Intermediate Paper 1 : What We Seek in Life
________________________________________
We used to think that happiness only come when we have. We will be happy if we have more money. We will be happy if we have more properties. Of course they contribute much in the formula of seeking happiness. But we often forget that happiness could also derive from NOT HAVING.
How nice if we do not have enemies, everybody is a friend to us. How easy will it be if we do not have to work, just a snap of fingers and your wish fulfil immediately in front of your eyes.
But we know these dreams are just dream. It will never happen. Let's rephrase it in another way.
How nice if we do not need to get angry so often. How relieve will it be if there are fewer things for us to worry. And how peaceful will it be if the society does not imply much fear in our daily life.
In this lesson we shall explore the avenue of Not Having as part of our search for happiness. The HAVE NOT is a battle against the evil elements in our mind.
The undesired evil elements (such as anger, worry, fear, jealousy etc) arise in almost every activity in our life. By applying sense-control we can eliminate and suppress them progressively, thus denying their dominant in our action, speech and thought.
The manner of achieving them requires a lot of patient, understanding and efforts. One requires a strong determination to overcome these harmful elements of the mind. As we mastered the manner of curbing them, we become more aware of them each time they appear in us.
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Module 5 : CURBING ANGER
Faces of Anger
Aware! Alert! Have you ever ponder how does anger arises? What prompted it?
Just like in the art of warfare, one must know thy enemy if one want to conquer them. One must know the characteristic of the rising anger.
Anger is a state of mind. Not physical. Not permanent either. It can be overcome.
Anger came in many forms. Hatred, aversion, dislike, enmity, ill will, grudge, and you named it. It appears in a subtle form as retaliation of a result, upset over the uncertainty in life or resentment. In disguise, anger is boredom, indecisive, frustration, envy, helpless, ignorance etc.
Anger can harbour easily in the heart especially by the word that irritates, words that does not fit to your ears. Anger is prompted by a cause; a bite of a mosquito, a report in the news, the sight of a disgust etc. Any input that does not agree with our point of view has higher chances to cause the up rise of anger.
"Little fire is a buddy, blooming fire is an enemy"
A practical joke is laughter but if it is taken with the rising fire then is will burn and wound. It becomes danger to both you and others.
Where is the beginning of this risen fire? Is it from within or from the external factors?
The Risen Fire
A friend of yours promises to meet you at the café. You always keep to your time and punctuality is your priority. Now that you have waited for more than half an hour, what will be playing in your mind?
Maybe you worry about him at the beginning. "What happen to him? Hopefully it is not due to an accident. Maybe stuck in the traffic jammed. Maybe, maybe, maybe …"
Another 15 minutes passed. Your worries now become upset. "He must have forgotten the appointment. Can he be playing a joke on me?"
Slowly your anger arises, higher and higher until it reaches the Q point. Boom! You begin to behave differently. If there is another people ask you a question, "What!" you raise your voice.
Desires not achieve or it does not leave up to your expectation. Be it by others or your own self. "Why must I be poorer than others? Why can't I be healthier than others? Why must there be inequality in life? Why people cannot be more considerate towards each other? Why must they be injustice, cruelty…?
The fat one wishes to slim down, the thin wish to look a little bit plum. The dark one wishes his skin to be fairer while the pale one wish to be smarter.
When we cannot endure at the negative impact of life such as embarrassed, treated with harsh words or being harm by others, we get angry easily.
Ego. Refusal to accept the fact of life, to change for improvements, the shift our paradigm make anger arises too. Feeling rejected, confrontation with other, due to different in opinion and the impatient attitude in us are some of the common examples caused by ego.
"Why no one tell me, smoking bring me here"
A description found on the tombstone in the cemetery yard.
The Making of Anger
Anger of hatred is one of the three roots of evil. A mind filled with anger is no longer calm and peace. It affected our physique too. Can an angry man speak gently to us? Can they behave properly?
There are two causes for anger to arise.
1. The Repulsive/Negative Nature of the object
We must remember darkness is part of our life. Things are changing all the time. Things are not permanent. Neither are our thought, feelings and perception. We cannot expect them to be the same all the time.
There are always weaknesses in all things. A solid chair is going to be a little bit heavy. A rich man can be a miser. A beautiful product is going to be expensive.
A fool views the bright side with greediness
and views the dark side with anger.
A wise man view the bright with loving-kindness and the dark with detach.
How many of us still keep our old toys and dolls or some of your schoolbooks of the early days?
They normally possess some sentimental values in your life but now they are old, dirty and probably useless. What happen if someone were to remove them away?
Happiness is greater than Sorrow;
Sorrow is greater than Happiness;
NO, both are equally great, because when one appears significantly, the other is asleep.
2. The Unsystematic Attention towards the repulsive nature.
This is how we make our perception in life. It can be change if we want. We have the power to change over this unsystematic attention.
A friend of yours scolded you for something you did not do. Would you get angry? Your answers, "maybe, if… perhaps, depend…" It means you will. And if you are less careful, you will cause a great damage in your friendship and probably everything you have cherished.
