Friday, December 30, 2016

Continuity of Life


There are three main concepts that hold away regarding the ultimate origin of beings. Two of them are religious concepts and the other is a scientific concept. Some scientists believe that all beings originated or evolved from matter. Many religious leaders attribute the ultimate origin of man to God and are of opinion that God created man. But Buddha rejected both these concepts.

The Visuddhi Magga or Path of Purification mention “Na hetha – Devo và Brahmà và Saüsàrassathi kàrako Suddhadhammà pavattanti Hetusambhàrapaccayati”

There is no God or Brahma who is the creator of this world. Empathy phenomena rolls on, all subject to causality.

Whatever other religions and science may teach with regard to the ultimate origin of human beings, Buddhism pertinently says “Anamataggo yaü Bhikkhave Sansàra pubbàkoti na pannàyati avijjànivaranànaü sattàü tanhà saüyojanànaü sandhàvataü” ( Anamatagga Sutta)

Inconceivable is the beginning monks, of this faring on. The earliest point beginning is not revealed of this running on, the faring on, of beings located in ignorance, tied to craving.

What is the Buddha’s concept? The Buddha’s concept is Beings are subjected to endless round of Birth. That all beings are result of a Karmic process determined by past/ present actions, which is the cause for effects of rebirth.

In this manner, action and re-action cause and effect death and rebirth, prevail and continue to prevail. It is like the tree producing the fruit and the fruit in turn producing the tree and continues to prevail as an unbroken process. We can only see it happening in the present context. But we cannot trace back to the beginning of this process nor can we visualize the end before the attainment. However much we try we would never find the first mango tree nor can we find the last mango tree but we can see how a tree produces the fruit and how the fruit produces another tree.

The fully matured fruit separation from the tree is like the death. Its contact with the earth is birth. There is no interval as such between the tree and the fruit and the fruit and tree. It continues to grow. Thus from the day the fruit was born by the tree and up to the producing of another tree, similarly within the human mind there is energy to produce another being, human being may die but the energy to be reborn does not die completely. It grows gradually. But it faces to the momentary decay and death, as (uppàda, tithi, bhanga) genetic, static and dissolving. This energy is craving and ignorance and the resultant Karmas or action, which will continue to accumulate till one gets rid of all defilements with the rise of wisdom and the resultant cessation of craving and kamma which will put an end to rebirth ultimately reach Nibbàna.

In the Kosala Sanyutha, The Buddha has mentioned, whatever kamma that we accumulate in this life are being carried over to the next.

Eso nidhã sunihito Ajeyya anugàmiko Pahàya gamanãyesu Etaü àdàya gacchati. (Nidhi Kandha Sutta)

Whatever good or bad kammas that you have accumulated, are like a treasure, cannot be taken away by another. It follows you and is being carried by you to the next life.


May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Saturday, December 10, 2016

The Ten Useful Talks (Dasa katha)



The Ten Useful Talks (Dasa katha): 

These are the 10 useful talks a lay devotee must engage after refraining from 32 unskillful talks (Dethis katha) discussed in the previous post. These ten useful talks are ;

1. Having only few wishes & talks about on fewness of wishes ( Appichcha Katha)

2. Content himself/ herself & talks about on contentment ( Santuthti Katha)

3. Secluded himself/ herself & talks about on seclusion (paviweka Katha)

4. Aloof from society & talks about on aloofness from society (Asansagga Kata)

5. Energetic himself/ herself & talks on arousing energy (Weeryaramba Katha)

6. Attained to virtue himself/ herself & talks on the attainment of virtue (Seela Katha)

7. Attainment to concentration himself/ herself & talks on the attainment of the concentration (Samadhi Katha)

8. attained to wisdom himself/ herself & talks on the attainment of wisdom ( Pragna Katha)

9. Attained to deliverance himself/ herself & talks on the attainment of deliverance (Vimukthi Katha)

10. Attained to the knowledge and vision of deliverance himself/ herself & talks on the attainment of the knowledge and vision of deliverance (Vimukthi Gnanadassana Katha)

He/She is the one who advises, informs, instructs, urges, rouses, and gladdens his companions in the holy life. Those are the 10 useful talks that will guide us toward the ultimate bliss of Nibbana.

