Tag: Buddhism

The Winds of Feeling and the Stillness of Wisdom

steve1658Leave a comment

The Winds of Feeling and the Stillness of Wisdom

In the vast sky above, O monks, the winds are ever-changing.
From the far reaches of the earth, they arise—east and west, north and south—
Some sweeping across the land with dust in their grasp,
Others gliding clear and pure, unseen yet felt.
Some arrive with a scorching heat, parching all they touch,
While others whisper with a cool breath, soothing the weary.
Some rage with unbridled fury, shaking trees and stirring waves,
Others pass so gently that even the finest leaf remains still.
Thus, the sky holds within it the ceaseless motion of change,
A dance without beginning, a rhythm without end.

Likewise, monks, within this fragile body, feelings arise and pass away.
Pleasant feelings, like the cool breeze of dawn, bring delight,
Painful feelings, like the searing winds of summer, bring distress,
And neutral feelings, subtle and unnoticed, drift like a silent air.
Just as the winds do not ask permission to blow,
Neither do feelings seek consent before they arise.
They come and go, transient as the shifting sky,
Unbound by will, untouched by desire.

There are times when joy rushes in like a warm southern wind,
Caressing the heart, lifting the spirit, filling the mind with delight.
Like the gentle wind that carries the scent of blossoms,
It fills one’s being with sweetness, with contentment, with ease.
But as swiftly as it arrives, it fades,
Leaving behind only the memory of its touch.

At other times, suffering comes like a storm from the north,
A wind that chills the bones and darkens the sky.
It roars through the mind like thunder over the mountains,
Scattering thoughts, shaking resolve, leaving fear in its wake.
One may grasp at warmth, may plead for calm,
But the storm does not heed the cries of those who resist.
It will pass in its own time, as all things do.

And then there are moments when neither pleasure nor pain arises,
When the winds are still, when the sky is vast and untroubled.
Yet even in this calm, there is movement unseen—
The silent shifting of clouds, the quiet breath of the unseen air.
Such is the nature of neutral feeling, subtle and unnoticed,
Present, yet often ignored, like a whisper in the great noise of life.

But, O monks, the wise one does not cling nor recoil.
He observes as a traveler watches the shifting clouds—
Unmoved by their beauty, unshaken by their darkness.
With mindfulness sharp as a lamp in the storm,
He sees the winds of feeling for what they are:
Impermanent, empty, without a self to call their own.
Neither delighting in pleasure nor despairing in pain,
He remains steadfast, grounded in the Dharma’s way.

The fool, however, is like a man chasing the wind.
He runs toward pleasure, longing to catch it in his grasp,
Yet it slips through his fingers like sand through an open hand.
He flees from suffering, cursing the bitter wind that stings his face,
Yet the more he resists, the fiercer the storm becomes.
He clings to what is fleeting, he weeps for what is lost,
Unaware that all things are like the sky—
Boundless, shifting, beyond his control.

But if a monk, O wise ones, is ardent and does not neglect
To practice mindfulness and comprehension clear,
Then the nature of all feelings will he understand.
Like a great tree rooted deep in the earth,
He does not sway with every passing breeze.
Neither heat nor cold disturbs his stillness,
Neither joy nor sorrow binds his heart.

And having penetrated them, he will be taint-free in this very life.
Mature in knowledge, firm in the ways of the Dharma,
He walks the path beyond sorrow, beyond birth and death.
For he has seen the truth with wisdom’s eye,
And in knowing, he is free.

When once his life-span ends, his body breaks,
Like a leaf that falls when its time has come,
He clings to nothing, holds to nothing.
No longer bound by the illusions of self and suffering,
He transcends all measure, beyond all concept,
Unshaken as the boundless sky itself.

Thus, O monks, let the winds blow as they will.
Do not chase them, do not flee from them.
Simply see them, know them, and be free.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2025/03/20/the-winds-of-feeling-and-the-stillness-of-wisdom/

The Boundless Merit of a Pure Offering

steve1658Leave a comment

The Boundless Merit of a Pure Offering

The Setting: A Sacred Place of Wisdom

Long ago, in the land of Kosala, near the great city of Savatthi, the Blessed One, the Buddha, was residing in the peaceful and lush Jeta’s Grove, within the monastery of Anathapindika. This monastery, a place of great reverence, had been generously donated by the wealthy merchant Anathapindika, whose devotion to the Buddha and his teachings knew no bounds. The monastery stood as a sanctuary for monks, a refuge for spiritual seekers, and a center of wisdom where countless people came to listen to the Buddha’s words.

