Paṭisota | From Mindful Insight to Heartfelt Wisdom

  Dhammapda 28 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 28.  Pamādaṁ appamādena, negligence with diligence, yadā nudati paṇḍito; Driving away from ( negligence)  as a sage would Paññā pāsāda māruyha, Ascending the tower of wisdom  asoko sokiniṁ pajaṁ; and free of sorrow, (observing) the sorrowing masses Pabbataṭṭhova bhummaṭṭhe,  As someone standing on a mountain  dhīro bāle avekkhati. That (wise person) observes unwise on the ground below. Story:   Mahākassapatthera  Vatthu

  Is Technology a Mixed Blessing? There is no doubt that digital technology has significantly enhanced our lives. Email and text messaging offer far greater efficiency compared to traditional mail and landlines. The internet has connected us to the entire world with just a few clicks, and social media provides invaluable tools for staying in touch with family and friends, as well as networking with colleagues. Whether technological advances turn out to be a blessing or a curse largely depends on our ability to use them mindfully. While technological advances have undoubtedly made our lives more convenient, they have also become sources of stress, particularly in an era when social media amplifies toxic divisiveness. Despite their promise of freedom, digital devices often end up ensnaring us, increasing our stress rather than alleviating it. Introduction to Digital Detox Definition : A digital detox involves taking a break from digital devices and online activities to impr...

  Love has been proposed as a fundamental force that binds human beings together, helping them face challenges and ensuring the continuation of the species. This perspective suggests that love fosters social cohesion and cooperation, creating strong bonds that support both individual well-being and collective survival. Ancient Greek philosophers  Ancient Greek philosophers articulated a nuanced understanding of love, identifying six distinct forms: familial love) friendship or platonic love romantic love  self-love guest love or hospitality divine or unconditional love. Each form captures a different aspect of human connection and affection, reflecting the complexity and diversity of our emotional experiences. Modern Scholars Modern scholars have expanded the concept of love by distinguishing additional varieties, including:  fatuous love (characterized by intense passion and commitment but lacking depth)  unrequited love (love that is not reciprocated) empty lo...

 

  1. What is the flood ( ogha ) in Buddhist teachings? 2. Why can Trust ( saddhā ) help someone cross the flood? 3. What ocean is meant by the Yakkha in the Āḷavaka Sutta ? 4. How can someone cross the ocean of  saṃsāra  using diligence? 5. What is dukkha ? 6. How to overcome dukkha ? 7. Why does the right effort and kusala energy help someone go past dukkha ? 8. How does someone purify from wisdom? 9. Are there differences in different types of wisdom? 10. Why is purification related to wisdom?

  Translation of Mettā Loving-Kindness? Unlimited Friendliness?  Mettā for 5 groups 1. Oneself 2. Loved ones 3. Neutral ones 4. Challenging or difficult ones 5. All living beings  To what extent should we engage in the practice of Mettā? I. By "practiced" ( āsevitāya ) is meant the ardent practice of metta, not as a mere intellectual exercise, but by committing oneself wholeheartedly to it and making it life's guiding philosophy, something which conditions one's attitudes, outlook and conduct. II. By "developed" ( bhāvitāya ) is implied the various processes of inner culture and mental integration effected by the practice of meditation on universal love. III. "Unrelentingly resorted to" ( bahulīkatāya ) emphasizes repeated practice of metta all through one's waking hours, in deed, word and thought, and maintaining the tempo of metta-awareness throughout. IV. "Used as one's vehicle" ( yānīkatāya ) signifies a "total commitment...

 Ten Perceptions ( saññā ) The perception of impermanence ( anicca saññā ) the perception of not-self ( anatta saññā ) the perception of unattractiveness ( asubha saññā ) the perception of danger ( ādīnava saññā ) the perception of abandoning ( pahāna saññā ) the perception of dispassion (virāga saññā) the perception of cessation ( nirodha saññā ) the perception of non-delight in the entire world ( sabbaloke anabhirata saññā ) the perception of impermanence in all conditioned phenomena ( sabbasaṅkhāresu anicca saññā )  mindfulness of breathing ( ānāpānassati ) 1. The Perception of Impermanence ( anicca saññā ) Reflect on how the five aggregates—form, feeling, perception, choices, and consciousness—are inherently transient and impermanent, and how clinging to these fleeting aspects of experience leads to suffering. 2. The Perception of Not-self ( anatta saññā ) Reflect on the six senses and sense objects (eye and sights, ear and sounds, nose and smells, tongue and ...

Dhammapda 26-27 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 26.  Pamāda Manuyuñjanti, Give themselves over to negligence. Bālā dummedhino janā; Unwise, foolish people Appamādañ ca medhāvī, The Wise Dhanaṁ seṭṭhaṁva rakkhati. Protect (diligence) as the greatest treasure.  27.   Mā pamādamanuyuñjetha, Don't give yourself to negligence,  Mā kāmarati Santhavaṁ;  Don't devote yourself to sensual pleasure. Appamatto hi jhāyanto, Diligent and absorbed in meditation Pappoti vipulaṁ sukhaṁ. One attains abundant happiness.  Story:   Bālanakkhattasaṅgaha  Vatthu

  1. What is the role and significance of wealth in Buddhism, both from a secular and a spiritual perspective? 2. Why is trust considered the highest form of wealth in Buddhist teachings? 3. What are the key principles in Buddhism for attaining true happiness? 4. Why do many people have such specific or demanding expectations about happiness? 5. How does the Buddha approach the concept of happiness in his teachings? 6. In what way is Dhamma described as the "best taste" in Buddhist teachings? Does the Buddha metaphorically refer to Dhamma as food or drink? 7. What practices or guidelines does Buddhism suggest for living a more fulfilling and meaningful life? 8. Does Buddhism view life as a rehearsal or preparation for something greater?

