Q34. Are we able to recognize awakened people?
People like asking this very much. For instance, there are some who doubt if we could recognize an arahant now living in the world. If asked whether we could recognize an arahant if one came walking along, we should consider the following.
Why the Monkeys Washed out Their Ears
“Is it possible to practice ānāpānasati without first understanding dependent origination and the five khandhas? I think wisdom is developed from meditation, not from books. I do not like to read books and listen to Dhamma talks. I don’t understand, maybe it is better for me to stop practicing ānāpānasati?”
Maintaining Mindfulness When Being Slandered
The Buddha did not try to convert members of other sects or religions to his teachings. Nevertheless, on a number of occasions during his life he was slandered and reviled by those who were jealous of him or who felt threatened by the truths he taught. On one such occasion, he reminded his disciples of two important reasons for maintaining their mindfulness when such attacks were made.
Food for Thought #28
Wars are clashes of personal interests over differing notions of worldly happiness. World wars arise due to the opposition of the selfishness of nations.
Q33. Is it difficult or easy to be awakened and liberated?
Almost everyone answers that it is extremely difficult. No one dares to think or speak of it as being easy. Here again, let’s keep to the principle of not giving unqualified answers. Anyone who gives unqualified answers, saying, for example, ‘there is’ or ‘there’s not,’ ‘it’s easy’ or ‘it’s difficult,’ isn’t a follower of the Buddha.
-24- The International Suan Mokkh
This new Suan Mokkh is two kilometers away on the other side of the Asian Highway. You can go there if you are interested. The idea behind its construction is that we see that the world lacks peace. This is because the religions do not join forces. Instead, they are jealous of one another. Some religions think of undermining other religions so as to gain more adherents. The situation is just like that.
The Living Computer
“Is it correct to think that genuine true wisdom and happiness can only be found in Buddhism?”
Dealing with the Pressure of Legitimate Expectations
One year, while I was leading the monastic community at Wat Pah Nanachat, a certain young monk would regularly miss the early morning chanting/meditation sessions and the afternoon work periods. When I spoke to him about it he told me that the source of his problems was the monastery bell
Food for Thought #27
Those who seek physical happiness necessarily come into conflict with others, because physical happiness comes at the expense of others or is obtained by depending on other surrounding things and conditions. Wherever there is selfishness, there is conflict.
Q32. What is meant by living rightly?
‘Right living’ has a special meaning of its own. To live rightly is simply to live in ways such that the defilements (kilesa) can’t obtain nourishment nor be stirred up in any way. Hence, there’s nothing more to it than living all the time with mind free and empty (cit-waang), that is, mind that views the entire world as something empty and doesn’t clutch or grab at anything as being self or belonging to self.
-23- Occasional Screening of Dhamma Video Tapes and Slides
The video tapes are used as an audio-visual aid. As for the slides, I was the first to use them in Dhamma lectures. My first slide projector was made from a car headlamp. I used to make a lot of slides, and others followed my example.
The Living Computer
“Is it correct to think that genuine true mindfulness and wisdom can only be found in Buddhism?”
Conceit (māna)
Conceit (māna) is one of the most subtle of defilements – so much so that some of its forms tend to be considered as virtues. Etymologically, conceit is related to the idea of measurement. Conceit arises when we form an idea of self based upon measuring ourselves against others.
Food for Thought #26
Materialistic people see the body as all important and are willing to sacrifice everything to fattening it. Spiritual people see the mind as all important and are willing to sacrifice everything to its peace and tranquillity.
Q31. Are there any awakened people in the world at this time?
This question can be answered by quoting the Buddha, ‘If bhikkhus live rightly, the world will not be empty of arahants (worthy, undefiled beings).’* He said this on the very day he died.
-22- A Dhamma Discourse on Saturdays and Demonstrative Alms Offering
Regarding demonstrative alms offering, this is to show an example of how people in the Buddha’s time offered alms to the monks: the offerers took the alms bowls into the kitchen, put enough food into them, and brought them back to the monks.
Less is More: Frugality, Generosity and Renunciation
A new ebook by Amaro Bhikkhu. “…if we say that our usual philosophy in life is ‘more is better’, if ‘less is more’, then ‘less is better’ – if you follow the logic – which is a good way of summarizing this theme.”
The Living Computer
“Do you believe that mindfulness is the only means by which we can liberate the mind? That is, are enlightened Buddhists the only truly wise and happy people in the world?”
Clarity of Mind
Whatever form of meditation we practise, it is vitally important that we learn how to sustain clarity of mind throughout the session. Without that emphasis, the physical and mental relaxation that occurs as the meditation proceeds will result in dullness or sleepiness rather than samādhi.
Food for Thought #25
The quest for physical happiness leads to war; the quest for spiritual happiness leads to peace. As long as the world continues to worship materialism and is caught up in a search for physical happiness, there can be no hope for peace.