New article by someone from China on how the realization of Anatta and Dependent Origination led to the end of his suffering, and how this is the Only way to end suffering.
    One of the super rare people in China that I have ascertained to have realized anatta. Despite it being such a huge country.
    中篇
    【前注:那一个个毫无预料的瞬间状态,没有概念、思想能够生起,一个刹那本身就是一个全新内容,很难用文字语言表述其内容,为了提供一定参考性,使用了概念语句做解释】
    先是,天崩地裂般的绝望感同时生起,顿时,感觉自我身心彻底粉碎!这是对追求乐受、逃避苦受欲望的彻底舍弃!这是对自我存在感维护的彻底破灭!
    紧接的一个瞬间:是从未经历的极度的清醒、宁静、开放;
    再紧接着的瞬间呈现:当下只是整体式存在——相互渗透、不停变异,被生被灭,无法分割,无法停留……或者说,当下的感觉只是各种条件相互又相续的影响、组合的兑现,而不是“我”的对应感觉,即“我与非我的二元对立感”消融!
    随后瞬间生起了:“根本无我”,或说心、感觉本身就是“根本无我”;同时,一切建立在“有我”基础上的世界观、方法论、价值观、意义性、合理性、矛盾性、对抗性……相对应的挣扎、纠结、束缚……甚至概念本身,如大厦般瞬间轰然倒塌了!
    再接着的瞬间:感觉一下从无着无落的悬着的状态落了回来,从未有过的踏实感、轻松感、平静感!
    再无欲求,再没有想要和不想要的!
    再不需得到什么或舍弃什么了!
    再不需依赖任何状态、条件了!
    是的,再无所进,也再无所退的——再无不满的圆满!
    其实,以上这些瞬间合起来,也不过还是一个刹那的感觉,思考是无法根上的,亦生不出概念。
    真正的思维生起,是在踏实感出现之后——
    “结束了。”是的,心中纠结、恐惧、患得患失……都已化解,彻底结束。真是难以想象,不可思议。真就象做了一场噩梦,终于醒来——原来生命中,根本就没有实存独立个体,也没有令人不满的事物啊!
    太震惊的真相!
    佛陀、一切觉者,一定也是见证到这个真相后才解脱的!当时,心就是如此笃定认为。
    虽然,这真相、这灭苦过程,跟我之前对佛教的一些理解判断不太一致。
    而这令苦永息的真相竟如此简单——
    任何状态本就体现着无量条件组合下的无我,只要暂时彻底放下贪乐嗔苦的渴爱心态,当下就会见证到心自身的无常性、被生性和无我性。同时,就体验到了因不“挑剔”无量条件组合下的身心内外状态后的心灵圆满。
    原来破除不满,不是在缘生法则下呈现的一个个状态中寻求圆满,也就是它非缘生,而是破除有我的错误知见,反而不再执取渴爱缘生事物,从而再无造作的心,就必无不满。
    相反,不解脱的心,就恰恰是因为,始终在评判依缘生的生命状态内外的好坏、对错、乐苦,再以寻乐避苦、贪好嗔坏方式,在无常、无我的缘生事物中预求常乐我净,预求解脱于苦,怎能不失败。
    我感受到人们就象爬山一样,艰难前行,似乎身后、脚下无不是恐怖、不满,只有不断前行才能避开,却永无尽头。但只要停下来,放下对脚下有不满的成见,生起无贪无嗔的中立心,就会立刻明白,哪里都无恐怖、不满的呀。
    但人们的心就象上了发条,停不下来。从不怀疑自我的绝对存在(或有不死灵魂的常见论;或有生前无我,死后无我,唯此一生是我的断见论),太习惯了那种是非评判,无法自拔。可这一切,又无不是缘生法则的必然结果,从没有真正独立的任何个体。
    每个人的身心状态,完完全全是条件间的组合运化,按部就班,依其相应属性、规律运作着,生灭变化着。或可说,一切状态本是自然缘生法则的兑现,皆是“天意”,其变化过程皆是必然,因果皆非偶然。
    因缘而果的事实,恰恰证明了生命无灵魂,而不是相反。而象许多人,执取着因果中的如何获取乐受式福报,不生苦受式恶报,就是贪乐嗔苦、趋吉避凶灭苦法,它却实是令不满丛生,妄生之我轮回不止的造苦法!
    此时,心还是那般从未有过的平静、踏实,没有兴奋,没有激动。慢慢开始感觉到身体的存在,不经意间,感觉到脸上似乎很湿。伸手去摸,是水,满脸。哪来的水?立刻反应过来,这是泪水。可什么时候流的,竟然不知。
    猜测着,是喜极而泣?以前有过这种经历,成功的喜悦,激动得真能流泪。可这次,几个瞬间直到现在,没有一丝兴奋、激动,这似乎也是一种成功,甚至算是真正的彻底成功,可却没有兴奋、激动,只是一种平常心态和少有的踏实平静感。
    对了,这眼泪定是之前,剧烈煎熬、纠结恐惧时流出来的。一定是的,可想而知,当时痛苦到何种程度,竟然连流泪不止都丝毫不觉。
    心中生起一丝微笑,不是自嘲,而是宽容——当时吓得不得了,患得患失,原来根本就无我,无所得无所失。人们何尝不是如此,难以放弃心目中的欲求对象,特别是自我。这一步太难了,更主要是太难相信,也就不愿尝试见证。
    擦着泪水,同时也睁开了眼睛,天还没亮,不知时间几点,昏暗中,看着周边不清楚的一切,充满了新鲜感,甚至“明亮”感,这是心摆脱了有记忆以来,对生命错误的认知和其带来的负面心理后,呈现出的感觉。
    经历了这从未经历过的全新体验,傲慢、自卑、恐惧、懊悔、仇怨、委屈、无助、孤独、紧张、纠结……等负面阴暗的心理情绪消散了,感觉遇到的一切都是光明的、亲切的、无害的、相融合一的,心内外从未有的轻松、安祥、无碍、解脱……
    这时才明白,所谓的自己乃至人们,一生中真正在不停忙碌的工作,就是在解决心中生起的种种不满!
    但是,几乎所有人使用的方法都错了,甚至是完全颠倒了。它不是在消除不满,而是在不停地、想方设法制造着不满欲求!
    那就是——以“自我”为中心,不断对生活中的种种状态,生起“挑剔”式的思维:哪个好,哪个更好;然后是如何生出这好的,又如何保持住这好的;再然后,又如何生出更好的……正所谓,生活中有不满,才有欲望追求,才有奋斗目标,才有生活动力嘛。
    于是,心灵便始终处在饥渴般的不满中……
    自己就是这样苦苦经历了几十年,人们又何尝不是如此,在黑暗、恐惧中挣扎……所谓成功的喜悦,也不过象是难得的麻醉剂式的安慰,喜悦、满足感更是贪恋、预保住这结果的紧抓、执取心态的呈现……心始终在得失成败间纠结扭曲,摇摆不定,何曾真正轻松、自由过?
    那一刻,心中自然生起悲悯,哪有什么仇敌、恶魔——只有一个个因不明真相而被折磨得无比可怜的生命;只有一颗颗运用着错误的灭苦方法却不自知,而结果是始终造苦的无比可悲的心灵。
    心也生起了一种感恩,正是这无量众缘和合而生现象,造就了无限生命,造就了心当下的万千感受。感觉中的不同内容、个体对象,无不是“自我”生命当下活着的体现。真正的慈心,不仅是散发平等慈爱,更是一种感恩下的回报,而绝不是一种施舍。
    【注:心中这些想法,也就是一个个内容不同的感觉本身,依然只是众条件和合下的必然兑现,无我的】
    下篇