If the question is rephrased as, "Do you have to get angry?” Then the answer will be different. "NO of course!"
Look at yourselves in the mirror. How would you look like in an angry face? Look at the unhappiness textures in that face. Do you like others to show his anger to you everyday? How would you feel?
An angry face is like an erupting volcano throwing it's hot larva to others. Waiting to burn things which is on it way.
STOP for a while and ponder! Look at it positively. What benefit would it make if we throw our anger out? Since we already know things change all the time, how many time do we have to get angry because of it?
We have to take the rose with it's torn together. As we admire the beauty of the rose, we have to carefully handle the torn as well. Not because we are wounded by the torn we throw the rose away.
We have to change our way of seeing things. With proper attitude and perception we should be able to overcome the difficulties in life thus minimize the rising of anger in our daily activities.
Do a self-evaluation now. How would you behave while waiting for a friend who did not turn up more than half an hour?
The Manner of Overcoming Anger
Anger is mind made. To overcome it we have to have a systematic attention towards the repulsive nature of things based upon:
1. Loving-kindness (in the heart)
While you were carrying a toddler in your best tuxedo before a dinner, the baby answered the call of nature (who does not know that there is a place called toilet); how would you react to this situation?
Radiate love to them. Forgive them. As all of us are caught by the NOT knowing in life, we are imperfect in our own way. We are weak and incapability in certain aspect. We should not allow our anger to control our thinking.
If all of us can see and witness the secret suffering of our enemies, then it is enough for us to disarm all our hospitality. Remember that all of us are the victims of situation.
2. Compassion
Every being are suffering in their very own ways. We must be compassionate towards those who are being burns by the fire of anger.
"Battle not anger with anger but with Truth"
Who is more foolish? He who is angry of he who reacts to the anger? Imaging an angry man throw cow dung to you and you retaliate by picking up the cow dung and throw it back to him.
"Hatred is not cease by hatred but by love"
~ Dhammapada 5 ~
3. A sense of Equanimity
Just like the lotus, not stain by the mud of the pond - equanimity is an unperturbed feeling accompanied by right understanding towards the vicissitudes in life.
among those who hate, live without hate;
among those who are greedy, live without greed;
among those who are ignorance, be wise;
among those who are foolish, be without fool.
If a man's mind is untrained or untamed, it will make harm to himself and the people around him, much more than an enemy can do unto him. Knowing the nature of truth (the negative aspect of things) we should always keep calm and balance in our mind when others make us angry.
4. Understanding (the Law of Kamma)
We are the owners of our own deeds. We deserve what we deserved as we reap what we sow. We should not get angry for others because they are richer than us, more beautiful/handsome than we are, etc.
You have a choice. What you reap is from your past, what you do now will reap in the future. You think wrongly, you will be sad, you ate more you will be fat.
You have to be responsible for the reaction of your deeds. You make other angry, they will make you angry in return. If you choose not to and hope they choose the same too.
You should be upset when things don't turn up as you intended. Things change all the time (the law of impermanence) and it will be silly to go against these natural laws.
There are Angers written
on the Rock, on the Sand and on the waterfront.
~ Reflection on the Beach ~
~ Ang Nik ~
It takes years for the weather to erode the word carved on the rock. It takes a day or two, for the word to erase totally on the sand and only a second for the rushing sea wave to wash away the word written on the waterfront.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
E Dhamma Course (3)
Intermediate Paper 1 : What We Seek in Life
Module 4 : FRIENDS & FRIENDSHIP (2)
3. Enemies in Disguise of a Friend
"Not to associate with the fools, associate with the wise,….. This is the highest blessings."
~Mangala Sutta~
(The Discourse on Blessings)
"The vicious are dear to him, in the virtuous he finds nothing pleasing, he favours the creeds of the vicious. … This is the cause of one's downfall."
~Parabhava Sutta~
(The Discourse on the Cause of Downfall)
In life it is important to identify who is our friend and who is not. How do we differentiate the bad from the good friends? Bad friends come in a very subtle way and one has to be strong to go against them.
The enemies in disguise of a friend is …
i. A Taker - he who associates for gain.
He appropriates your wealth and expects much return from his little contribution. He associates for his own good and does his duty only when in fear. He can devote his life just to gain what he can take from you.
ii. A Talker - he who renders lip service.
He entertains you with what that is already past and those that are yet to come. When there is an immediate need, he will express his inability. He also treats you with things that are worthless. He thunders a lot but he never rains.
iii. A Flatterer - he who flatters.
He consents you to do evil and discourages you from performing good deeds. He praises you in your presence and then speaks ill of you in your absence. He is good in sugarcoating.
iv. A Spender - he who brings ruins to your wealth
He is a companion when you …
· indulge in intoxication and liquors,
· saunter in streets at unseemly hour
· frequent theatrical shows,
· indulge in gambling.