May all beings be well & happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The 32 types of unskillful talks ( Dethis Katha )



The 32 types of unskillful talks ( Dethis Katha ) :

A lay devotee must refrain from 32 types of unskillful talks after observing eight or ten precepts or any kind of Uposatha Sila as these talks of the ordinary people not conductive to good, to giving up, to detachment, to cessation, to appeasement, to knowledge, to enlightenment. They are:

1. Raja katha - Talk about kings,
2. Chora Katha - Talk about robbers,
3. Mahamachcha Katha - Talk about ministers,
4. Sena Katha - Talk about armies,
5. Bhaya Katha - Talk about fears,
6. Uadda Katha - Talk about wars,
7. Anna Katha - Talk about eatables,
8. Paana Katha - Talk about drinks,
9. Waththa Katha - Talk about clothes,
10. Mala Katha- Talk about flowers,
11. Ghanda Katha - Talk about scents,
12. Knathi Katha - Talk about relations,
13. Yana Katha - Talk about Vehicles or conveyances,
14. Gama Katha - Talk about villages,
15. Nigama Katha - Talk about hamlets,
16. Nagaralankara Katha - Talk about towns,
17. Janapada Katha - Talk about states,
18. Eththi Katha - Talk about women,
19. Shura Katha - Talk about heroes,
20. Sura Katha - Talk about intoxicants,
21.Visika Katha - gossip at the street corner and
22. Kumbattana Katha - gossip at the well,
23. Pubba Petha Katha - Talk of those dead and gone,
24. Narnatta Katha - various useless talk apart from these 32.
25. Lokaikika Katha - Talk about the beginning of the world,
26. Samuddakkaikika Katha - Talk about the ocean,
27. Shaswatha Ditti Katha - Talk about eternal soul after death,
28. Uchcheda Ditti Katha - Talk about annihilation of soul after death,
29. Wuridi Katha - Talking about others prosperity,
30. Hani Katha - Talking about others debacle or less fortune,
31. Pancha Kama Suka Katha : Talking about various sensuous pleasures,
32. Attakilamathanuyogi Katha - Talking about Self mortification as a form of liberation.

By engaging in these 32 types of talks, one will develop greed (lobha), ill-will (Dosa), ignorance (Moha) which are hazardous to the eight fold path or Nibbana. There fore one must abstain from these 32 types of talks & engage in 10 types of useful talks Preached in Rathavineeta Sutta in Majjima Nikaya which will be discussed in the next post.

May all beings be well & happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The six kinds of people who recollect past lives


The six kinds of people who recollect past lives :

The knowledge concerning recollection of past lives is limited to meditators who attained fourth Jhana through tranquility meditation where he directs, inclines, his mind to the knowledge of recollection of past lives. That meditator recollects his manifold past lives, that is to say, one birth, two births, three births, four births, five births, ten births, twenty births, thirty births, forty births, fifty births, a hundred births, a thousand births, a hundred thousand births, many aeons of world contraction, many aeons of world expansion: many aeons of world contraction and expansion: “There I was so named, of such a race, with such an appearance, such was my food, such my experience of pleasure and pain, such the end of my life span; and passing away from there, I reappeared elsewhere; and there too I was so named, of such a race, with such an appearance, such was my food, such my experience of pleasure and pain, such the end of my life span; and passing away from there, I reappeared here.”

* There are six kinds of people who recollect past lives. They are:

1. Other sectarians : other sectarians recollect only as far back as forty aeons (Kappa), but not beyond that. Why? Because their understanding is weak for lack of delimitation of mind and matter. .

2. Ordinary disciples : ordinary disciples recollect as far back as a hundred aeons and as far back as a thousand aeons because their understanding is strong.

3. The eighty great disciples : The eighty great disciples recollect as far back as a hundred thousand aeons. Ex : Ven. Maha Kassapa, Anuruddha, Ananda, Rahula, Maha Kappina, Maha kottitha, etc, Ven nuns like Maha prajapathi gothami, patachara, baddhakachchayana, etc.

4. The two chief disciples : The two chief disciples Ven. Sariputta & Moggallana recollect as far back as an one incalculable age ( Asankeheyya Kappa ) and a hundred thousand aeons.

5. The individual Buddhas ( Pacceka buddhas ) : The individual buddhas or Paccekabuddhas recollect as far back as two incalculable ages and a hundred thousand aeons.