During this time, there lived a devoted laywoman named Velukandaki, the mother of Nanda. She was known not only for her deep faith in the Buddha but also for her unwavering generosity. One day, with a heart full of devotion, she made a grand offering to the community of monks, led by the great disciples Sariputta and Moggallana.

She prepared everything with care and reverence, ensuring that the offering was pure and given with the best of intentions. She selected the finest food, the cleanest robes, and all the necessary requisites for the monks’ well-being. With a mind filled with joy, she dedicated this offering with sincerity, wishing for the monks’ happiness and progress on the path to enlightenment.

The Buddha’s Divine Vision

The Blessed One, possessing the divine eye, which allowed him to see beyond ordinary human sight, observed the act of generosity from a distance. He saw not only the physical offering but also the purity of Velukandaki’s heart, the joy she felt in giving, and the vast merit her actions generated. He understood that this was no ordinary act of charity but one imbued with profound significance.

Gathering the monks around him, the Buddha spoke:

“Monks, do you see how Velukandaki, Nanda’s mother, has made an offering with great sincerity? This is no ordinary gift. It is an offering endowed with six noble qualities, making it a source of immeasurable merit.”

The monks, always eager to learn from their revered teacher, listened attentively.

The Six Qualities That Make a Gift Truly Noble

The Buddha continued, explaining that for a donation to generate immense spiritual benefit, it must possess six essential qualities. These qualities come from both the giver and the recipient.

The Three Qualities of the Giver

  1. Before giving, the donor is joyful – True generosity begins in the heart. A giver should not give out of duty, pressure, or reluctance. Instead, they should feel happiness and eagerness before making an offering, understanding that giving is an opportunity to cultivate virtue and compassion.
  2. While giving, the mind is clear and bright – The act of giving should be done with sincerity, free from hesitation, regret, or pride. The donor should give with an open heart, purely for the benefit of others, without expecting anything in return.
  3. After giving, the donor feels satisfied – Once the gift has been given, the donor should not feel regret or attachment to what was given. Instead, they should feel a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that they have done something good, planting seeds of merit for the future.

The Three Qualities of a Worthy Recipient

  1. They are free from or striving to overcome passion (craving and attachment) – The best recipients are those who are free from excessive desires or are practicing to let go of worldly attachments. Such individuals use what they receive with mindfulness and do not misuse gifts for selfish purposes.
  2. They are free from or striving to overcome aversion (anger and hatred) – A worthy recipient has a mind of loving-kindness, free from resentment or ill will. Their purity of heart ensures that the offering does not go to someone who would use it with a mind tainted by negativity.
  3. They are free from or striving to overcome delusion (ignorance and confusion) – The highest recipients of generosity are those who have wisdom, who understand the nature of existence, and who use what they receive to support their path toward enlightenment.

The Incalculable Merit of a Pure Offering

The Buddha then explained why such an offering creates immeasurable merit.

“Monks, when a gift is made with these six qualities, its merit is beyond calculation. Just as no one can measure the vast waters of the great ocean by counting buckets of water, no one can measure the merit of such a pure and selfless act. The results of such a gift are boundless, leading to happiness in this life and beyond, opening the doors to heavenly realms and ultimate liberation.”

To illustrate this truth, the Buddha spoke a verse:

“Before giving, one is joyful.
While giving, the heart is bright.
After giving, one feels content—
This is the perfection of generosity.

When given to those free from greed,
Hatred, and delusion,
Such an offering bears great fruit.

A wise and faithful giver,
With a pure mind,
Will be reborn in a realm of joy.“

The Ripple Effect of Generosity

The monks were deeply moved by the Buddha’s words. They understood that generosity was not merely about giving material things but about cultivating a generous heart, a mind free from attachment, and an attitude of selflessness.

From that day on, monks and laypeople alike practiced generosity with deeper awareness. They no longer gave out of habit or mere obligation but with joy, wisdom, and faith in the power of good deeds. They realized that every act of true giving created ripples, touching not only the recipient but also bringing happiness to the giver and inspiring others to do the same.

The Eternal Truth of Giving

Generosity, the Buddha taught, is one of the highest virtues, a foundation for spiritual growth. It purifies the heart, weakens selfishness, and strengthens the bonds of kindness among beings. It is a practice that leads not only to worldly happiness but also to the highest goal—awakening.