An enemy in disguise of a friend requires special awareness and attention. They can be changed into a good and resourceful friend if we know how to awaken them and guide them to the right path.
Sometimes we can easily distinguish a good friend by the characteristics that they possess.
i. He is dearly loved and revered by many because of his cultured mind that are untainted by the madness of life such as greed, anger, etc.
ii. He not only speaks well but he listens well too. He is a good counsellor. His words are full of kindness, love, pleasant; … He is a patient listener as well.
iii. He is a speaker of deep and profound truth. He possesses the wisdom, knowledge and the right understanding in the teachings. He is helpful and willing to share his right view with you. He can spend his time; patience, etc. just to straighten your thoughts and clear your doubts.
iv. He is industrious and he would not apply himself to a useless end. He manages his time constructively not putting it into waste. He devotes himself in self-improvement and development. He meditates to gain calm and wisdom.
A helpful friend walks firmly on the path of Truth and he knows the meaning of "this is ill …"
4. The Seven Qualities of a Good Friend
In this world there are three types of sick men. There are those who are sick and if we do not attend to him (give him medicine), he can get well.
Then there are those when they are sick, if we do not give him his medicine he will surely die.
And the third type of sick man; if we were to give him his medicine, he will not be cured.
Now which type do you belong to? ~ A.III:22 ~
Can you survive without friends? Or you require them to live a happy life? And do you know how to take the opportunity from the good association you have to improve yourself and progress?
Friends and Friendship
Are you aware on how you grow your friendship? How did you treat them? Friends can be counted by the number while friendship is weighted by the qualities.
The most important quality that binds one's friendship is generosity. If you have little, then give little. If you have more then give more. If you have lots, then give much more.
Besides courteous speech, one has to promote their goodness, be fair and equal, and be truthful. Applying kindness and pleasantness into one word can further enhance the qualities of our friendship.
Who is your Friend?
A friend is not only to be found outside but also inside. And definitely you must be the first most important friend for yourself. Only with the joy overflowing from the goodness in us, are we able to share with others. Imagine if we were to make enemy with our own self; how can we then express our friendship to others?
How do you be a friend to yourself?
Avoid evil, do good and purify your mind.
We need not have to have many friends; one good one is enough. And you need not have to spend too much time together; just a beneficial one is more than enough.
Who is the best friend in the journey of life?
The Buddha's answers to the following questions:
What is a good friend to the wayfarer - a person who is finding the truth? An escort - a friend who guides and advice.
What is a good friend dwelling in the home? Of course our mother, who cares, loves and teaches us from our childhood.
What is a good friend where need has risen? A comrade's help is what we need when we are in difficulties.
What is a good friend in the life to come? All the worldly things we have will not accompany us into the after life. Therefore only our meritorious deeds will determine our next destination, be it the hells or the heavens.
The 7 Qualities of A Good Friend.
In summary we can conclude that a Good Friend:
1. Gives what is hard to give.
2. Does what is hard to do.
3. Bears what is hard to bear.
4. Confess (shares) your own secret.
5. Keeps others' secret.
6. When in need does not forsake one.
7. Despises not when one is in ruin.
~ A.VII:35 ~
Generosity does not only mean giving of material needs but also the service, time, patience, smile, etc and that covers the first three qualities of a good friend.
Module 4 : FRIENDS & FRIENDSHIP (2)
3. Enemies in Disguise of a Friend
"Not to associate with the fools, associate with the wise,….. This is the highest blessings."
~Mangala Sutta~
(The Discourse on Blessings)
"The vicious are dear to him, in the virtuous he finds nothing pleasing, he favours the creeds of the vicious. … This is the cause of one's downfall."
~Parabhava Sutta~
(The Discourse on the Cause of Downfall)
In life it is important to identify who is our friend and who is not. How do we differentiate the bad from the good friends? Bad friends come in a very subtle way and one has to be strong to go against them.
The enemies in disguise of a friend is …
i. A Taker - he who associates for gain.
He appropriates your wealth and expects much return from his little contribution. He associates for his own good and does his duty only when in fear. He can devote his life just to gain what he can take from you.
ii. A Talker - he who renders lip service.
He entertains you with what that is already past and those that are yet to come. When there is an immediate need, he will express his inability. He also treats you with things that are worthless. He thunders a lot but he never rains.
iii. A Flatterer - he who flatters.
He consents you to do evil and discourages you from performing good deeds. He praises you in your presence and then speaks ill of you in your absence. He is good in sugarcoating.
iv. A Spender - he who brings ruins to your wealth
He is a companion when you …
· indulge in intoxication and liquors,
· saunter in streets at unseemly hour
· frequent theatrical shows,
· indulge in gambling.
An enemy in disguise of a friend requires special awareness and attention. They can be changed into a good and resourceful friend if we know how to awaken them and guide them to the right path.
