45 (Day) Notes | Paṭhamasamajīvī Sutta (AN 4.55) | Sutta Study @ Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields | Bhante Dr. G. Chandima

                           

The Paṭhamasamajīvī Sutta (AN 4.55) outlines how a loving couple can be reborn in the next life together. Given how the Buddha discusses the loving relationship in the next life, it provides many insights into how we should think about the Buddhist concept of a loving partnership. 

1. Why did the Buddha agree to a Samsaric loving relationship?

2. Is a Samsaric relationship essential for a couple? How does this relate to the main Buddhist concepts?

3. Is a Samsaric relationship necessary for a Buddhist to attain nibbāna?

4. How does a Samsaric relationship help someone understand life and attain nibbāna?

5. What role does Prince Siddhartha's loving relationship with Yasodhara have in his practice of perfections as a Bodhisattva? What if the Buddha did not have someone like Yasodhara, and was he able to carry out his bodhisattva practice alone?

6. Why do so many teachings in today's world devalue loving relationships regarding nibbāna?

7. What is the connection between the Paṭhamasamajīvī Sutta and other mainstream suttas? Are there any additional suttas that address similar facets of a relationship?