    下面,再从我后来进一步了解的佛法知识,来解读我的这次体验的几个关键点,以便朋友们更有借鉴参考性。
    首先,我发愿本身只是个形式,但是个契机,它的内容的实质,是在让我对心中追求的喜欢的事物、境界、状态的彻底割舍,对心中不喜欢的对象的彻底接纳,从而生起彻底无贪无嗔的清醒、中立心。这也是与自己及世人们普遍使用的贪乐嗔苦法的彻底决裂,即是与生苦法的决裂。
    但达成这点显然很难的,这就是我当时纠结、痛苦、绝望的原因。这就是正确灭苦法与错误灭苦法(实是生苦法),这两种不共法在内心的强烈对抗!
    最终,生起的心选择了正法,瞬间生起了无贪无嗔无痴的彻底清静之心。
    生起的(随顺)心,因无贪执成见,还其本来的呈现了其对象的众缘和合性。
    当然,其后,以有我为基础的种种世界观、方法论、价值取向……总之,一切关于有我的认知构建被瓦解。
    接着,便是生起了“心原本无我”的心。同时,因有我才产生的造作心态也自然终结。
    这样,随后生起的心彻底无不满,亲证圆满——涅槃。
    再也不纠结活着的未来怎样怎样了,无论知不知道发生什么;也再不纠结死后有后及去不去哪的问题了,不管知不知道答案,答案是真是假。
    因为生命中的生老病死……一切现象,本是众缘和合,根本无我!
    原来这本没有魔、没有敌、没有“不满”的才是醒来的“真实世界”,它是多么“极乐”!
    世人可说都活在苦中挣扎,千方百计乃至饥不择食般、甚至不择手段的,预灭心中那份似挥之不去的不满之痛,却看不见、不理解这非常简单的解脱之道——
    只是让心彻底“放假、休息下来”,即对感受的一切,放下成见,不去“挑剔滋事”,不设目标,不求结果,没有了“想要”和“不想要”,那该是怎样的轻松、宁静、开放……而这当下便是觉知的本然,真相的回归,苦的止息处。
    我们的心已太习惯“造作”,无事生非。挑剔的心是那样的痛苦、疲惫,却仍以为是由于是非、对错、利弊分的还不够清;乐受的刺激不够多、不够强,福报不够,苦受不够少,恶报没消……造成的。其结果是,不断加强着这本不存在的我与我之外的对立,对立下的矛盾自然生起……
    绝难想到,相反之路才是正道——心见证了真实无我,对立消融,一切矛盾自化,心中何来不满,唯无时无处不在的圆满、极乐、解脱……
    生活本该如此活着!
    见证了无我的心,坦然、真诚、无畏……它明白,今后要做的最主要的事,便是以自身经验为参考,提醒人们反思,从而来尝试实践,以验证这真正能彻底解决心灵痛苦的方法。
    心做如此判断,这只是自然缘生法则的必然规律使然。未来,身心的种种做法、表现,也同样是如此。
    从缘生法的无我角度看,或从根本、究竟上说,并没有某个体多么“伟大”,没有什么“救世主”拯救众生;也不存在某个体多么“恶毒”。可说,生命中的一切,都是自然缘生法则下形成的差异万千、相续不断、变化无穷的无量“花絮”。
    解脱、非解脱现象,均是缘生法的呈现,各有其规律及不同的特征属性。
    那一晚后,过去那些认为有意义价值的东西可说是全部被颠覆,甚至不知如何去跟亲朋们交流说话了,过去习惯下的大脑思路、逻辑、价值取向、概念实质、生死现象……被冲破支解,象悬在半空中,不适应……
    其后几天里,就是重新“洗牌”,梳理思路,回到这个所谓的“现实”世界。
    这也是我没有马上找老友的原因之一。另外,双方的灭苦价值观已是大相径庭,难以沟通。如何表述,能让老友有所理解,的确成了难题。
    其间,无论怎样不适应,心都不再纠结、不满,即不会认为它不正常,不该发生。
    我感受过身体重负去除后的那份轻松,而心灵负担解脱的那种轻松,过去从未体验过。现在,连身体都感觉轻飘飘,这感觉持续了多日,直到逐渐适应。
    由于心理上的重要变化,负面心理的消失,生理上也必然有相应改变。因不是本文重点,从略。
    值得一提的是,本人已饮酒近二十年,后几年更是日日或说顿顿要喝酒(我已多年不吃早饭了),量还不断递增。曾几次试图戒酒或说少喝,都没能成功。经历了那晚的第二天,已发现对它没一丝贪瘾了,从那天起至今,滴酒未沾。
    其实,一切感观对象到思想内容,都没有了对它们的贪嗔执著,自然包括性欲。这也曾让我对夫妻生活,一时不知如何应对。
    话说回来,经过近两周的准备,才在第二个星期六的上午,拨通了老友的电话:
    我找到答案了,在家吗,面谈……
    【说明:本人其他的一些文章,可以说是在借助对佛法经典的阐述,来解读我的这次亲身经历。均是仅供朋友们参考】
    面对不满,你敢于“坐以待毙”吗?
    Original 之觉 觉世间 2022-06-08 23:00 Posted on 河北
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    欲除心中不满,不是寻找哪种因果更好,而是来见证因果无我。即:不是探寻哪个结果好,而是发现一切本——缘生无我。
    这才是觉者通过亲证成功后,揭示的唯一灭苦之路。
    而前者是不满欲生之路,世人灭苦思路多颠倒于此,结果心中不满种种,此灭彼生不断。
    生活本不苦,因不见缘生而苦。无法逃避,哪种形式不是生活呢。
    对于尚有不满的朋友们,应在种种生活感受中,去体验它的缘生过程,而非结果的好坏上。
    一切感受之态,无论好坏,都必然是依众缘合生而无常、非我的。唯见证此者,心灵之苦方永不再生,除此没有其他正确的灭苦方法了。
    许多灭苦行者,把苦灭或说涅槃想象、理解为是某种未经历的好感觉、妙状态或完美的环境,这是极大的误区。它必然令行者的心对已发生、未发生,特别是对当下发生的,无论自身还是外境的感受状态仍生起贪嗔不满,而不能如实客观见证它的“本来面目”——缘生性。这其实是,又回到了错误的灭苦老路上,故其非灭苦而是实生心灵之苦。
    当心灵产生痛苦时,不要急着寻求什么方法来对治、解决它。诸如听音乐、看电影、吃东西、找人谈心、看些心灵鸡汤文、种种冥想、各种入定等,通过对眼、耳、鼻、舌、身、意的刺激转移法;或因喜欢谁或痛恨谁而不满,就直接想方设法创造条件去达成……
    是的,朋友,先不要这样做。
    而是学着尝试放弃一切方法【注:相对安全的环境下】,那么就只剩下感受着的痛苦。也同样无需想着“要单凭觉知看清痛苦、生命、身心的真相”等之类的念头,因那仍是想解决痛苦的欲贪、攀缘式方法。
    总之,当生起什么对治烦恼想法的时候,觉察到时就放弃掉。慢慢尝试,就会体验到这不满的心痛根本无需“主动”寻求什么方法【注:这些方法可说,正是过去一直使用,但始终令痛苦此消彼长不断的——依挑剔生渴爱,从而攀缘的模式】来对治解决,它仍会变化而消弱至消失。
    当体会到了这点后,便会开始有信心接受这种过去从未尝试的方式,慢慢习惯了这种“只是觉知”模式,全然面对、接纳当下的心态【注:或称不迎不拒、无贪无嗔无痴、无寻无伺、清明随顺……】才会逐渐成熟,最终会见证当下觉知状态或说生命现象的众缘合和的属性,即自然缘生法则——无常性、被动性、非我性。心由此不再于任何状态挣扎、挑剔、造作,欲贪不满心态也自此消除。
    值得一提的是,不是指不作事或作事不需方法,生活中的行为并不受限。而是指不满心态生起时,不要想方设法去解决,要不作为,只感受它。
