Paṭisota | From Mindful Insight to Heartfelt Wisdom

Dear Dhamma Friends, We are excited to invite you to a special online event on Patisota’s platforms on Saturday, January 29, at 6:00 PM (Malaysian Time) . This will be part of our ongoing Dhammapariyesanā series (#65) in celebration of the Chinese New Year. This evening promises to be an unforgettable occasion filled with singing, inspiration, and heartfelt conversation. Join Bhante Dr. Chandima as he hosts a special conversation with Sis. Lemon Chew , a gifted singer, composer, and lyricist, who will be sharing her brand-new song, "Sing A Song, Happy New Year!" in honor of the Chinese New Year. The song beautifully captures the joy and hope of this festive season, and we are sure it will leave you inspired.  Also joining the conversation will be Sis. Siew Peng Chua (Mallika) , a student of Sis. Lemon and the Music Event Coordinator (Patisota) for the evening. Together, they will share their insights, making this event an enriching and heartwarming experience. Bio of Sis. ...

  Dhammapda 48 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 48. Pupphāni heva pacinantaṁ, With gathering flowers, byāsattamanasaṁ naraṁ; The person obsessed Atittaṁ yeva kāmesu, Insatiable for sense pleasures, antako kurute vasaṁ. Is under the sway of Death. Story:  Patipūjika Kumāri   Vatthu

  Today, let’s delve into the second happiness of a layperson who enjoys sensual pleasures [Anaṇa Sutta (AN 4.62)] .  Why does Buddhism suggest that the ability to enjoy what one has earned or inherited can be a source of happiness for a layperson? 1. In the Anaṇa Sutta, the Buddha highlights the relationship between wise and unwise use of wealth. How does the Buddha distinguish between these two approaches, and how do they impact an individual’s ability to attain lasting happiness and freedom from pain? 2. The Anaṇa Sutta suggests that the wise use of wealth leads to joy and contentment, while the unwise use fosters craving and clinging. How can the understanding of change (anicca) be applied to the way one should use their earnings to avoid craving and promote true happiness? 3. In the Anaṇa Sutta, the Buddha instructs individuals on how to use their wealth without causing harm to themselves or others. How does this teaching reflect the broader principle of ri...

Why  Asubha Saññā? Many perceive the practice of Asubha (contemplating the unpleasant aspects of the body/32 body parts) as either a futile endeavor or as a way of fostering a distaste for the body due to its transient nature. However, Asubha  Saññā  (the perception of the body’s unpleasantness) holds a deeper and more profound purpose. Traditionally, it was taught to individuals with intense sexual desires to help them gain mastery over their impulses. It was not intended for everyone, as its impact may vary, particularly for those without such intense tendencies. The Transformative Power of Asubha Saññā in the Girimānanda Sutta for Personal Growth and Spiritual Development In the Girimānanda Sutta , Asubha Saññā is introduced from a more profound and enriching perspective—one that offers significant benefits for personal growth and spiritual development, especially for both lay and monastic practitioners. At its heart, the teaching is both simple and transformative...

  1st Tetrad – Mindfulness of the Body (Focusing on the Breath as a Bodily Experience) Inhale long, exhale long – Be aware of the length of your breaths, observing the inhale and exhale. ( Dīghaṁ vā assasanto ‘dīghaṁ assasāmī’ti pajānāti,  Dīghaṁ vā passasanto ‘dīghaṁ passasāmī’ti pajānāti ) Inhale short, exhale short – Notice other variations in your breath, such as shallow or deep, light or heavy, and become more engaged with the process of breathing. ( Rassaṁ vā assasanto ‘rassaṁ assasāmī’ti pajānāti. Rassaṁ vā passasanto ‘rassaṁ passasāmī’ti pajānāti ) Inhale aware of the whole body, exhale aware of the whole body – Perform a body scan and observe the breath in relation to the entire body. Breathing is a full-body process, a flow of energy that extends throughout the body, not just focused on the breath. ( Sabbakāyapaṭisaṁvedī assasissāmī’ti sikkhati. ‘Sabbakāyapaṭisaṁvedī passasissāmī’ti sikkhati ) Inhale calming the body, exhale calming the body – Aim to make the...