Sometimes we can easily distinguish a good friend by the characteristics that they possess.
i. He is dearly loved and revered by many because of his cultured mind that are untainted by the madness of life such as greed, anger, etc.
ii. He not only speaks well but he listens well too. He is a good counsellor. His words are full of kindness, love, pleasant; … He is a patient listener as well.
iii. He is a speaker of deep and profound truth. He possesses the wisdom, knowledge and the right understanding in the teachings. He is helpful and willing to share his right view with you. He can spend his time; patience, etc. just to straighten your thoughts and clear your doubts.
iv. He is industrious and he would not apply himself to a useless end. He manages his time constructively not putting it into waste. He devotes himself in self-improvement and development. He meditates to gain calm and wisdom.
A helpful friend walks firmly on the path of Truth and he knows the meaning of "this is ill …"
4. The Seven Qualities of a Good Friend
In this world there are three types of sick men. There are those who are sick and if we do not attend to him (give him medicine), he can get well.
Then there are those when they are sick, if we do not give him his medicine he will surely die.
And the third type of sick man; if we were to give him his medicine, he will not be cured.
Now which type do you belong to? ~ A.III:22 ~
Can you survive without friends? Or you require them to live a happy life? And do you know how to take the opportunity from the good association you have to improve yourself and progress?
Friends and Friendship
Are you aware on how you grow your friendship? How did you treat them? Friends can be counted by the number while friendship is weighted by the qualities.
The most important quality that binds one's friendship is generosity. If you have little, then give little. If you have more then give more. If you have lots, then give much more.
Besides courteous speech, one has to promote their goodness, be fair and equal, and be truthful. Applying kindness and pleasantness into one word can further enhance the qualities of our friendship.
Who is your Friend?
A friend is not only to be found outside but also inside. And definitely you must be the first most important friend for yourself. Only with the joy overflowing from the goodness in us, are we able to share with others. Imagine if we were to make enemy with our own self; how can we then express our friendship to others?
How do you be a friend to yourself?
Avoid evil, do good and purify your mind.
We need not have to have many friends; one good one is enough. And you need not have to spend too much time together; just a beneficial one is more than enough.
Who is the best friend in the journey of life?
The Buddha's answers to the following questions:
What is a good friend to the wayfarer - a person who is finding the truth? An escort - a friend who guides and advice.
What is a good friend dwelling in the home? Of course our mother, who cares, loves and teaches us from our childhood.
What is a good friend where need has risen? A comrade's help is what we need when we are in difficulties.
What is a good friend in the life to come? All the worldly things we have will not accompany us into the after life. Therefore only our meritorious deeds will determine our next destination, be it the hells or the heavens.
The 7 Qualities of A Good Friend.
In summary we can conclude that a Good Friend:
1. Gives what is hard to give.
2. Does what is hard to do.
3. Bears what is hard to bear.
4. Confess (shares) your own secret.
5. Keeps others' secret.
6. When in need does not forsake one.
7. Despises not when one is in ruin.
~ A.VII:35 ~
Generosity does not only mean giving of material needs but also the service, time, patience, smile, etc and that covers the first three qualities of a good friend.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
E-Dhamma Course (2)
Intermediate Paper 1 : What We Seek in Life
There are those …
who do not know, but think that they know,
who do not know, that they know,
who know, what they do not know,
who know, that they know.
The first one can be classified, as a fool while the second one requires our awakening. Enliven him and he will surely progress. The third one usually going out - seeking for truth and if we can teach him he can definitely benefit accordingly.
Finally we have to acquire the knowledge from the fourth one who can inspire us to grow and gain the goodness in life.
"Good Companionship is the whole of the spiritual life." -- the Buddha. ~ S.V:2 ~
It is the beginning and forerunner of all the Goodness in life because it provides the supporting condition for its' growth.
Have you ever pondered how a good friend comes into your life? Does it come by chance? What about the purpose of friendship? Is it a company to pass time with? Is it a place where you can pour your problems on?
Did you take friendship for granted, as our friend change from time to time as we grow? Who do you think are the main factors that motivate and encourage our spiritual urgency to manifest?
In this second formula of Having Friendship we shall explore the elements and the various method of strengthening them.
1. Element of Kalyana-mitta
(Spiritual Friendship)
Dhammasanghani, 1328 ~ A.V:47 ~
A friend encourages us to grow and improve in the elements that we lack such as faith, generosity, virtue, knowledge and wisdom. Therefore he must be a person full of …
a. Faith (saddha)-
He is confident in moral, spiritual and the intellectual aspect. He is also trustworthy and able to carry himself. He is able to inspire, motivate and give strength to others.
b. Virtue (Sila)
He is one who is upright in his conduct and well disciplined such as observing the 5 precepts. He does not have any ulterior motives when he befriends you and he does not lie. He possesses the ability to console and advice others.
c. Charitable (Caga)
He is liberal and generous. He gives without expectations or attachments. He does not crave for your wealth and he practices charity not only from his pocket but also through his speech, time, effort, attention, etc.
d. Knowledgeable / Wisdom (Panna)
He develops wisdom that leads to non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion. He is a practical man and not merely talk.
