🌿𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟔𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞 𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚, 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 (𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓)🌿

On February 17, 2025, Bhante Dr. Chandima conducted his weekly Monday Sutta discussion for the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Malaysia on Virāga Saññā—the perception of freedom from lust. He explained that Virāga is more than just the cessation of craving; it is the very essence of Nibbāna, a state where the mind is free from greed, hatred, and delusion, leading to profound peace. 🌸

Bhante emphasized that rāga (often translated as passion) should not be confused with the positive energy we feel on the dhamma path. The literal meaning of rāga is "colouring," specifically from lust, and when our sensual pleasures turn into lust, rāga creates dissatisfaction (dukkha). However, by recognizing the level of our lust, we can manage it skillfully and bring ourselves closer to Virāga—lustlessness. This is the secular Buddhist view, but the deeper understanding is how Virāga attributes to the quality of Nibbāna.

In the Girimānanda Sutta (AN 10.60), the Buddha introduces Nibbāna through Virāga Saññā, offering us a path to healing. Even without full realization, understanding Virāga helps reduce the grip of craving, bringing mental clarity and inner peace.

Key teachings from the Buddha on Virāga Saññā:

🔹 Peaceful: Nibbāna is the ultimate peace, free from craving and clinging.

🔹 Sublime: Nibbāna transcends ordinary experience, revealing purity and wisdom.

🔹 Stilling of Formations: The cessation of mental, verbal, and physical formations driven by craving.

🔹 Relinquishment of Acquisitions: Letting go of greed to material possessions and identities.

🔹 Destruction of Craving: The end of all craving, leading to liberation from dissatisfaction.

🔹 Lustlessness: True freedom from the bonds of greed, leading to deep peace and contentment.

By understanding Virāga, 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.html

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢

Patisota Team