And so, the teachings of the Blessed One continued to illuminate the path for all who sought truth, guiding them toward a life of compassion, wisdom, and boundless merit.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2025/03/06/the-boundless-merit-of-a-pure-offering/

The Impermanence of Life

steve1658Leave a comment

The Impermanence of Life

It is said that on one occasion, the Blessed One was residing near Sāvatthī, in the tranquil setting of Jeta’s Grove, within the monastery of the great lay disciple, Anāthapiṇḍika. The grove, known for its serene beauty, was a place where the gentle rustling of leaves harmonized with the distant murmurs of disciples in meditation. The air was cool and carried the faint fragrance of blossoming trees, as birds nestled into their branches, signaling the arrival of dusk.

That afternoon, Venerable Ānanda, after emerging from his period of solitary contemplation, felt a stirring within his heart—an inquiry that had long lingered in his mind. With reverence, he made his way toward the Blessed One, his robes flowing gently with each step. Approaching the Master, he bowed deeply, touching his forehead to the ground, before sitting respectfully to one side.

After a brief silence, he spoke. “It is truly astonishing, Blessed One,” he began, his voice carrying both wonder and solemnity. “It is beyond ordinary understanding how brief the life of your noble mother was. Just seven days after giving birth to you, she departed from this world and was reborn among the Contented (Tusita) devas. Such a profound event—one might wonder, why must it always be so?”

The Blessed One, seated in perfect stillness, his presence like the steady glow of a lamp in the darkness, turned his gaze toward Ānanda. A gentle smile played upon his lips, filled with both compassion and wisdom. “That is the way of things, Ānanda,” he replied with serene certainty. “It has been so for all bodhisattas. Seven days after giving birth, their mothers depart from this world and reappear among the Contented devas. This is not by chance, nor is it unjust—it is simply the unfolding of causes and conditions, bound to the nature of existence itself.”

Hearing this, Ānanda lowered his gaze, reflecting deeply. The inevitability of impermanence was a truth he had long understood, yet there was something profoundly moving about the fate of the Blessed One’s mother. She had carried the future Buddha within her, borne him into the world, and yet was granted only the briefest of moments to gaze upon her child before departing. What a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life!

Sensing the unspoken thoughts in Ānanda’s heart, the Blessed One continued, his voice steady and clear. “Ānanda, all that arises is bound to pass away. This truth is not new, nor is it sorrowful—it is simply the nature of all things. The wise do not grieve over what must change, but rather, they come to understand it, to see it as it truly is. Just as a river flows ever onward, never pausing for even a moment, so too does life, moving ceaselessly from birth to death, from form to formlessness.”

Ānanda listened intently, his heart absorbing the words like parched earth drinking the first drops of rain. The Blessed One’s wisdom was not meant to bring sorrow but liberation—an awakening to the truth that, when seen clearly, freed one from suffering.

Then, in that sacred moment, the Blessed One uttered verses that carried the weight of countless eons of wisdom:

All who have come to be,
And all who are yet to come,
Shall one day depart,
Leaving the body behind.

As a traveler moves from one land to the next,
So too does the being journey on,
Carrying only the weight of their deeds.

The wise, knowing this truth,
Understanding the fleeting nature of all things,
Should live the holy life
With diligence and unwavering resolve.

As these words were spoken, a deep stillness settled over the grove, as though nature itself had paused to listen. The trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their leaves whispering secrets to one another, as if in agreement with the wisdom that had just been revealed.

Ānanda bowed his head once more, his heart filled with both reverence and renewed understanding. In that moment, he saw more clearly than before—the path laid out by the Blessed One was not one of despair but of awakening, not of loss but of liberation. Impermanence was not to be feared, for it was the very nature of existence. To grasp this truth was to be free from suffering, to walk the noble path with clarity and purpose.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the monastery grounds, the Blessed One remained in serene meditation, embodying the very truth he had spoken. His presence was like the still ocean—deep, vast, and unshaken by the passing winds of change.