2. Expectations of a Good Friend
In the Layman Code of Discipline (Sigalovada Sutta), the Buddha laid down the following duties of a friend: A good friend shall …
i. Protect you when you are heedless.
ii. Protect your property when you are heedless.
iii. Become a refuge when you are in danger
iv. Do not forsake you when in danger
v. Be considerate towards your descendents
The Buddha also defined the fundamental qualities of a warm-hearted friend. A Real Friend is …
i. A friend who helps …
He guards the heedless and protects their wealth. He becomes a refuge when you are afraid and when the need arises; he provides you with more then the amount required.
ii. A friend who shares the same weal and woe …
He will confess his own secrets to you and never reveal your secret to others. He will not forsake you during misfortune and even sacrifices his life for the goodness of his friend.
iii. A friend who gives good counsel …
He dissuades you from doing evil and persuades you to do good. He makes you hear what you have not heard such as the truth and the Teachings of the Buddha and points out to you the road to heavens.
iv. A friend who sympathizes …
He does not rejoice in your misfortune but rather for your prosperity. He restrains others from speaking evil of you (defending your weaknesses) and praises to those who speak well of you (who spread your goodness).
A True friend is one who is following closely to the right way while he secretly concerns his friend's welfare. In misfortune he will console you and he always gives good advice. Most of all he know how to keep your secrets.
4 Types of People
There are those …
who do not know, but think that they know,
who do not know, that they know,
who know, what they do not know,
who know, that they know.
The first one can be classified, as a fool while the second one requires our awakening. Enliven him and he will surely progress. The third one usually going out - seeking for truth and if we can teach him he can definitely benefit accordingly.
Finally we have to acquire the knowledge from the fourth one who can inspire us to grow and gain the goodness in life.
"Good Companionship is the whole of the spiritual life." -- the Buddha. ~ S.V:2 ~
It is the beginning and forerunner of all the Goodness in life because it provides the supporting condition for its' growth.
Have you ever pondered how a good friend comes into your life? Does it come by chance? What about the purpose of friendship? Is it a company to pass time with? Is it a place where you can pour your problems on?
Did you take friendship for granted, as our friend change from time to time as we grow? Who do you think are the main factors that motivate and encourage our spiritual urgency to manifest?
In this second formula of Having Friendship we shall explore the elements and the various method of strengthening them.
Module 3 : FRIENDS & FRIENDSHIP (1)
You can't lift by yourselves …
The main purpose of friendship is for us to grow mutually. As we grow, they grow and when they grow, we continue to grow.
With a good friendship, one has company when in need. One is guided when in lost and one gains more encouragement when glory comes to him.
While seeking friendship, one should not push for it, as it is a slow grooming process and not an overnight task. It requires a long-term investment of time, patience, understanding and trust.
A true friendship is irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, country etc.
You can't lift by yourselves …
The main purpose of friendship is for us to grow mutually. As we grow, they grow and when they grow, we continue to grow.
With a good friendship, one has company when in need. One is guided when in lost and one gains more encouragement when glory comes to him.
While seeking friendship, one should not push for it, as it is a slow grooming process and not an overnight task. It requires a long-term investment of time, patience, understanding and trust.
A true friendship is irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, country etc.
1. Element of Kalyana-mitta
(Spiritual Friendship)
Dhammasanghani, 1328 ~ A.V:47 ~
A friend encourages us to grow and improve in the elements that we lack such as faith, generosity, virtue, knowledge and wisdom. Therefore he must be a person full of …
a. Faith (saddha)-
He is confident in moral, spiritual and the intellectual aspect. He is also trustworthy and able to carry himself. He is able to inspire, motivate and give strength to others.
b. Virtue (Sila)
He is one who is upright in his conduct and well disciplined such as observing the 5 precepts. He does not have any ulterior motives when he befriends you and he does not lie. He possesses the ability to console and advice others.
c. Charitable (Caga)
He is liberal and generous. He gives without expectations or attachments. He does not crave for your wealth and he practices charity not only from his pocket but also through his speech, time, effort, attention, etc.
d. Knowledgeable / Wisdom (Panna)
He develops wisdom that leads to non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion. He is a practical man and not merely talk.
2. Expectations of a Good Friend
In the Layman Code of Discipline (Sigalovada Sutta), the Buddha laid down the following duties of a friend: A good friend shall …
i. Protect you when you are heedless.
ii. Protect your property when you are heedless.
iii. Become a refuge when you are in danger
iv. Do not forsake you when in danger
v. Be considerate towards your descendents
The Buddha also defined the fundamental qualities of a warm-hearted friend. A Real Friend is …
i. A friend who helps …
He guards the heedless and protects their wealth. He becomes a refuge when you are afraid and when the need arises; he provides you with more then the amount required.
ii. A friend who shares the same weal and woe …
He will confess his own secrets to you and never reveal your secret to others. He will not forsake you during misfortune and even sacrifices his life for the goodness of his friend.
iii. A friend who gives good counsel …
He dissuades you from doing evil and persuades you to do good. He makes you hear what you have not heard such as the truth and the Teachings of the Buddha and points out to you the road to heavens.
iv. A friend who sympathizes …
He does not rejoice in your misfortune but rather for your prosperity. He restrains others from speaking evil of you (defending your weaknesses) and praises to those who speak well of you (who spread your goodness).