    如吃饭时,对饮食生贪生嗔了,觉察到时,不要跟着这找好吃的想法“跑”。学着静静感受着那贪嗔心态……这样,生活中随时随地(生命安全下)生起贪嗔心态时,都能如此练习培养这“只是觉知”的“不作为”,自然原来使用的那些灭苦之法就会渐渐停用。
    这种面对不满的“坐以待毙”模式,毙亡的只是原错误的灭苦思路、方法、习惯,乃至最终是心中不满的彻底消除、止息,而同时复活的则是生活里心的圆满、极乐!
    也就是说,当我们心中生起不满、想要怎样时,一旦知道它,就不要迎合它了,不要想法儿去“满足”它,保持就只是知道。
    “坐以待毙”喻指的就是这里。其实,经典中让我们拥有正见、保持正念、以戒为师,其核心点也在这儿的。
    佛法是见证身心世间一切唯缘(条件)控而非有“我”控的方法,而之所以见证此真相,是因为这是唯一令我们生活中永不再生不满的真相。而佛法也是唯一能见证此真相的方法,有次第规律,亦需亲历践行。
    如孤独时,往往会生起“无聊”的思判,进而引生情绪波动“不爽”……
    若还象以前一样,或多数人那样?找喜欢的聊友、听喜欢的、看喜欢的、吃喜欢的、做喜欢的……什么心灵音乐、所谓喜欢的开示、友间的倾心互吐、所谓的静心禅修……本质还是肯定那一系列“不喜欢”的评判结论,跟着思想走,而且是尚不能确定正误的思判。这正是世人灭苦思路,也是绝大多数人走的,包括许多所谓修行人。
    若冷静反思后,放下一切原来惯用的方法,不作为的“欣赏”当下的所谓无聊状态,才是最佳。
    原有的无论怎样的方法,都是看似临时奏效,然终会失败,无法根除这不满心态。
    不仅无聊,一切烦恼皆如是,那是有“我”的惯性思维,而寻方设法只是造作的延续,见证不了“我”的真实面目——缘生属性。
    学会知道它就足够了,它自会消失,那“自”背后的缘生无我才会显现于心。
    见证者再无心灵上的种种不满之苦。
    孤独不是坏事,本不无聊,是妄心认其不好而无聊,不明此妄心而迎合“它不好”的妄评,去设法寻好,岂不知那所谓好的标准仍是痴心妄想出来的。
    心中认可的“好”状态真出现了,如意了,那不是烦恼没了,而是嗔心变贪心了,心中不满依在的。
    当不满之念生起后,不去进一步想对治方法,不满情绪亦会变化,慢慢开始适应——不是非寻求、依赖什么方法才能摆脱这情绪。并会进一步发现这不满只是来自对觉知状态的思维评判!
    对感知状态的好坏、是非评判,必导致贪好嗔非的不满欲求心态,心会兴奋、激动或紧张、压迫……
    灭苦是见证各状态究竟如何发生的,而不是鉴别它们有什么问题,要哪个不要哪个,故不是提升挑剔它们好坏的能力。
    放下是非评判,便没有了贪嗔,才会平等接纳感知的当下,才会见证了无论怎样的感知状态都有的那个共性——缘生无我。
    而我们不是在用正确灭苦法,就必然是在用错误的方法,没有中间。
    世间错误灭苦法是培养对“自我”、一切事物独立存在感的加强能力,也便加强了“自我”对身心内外状态可挑剔、可改造的认同感及能力感,反让心不断生起不满欲望,来成为生活的动力,在乐苦挑剔后的趋乐避苦模式中轮回;而彻灭苦的方法完全相反。
    其实,一切烦恼不是他人他物造成的,只是自心的“扭曲”。
    所以当两人争辩而不满对方时,问题不在风动对还是帆动对,好象谁的对就能解决不满似的,不是的,皆是自心问题,“自己”的心不再扭曲,谁对谁错,风动还是帆动,乃至世间、社会、他人怎样怎样,都不会再令心生不满。
    反之,世间如何得和平,他人如何得对你好,自心仍会欲贪无止时。所以,六祖惠能是找到苦因症结者,故说“仁者心动”,这动就是指自心因无明而生起的不满乃至造作心态。
    而解决方法不是纠正改造这心,而是观它,只观它,观它不停变来变去,生生灭灭,不需再做什么……
    这个心,这个它,就是一个个千变万化的感觉本身。
    现在正这样,正感觉到身体,正感觉到声音,正想着事情,这就是心。学着练习不断“轻松放开”它们,知道发生了就够了,这当然也是心——单纯觉知的心。
    这感觉内容是粗是细,是身体还是想法,是听还是看,是内还是外,是贪还是啥……均无妨,慈心接纳,平等放过。
    对过去、当下、未来的想要、不想要,可说都是自我式、成见式逻辑思路,已对事物状态本身打上了“不满”、“更好”等的标签,然后必然带着贪嗔期许心态去行为,对其后的各种变化状态也就自然以好坏、对错、成败……来评判,而不是、也不能客观看待它们的变化……
    其实,真正灭苦修行,培养的只是放下这期待的心态,放下对事物状态本身有“不满、圆满”的思路,这样慢慢才会于当下渴爱不生、贪嗔不生,“成见”不生,直至生起了观者与被观对象“合一”之心,生命状态本来面目即现——依缘生依缘灭而无我,此谓如实见法。
    例如,常说的“不除妄想不求真”,就是指坐以待毙式的对不想要、想要心态的放舍,便会如其本来的了知身心实相。
    真正苦灭,不是因找到了好的状态、环境或说完善了自我而无所不能;而只是见证了这个自我生命状态的缘生无我,而不是哪好哪不好……这也是其方法是——唯观照身心内外无常性、逼迫性、非我性、(无实的空性),而非其它的原因所在。正如《杂阿含经》将此称“正观”,再无其它正观。也是《心经》中达成“度一切苦厄”的“究竟涅槃”唯需“照见五蕴皆空”,而非其它。且“三世诸佛”都唯依此方法成就……
    人们生气、恐忧时,那是对事物状态的嗔心;某些缘来后,使事物状态改变,令人又欢喜,那是对该状态的贪心。如生病时不高兴、恐惧,健康后的欢喜;未达要求标准的失败而生起的懊恼,对成功生起的喜悦;……等等。
    而人们往往所谓的修行,也是内心先设定了一个个“好、对”的标准后,便朝着那个标准修行起来,这同样是在培养贪嗔呢。
    正确的灭苦修行,就是放下对过去、当下乃至未来事物状态的是非评判标准,唯剩无期待的当下觉知。这便是无贪无嗔无痴的心态——正定。由此运行的生命感知状态,便是唯观身心无常,即正观。
    也由此,才能达成《杂阿含经》首篇里的“生厌离”——出离对身心内外状态的主观偏见式执取,才能“喜贪尽”——对生命中一切已发生、正发生、未发生状态再无饥渴般欲求,才会“心解脱”——心中不满彻底解除。从此生活在无忧无虑、无贪嗔,即无一切负面情绪的圆满心态中……
    朋友,来培养练习——面对一切不满的坐以待毙式心态吧:
    觉知到不满心意时,不迎合贪心亦不排斥嗔心,唯观其变,只知变的才是觉心……
    起先,内心或会有各种念头情绪生起,若想要它们怎样,再寻法对治,就上这个“我”的想法的当了。就只是知道——是唯一法,重点在“只是”。我们以前则是,知道后又对其再评是论非,然后想要是,不想要非,不满纠结心态必生,欲求期待心态亦随生。
    所以,觉知到烦恼时【注:说明引生烦恼的是非思判已生起过并相信了它】,先练习放弃——以往迎合它去寻消烦增乐的方法【注:即初步不跟着是非思判继续寻方觅法找是寻好】,接着练习不执取——引生烦恼的种种是非思判,就只剩对当下状态的独觉……
    这是绝少人走的真正灭苦路,所以成者寥寥无几的。
    只有靠自己——自己的不依思判的纯然觉知,成就“独自”的觉者之路。
    当你独自一人时,可说是良机来时,若得出孤独、无聊的结论,要质疑这评判,放开这结论,而唯依这“坐以待毙”式独觉见分晓……