And those who listened, those who truly understood, carried his words in their hearts like a lamp in the darkness, guiding them ever forward on the path to awakening.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2025/02/13/the-impermanence-of-life/

Wishes

steve1658Leave a comment

Wishes

Once, the Blessed One, the Buddha, was residing near Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Grove at the monastery donated by Anāthapiṇḍika, the great supporter of the Sangha. Jeta’s Grove was a place of great beauty and peace. The tall trees, their branches heavy with leaves, offered shade and shelter to monks seeking quiet and solitude. The air was cool, and the sounds of nature—the songs of birds, the hum of insects, and the gentle rustling of leaves—blended into a natural symphony of calm.

On this particular morning, as the sun began its slow ascent and golden light touched the forest floor, the monks returned from their almsround in Sāvatthī. With their bowls filled with the generosity of laypeople, they made their way quietly back to the monastery, their bare feet treading softly on the earth. After sharing their meal and completing their morning duties, the monks gathered under a large, ancient tree.

The Blessed One sat upon a simple seat prepared for him, his serene presence filling the space with stillness. Seeing his disciples seated before him—rows of saffron-robed monks, silent and attentive—the Buddha called out:

“Monks!”

“Yes, Lord,” they responded in unison, bowing their heads respectfully.

The Buddha, his voice calm yet clear, began his teaching:

“Monks, dwell with pure virtue. Follow the Pāṭimokkha, the rules of discipline that preserve the holy life. Be careful and restrained in your conduct. Train yourselves diligently, and see danger even in the smallest faults. A monk who lives in this way will find great benefit, both in this life and beyond.”

The monks listened intently, their minds focused and still. Seeing their readiness to learn, the Buddha continued, explaining how pure conduct brings many blessings and fulfillments in a monk’s life.

The Ten Blessings of Pure Conduct

  1. Being Loved and Respected
    “If a monk wishes to be loved and respected by his fellow monks, let him be pure in his conduct. Such a monk inspires trust and admiration. He lives in harmony, free of quarrels and blame, like a calm lake that reflects the sky without distortion. He should meditate regularly, seeking peace in solitude. In quiet places, away from distractions, his mind becomes steady and clear. A monk who trains this way is loved not because he asks for it, but because his actions naturally inspire respect.”

The Buddha smiled slightly as he spoke, his gaze sweeping over the monks. “Reflect on this, monks: true respect cannot be forced; it arises naturally when virtue is perfected.”

  1. Receiving Life’s Necessities
    “If a monk wishes to receive food, robes, shelter, and medicine without difficulty, let him live a virtuous life. Laypeople see such a monk and feel confidence in supporting him. When they give, they know their offerings will be well used, bringing blessings to themselves and others.”

The Buddha continued, “Monks, remember: what we receive is given through the hard work and sacrifice of others. A virtuous monk accepts these gifts with gratitude and uses them wisely.”

  1. Bringing Benefit to Others
    “If a monk wishes the offerings he receives to bring great benefit to those who give, let him live purely and practice well. Gifts given to a pure monk bear great merit, like seeds sown in fertile soil. The giver reaps blessings long after the gift is given.”
  2. Helping Departed Relatives
    “If a monk wishes to bring blessings to his departed relatives, let him live a life of virtue and purity. Even those who have passed away are touched by the good deeds of their loved ones who remain. Like a lamp lighting a dark room, the pure life of a monk can bring peace to unseen realms.”

The monks reflected quietly on this, thinking of their own loved ones who had passed on.

  1. Finding Contentment
    “If a monk wishes to be content with what he receives—whether it be little or much—let him train his mind to be free from greed. Contentment is the greatest wealth. A monk who is satisfied with little will never feel poor, while one who chases after more will never be at peace.”
  2. Building Inner Strength
    “If a monk wishes to endure hardships—cold and heat, hunger and thirst, harsh words, or bodily pain—let him strengthen his mind. Like a great tree that stands firm in the wind, a monk trained in patience and virtue will not be shaken.”

The Buddha gestured to the great tree under which they sat. “See how this tree stands tall, unmoving, though the winds blow around it. In the same way, train yourselves to remain steady amidst the storms of life.”

  1. Overcoming Anger
    “If a monk wishes to overcome anger and irritation, let him train his mind in patience and kindness. Anger is like a fire that burns within, harming only the one who holds it. By practicing peace and forgiveness, a monk frees himself from this suffering.”
  2. Conquering Fear
    “If a monk wishes to overcome fear and dread, let him seek solitude and observe his fear. He will see it as a passing thought, without substance. Fear arises from delusion. By understanding this, a monk can let it go and dwell in peace.”
  3. Mastering Meditation
    “If a monk wishes to attain deep, peaceful meditation, let him live with pure conduct and train his mind in quiet places. With effort and dedication, he will find joy and calm, like a traveler who rests beneath a cool shade on a hot day.”
  4. Attaining Liberation
    “If a monk wishes to achieve the highest freedom—the end of all suffering—let him practice virtue, meditation, and wisdom with diligence. By following this path, he will realize the truth and be free.”