6. The Buddhas : there is no limit in the case of Buddhas. Except for buddhas, all other five types of people recollect past lives without letting go of the succession of aggregates but Buddhas, however, have nothing to do either with succession of aggregates or with tracing through death and rebirth-linking; for whatever instance they choose in many millions of aeons, or more or less, even skipping over many millions of aeons is evident to them like a lion’s descent wherever they want.

* Among these beings with recollection of past lives, the sectarians’ vision of past lives seems like the light of a glow-worm, that of ordinary disciples like the light of a candle, that of the great disciples like the light of a torch, that of the chief disciples like the light of the morning star, that of Paccekabuddhas like the light of the moon, and that of Buddhas like the glorious autumn sun’s disk with its thousand rays.

* Other sectarians see past lives as blind men go with the point of a stick. Ordinary disciples do so as men who go on a log bridge. The great disciples do so as men who go on a foot bridge. The chief disciples do so as men who go on a cart bridge. Pacceka buddhas do so as men who go on a main footpath. And Buddhas do so as men who go on a high road for carts.


May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The suitable & unsuitable during Fasting


The suitable & unsuitable during Fasting : 

"Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami" or undertaking the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon) will limit food intake to the hours between dawn and noon.The practice of not eating in the afternoon is a very old tradition mentioned in the earliest Suttas & included in many precepts like Eight Precepts of the lay devotees ,etc. 'Food' here refers to things like cooked grains; sweets made from flour, beans, etc.; fish; meat; fresh milk and sour milk;... fruits, tubers and all 'main course' foods.

After observing this precept of fasting, one should not eat fruit — which is food — after midday, they can drink the 'fruit juice' any time throughout the day. However, When preparing fruit juice, it is important that to be well strained so that no pulp or fruit particles remain, for the fruit itself counts as food and so can not be consumed in the afternoon.

Juices made from any large fruits like — Palmyra fruit, coconut, jack fruit, breadfruit, bottle gourd, white gourd, musk melon, water melon, and squash considered unsuitable as it would fall under the same class as the juice of grain. From this judgment, large fruits such as pineapple or grapefruit, could not be consumed in the afternoon.

"Juice drinks made out of the freshly squeezed juice of sugar cane, lotus root, all fruits except grain, all leaves except cooked vegetables, and all flowers except the [bassia latifolia] are also allowed according to the Mahaavagga pali in vinaya pitaka. Apart from these things 'tonic-medicines' (sattaahakaalika) can also be consumed at any time.

* Juices made from of small fruit items like Mango, apple, avocado, wood apple, lime, orange, bananas, etc, even tea, coffee without milk powder are some examples for suitable during this period.


May all beings be well & happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The Lord Buddha's Daily Routine


The Lord Buddha's Daily Routine:

The Lord Buddha's daily routine was divided into five parts:

* The morning session (Perabath Kisa)
* The afternoon session (pasubath kisa)
* The first watch (Perayam kisa)
* The middle watch (Madiyam kisa)
* The last watch (Pasuluyam kisa)

1. The Morning Session (4.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon) : The Lord Buddha would get up at 4.00 a.m. and as soon as he had had a wash would sit for meditation & then he would look around the world with Great compassion from his mental eye to see if anybody needed help. When appropriate time arrived, the blessed one would put on his robe and either go out and help the needy or alms round. When on alms round the Buddha would go from house to house, eyes fixed to the ground, receiving in silence any food that was put into his bowl. Sometimes he would go with his disciples, who would walk behind him in single file. Often people would invite buddha to their houses to offer alms during noon.

2. The Afternoon Session (12.00 noon to 6.00 p.m.) : In the afternoon the monks would usually go to the Buddha to ask questions and be taught and advised. The Buddha would then retire to his room and look around the world with his mental eye to see if anyone was looking for his help. He would then go and meet people who were waiting for him. He would teach to them in such a way that everybody felt that the Buddha was teaching to each one of them separately, "giving joy to the wise, promoting the intelligence of the average people and dispelling the darkness of the dull-witted".

3. The First Watch (6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.) : During this time the followers would come again to the Buddha, either listen Dhamma or ask questions to clarify their doubts. The blessed one normally preach Doctrine during this period to monks & laities gathered in Damsaba Mandapa(Dhamma Hall).

4. The Middle Watch (10.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m.) : During this period the deities would seize the opportunity to go to see the Buddha and learn the truth of life. The Buddha, on answering their questions, would complete the middle watch of the night.