    1 Comment


    Soh Wei Yu
    The first part:
    ——一次刻骨铭心般的体验
    点击上方【 觉世间 】,关注更多内容
    Image
    因某缘而成此文,仅供那些未找到解脱方向而仍在痛苦中迷茫的朋友们参考。
    上篇
    那是2012年7月的一个深夜。
    家人已入睡,四十已过的我,独自在另一间屋的床上坐着,内心逐渐平静下来,也隐隐感觉到心中仍挥之不去的纠结、迷茫、忧虑……
    本就打算那晚思考一下,未来何去何从,这源于上半年两位亲人的因病相继离世。老人们生前遭受疾病的折磨,对生的渴望,仍历历在目……
    对人生意义再次怀疑:人活着究竟为了什么?!虽有快乐,但也有那么多痛苦。
    为了他人的快乐?可人类再怎么努力,如今,家人们、人类不还是有喜亦有悲,恐忧不满从未止息。这又有多大意义可言。
    社会生活中种种压力、大自然的种种灾难,而疾病、衰老、死亡,更是无法避免。
    真的就只能这样——设法寻求着种种快乐,但仍在程度不同的痛苦中活着,这就是生命的规律、真相吗?!
    到底有没有终极解决痛苦的办法呢?
    其实几天前,就已与老友讨论过这些话题,我说的离世亲人之一,就是他刚刚去世不久的母亲,另一位是我年初去世的父亲。当时,我们初步决定从呼声很高的佛教入手,看看它里面究竟有没有我们想要的方法、答案。
    我对佛教方面的知识,了解的很少,甚至“佛法”这个词都少用,一说就是佛教。“三法印、四圣谛”之类,没啥印象。无常、缘、空、六道轮回,极乐世界……倒知道,象是来自佛教。而无我!没有印象。再说,怎么会无我呢。一直以为佛教是让人——这个我及众生,甚至可能还有的灵魂,怎么获得“极乐”,摆脱痛苦,摆脱不喜欢的一切,包括老病死。
    当然,它里面说的是对的吗,真能达到吗,如何达到?都不清楚,都有怀疑。
    早期它曾经给我的印象,就多是迷信、宗教、消极避世为主,最近通过一些针对性了解,有了改变,结论是,它智慧博大精深,境界玄妙无比,佛菩萨神通广大,大乘圆满,神咒灵验,修炼法门众多,累世修行,因果报应,涅槃解脱……之类。
    那么,这么多内容,要了解它的对错真伪,该从哪入手呢?
    因为我认为,只有知道,这佛教是对是错,能否有效,才有下一步的如何依方法去达成。
    而我在当时面对的种种生活矛盾、困苦、疑惑中,自然想尽快找到其真相、答案。那么,有快捷途径吗?
    思索中,“心诚则灵”!这词突然映入脑海。只是听人们常说起它,从未真正留意,更未尝试过。
    如果真有效,似乎是个快速验证的方法。不妨一试。
    可进一步一想,怎么样才能心诚呢?如果我还不知道佛教是对是错,尚无信任,我怎么能对它真诚起来呢,但,若不能绝对真诚,又怎么能给我真正想要的灵验结果呢!
    我一下被这思路卡在了那里。怎么办?
    这时,我想到了一种如果式发愿法。就是发愿——如果你是真的,让我见证真相,我就如何如何做。
    对呀,这样就解决了上面的死循环。
    那具体这个如何如何做,选什么事呢?当然,是付出代价的事——或者是把自己好的东西奉献出来,或者是做对众生有利的善举……
    我想到了一条:如果让我明白生命真相,或者让我确信真有不再受苦的解脱境界或极乐世界,我此生宁愿不去那里,甘愿把这个真相及方法告诉世人。
    但我又一想,如果生命不止一生,即的确是有不死的灵魂呢?这一生才剩几十年了,这样的“愿”是否太轻了,我能得到那个绝对真正的真相吗,还是“掺了水份”的呢,甚至假的。那样话,当然也就无法证明发愿及心诚则灵有没有效果了。
    于是又决定,既然要试,就把付出的“代价”提到极至,那样如果心诚则灵这事是真实的,也应该会给我真实无虚的终极答案吧。
    这样,我把誓言再加上了一句:若有无量世,那就永远留在人间,直至最后一人解脱!
    为什么选“人间”,因为此生几十年来,我已深深感受过了许多痛苦,若有六道,其他道我也没有体验过的记忆,还不如这人世间的痛苦更真切啊。
    也就是,我不想让誓言有一丝水份!
    当刚一“完善”出这誓言,顿时心中的纠结、犹豫、恐惧……便笼罩了我——
    是啊,若明明知道了有美好解脱,却永不能“享受”,要始终在人间受着各种苦,是始终、永远啊!那我图什么呢,本来就是要脱离这痛苦,怎么成了近乎“永远”不脱离呢!
    我感觉要崩溃了,怎么思来想去,成了这种局面!这不是生不如死!是连死都不如的绝望啊!
    一个想法跳出来:可不可以发小点儿愿?马上又转念,那不还是有水份,失去意义。
    又一个想法跳出来:可不可以发假愿,到时不履行呢?想啥呢,骗得了自己吗,或真理也给你个假的,骗你呢!
    天那,这可咋办?
    不发愿了吧,再找其他办法或回到不知真相的迷茫生活?
    决不!再也不想如此不明不白活下去了;至于再找其他办法,若有不受苦就轻易得到的办法,人们早找到了,自己也早该知道了。或许是有捷径,如果这誓愿真有效的话,但绝不会是无代价的,而且必是巨大的代价!
    想到这儿,渴望解脱真相的心与恐惧人间苦受的心撞击在一起!
    纠结!此生从未经历的纠结!恐惧!绝望!
    我已不知身处何地,心完全聚焦在发不发誓的问题上,痛苦至极!怎么会这样啊,把自己逼到这境地!
    忘了时间,没了空间,只有反复的权衡、煎熬!
    是啊,只为看真理一眼,值吗?!
    不知过了多久,渴望真理真相的心,终于还是坚定了:再不想不明不白,一刻也不想!什么代价、值不值都无所谓,只要能看一眼真相,见证那真理,就足够了!再无所求!
    决意下的那一刻,也冷静了许多。
    我在心里开始绝对真诚地一字一字地发着誓言:
    如果能让我明白或确信生命解脱的真相,我此生宁愿不解脱,甘愿把这个真相及方法告诉世人。若有无量世,那就永远留在人间,直至最后一人解脱!
    几乎每一个字的发出,都仍伴随着恐惧,但同时都会生起更大的决心:绝对真诚!绝不退缩!
    当最后一字从真诚的心中灭去那一刻,意想不到的时刻一个个接踵而至……

