFOs etc);
BUT in the hands of mankind/humankind.
Mankind/Humankind alone, through an ignorant, delusioned and selfish mind, can and will destroy civilisation.
It is through the irresponsible and egoistic acts of Mankind/Humankind that civilisation will be destroyed.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcano eruptions, tsunamis etc are all symptoms/results of anger, enmity, greed, selfishness and hate that is expressed by humans.
Collective anger, enmity, hate etc of human and living beings manifesting in/through Nature.
It's the mind that needs to be changed.
Everything begins from the mind,
And therefore will have to end with the mind.
The way in is the way out.
If we don't change our minds (i.e. our thinking, attitude, actions, behaviour etc),
We will self-destroy ourselves."
P.S. So, the next time you say a prayer, please don't just thank 'God',
Please also remember all the other things that make your life possible, and comfortable.
"The heart (i.e mind) is the principal actor,
And the one ultimately held accountable for ALL actions.
If people's hearts motivate them to act in evil ways,
The entire planet can easily be destroyed as a consequence.
Thus, it is essential that our hearts should receive proper training and care,
So that we can safely look after ourselves and the world we live in.
- Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa NanaSampanno
"The world comes to ruin only if people's spiritual values comes to ruin first.
When spiritual values deteriorate,
Then everything people do becomes just another means of destroying the world and subverting Dhamma (Truth)."
- Venerable Acariya Maha Boowa NanaSampanno
.
.
.
"If we cannot see the Kamma here, in what realm of Heaven or Hell will you ever learn to accept it?"
- Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
"And for ignorant minds, vanity and self-delusion always do them a world of harm.
Their greatness lies in body, birth, name, rank or self-importance.
But NEVER did their wisdom grow correspondingly large so that it would be conducive to bliss and peace,
Both for themselves and for others.
Worse still, wisdom is neglected and forgotten.
This is why there is so much trouble and turmoil everywhere."
- Venerable Ajahn Mun
"If ever people should be able to see plainly the results of evil and good Kamma (i.e. volitional/intentional actions) as they see other material things,
They would most certainly be horrified at evil Kamma and stay away from it,
The same as they dare not touch fire.
They would also be eager to do good which has the power of cooling,
And which results in Happiness.
There would NOT then be so much trouble and misery as there is in the world today."
- Ajahn Maha Boowa Nanasampanno
* * * Read :
1) 'Competition and Consequences Part 1 : Competition' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/06/competition-and-consequences.html
2) 'Competition and Consequences Part 2 : Consequences' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/06/competition-and-consequences-part-2.html
3) 'The Future' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2008/11/future.html
4) 'What Do We Expect?' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-do-we-expect.html
Monday, December 13, 2010
The One Who Loves
The One Who Loves
In 'The 4 Types of People' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/11/4-types-of-people.html, I mentioned one group as
'Those who love themselves but not others,
Those who love others but not themselves,
Those who do not love themselves and others, and
Those who loves themselves and others."
Now, who are the people who truly love themselves,
And, who are the people who do NOT love themselves?
According to The Buddha, the people who love themselves are those who engage in good bodily conduct, good verbal conduct, and good mental conduct.
And those who do NOT love themselves are those who engage in bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct and mental misconduct.
Why?
Because "Of their own accord, they act toward themselves as an enemy would act toward an enemy,
Thus they aren't dear to themselves eventhough they may say 'We are dear to ourselves'." - The Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya 3.4
When you engage in doing evil, whether in body, speech or mind,
The Kamma is yours to be borne.
Like I said in 'Kamma Kamma Part 1 : Oh No!' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/04/kamma-kamma-part-1-oh-no.html,
'The boomerang will find you. The boomerang will come back to you."
So, you may think you're doing evil to others,
But in Reality, you're doing TO yourself.
YOU bear the Kamma.
But those who love themselves,
They engage in doing alot of good -
Whether in body, speech or mind.
And in that way, they reap alot of merits which is for their benefit -
Be it now or future lives.
So do alot of good,
If you love yourself.
"Searching all directions with your awareness,
You find no one dearer than yourself.
In the same way,
Others are fiercely dear to themselves.
So you shouldn't harm others
If you love yourself."
- The Buddha, Udana 5:1
"If you hold yourself dear
Then don't fetter yourself with evil,
For happiness isn't easily gained
By one who commits a wrong-doing.
When seized by the End-maker
As you abandon the human state,
What's truly your own?
What do you take along when you go?
What follows behind you like a shadow that never leaves?
Both the merit and evil that you as a mortal perform here :
That's what's truly your own,
What you take along when you go;
That's what follows behind you like a shadow that never leaves.
So do what is admirable,
As an accumulation for the future life.
Deeds of merit are the support for beings
When they arise in the other world."
- The Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya 3.4
"Here he rejoices,
Hereafter he rejoices.
In both states, The well-doer rejoices.
He rejoices,
Exceedingly rejoices,
Perceiving the purity of his own deeds."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 16
* * * Read 'Mr CEO or The Cleaning Aunty' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/03/mr-ceo-or-cleaning-auntie.html
In 'The 4 Types of People' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2009/11/4-types-of-people.html, I mentioned one group as
'Those who love themselves but not others,
Those who love others but not themselves,
Those who do not love themselves and others, and
Those who loves themselves and others."
Now, who are the people who truly love themselves,
And, who are the people who do NOT love themselves?
According to The Buddha, the people who love themselves are those who engage in good bodily conduct, good verbal conduct, and good mental conduct.
And those who do NOT love themselves are those who engage in bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct and mental misconduct.
Why?
Because "Of their own accord, they act toward themselves as an enemy would act toward an enemy,
Thus they aren't dear to themselves eventhough they may say 'We are dear to ourselves'." - The Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya 3.4
When you engage in doing evil, whether in body, speech or mind,
The Kamma is yours to be borne.
Like I said in 'Kamma Kamma Part 1 : Oh No!' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2010/04/kamma-kamma-part-1-oh-no.html,
'The boomerang will find you. The boomerang will come back to you."
So, you may think you're doing evil to others,
But in Reality, you're doing TO yourself.
YOU bear the Kamma.
But those who love themselves,
They engage in doing alot of good -
Whether in body, speech or mind.
And in that way, they reap alot of merits which is for their benefit -
Be it now or future lives.
So do alot of good,
If you love yourself.
"Searching all directions with your awareness,
You find no one dearer than yourself.
In the same way,
Others are fiercely dear to themselves.
So you shouldn't harm others
If you love yourself."
- The Buddha, Udana 5:1
"If you hold yourself dear
Then don't fetter yourself with evil,
For happiness isn't easily gained
By one who commits a wrong-doing.
When seized by the End-maker
As you abandon the human state,
What's truly your own?
What do you take along when you go?
What follows behind you like a shadow that never leaves?
Both the merit and evil that you as a mortal perform here :
That's what's truly your own,
What you take along when you go;
That's what follows behind you like a shadow that never leaves.
So do what is admirable,
As an accumulation for the future life.
Deeds of merit are the support for beings
When they arise in the other world."
- The Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya 3.4
"Here he rejoices,
Hereafter he rejoices.
In both states, The well-doer rejoices.
He rejoices,
Exceedingly rejoices,
Perceiving the purity of his own deeds."
- The Buddha, Dhammapada verse 16
* * * Read 'Mr CEO or The Cleaning Aunty' - http://maitre-light.blogspot.com/2007/03/mr-ceo-or-cleaning-auntie.html
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