Monday, September 21, 2009

Muddy pool of water is like a....


"Suppose there were a pool of water — sullied, turbid, and muddy. A man with good eyesight standing there on the bank would not see shells, gravel, and pebbles, or shoals of fish swimming about and resting.


Why is that?


Because of the sullied nature of the water. In the same way, that a monk with a sullied mind would know his own benefit, the benefit of others, the benefit of both; that he would realize a superior human state, a truly noble distinction of knowledge & vision: Such a thing is impossible.


Why is that?


Because of the sullied nature of his mind."

Like shedding leaves from a tree...


He has become calm and at rest,
Wise in speech and not self-centered;
He's shaken off unwholesome states —
Like wind would leaves from a tree.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Like a water-pot full of water up to the brim...


"Now, suppose that there were an empty, hollow water-pot set on a stand, and a man were to come along carrying a load of water. What do you think — would he get a place to put his water?"

"Yes, lord."

"In the same way, in whomever mindfulness immersed in the body is not developed, not pursued, Mara* gains entry, Mara gains a foothold.

"Now, suppose that there were a water-pot set on a stand, full of water up to the brim so that crows could drink out of it, and a man were to come along carrying a load of water. What do you think — would he get a place to put his water?"

"No, lord."

"In the same way, in whomever mindfulness immersed in the body is developed, is pursued, Mara gains no entry, Mara gains no foothold.

Kayagata-sati Sutta: Mindfulness Immersed in the Body
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu


*Mara is the Buddhist "Tempter-figure"

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Dhamma is like a "GPS" but....


DHAMMA* can be seen as a "GPS" in a car. Having GPS alone will not help us to arrive at the destination. We still have to DRIVE the car safely using "GPS" as our guide. Driving is similar to the PRACTICE of the Dhamma, mainly "Dana" (generosity or giving), "Sila" (morality) and "Bhavana" (meditation).

*DHAMMA: teachings of the Buddha