The Path to Peace

The Buddha looked kindly at his monks, his words resonating like a bell in their hearts.

“Monks, train yourselves well. Live with pure conduct and see danger even in the smallest faults. A life of virtue brings harmony, contentment, and strength. It leads to the highest freedom, Nibbāna, where suffering ceases completely.”

The monks sat in deep reflection, their minds uplifted and inspired. Some resolved to practice with greater diligence, while others silently rejoiced at the clarity and compassion of their Teacher’s words.

As the morning sun climbed higher into the sky, the grove seemed even more peaceful, the teachings of the Blessed One lingering like a soft echo among the trees.

From that day on, the monks at Jeta’s Grove renewed their efforts to live in purity, knowing that virtue was the path to peace, respect, and ultimate liberation.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/12/18/wishes/

Rushing

steve1658Leave a comment

Rushing

Once, it is said, the Blessed One was residing near Sāvatthī, at Jeta’s Grove in Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. The night had descended, bringing with it a profound, enveloping darkness. It was the kind of night where even the stars seemed to hold their light in reserve, allowing shadows to reign supreme. Yet, within this darkness, the monastery grounds were alive with a quiet stillness, illuminated faintly by the soft, flickering glow of oil lamps placed along the pathways.

The Blessed One, serene and composed, was seated in the open air, his presence as still as the moonlit trees swaying gently in the night breeze. His mind was a vast, untroubled ocean, reflecting all yet clinging to nothing. As he sat there, the flames of the oil lamps danced, casting shadows that seemed to come alive, revealing the fleeting and uncertain nature of all things.

It was then that he observed a curious sight. In the warm light of the lamps, countless tiny insects were drawn to the glow. Some circled hesitantly, while others, overcome by their attraction, flew directly into the flames. One by one, they perished—meeting their downfall in the very light they had sought. Their fragile wings, so full of life moments ago, crumbled into ash, and their brief existence came to an abrupt and fiery end.

The Blessed One watched this with a calm yet penetrating gaze, his heart filled with compassion for all beings caught in the cycles of ignorance and craving. These insects, unaware of the danger, were ensnared by their desire, rushing heedlessly toward what they believed would bring fulfillment—only to find destruction. It was a poignant reflection of the human condition.

He spoke softly to himself, voicing the universal truth revealed in that simple, tragic scene:
“Beings, deluded and blinded by craving, rush headlong toward what they believe to be happiness, not seeing the flames that await them. Again and again, they meet their misfortune, unable to turn away from their desires.”

As the night deepened, a group of monks approached, drawn by the serene presence of the Blessed One. They seated themselves respectfully, sensing that their teacher had something to impart.

The Blessed One turned to them and said:
“Monks, do you see these insects, flying into the lamps, circling the flames, only to meet their end in the very light that captivates them?”

“Yes, Blessed One,” the monks replied in unison.

The Buddha continued, his voice steady and resonant:
“Just as these insects are drawn to the flames, so too are beings drawn to the allure of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches. Overcome by craving, they pursue what appears desirable, unaware of the suffering that lies ahead. They become ensnared in the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death, bound by their attachments and aversions.”

The monks listened intently, their hearts stirred by the profound truth of his words. The Blessed One then offered them a verse:

“Rushing headlong, blinded by craving,
missing what’s essential,
they fall, like moths into a flame.
One bond breaks, another forms,
and still they grasp,
seeking solace in the fleeting.”

“But monks,” the Buddha added, “there is a way out of this endless cycle. Through mindfulness and discernment, one can see clearly the nature of desire and its pitfalls. By cultivating the Noble Eightfold Path—right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration—one can turn away from the flames and find liberation.”

The monks, inspired and grateful, resolved to deepen their practice. As the night wore on, the oil lamps flickered their last, and darkness reclaimed the grove. Yet within the hearts of those gathered, a light was kindled—a light of wisdom and understanding, brighter and more enduring than any flame.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/12/06/rushing/

Dwellings

steve1658Leave a comment

Dwellings

One serene afternoon, as the sun cast its golden rays over the forest monastery, the Blessed One, surrounded by his disciples, addressed them with a voice calm yet imbued with profound authority.