  Dhammapda 47 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 47. Pupphāni heva pacinantaṁ, With gathering flowers, byāsattamanasaṁ naraṁ; The person obsessed Suttaṁ gāmaṁ mahogho va, As a great flood sweeps away a sleeping village. maccu ādāya gacchati. Death sweeps away Story:  Viḍūḍabha  Vatthu

  Today, let’s delve into the first happiness of a layperson who enjoys sensual pleasures [Anaṇa Sutta (AN 4.62)] .  Why does Buddhism suggest that owning things can be a source of happiness for a lay person? Can true happiness come from owning material things, or does Buddhism teach us to find happiness beyond possessions? Is the happiness derived from ownership sustainable, or is it a fleeting satisfaction that ultimately leads to craving? How does owning something in accordance with ethical principles differ from craving/clinging to material goods in Buddhism? Can one truly own something without it owning them? How does Buddhism distinguish between ownership as a source of peace versus ownership as a source of suffering? Why does Buddhism say that happiness from owning things, when earned ethically, can be spiritually fulfilling? How can the act of ownership, typically associated with desire, contribute to inner peace if it’s approached with wisdom? In a world of constant c...

Why  Anatta Saññā? Anatta Saññā , or "the perception of not-self," is the second step toward healing in the Girimānanda Sutta . The term " anatta " is often translated as "non-self" or "no-self," but these translations can be limiting and misleading. What the Buddha means by anatta is that while there is no unchanging self, a self does exist in a certain context—it is always changing. This self should not be viewed as fixed or unchanging. Instead, it exists with certain conditions that are constantly in flux.  The self exists within a changing context, but it is not permanent or unchanging. The Buddha extensively discusses the ever-changing nature of the self in the Dhammapada . I encourage you to explore the chapter on "Self" in the Dhammapada for a deeper understanding of this concept. How can the concept of Anatta (not-self) be better understood in daily life? To understand anatta , we need to recognize how the self exists and how ...

  Anicca Saññā (or "the perception of change") is the first step toward healing in the Girimānanda Sutta . It involves understanding that all things, both external and internal, are transient and in a constant state of change ( through a better understanding of the causes and conditions within the five aggregates ), while also recognizing that we have the opportunity to influence and transform the causes and conditions surrounding us to some extent.  We can summarize this understanding briefly in two key ways, as outlined below. Understanding that everything is continuously changing Understanding that we can change, influence and transform things, to some extent.

  Dhammapda 46 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 46.  Pheṇūpamaṁ kāyamimaṁ viditvā, Knowing this body is like foam, Marīcidhammaṁ abhisambudhāno; Fully awake to its mirage-like-nature, Chetvāna mārassa papupphakāni, Cutting off Māra's flowers, Adassanaṁ maccurājassa gacche. One goes unseen by the King of Death. Story:  Marīcikammaṭṭhānika Bhikkhu    Vatthu

Not to associate with fools – Avoid people who drag you down, like those who drink too much or live irresponsibly. To associate with the wise – Be around people who inspire you to grow spiritually. Good company is essential for a good life. To pay respects where they are due – Honor the Buddha, your teachers, and elders. This is a blessing and an opportunity not to be missed. To reside in a suitable location – Live in a peaceful place with a supportive society and economy, free from fear and need. To have previously done meritorious deeds – Enjoy the good results of past virtuous actions, but continue making good deeds now. To be heading in the right direction – If you are growing spiritually, developing wisdom and compassion, you are blessed. To have much learning – Be well-educated and knowledgeable, especially in the teachings of the Dhamma, which is invaluable. To be skilled and knowledgeable – Use your skills and talents to improve your life and the lives of others. To be ...

  Dhammapda 44-45 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 44. Ko imaṁ pathaviṁ vijessati, Who will master this earth of existence?  Yamalokañ ca imaṁ sadevakaṁ? And the realms of Yama and the devas? Ko dhammapadaṁ sudesitaṁ, Who will select a well-taught Dhamma teaching (37 Factors of Awakening), Kusalo pupphamiva pacessati? As a skilled person selects a flower? 45. Sekho pathaviṁ vijessati, One in training will master this earth of existence  Yamalokañ ca imaṁ sadevakaṁ; And the realms of Yama and the devas. Sekho dhammapadaṁ sudesitaṁ, One in training will select a well-taught Dhamma teaching (37 Factors of Awakening), Kusalo pupphamiva pacessati. As a skilled person selects a flower. Story: Pañcasata Bhikkhu Vatthu