A True friend is one who is following closely to the right way while he secretly concerns his friend's welfare. In misfortune he will console you and he always gives good advice. Most of all he know how to keep your secrets.
E-Dhamma Course (1)
Intermediate Paper 1 : What We Seek in Life
Spiritual URGE begin with a thousand and one unanswered questions about life …
Why are we here ?
Where do we go next ?
How can we find the Truth ?
What do we seek in life ?
Spiritual URGE begin with a thousand and one unanswered questions about life …
Why are we here ?
Where do we go next ?
How can we find the Truth ?
What do we seek in life ?
Module 1: THE MYSTERY
The most popular question that has been haunting our mind is “What is the purpose of human life?”
To the materialist, life here in this world is for us to enjoy. It is to earn as much as we can and be happy. The question of morality never appears in their dictionary. They place a lot of emphasis on how to gain happiness for themselves and those whom they love.
They cannot perceive that there is life after death. In fact, they denied its existence totally.
On the other hand, some of the spiritualist communities proposed an impression of a “Judge”, who will determine your qualification to a heavenly paradise based on your conduct and performance in this life.
As for the extremists, they recommended certain ritual practice in order to please the so-called “Judge” for a guaranteed place in His Kingdom.
While certain materialists took advantage from these extremists, offering divine assistance, miracles or short-cut methods to profit for their personal interest, others claimed that their belief is the only way to salvation.
Your common sense will tell you that if everyone claims that his is the “only way”, all of them cannot be right at the same time. Then who is right? How can we tell whom and to what extent each is right?
1. Criteria for Seeking Truth
Once the Buddha was visiting a town named Kesaputta, where the Kalama clan lived. The Kalamas were confused with the teachings of the many religious teachers who spoke well of themselves and ill of others. They approached the Buddha and consulted him.
“There are some holy men and priests, Sir, who come to Kesaputta and claimed that only their religion is right and others are wrong. As a result, doubt has come to us. Which of these holy men and priests spoke the truth?”
The most popular question that has been haunting our mind is “What is the purpose of human life?”
To the materialist, life here in this world is for us to enjoy. It is to earn as much as we can and be happy. The question of morality never appears in their dictionary. They place a lot of emphasis on how to gain happiness for themselves and those whom they love.
They cannot perceive that there is life after death. In fact, they denied its existence totally.
On the other hand, some of the spiritualist communities proposed an impression of a “Judge”, who will determine your qualification to a heavenly paradise based on your conduct and performance in this life.
As for the extremists, they recommended certain ritual practice in order to please the so-called “Judge” for a guaranteed place in His Kingdom.
While certain materialists took advantage from these extremists, offering divine assistance, miracles or short-cut methods to profit for their personal interest, others claimed that their belief is the only way to salvation.
Your common sense will tell you that if everyone claims that his is the “only way”, all of them cannot be right at the same time. Then who is right? How can we tell whom and to what extent each is right?
1. Criteria for Seeking Truth
Once the Buddha was visiting a town named Kesaputta, where the Kalama clan lived. The Kalamas were confused with the teachings of the many religious teachers who spoke well of themselves and ill of others. They approached the Buddha and consulted him.
“There are some holy men and priests, Sir, who come to Kesaputta and claimed that only their religion is right and others are wrong. As a result, doubt has come to us. Which of these holy men and priests spoke the truth?”
Now, the Buddha knowing the confusion in the mind of the Kalamas did not give them another dogmas nor dismiss the doctrine of others as false. Instead he gave them a unique advice, which until today became the Buddhist spirit of thought and investigation – the Buddhist Charter of Free Inquiry (Kalama Sutta).
“It is proper to doubt in things that are doubtful. O Kalamas, do not accept anything;
through repeated hearing,
through mere tradition,
through rumours,
through mere correspondence with the scriptures,
through mere thinking deeply,
through logical reasoning,
through mere apparent reason,
based on mere agreement with your own opinion,
based on a person who seemingly possess abilities,
or thinking, “this person is our teacher.”
AN III:65 (Anguttara Nikaya book of the 3 verse 65)
2. What do we understand from here?
Everyday you switch on the television or radio, you are being forced to hear repeatedly the advertisements on how good and how effective certain products are and so on. Sooner or later you will think of trying the said products.
Have you ever wondered how true or how superstitious some traditions, that were brought down from our ancestors? Especially on the explanations on why they are being carried out. One of the reasons why today’s youngsters faced a lot of conflict in opinion with their elders is because they cannot accept the non-scientific logic behind these practices.