“Monks, today I shall teach you the nine step-by-step dwelling-attainments. These are the paths by which the mind ascends to liberation, shedding layer after layer of bondage. Listen well and pay close attention, for I shall speak.”

“Yes, Lord,” the monks replied in unison, their palms pressed together in respectful homage.

After a brief silence, the Blessed One began:

“And what, monks, are the nine step-by-step dwelling-attainments? These are the stages of gradual release, where the mind lets go of its attachments and enters ever-deeper states of peace and clarity. Let me explain them to you.

The First Attainment: The Cessation of Sensual Resolves

“Wherever sensual resolves cease, and those who continually abandon them dwell—truly, I tell you, by this, those venerable ones are free from hunger, unbound, having crossed over to the far shore.

“Now, imagine a person burdened by the weight of craving, their mind restless, chasing after sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and touches. If someone were to ask, ‘Where do sensual resolves cease? And where do those who continually abandon sensual resolves dwell? I do not know; I do not see,’ they should be told:

“‘Friend, there is a case where a monk, quite secluded from sensuality and unskillful mental qualities, enters and remains in the first jhāna—rapture and pleasure born of seclusion, accompanied by directed thought and evaluation. That is where sensual resolves cease, and where those who continually abandon sensual resolves dwell.’

“Picture this monk: seated in meditation beneath a towering tree, their robes still as the breeze whispers through the leaves. Their mind, unshackled from desire, glows with serenity, like a lamp undisturbed by wind.

“Surely, a sincere person, upon hearing these words, would say, ‘Very good!’ Delighting in and approving of the statement, they would pay homage, raising their hands palm-to-palm over their heart, and honor this truth.”

The Blessed One paused, allowing the monks to absorb the teaching. A moment of profound silence settled over the gathering, broken only by the distant chirping of birds.

The Second Attainment: The Stilling of Directed Thought and Evaluation

“Wherever directed thought and evaluation cease, and those who continually abandon them dwell—truly, I tell you, by this, those venerable ones are free from hunger, unbound, having crossed over to the far shore.

“Consider a mind that has tasted the joy of seclusion but still hums with the activity of thought, questioning and analyzing. If someone were to ask, ‘Where do directed thought and evaluation cease? And where do those who continually abandon directed thought and evaluation dwell? I do not know; I do not see,’ they should be told:

“‘Friend, there is a case where a monk, with the stilling of directed thought and evaluation, enters and remains in the second jhāna—rapture and pleasure born of concentration, unification of awareness free from directed thought and evaluation, with internal assurance. That is where directed thought and evaluation cease, and where those who continually abandon them dwell.’

“Imagine this monk: their mind, no longer scattered by inquiry, becomes like a still pond, its surface unbroken, reflecting the infinite sky. They sit in quiet confidence, their awareness unified, their joy deepened by this state of pure concentration.

“And again, a sincere person, hearing this, would say, ‘Very good!’ Delighting in and approving of the statement, they would pay homage and honor this teaching with reverence.”

The Third Attainment: The Fading of Rapture

“Wherever rapture ceases, and those who continually abandon rapture dwell—truly, I tell you, by this, those venerable ones are free from hunger, unbound, having crossed over to the far shore.

“Imagine the ecstasy of deep meditation—powerful, but still a wave in the ocean of the mind. If someone were to ask, ‘Where does rapture cease? And where do those who continually abandon rapture dwell? I do not know; I do not see,’ they should be told:

“‘Friend, there is a case where a monk, with the fading of rapture, remains equanimous, mindful, and alert, and senses pleasure with the body. They enter and remain in the third jhāna, of which the noble ones declare: “Equanimous and mindful, they have a pleasant abiding.” That is where rapture ceases, and where those who continually abandon rapture dwell.’

“Picture this monk: the vibrant joy of earlier meditations now quieted, replaced by serene equanimity. They sit like a mountain, unmoved by the passing winds of emotion, their mind calm and poised.

“A sincere person, upon hearing this, would again say, ‘Very good!’ They would bow deeply, honoring this profound truth.”

