Paṭisota | From Mindful Insight to Heartfelt Wisdom

1. How should we understand Sakka in the context of the Dhajagga Sutta, as well as in other teachings within the Dhamma? Please see additional information  here.  2. Who is Pajāpati?  Pajāpati is a significant deity in Hindu mythology, often regarded as the "Lord of Creatures" or the "Creator." He is associated with creation and the universe, symbolizing the generative force behind all life. Pajāpati is sometimes identified with Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism, and is revered for his role in establishing order and progeny. In various texts, he is depicted as a wise and benevolent figure, often involved in cosmic and natural processes, and serves as a protector of the dharma (cosmic law and order). 3. Who is Varuṇa? Varuṇa is an ancient deity in Hindu mythology, associated primarily with water, the oceans, and the celestial sphere. He embodies the concepts of order, truth, and justice, serving as a guardian of moral and cosmic law (ṛta). Often depicted as a ...

  Please refer to the text and translation of the Dhajagga Sutta (SN 11.3) provided here.

  Day 48 An Overview of the Āḷavaka Sutta (SN 10.12) Day 49 Best Wealth, True Happiness, Best Taste and Best Life Day 50 Crossing the Akusala Floods and Samsara, Overcoming Dukkha and Purifying Oneself Day 51 How to Gain Wisdom, Wealth, Good Reputation, Friends, and Peace of Mind for Next Life Day 52 Review

What is self-kindness? Self-kindness is the practice of treating yourself with the same compassion, care, and understanding that you would offer a friend. It involves acknowledging your feelings and struggles without harsh judgment, fostering a positive inner dialogue, and prioritizing your well-being. By being gentle with yourself, you can cultivate resilience and promote emotional healing. Three Main Areas to consider about Self-Kindness 1.Recognizing worth 2. Acknowledging needs 3. Positive self-talk 5 Benefits of Self-Kindness Self-kindness can reduce anxiety and stress Self-kindness can boost self-esteem Being gentle with yourself can increase your overall happiness Self-kindness can enhance stress management Self-kindness can improve your resilience The journey toward self-kindness is an ongoing process and every small step counts.  10 Ways to Practice Self-Kindness Compliment yourself Practice gratitude toward yourself Speak to yourself with kindness Reflect on your day Prio...

  Dhammapda 31 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 31. Appamāda rato bhikkhu, The monastic who delights in diligence pamāde bhayadassi vā; And fears negligence Saṁyojanaṁ aṇuṁ thūlaṁ, Burning subtle and gross fetters, ḍahaṁ aggīv'a gacchati. Advances like a fire. Story: Aññatara bhikkhu

  Dhammapda 30 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 30. Appamādena maghavā, With (Diligence), Indra ( sakka ) Devānaṁ seṭṭhataṁ gato; Became the greatest of the deities. Appamādaṁ pasaṁsanti, The deities praise diligence, Pamādo garahito sadā. Forever rejecting negligence. Story:   Magha Vatthu Notes: In the Samyutta Nikaya (11:11) , it is recounted that when Sakka was a human being, he made and adhered to seven vows. As a result of these commitments, he was reborn as Sakka. His vows were as follows: 1. As long as I live, may I support my parents. (Yāvajīvaṁ mātāpettibharo assaṁ) 2. As long as I live, may I respect my elders. (yāvajīvaṁ kule jeṭṭhāpacāyī assaṁ) 3. As long as I live, may I speak gently. (yāvajīvaṁ saṇhavāco assaṁ) 4. As long as I live, may I avoid divisive speech. (yāvajīvaṁ apisuṇavāco assaṁ) 5. As long as I live, may I maintain a generous and charitable mind at home, delighting in giving and sharing, and free from stinginess. (yāvajīvaṁ vigatamalamac...

  Clear knowing arises from mindfulness of breathing ( ānāpānasati ) and then accompanies mindfulness throughout all four satipaṭṭhānas. Understanding  Sampajañña (Clear Knowing) Sampajañña is crucial in Buddhist meditation, referring to the ongoing mental process of monitoring one's body and mind. In Breath Meditation, it helps detect states of laxity (too less viriya ) and excitation (too much viriya ). It frequently pairs with mindfulness as "mindfulness and clear knowing" (Pāli: sati sampajañña ). For effective right mindfulness, sati must be integrated with sampajañña ; together, they enable mindfulness to achieve its true purpose. How important is Clear Knowing ( Sampajañña )? According to the Avijjā Sutta (AN 10.61) , a lack of mindfulness (bare attention or sati ) and clear knowing ( sampajañña ) stem from unwise attention ( ayoniso manasikāra ), lack of trust, neglecting true teachings, and associating with individuals lacking integrity. Essentially, without cl...

  Dhammapda 29 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Appamāda ( Diligence) 29. Appamatto pamattesu, Diligent among the negligent, suttesu bahu jāgaro; Wide awake among the sleeping Abalassaṁva sīghasso, Advances  like a swift horse hitvā yāti sumedhaso. (The Wise one) leaving a weak one behind. Story:   Pamattāpamattadvesahāyakabhikkhu Vatthu

  1. In our earlier discussion about wisdom (paññā) and its exploration in suttas like the Āḷavaka Sutta, what are some practical ways to cultivate and receive wisdom in our daily lives? 2. Given the various perspectives on wisdom, how might the process of gaining wisdom differ among different traditions or teachings? Is there a common thread that simplifies this process? 3. The concept of wealth in Buddhism is intriguing. What guidelines or principles does Buddhism offer regarding earning and managing wealth? Is there an ideal balance or limit to how much one should earn? 4. In our study of the Pattakamma Sutta, we discussed the importance of reputation. Once again, the Āḷavaka Sutta underscores the significance of maintaining a good reputation. What are some Buddhist principles or practices for building and maintaining a positive reputation? 5. With the rise of online friendships, how can we apply Buddhist principles to foster meaningful and genuine connections in ...

  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 ...