Rumours must be carefully investigated before being accepted. It can cause misunderstandings among family members and friends. In our working place, superior-subordinate relationships will be hampered by it if we are not mindful of the impact of rumours.
The most difficult things to deny are those scriptures handed down to us by our spiritual leaders. We value and pray so much for its sacredness. Doesn’t it ever cross our mind that those text and scriptures were written by men and it's commentaries and translations are very much subjected to the writer's opinions, mentality and understanding? It is also at the mercy of his judgement and censorship, be it intentionally or unintentionally.
The highest truth is beyond the ability of an untrained human mind to reason out logically or understand it.
It is only through the attainment of insight by mental purification that one can perceive the supra-mundane experience. Therefore by thinking deeply and applying our logical reasoning with our mundane mind will only discourage us in our search for Truth.
Man is like a hive of opinions. One's rejection and acceptance are very much depended on his opinions. In seeking the truth we have to have an open and proactive mind. Sometimes apparent truth might not be the reality. The colour red does not necessarily mean anger. As in the case of blood, it means saving life.
Even a righteous person who is your mentor or your admirer, who possessed all the good qualities, the Buddha advised us not to follow blindly. Even though if he is your guru or the Buddha himself.
What are the criteria then?
" Kalamas, when you yourselves know what are immoral, blameworthy and censured by the wise, when performed and undertaken, conduce to unprofitable things, conduce to suffering (to oneself as well as others), abandons them."
Here the Buddha asked the Kalamas again, "What do they think the presence of greed, hatred and delusion occurring within a man, will it conduce to benefit or to unprofitable things?"
A man, who is overwhelmed with greed, hatred or delusion sometimes resorts to killing, stealing, committing adultery, lying and inducing others to do the same like him.
Whatever conduces to unprofitable things conduces to the suffering of oneself and others.
" Kalamas, when you yourselves know what are moral, not blameworthy and praised by the wise, when performed and undertaken, conduce to profitable things, conduce to well being and happiness (of oneself as well as others), then do you live and act accordingly."
The Buddha explained that the absence of greed; hatred and delusion in a man's mind would refrain him from committing unwholesome deeds, and that may conduce to the benefit and happiness of oneself and others.
Thus, he is of self-controlled and discerning in mindfulness with his heart composed and filled with:-
Loving-kindness
(Wishing happiness for all beings)
Compassion
(Wishing deliverance from suffering for all beings)
Good Cheer
(Sympathetic joy towards all beings of their gains)
Equanimity
(Impartiality towards all beings)
The Buddha was open-minded about other religions and did not accuse them of wilful deceit. There are also good teachings in other religions too. "If one find truth in them, accept that truth" advised the Buddha.
Note that the Buddha's doctrines are also subjected to this critical test and investigation. He said, "One must not accept my teachings because of reverence but to first try them out as one test gold with fire."
Hence, the freedom of thought encourages one to seek the truth and it is crucial for the emancipation from suffering because the realization for the true nature of things can only be attained by a clear mind.
3. The Invitation
Believe or Be-Live?
The Buddha invites you to "come and see" (Ehipassikko) His teachings, which have no secret, no authoritarian dogma, practical and approachable, to be self-realized, down to earth and not superstitious. His discovery on the true characteristic or nature of things becomes the basis of His teachings.
We know things will not last forever. Clinging and having strong desires towards them will definitely cause un-satisfactoriness in us. Feelings too, change from time to time. In actuality, everything is impermanent in nature. This is the first basic characteristic of all conditioned things.
Separation from loved ones, living with unpleasant ones, not getting what one desires and getting what one does not wish, these are the other faces of sufferings.
The more craving and attachment we have towards them, the deeper the sufferings we will experience. On the other hand, your ability to let go of your sensual desires will allow your mind to calm down and see things as they really are.
All this time we have been deluded by the misconception and stubbornness to accept the reality in life, so much so that we do not know what we are seeking all these time.
We have been continuously influenced by society and the environments to behave in such a way that motivates us to cultivate greed and hatred in our manner of living.
It then became a threatening point that spiritual leaders began to introduce multiple counter-measures to solve these sickening problems.
Today you get an opportunity to learn another option of seeking what you doubt in life. By completing this basic course, we hope to inspire you with the fundamental knowledge on how to live as an understanding and compassionate being.
through mere tradition,
through rumours,
through mere correspondence with the scriptures,
through mere thinking deeply,
through logical reasoning,
through mere apparent reason,
based on mere agreement with your own opinion,
based on a person who seemingly possess abilities,
or thinking, “this person is our teacher.”
AN III:65 (Anguttara Nikaya book of the 3 verse 65)
2. What do we understand from here?
Everyday you switch on the television or radio, you are being forced to hear repeatedly the advertisements on how good and how effective certain products are and so on. Sooner or later you will think of trying the said products.
Have you ever wondered how true or how superstitious some traditions, that were brought down from our ancestors? Especially on the explanations on why they are being carried out. One of the reasons why today’s youngsters faced a lot of conflict in opinion with their elders is because they cannot accept the non-scientific logic behind these practices.
