🌿𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟕𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 (𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)🌿

On February 24, 2025, Bhante Dr. Chandima conducted his weekly Monday Sutta discussion for the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Malaysia on Nirodha Saññā—the perception of Cessation. 

The discussion on Nirodha Saññā, as explained by Bhante, offered a profound exploration of cessation in Buddhist thought, emphasizing its role in the path to Nibbāna. By addressing the core concept of Nirodha, Bhante clarified its dual meaning—both the cessation of craving and the more fundamental cessation described in dependent origination. The concise structure highlights the practical aspect of Buddhist practice, reinforcing that the elimination of craving is not an abstract idea but a goal achieved through the Noble Eightfold Path. This direct approach effectively presents Nirodha Saññā as an essential perception in understanding the nature of liberation and healing.

The inclusion of the Buddha’s explanation from the Girimānanda Sutta AN 10.60 provides a clear and the definition of cessation, while Ānanda Sutta SN 22.21 elaborates on how the aggregates themselves are subject to cessation. While the Girimānanda Sutta generally presents cessation as an inherent characteristic of Nibbāna, the Ānanda Sutta offers a practical approach to cultivating the perception of cessation. It teaches that one can practice cessation by observing the changing, conditioned, dependently arisen, and perishable nature of the five aggregates. This perspective allows lay practitioners to reflect on and develop these states of mind in relation to the aggregates, even before attaining enlightenment. 

Additionally, Bhante highlighted a crucial insight regarding the role of contact (phassa) in stopping craving. Instead of attempting to cut craving at its peak, he explained that working with contact—where sense experience first arises—offers a more effective and manageable approach. He referenced the Nibbedhika Sutta (AN 6.63) and Samphassa Sutta (SN 18.4) as key texts to deepen understanding of how one can interrupt the process of craving by addressing it at the level of contact.

By understanding Nirodha, we move closer to healing and the ultimate freedom of Nibbāna. 🌱 Even the awareness of the nature of this highest peace can begin the healing process, as it softens the grip of craving and brings clarity to the mind. 

For a detailed description of Bhante’s notes on this teaching, visit:https://patisota.blogspot.com/2025/02/day-69-girimananda-sutta-monday-bmv-sutta-study-bhante-dr-g-chandima_01209450759.html