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/11/22/dwellings/

Prajna / Wisdom

steve1658Leave a comment

Prajna / Wisdom

The concept of wisdom, represented by the Chinese characters “zhi-hui” and expressed in Buddhism as “prajna,” goes beyond mere problem-solving ability. In Buddhism, prajna signifies the profound wisdom of a Buddha, crucial for attaining Buddhahood alongside the accumulation of merit. It is the key to possessing a Buddha’s mind and gaining the extraordinary abilities needed to aid living beings.

To achieve prajna, a sequence of morality, concentration, and then wisdom must be followed. Without moral conduct, concentration becomes unattainable, and without concentration, the profound prajna wisdom cannot be realized. Additionally, developing wisdom is vital in applying precepts correctly.

There exist three types of prajna: acquired through written teachings and contemplation, they pave the way for the ultimate understanding of reality. Shakyamuni Buddha regarded prajna as unparalleled, the pinnacle of Buddha’s teachings, unveiling the true nature of Tathagatas and all living beings—the very truth of the universe. Realizing prajna is fundamental for liberation from the cycle of birth and death, requiring a deep comprehension of the inherent emptiness and impermanence of all phenomena.

Prajna, also known as understanding, knowledge, or insight, transcends mere conceptual conveyance. It embodies an intuitive grasp of emptiness, the fundamental essence of reality—a Sanskrit term denoting the wisdom that reveals the purified insight into emptiness, the core of existence.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2023/12/22/prajna-wisdom/

Inconceivable True Examples of Causality —killing fishes

steve1658Leave a comment

Inconceivable True Examples of Causality —killing fishes

This true example is the personal experience of Mr. Tsai who lives in Donggang Township of Pingtung County, told by himself. He is 41 years old this year. He owns a metal processing factory and also does the business of yacht renting. His financial situation is quite good and he also has a very happy family. Because he has grown up by the sea, he is very good at swimming. In the past, he rescued quite a few people who either unintentionally fell into water or were trying to commit suicide. Therefore, he can be regarded as a warm-hearted kind person. However, he also is addicted to a hobby, which is his passion for diving and shooting fish in his spare time. He said that when shooting the fish, he mostly aimed at the fish’s belly. This is because other parts of the fish have thick and hard muscles and thus it is not easy to penetrate through the fish. The fish has a better chance to escape. If the fish is shot at the belly, its intestine would quickly burst out while the fish is struggling. In that case, it will be very easy to catch the fish. For several years, he always engaged in such activities as a favorite pastime and did not feel anything improper in doing so at all.

On the 20thday of the 12thmonth of the lunar calendar of 1981, an unfortunate incident finally occurred. On that day, his friend drove a motorcycle to take him to Wandan Town to handle some matter. At 7 pm when they were on the way of returning to Donggang, their motorcycle had a face-on collision with an oncoming truck. After falling to the ground, Mr. Tsai was run over by the truck’s rear wheel on his abdomen. Right there, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. The bloody wound was too miserable to look at. At that time, although Mr. Tsai had suffered such a severe injury, his mind was still quite clear. He saw that the miserable wound he had suffered was almost the same as the situation of the fish being shot at the belly. Then, he immediately realized how painful, tormented, sad, and angry the fish’s feeling was at the time of being shot!

Right after, his friends immediately took him to several well-known big hospitals in the city of Kaohsiung one by one. But the hospitals all declined to admit him due to the severity of his injury. Mr. Tsai could not stand their lack of morality of saving life and scolded them furiously. Later, he was brought to Surgeon Chiu’s clinic, where he was accepted after repeated earnest requests. After being treated for one week, he was still not out of the critical condition. He was then transferred to Surgeon Xiao’s clinic to take another chance. With the doctor’s meticulous treatment and care, his life was finally saved. Altogether, he had five surgeries, with three in the abdomen, one at the perineum, and one on his right thigh. The treatments had to reconnect his intestines, ureter, and the broken thigh bone. He was hospitalized for seven months before returning home to continue recuperating.

His experience of getting his life back from the near-death ordeal was regarded as a miracle by many medical professionals as well as his family members and relatives. People all believed that this probably had to do with Mr. Tsai’s good deeds of saving the lives of several people in the past. However, the unfortunate fact is that one who saves people but on the other hand, also kills fish for enjoyment still cannot escape from the due retribution. This incident is truly worthy of pondering deeply by people in the world to introspect themselves.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2022/10/20/inconceivable-true-examples-of-causality-killing-fishes/

Thank you Mr. Tsai for sharing your story as to benefit living beings.