Rumours must be carefully investigated before being accepted. It can cause misunderstandings among family members and friends. In our working place, superior-subordinate relationships will be hampered by it if we are not mindful of the impact of rumours.
The most difficult things to deny are those scriptures handed down to us by our spiritual leaders. We value and pray so much for its sacredness. Doesn’t it ever cross our mind that those text and scriptures were written by men and it's commentaries and translations are very much subjected to the writer's opinions, mentality and understanding? It is also at the mercy of his judgement and censorship, be it intentionally or unintentionally.
The highest truth is beyond the ability of an untrained human mind to reason out logically or understand it.
It is only through the attainment of insight by mental purification that one can perceive the supra-mundane experience. Therefore by thinking deeply and applying our logical reasoning with our mundane mind will only discourage us in our search for Truth.
Man is like a hive of opinions. One's rejection and acceptance are very much depended on his opinions. In seeking the truth we have to have an open and proactive mind. Sometimes apparent truth might not be the reality. The colour red does not necessarily mean anger. As in the case of blood, it means saving life.
Even a righteous person who is your mentor or your admirer, who possessed all the good qualities, the Buddha advised us not to follow blindly. Even though if he is your guru or the Buddha himself.
What are the criteria then?
" Kalamas, when you yourselves know what are immoral, blameworthy and censured by the wise, when performed and undertaken, conduce to unprofitable things, conduce to suffering (to oneself as well as others), abandons them."
Here the Buddha asked the Kalamas again, "What do they think the presence of greed, hatred and delusion occurring within a man, will it conduce to benefit or to unprofitable things?"
A man, who is overwhelmed with greed, hatred or delusion sometimes resorts to killing, stealing, committing adultery, lying and inducing others to do the same like him.
Whatever conduces to unprofitable things conduces to the suffering of oneself and others.
" Kalamas, when you yourselves know what are moral, not blameworthy and praised by the wise, when performed and undertaken, conduce to profitable things, conduce to well being and happiness (of oneself as well as others), then do you live and act accordingly."
The Buddha explained that the absence of greed; hatred and delusion in a man's mind would refrain him from committing unwholesome deeds, and that may conduce to the benefit and happiness of oneself and others.
Thus, he is of self-controlled and discerning in mindfulness with his heart composed and filled with:-
Loving-kindness
(Wishing happiness for all beings)
Compassion
(Wishing deliverance from suffering for all beings)
Good Cheer
(Sympathetic joy towards all beings of their gains)
Equanimity
(Impartiality towards all beings)
The Buddha was open-minded about other religions and did not accuse them of wilful deceit. There are also good teachings in other religions too. "If one find truth in them, accept that truth" advised the Buddha.
Note that the Buddha's doctrines are also subjected to this critical test and investigation. He said, "One must not accept my teachings because of reverence but to first try them out as one test gold with fire."
Hence, the freedom of thought encourages one to seek the truth and it is crucial for the emancipation from suffering because the realization for the true nature of things can only be attained by a clear mind.
3. The Invitation
Believe or Be-Live?
The Buddha invites you to "come and see" (Ehipassikko) His teachings, which have no secret, no authoritarian dogma, practical and approachable, to be self-realized, down to earth and not superstitious. His discovery on the true characteristic or nature of things becomes the basis of His teachings.
We know things will not last forever. Clinging and having strong desires towards them will definitely cause un-satisfactoriness in us. Feelings too, change from time to time. In actuality, everything is impermanent in nature. This is the first basic characteristic of all conditioned things.
Separation from loved ones, living with unpleasant ones, not getting what one desires and getting what one does not wish, these are the other faces of sufferings.
The more craving and attachment we have towards them, the deeper the sufferings we will experience. On the other hand, your ability to let go of your sensual desires will allow your mind to calm down and see things as they really are.
All this time we have been deluded by the misconception and stubbornness to accept the reality in life, so much so that we do not know what we are seeking all these time.
We have been continuously influenced by society and the environments to behave in such a way that motivates us to cultivate greed and hatred in our manner of living.
It then became a threatening point that spiritual leaders began to introduce multiple counter-measures to solve these sickening problems.
Today you get an opportunity to learn another option of seeking what you doubt in life. By completing this basic course, we hope to inspire you with the fundamental knowledge on how to live as an understanding and compassionate being.
" Avoid Evil,
Do Good,
and Purify your Mind "
- This is the teachings of the Buddha -
My little note：
One year ago I have signed up myself to an e-Dhamma course. (MAHINDA e-CORRESPONDENCE COURSE) http://www.mahindarama.com/
I found some of those materials are very useful to a sincere practiced person who wants to uplift his or herself. Although I haven't allocated enough times to study all those notes, still, Dhamma is good to be shared with. Although this e-course is of intermediate level ( suitable for those who have already acquired some basic Dhamma knowledge), I still found it useful for general Buddhists as well.
I am yet to compile the materials according to the modules received, and upload them to this blog accordingly.
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