  • Reply
  • 1h

John Tan sent Yin Ling months ago before her insight into emptiness (at that time she realised anatta but not yet twofold emptiness):

Yin Ling Not bad however not exactly "natural state" yet but it is the beginning of the direct insight into "natural state".  To be fully "natural" and "spontnaeous", both self and phenomena, arising and ceasing must all be de-constructed thoroughly.

When sitting, there is no "body" and "no one" sitting.  Only the sensation dancing.  The "butt" that touches the "floor" forms the sensation of "hardness and firmness" -- the earth element.

Now, don't think but feel the sensation of "hardness and firmness", feel the earth element in anatta; so vividly and solidly present, now ask: where r all these sensations?  So solidly and undeniably "appears" but "where"?

Happy anatta during CNY!👍

also paste her the 2 fold emptiness when I talk to u about Daniel Ingram...I forgot where is the link...lol

...

(regarding the post on daniel by john tan:

 http://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2013/04/daniel-post-on-anattaemptiness.html

excerpt:


Thusness's comments to AEN:

Hi AEN,

Those were just some very casual sharing written on the spur of a moment, they were not well thought. Emptiness to me has another dimension if you wish to look into it.

When there is not even a single trace of Self/self nor is there any sense of inner/outer division, experiencer and what experienced collapsed...

At this moment there is just this vivid beautiful scenery, this bright brilliant world…all self arises

At this point…

Close your eyes....

Voidness....

Relax and rest in this all-consuming awaring void, this clear non-dual Awareness standing alone as itself and of itself…

Then shift the focus to the breath…

Just the sensations of the breath…

Then the transparent dancing sensations…absolutely no mind, no body, no experiencer/experienced, no inner/outer division… borderless and boundless

Every moment is great and miraculous…

This must become natural to you first.

Then at this moment of appreciating maha suchness of the breath, the sensations, the entire scenery, the entire world…

Understand that they are Empty!

Experience the magnificence then deeply understand that they are empty but this Emptiness has nothing to do with deconstruction nor reification nor do I mean they are simply impermanent. So what is this Emptiness I am referring to?
 )

 Krodha = Kyle Dixon


https://www.reddit.com/r/Buddhism/comments/vn3hma/brahman_capital_b_in_buddhism_is_nirvana_a_state/

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u/LavaBoy5890

4 days ago


Brahman (Capital B) in Buddhism? Is Nirvana a state of mind or an unconditioned reality?

Question

Did Buddha comment on the idea of Brahman specifically? Or did the idea of Brahman in the more modern sense come after Buddha? Can Brahman be compared to Nirvana? For instance Nirvana is called the Unconditioned, Unborn, Uncreated in the suttas. Does Buddha mean this in the sense of the universe or the sense of the mind? If the former, is Nirvana similar to or the same thing as Brahman? This is coming from someone who likes the idea of Brahman but is more drawn to Buddhism overall.


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xabir

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just now

Do read this:


What buddha meant by death-free (amata): http://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2018/01/the-deathless-in-buddhadharma.html


In short, no, it is not the same as Brahman. You can compare Buddhist and Hindu insights from an experiential perspective here: http://www.awakeningtoreality.com/2007/03/thusnesss-six-stages-of-experience.html



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Cave-Bunny

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4 days ago

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edited 3 days ago

theravada

Whenever I ask a monk a question that is about Buddhist metaphysics, like your question, they always advice me to focus more on 4 noble truths and 8 fold for path.


Be diligent in the basics of the Buddhist practice and let the more metaphysical parts fall into place as you slowly deepen your understanding over time.