  1. What is the significance of studying the Āḷavaka Sutta in Buddhist teachings? 2. Why did the Buddha repeatedly agree to the Āḷavaka yakkha 's requests? 3. What was the nature and extent of the threat posed by the Āḷavaka yakkha ? 4. Are yakkhas considered devas in Buddhist cosmology? If so, what realm or hierarchy do they belong to? 5. Are all yakkhas followers of Buddhism, or do their beliefs vary? 6. If not all yakkhas are Buddhists, what factors might influence their beliefs or behaviour? 7. Which yakkhas are most frequently mentioned in Buddhist suttas and what are their roles? 8. What led the Āḷavaka yakkha to become submissive to the Buddha?

Day 45 An Overview of the Paṭhamasamajīvī Sutta (AN 4.55) Day 46 Not a Single Thought of Cheating Benefits of Not Cheating 

  All interactions will focus on both partners' pleasant behaviour and words ( aññamaññaṁ piyaṁvadā ). The couple gets all they want because of their dedicated relationship ( athāsaṁ pacurā honti ). They live happily ( phāsukaṁ upajāyati ). Their enemies will get discouraged and downhearted ( amittā dummanā honti ). After they have treasured every moment of delight in this life, they will be reborn together in heaven following death ( nandino devalokasmiṁ modanti kāmakāmino ).

                    The most significant takeaway from this sutta section is that you should never cheat, even with your thoughts. Nakulamātā and Nakulapitā could stick to them without cheating, even in their thoughts. 1. Why is it necessary to avoid cheating in a relationship, according to the  Paṭhamasamajīvī Sutta ? 2. Why does the Buddha say that not cheating is a sign of a steady practice of the dhamma? 3. In what part of the akusala  does cheating fit in? 4. The world we live in now has changed the ways people cheat (conditions and ways of cheating). In this day and age, how can someone stay honest without cheating? 5 What is the response to someone who believes that cheating is acceptable in today's world, despite these teachings about the necessity of not cheating? 6. Can a couple be reunited in the next life if they don't cheat? 7. What are the four qualities that both people in the relationship need to ...

                        

                          -Sources of Anger are different  Anger can arise from a variety of sources, and understanding these can be crucial for managing and addressing it effectively. Here are some common sources: 1. Unmet Needs: When basic needs or personal desires are not met, it can lead to frustration and anger. This can include physical needs (like hunger or sleep) or emotional needs (like respect or affection). 2. Perceived Injustice: Feeling wronged or treated unfairly can provoke anger. This could be due to personal experiences or witnessing unfairness towards others. 3. Frustration: When you face obstacles or difficulties in achieving your goals, it can result in frustration and anger, especially if you feel these obstacles are unjust or preventable. 4. *Stress: High levels of stress, whether from work, relationships, or other life pressures, can contribute to feelings of anger as it impacts emotional reg...

Dhammapda 25 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 25. Uṭṭhānena'ppamādena, Through effort and diligence, Saṁyamena damena ca; Restraint, and self-control Dīpaṁ kayirātha medhāvī, The wise person can become an island Yaṁ ogho nā'bhikīrati. No flood will overwhelm. Story:   Cūḷapanthaka Vatthu

                            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 ...

  Dhammapda 24 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 24. Uṭṭhānavato satimato, Energetic and mindful, Sucikammassa nisammakārino; Pure and considerate in action Saññatassa ca dhammajīvino, Restrained and who lives according to the Dhamma, Appamattassa yaso'bhivaḍḍhati.  Diligent, Glory grows for a person who is  Story:  Kumbhaghosaka Seṭṭhi Vatthu

Dhammapda 21-23 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 21. "Appamādo amata padaṁ" Diligence is the path to the Deathless; Pamādo maccuno padaṁ; Negligence the path to death. Appamattā na mīyanti, The diligent do not die; Ye pamattā yathā matā. The negligent are as if already dead. 22.  Etaṁ visesato ñatvā,  Knowing this distinction, Appamādamhi paṇḍitā; (in  diligence) sages  Appamāde pamodanti, Delight in  diligence Ariyānaṁ gocare ratā. In the field of the noble ones. 23.  Te jhāyino sātatikā, Absorbed in meditation, persevering,  Niccaṁ daḷha parakkamā; Always steadfast, Phusanti dhīrā nibbānaṁ, The wise touch Nibbāna, Yogakkhemaṁ anuttaraṁ. The ultimate rest from toil. Story:  Sāmāvatī  Vatthu

  Day 32 An Overview of the Pattakamma Sutta and the First Wish of a Layperson Day 33 Second Wish of a Layperson Day 34 Third Wish of a Layperson Day 35 Fourth Wish of a Layperson  Day 36 First Accomplishment of a Layperson Day 37 Second Accomplishment of a Layperson  Day 38 Third Accomplishment of a Layperson  Day 39 Fourth Accomplishment of a Layperson  Day 40: First Pattakamma Day 41 Second Pattakamma Day 42 Third Pattakamma Day 43: Fourth Pattakamma