5. The Last Watch ( 2.00 a.m. to 4.00 a.m.) : For the first hour the Buddha would walk up and down meditating and freeing himself from the discomfort of sitting all day. He then would sleep for an hour.

Thus we can see the Lord Buddha was busy the whole day. In fact he only slept one hour each day during this 45 years of teaching. During the early hours of the day he saw the whole universe, blessed it with his boundless love and brought happiness to millions.


May all beings be well & happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The Satipattana Sutta & Psychotherapy



THE SATIPATTANA SUTTA & PSYCHOTHERAPY :

In this post I like to discuss the Buddha's Satipattana discourse (The Foundation of Mindfulness) and its relationship to Western psychotherapy as a means for coping with the problem of mans' suffering in the midst of his daily life.

The Satipattana Sutta was the most significant discourse which the historical Buddha Gauthama delivered to his followers some 2500 years ago. It deals with meditative techniques of body and mind awareness which reveal the true nature of the body- mind organism, its relationship to its environment and how it becomes involved with suffering on the physical and mental levels, and how to eliminate this suffering.

The Buddha's Enlightenment was centered primarily on what he called the Four Noble Truths: The Truth that suffering (mental and physical) exists; How this suffering arises and continues; That there is or can be an end to all this suffering; And the practice (the way to live, think and meditate) which leads to the complete end of suffering. Most of the meditation techniques which the Buddha taught in his day were directed at helping the individual first of all, to see his problem face to face, see the causes of it and thereby he would also see the way out of it.

The way in which the Buddha tackled this problem was through developing a systematic method of examining and experiencing the body and mind activities through directed and detached awareness. This is all detailed out in his Maha Satipattana Sutta, the Great discourse of the Setting up of mindfulness. Buddha teaches us in this discourse how to use our own body and mind as, so to speak, our own test- tube or laboratory to discover exactly what we are made of physically and mentally, what makes us tick, our relationship with the environment, and how we create our own suffering or happiness in our mind. Seeing the situation and problems face to face in one's own direct confrontation with his mind has a much more effective and direct impact than just having someone tell you about it, because this direct confrontation and realization is gained from within and the person understands more clearly and is motivated more effectively in transforming himself.

Buddha's deep wisdom penetrated to the very core of the mind and experienced all the mental processes which gave rise to and created the experience of the world around him. In this experience he saw that the physical body is just an aggregation of material qualities and the mind is just an aggregation of constantly changing sensations, perception, reactions and 'I' centered consciousness which flows like a swift-moving river. He experienced that the individual ego or the feeling of a separate 'I' inside somewhere was merely an elusive notion deeply ingrained in the conditioned patterns of the sub-conscious mind and that it has no concrete, independent or eternal Self-existence.

The Buddha further realized that it is through this basic delusion of 'individual-self' that the alienation and separation from other arises and from which attachment, greed, aversion, hatred and all the other defilements of the mind arise. As this condition grows unchecked there arise all of the other types of mental disturbances and imbalances such as psychosis, schizophrenia, depression and many others which are so prevalent in society today and which affect also the consciousness of society as a whole. The Buddha saw all of this in perspective and therefore he wanted to devise some systematic method of gradual self-discovery which would enable each person to realize face-to- face, within the depths of his own being, how all of his problem originate. To some extent this is what Western psychotherapy is trying to do. The majority of the patients of psychotherapists suffer from psychic disorientation of different sorts, ego alienation, sociological alienation and so forth.

The psychotherapist usually deals with the patient on the basis of being a separate organism who is out of line with the 'norm of Society'. He tries to get to the source of the patient's problems by going back in the patient's history and trying to find something which could serve as a good guide to what has caused the patient's problems such as incidents in childhood etc. The idea is to get the patient back into a so- called normal state of mind, but usually it is still ego centered. The psychoanalyst tries to eliminate the symptoms which the patient has and when the surface symptoms disappear, then he is thought to be cured. This seems to be the main point or difference in the way psychotherapy handles the situation and how the Buddha sought to remedy the situation.