Edit: typo



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krodha

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4 days ago

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edited 4 days ago

Whenever I ask a monk a question that is about Buddhist metaphysics, like your question, they always advice me to focus more on 4 noble truths and 8 food for path.


Not every bhikṣu may be fully aware of the depths of Buddhist metaphysics (meaning a Theravāda bhikṣu will most likely not be classically trained in something like Śāntarakṣita‘s refutation of Advaita Vedanta in his Tattvasaṃgraha), it is important to bear in mind what system or tradition they belong to. Clearly metaphysics are discussed in depth in the abhidhamma, and these specific issues regarding differences between buddhadharma and sanatanadharma are elaborated upon heavily in Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna expositions.


I can see the logic behind a bhikṣu advising that you focus on fundamentals, but Buddhist scriptures are also very dense with metaphysical topics and comparisons, because it is important to understand such things, especially if it helps the practitioner to remove doubts... which is the sole purpose of such writings.



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StarBlissLover

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4 days ago

Yes. There is no interest in Brahman. There is interest in Ariya-Magga (Noble-Path).


Do you want to be proficient with the best weapon we have available to us in this experience? Practice/Study how to use the weapon, it is Ariya-Magga (Noble-Path).



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krodha

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4 days ago

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edited 3 days ago

There is no interest in Brahman. There is interest in Ariya-Magga (Noble-Path).


Yet it is important to understand precisely what the ārya-marga (path of the āryas) is. If the aspirant does not comprehend the difference between (i) the sthāna-marga-phala or basis, path and result of the buddhadharma and (ii) the basis, path and result of relevant tīrthika systems, then this can cause issues. As Āryadeva said, realization is based on view. If the view is unclear, then this can potentially disrupt progress on the ārya marga, or even compromise entry to the ārya marga itself.


In any case, not trying to dominate the thread. Just trying to advocate for a healthy relationship with Buddhist metaphysics, because often there can be a trend to suppress such things, in an anti-intellectual way, which is a western invention. Traditional Buddhism has never shied away from study and even debate in post-equipoise activities, which is what reddit discussions qualify as.



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StarBlissLover

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3 days ago

"If view is unclear, then this can potentially disrupt progress on the Ariya-Magga, or even compromise entry to the Ariya-Magga itself"


Ariya-Magga (Noble-Path) includes Right View (Samma-Ditti) which is equal to the Four Noble Truths (Cattari Ariya Saccani)



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B3and1

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4 days ago

Personally, I love the 8 food path, especially the pizza path!



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krodha

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4 days ago

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In comparing Buddhist principles such as nirvāna, or dharmakāya with something like the Brahman of Vedanta, there are distinct differences. Brahman on the one hand is a transpersonal, ontological, truly established ultimate. Whereas dharmakāya is a buddha’s realization of śūnyatā, emptiness, brought to its full measure at the time of buddhahood, which results from the cultivation of jñāna, or a direct non-conceptual, yogic perception of emptiness. Dharmakāya is the nature of a personal continuum of mind, is epistemic in nature, and is not a truly established ultimate nature.


The great Buddhist adept Bhāviveka, who lived during a time in India where there were many polemical debates and interactions between different traditions, addresses the distinctions in many of his expositions. This excerpt from his Tarkajvālā is especially pertinent:


If it is asked what is difference between this dharmakāya and the paramātma [bdag pa dam pa] (synonymous with Brahman) asserted in such ways as nonconceptual, permanent and unchanging, that [paramātma] they explain as subtle because it possesses the quality of subtlety, is explained as gross because it possesses the quality of grossness, as unique because it possess the quality of uniqueness and as pervading near and far because it goes everywhere. The dharmakāya on the other hand is neither subtle nor gross, is not unique, is not near and is not far because it is not a possessor of said qualities and because it does not exist in a place.


Thus we see that that dharmakāya is not an entity-like "possessor" of qualities. Conversely, brahman which is an ontological entity, does possess characteristics and qualities.


Dharmakāya is not an entity at all, but rather a generic characteristic [samanyalakṣana]. As the Buddha says in the Samdhinirmocana, the ultimate in Buddhism is the general characteristic of the relative. The dharmakāya, as emptiness, is the conventional, generic characteristic of the mind, as it is the mind’s dharmatā of emptiness, it’s actual nature that is to be recognized. Liberation results from the release of the fetters that result from an ignorance of the nature of phenomena, and this is how dharmakāya is a non-reductive and insubstantial nature.


The differentiation of brahman as an entity versus dharmakāya as a generic characteristic is enough to demonstrate the salient contrasting aspects of these principles. Dharmakāya is an epistemological discovery about the nature of phenomena, that phenomena lack an essential nature or svabhāva. Alternatively, brahman is an ultimate ontological nature unto itself. Dharmakāya means we realize that entities such as brahman are impossibilities, as Sthiramati explains, entities in general are untenable:


The Buddha is the dharmakāya. Since the dharmakāya is emptiness, because there are not only no imputable personal entities in emptiness, there are also no imputable phenomenal entities, there are therefore no entities at all.


Lastly, another succinct and pertinent excerpt from the Tarkajvālā, regarding the difference between the view of the buddhadharma and tīrthika (non-Buddhist) systems:


Since [the tīrthika position of] self, permanence, all pervasivness and oneness contradict their opposite, [the Buddhist position of] no-self, impermanence, non-pervasiveness and multiplicity, they are completely different.



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Soh Wei Yu shared a link.

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Giving

Someone asked me about generosity recently. I told him I frequently make offerings to sanghas and charities but I do not advertise about it. I find this to be a natural expression from anatta that you naturally will leap out of your circle of self-concerns into a more compassionate mode of caring about the welfare of other beings, it is not an intentional "I want to cultivate merits" (although there is no doubt this is a very meritorious practice). Most importantly, your heart must be open. Free from stinginess, compassionate, with loving kindness and always have the welfare of others in mind.

Also, if you have realisations, you should share them with others and encourage others to reach what you realised. Don't be stingy with your dharma. As the Buddha said, 📷‘The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts – sabba danam dhamma danam jinati’. It doesn't cost a single cent to share it 🙂 Even if you do not have realisations, you can still refer others to the right reliable books/teachers/sources.

p.s. I am not asking for personal offerings here, I have a full time job. I would always recommend practicing generosity. You can do that with a sangha or community near you or online, particularly monks/nuns and teachers that rely on such financial/food/lodging/etc support, or for other causes.

Although AtR emphasizes cultivation of wisdom, do not neglect merits. http://www.awakeningtoreality.com/.../on-importance-of...
It is important both for your own cultivation and path to liberation and buddhahood, and it even helps in worldly success and become more free from obstacles (this I learnt from John Tan and personal experience).

....
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/dana/index.html

Generosity
dana, caga
© 2005
A treasure
"And what is the treasure of generosity? There is the case of a disciple of the noble ones, his awareness cleansed of the stain of stinginess, living at home, freely generous, openhanded, delighting in being magnanimous, responsive to requests, delighting in the distribution of alms. This is called the treasure of generosity."
— AN 7.6
A requisite for spiritual progress
"Without abandoning these five qualities, one is incapable of entering & remaining in the first jhana... the second jhana... the third jhana... the fourth jhana; incapable of realizing the fruit of stream-entry... the fruit of once-returning... the fruit of non-returning... arahantship. Which five? Stinginess as to one's monastery [lodgings], stinginess as to one's family [of supporters], stinginess as to one's gains, stinginess as to one's status, and ingratitude. Without abandoning these five qualities, one is incapable of entering & remaining in the first jhana... the second jhana... the third jhana... the fourth jhana; one is incapable realizing the fruit of stream-entry... the fruit of once-returning... the fruit of non-returning... arahantship.
"With the abandoning of these five qualities, one is capable of entering & remaining in the first jhana... the second jhana... the third jhana... the fourth jhana; capable of realizing the fruit of stream-entry... the fruit of once-returning... the fruit of non-returning... arahantship..."
— AN 5.256-263
The rewards of giving
"These are the five rewards of generosity: One is dear and appealing to people at large, one is admired by good people, one's good name is spread about, one does not stray from the rightful duties of the householder, and with the break-up of the body at death, one reappears in a good destination, in the heavenly worlds."
— AN 5.35
[The Buddha:] "Then there is the case where a certain person refrains from taking life, refrains from taking what is not given, refrains from sensual misconduct, refrains from false speech, refrains from divisive speech, refrains from abusive speech, refrains from idle chatter, is not covetous, bears no ill will, and has right views. And he gives food, drink, cloth, vehicles, garlands, scents, creams, bed, lodging, & lamps to brahmans & contemplatives. With the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of human beings. There he experiences the five strings of human sensuality [delightful sights, sounds, smells, tastes, tactile sensations]. It's because he refrained from taking what is not given, refrained from sensual misconduct, refrained from false speech, refrained from divisive speech, refrained from abusive speech, refrained from idle chatter, was not covetous, bore no ill will, and had right views that he reappears in the company of human beings. And it's because he gave food, drink, cloth, vehicles, garlands, scents, creams, bed, lodging, & lamps to brahmans & contemplatives that he experiences the five strings of human sensuality.
[Similarly for the case of rebirth in the company of devas] "...It's because he refrained from taking what is not given... and had right views that he reappears in the company of devas. And it's because he gave food, drink, cloth, vehicles, garlands, scents, creams, bed, lodging, & lamps to brahmans & contemplatives that he experiences the five strings of divine sensuality. But at any rate, brahman, the donor does not go without reward."
[The brahman Janussonin:] "It's amazing, Master Gotama, it's astounding, how it's enough to make one want to give a gift, enough to make one want to make an offering, where the donor does not go without reward."
"That's the way it is, brahman. That's the way it is. The donor does not go without reward."
— AN 10.177
Never underestimate the power of small gifts
"Even if a person throws the rinsings of a bowl or a cup into a village pool or pond, thinking, 'May whatever animals live here feed on this,' that would be a source of merit."
— AN 3.57
What isn't given is lost
So when the world is on fire
with aging and death,
one should salvage [one's wealth] by giving:
what's given is well salvaged.
What's given bears fruit as pleasure.
What isn't given does not:
thieves take it away, or kings;
it gets burnt by fire or lost.
— SN 1.41
Overcoming miserliness
Conquer anger
with lack of anger;
bad, with good;
stinginess, with a gift;
a liar, with truth.
— Dhp 223
What the miser fears,
that keeps him from giving,
is the very danger that comes
when he doesn't give.
— SN 1.32
No misers go
to the world of the devas.
Those who don't praise giving
are fools.
The enlightened
express their approval for giving
and so find ease
in the world beyond.
— Dhp 177
Giving even one's last meal
"If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of miserliness overcome their minds. Even if it were their last bite, their last mouthful, they would not eat without having shared, if there were someone to receive their gift. But because beings do not know, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they eat without having given. The stain of miserliness overcomes their minds."
— Iti 26
Giving at the proper time
In the proper season they give —
those with discernment,
responsive, free from stinginess.
Having been given in proper season,
with hearts inspired by the Noble Ones
— straightened, Such —
their offering bears an abundance.
Those who rejoice in that gift
or give assistance,
they, too, have a share of the merit,
and the offering isn't depleted by that.
So, with an unhesitant mind,
one should give where the gift bears great fruit.
Merit is what establishes
living beings in the next life.
— AN 5.36
To reap the highest rewards, to whom should we give?
"Even if a person throws the rinsings of a bowl or a cup into a village pool or pond, thinking, 'May whatever animals live here feed on this,' that would be a source of merit, to say nothing of what is given to human beings. But I do say that what is given to a virtuous person is of great fruit, and not so much what is given to an unvirtuous person. And the virtuous person has abandoned five factors and is endowed with five.
"Which five has he abandoned? He has abandoned sensual desire... ill will... sloth & drowsiness... restlessness & anxiety... uncertainty. These are the five factors he has abandoned. And with which five is he endowed? He is endowed with the aggregate of virtue of one beyond training... the aggregate of concentration of one beyond training... the aggregate of discernment of one beyond training... the aggregate of release of one beyond training... the aggregate of knowledge & vision of release of one beyond training. These are the five factors with which he is endowed.
"I tell you: What is given to one who has abandoned these five factors and is endowed with these five, bears great fruit."
— AN 3.57
There are these eight individuals who are worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of reverential salutation, the unsurpassed field of merit for the world. Which eight?
The one who has entered the stream, the one who has entered upon the course for the realization of the fruit of stream-entry, the once-returner, the one who has entered upon the course for the realization of the fruit of once-returning, the non-returner, the one who has entered upon the course for the realization of the fruit of non-returning, the arahant, the one who has entered upon the course for arahantship
These are the eight individuals who are worthy of gifts, worthy of hospitality, worthy of offerings, worthy of reverential salutation, the unsurpassed field of merit for the world.
— AN 8.59
How a person of integrity gives a gift
"These five are a person of integrity's gifts. Which five? A person of integrity gives a gift with a sense of conviction. A person of integrity gives a gift attentively. A person of integrity gives a gift in season. A person of integrity gives a gift with an empathetic heart. A person of integrity gives a gift without adversely affecting himself or others.
— AN 5.148
Many fruits
[General Siha:] "Is it possible, lord, to point out a fruit of generosity visible in the here & now?"
[The Buddha:] "It is possible, Siha. One who gives, who is a master of giving, is dear & charming to people at large. And the fact that who gives, who is a master of giving, is dear & charming to people at large: this is a fruit of generosity visible in the here & now.
"Furthermore, good people, people of integrity, admire one who gives, who is a master of giving. And the fact that good people, people of integrity, admire one who gives, who is a master of giving: this, too, is a fruit of generosity visible in the here & now.
"Furthermore, the fine reputation of one who gives, who is a master of giving, is spread far & wide. And the fact that the fine reputation of one who gives, who is a master of giving, is spread far & wide: this, too, is a fruit of generosity visible in the here & now.
"Furthermore, when one who gives, who is a master of giving, approaches any assembly of people — noble warriors, brahmans, householders, or contemplatives — he/she does so confidently & without embarrassment. And the fact that when one who gives, who is a master of giving, approaches any assembly of people — noble warriors, brahmans, householders, or contemplatives — he/she does so confidently & without embarrassment: this, too, is a fruit of generosity visible in the here & now.
"Furthermore, at the break-up of the body, after death, one who gives, who is a master of giving, reappears in a good destination, the heavenly world. And the fact that at the break-up of the body, after death, one who gives, who is a master of giving, reappears in a good destination, the heavenly world: this is a fruit of generosity in the next life."
When this was said, General Siha said to the Blessed One: "As for the four fruits of generosity visible in the here & now that have been pointed out by the Blessed One, it's not the case that I go by conviction in the Blessed One with regard to them. I know them, too. I am one who gives, a master of giving, dear & charming to people at large. I am one who gives, a master of giving; good people, people of integrity, admire me. I am one who gives, a master of giving, and my fine reputation is spread far & wide: 'Siha is generous, a doer, a supporter of the Sangha.' I am one who gives, a master of giving, and when I approach any assembly of people — noble warriors, brahmans, householders, or contemplatives — I do so confidently & without embarrassment.
"But when the Blessed One says to me, 'At the break-up of the body, after death, one who gives, who is a master of giving, reappears in a good destination, the heavenly world,' that I do not know. That is where I go by conviction in the Blessed One."
"So it is, Siha. So it is. At the break-up of the body, after death, one who gives, who is a master of giving, reappears in a good destination, the heavenly world."
— AN 5.34
Many motives, many fruits
"Sariputta, there is the case where a person gives a gift seeking his own profit, with a mind attached [to the reward], seeking to store up for himself [with the thought], 'I'll enjoy this after death.' He gives his gift — food, drink, clothing, a vehicle; a garland, perfume, & ointment; bedding, shelter, & a lamp — to a brahman or a contemplative. What do you think, Sariputta? Might a person give such a gift as this?"
"Yes, lord."
"Having given this gift seeking his own profit — with a mind attached [to the reward], seeking to store up for himself, [with the thought], 'I'll enjoy this after death' — on the break-up of the body, after death, reappears in the company of the Four Great Kings. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a returner, coming back to this world.
"Then there is the case of a person who gives a gift not seeking his own profit, not with a mind attached [to the reward], not seeking to store up for himself, nor [with the thought], 'I'll enjoy this after death.' Instead, he gives a gift with the thought, 'Giving is good.' He gives his gift — food, drink, clothing, a vehicle; a garland, perfume, & ointment; bedding, shelter, & a lamp — to a brahman or a contemplative. What do you think, Sariputta? Might a person give such a gift as this?"
"Yes, lord."
"Having given this gift with the thought, 'Giving is good,' on the break-up of the body, after death, reappears in the company of the Devas of the Thirty-three. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a returner, coming back to this world.
"Or, instead of thinking, 'Giving is good,' he gives a gift with the thought, 'This was given in the past, done in the past, by my father & grandfather. It would not be right for me to let this old family custom be discontinued'... on the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of the Devas of the Hours. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a returner, coming back to this world.
"Or, instead... he gives a gift with the thought, 'I am well-off. These are not well-off. It would not be right for me, being well-off, not to give a gift to those who are not well-off'... on the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of the Contented Devas. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a returner, coming back to this world.
"Or, instead... he gives a gift with the thought, 'Just as there were the great sacrifices of the sages of the past — Atthaka, Vamaka, Vamadeva, Vessamitta, Yamataggi, Angirasa, Bharadvaja, Vasettha, Kassapa, & Bhagu — in the same way will this be my distribution of gifts'... on the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of the devas who delight in creation. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a returner, coming back to this world.
"Or, instead... he gives a gift with the thought, 'When this gift of mine is given, it makes the mind serene. Gratification & joy arise'... on the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of the devas who have power over the creations of others. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a returner, coming back to this world.
"Or, instead of thinking, 'When this gift of mine is given, it makes the mind serene. Gratification & joy arise,' he gives a gift with the thought, 'This is an ornament for the mind, a support for the mind.' He gives his gift — food, drink, clothing, a vehicle; a garland, perfume, & ointment; bedding, shelter, & a lamp — to a brahman or a contemplative. What do you think, Sariputta? Might a person give such a gift as this?"
"Yes, lord."
"Having given this, not seeking his own profit, not with a mind attached [to the reward], not seeking to store up for himself, nor [with the thought], 'I'll enjoy this after death,'
" — nor with the thought, 'Giving is good,'
" — nor with the thought, 'This was given in the past, done in the past, by my father & grandfather. It would not be right for me to let this old family custom be discontinued,'
" — nor with the thought, 'I am well-off. These are not well-off. It would not be right for me, being well-off, not to give a gift to those who are not well-off,' nor with the thought, 'Just as there were the great sacrifices of the sages of the past — Atthaka, Vamaka, Vamadeva, Vessamitta, Yamataggi, Angirasa, Bharadvaja, Vasettha, Kassapa, & Bhagu — in the same way this will be my distribution of gifts,'
" — nor with the thought, 'When this gift of mine is given, it makes the mind serene. Gratification & joy arise,'
" — but with the thought, 'This is an ornament for the mind, a support for the mind' — on the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of Brahma's Retinue. Then, having exhausted that action, that power, that status, that sovereignty, he is a non-returner. He does not come back to this world.
"This, Sariputta, is the cause, this is the reason, why a person gives a gift of a certain sort and it does not bear great fruit or great benefit, whereas another person gives a gift of the same sort and it bears great fruit and great benefit."
— AN 7.49
The greatest gift
A gift of Dhamma conquers all gifts
— Dhp 354
See also:
  • Craving (tanha)
  • "The Economy of Gifts," by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
  • "Dana" in the General Index
     
     
     
     
      Yin Ling
      Admin
      Great sharing Soh, thanks.
      Generosity and compassion have been something on my mind recently.
      IMO I think it’s a really smart practice to undercut the self by directing the energy outwards.
      In my experience, focusing on others (animate or inanimate) while I’m out, generating compassion for things around me when I’m out and about or even when I’m meditating at home, thinking about what I can give to others, just drastically cut down the sense of self and “equalise” the energy inside and outside as we do still contract abit post anatta due to the worldly demands.
      In short, with compassion and generosity the energy opens up more and more. It reduces the remaining visceral sense of self bit by bit.
      I think it’s a powerful practice. Looking forward to hear from others 🙂

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