The analyst observes and tries to figure out the patient's problem for him according to the symptoms which the patient is exhibiting, and then gives him advice based on the relationship of his 'individual-Self' to his environment. This type of therapy gets the person back into a healthier, positive frame of mind about his life and society. But his method still does not tackle the real gut of the problem and that is the ego itself and the way it works itself back into similar problems or further complications. Although the person may find functioning in family and society a smoother process, he still may develop other mental problems such as attachment to things, anger, envy, jealousy, conceit and so forth which stem from deeper reaches of the subconscious.

The Buddha wanted to go to the very root of the whole problem of existence and that was even to realize that the ego as a separate entity was also a mental aberration. It is from this very root delusion/illusion that all other mental conditions and limitations arise. In this way the person no longer conceives himself as a separate individual immersed in an objectified world for his self-centered gratification, but rather he realizes that he is just part of a whole integrated, complex manifestation of different forces. He sees the way in which these forces are integrated and how they flow, their cause and effect relationship and thus he is able to get into that harmonious flow. In this way the whole problem of imbalance and suffering on all levels is gradually once and forever solved. 

This is, in brief, a look at the general scheme of the situation facing man in the Buddhist conception of man's predicament. We see how the Buddha went about to find the real end to the problem of suffering, by a system of self-discovery and self-psychotherapy to go to the very root of the whole problem and to bring about total reorientation and harmony in life, based on 'Reality'. We can also see that the methods of psychotherapists are well and good insofar as they help the individual regain standard reorientation and balance in regard to functioning in society according to the established norm of that region. But the Buddha went a little further to integrate man's consciousness into the flow of reality, so that no possibility of further complications could arise. It is with the guidance of the Satipattana Sutta and our own skillful awareness that we can completely harmonize our mind with 'Reality' and transcend all suffering.


May all beings be well & happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Monday, September 26, 2016

The Eighteen Impossible States of Bodhisatta


The Eighteen Impossible States of Bodhisatta

The Bodhisatta is one who seeks awakening (bodhi) or an individual on the path to becoming a buddha. The stories of the Gautama Buddha portray the efforts of the bodhisattva to cultivate the qualities, including morality, self-sacrifice, and wisdom, etc, with the wish to attain buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

When a Bodhisatta makes a vow or resolve (panidhāna) to fulfil the ten perfections (pāramīs), the Bodhisatta is said not to be born in any of the 18 ‘impossible states’ (abhabbaṭṭhāna). The list contains the following:

(1) Blind (jaccandha)
(2) Deaf (jaccabadhira)
(3) Insane (ummataka)
(4) Deaf and dumb (elamuga)
(5) Crippled (pithasappi)
(6) Among babarians (milakkhesu)
(7) Born of a woman (itthibhāva )
(8) One with confirmed wrong views (niyatamicchaditthika)
(9) Of changeable sex (hermaphrodite) (lingam parivattati)
(10) Among those guilty of committing the five heinous actions (pancanantariyakamma)
(11) A lepper (kutthi)
(12) Smaller than a quail, or larger than an elephant in size, if born an animal
(13) Among the khuppipasikanijjhamatanhika petas
(14) Among the kalakanjakas Asuras or in Avici or lokantarika nirayas (eight great hells)
(15) In sense sphere ( kamavacara) world as Mara
(16) In the material sphere (rupavacara) world, among those lacking in consciousness (asannibhava),  or in the pure abode (suddhavasa)
(17) In the immaterial sphere ( arupa) world
(18) In another world-system (anna-cakkavala).

Some of the items such as (8), (14), (15), (16), (17), and (18) mentioned in the list are significant and are all within the doctrinal framework of Theravāda Buddhism. Moreover the theoretical background on which the list is based could be the Jātakas which show different places of Gotama Bodhisatta’s rebirths.

May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Are Buddhists Idol Worshippers?


Are Buddhists Idol Worshippers?

It is customary amongst Buddhists to keep Buddha images and to pay their respects to the Buddha, Buddhists are not idol worshippers. Idolatry generally means erecting images of unknown gods and goddesses in various shapes and sizes and to pray directly to these images. The prayers are a request to the gods for guidance and protection. The gods and goddesses are asked to bestow health, wealth, property and to provide for various needs; they are asked to forgive transgressions.

The 'worshipping' at the Buddha image is quite a different matter. Buddhists revere the image of the Buddha as a gesture to the greatest, wisest, most benevolent, compassionate and holy man who has ever lived in this world. It is a historical fact that this great man actually lived in this world and has done a great service to mankind. The worship of the Buddha really means paying homage, veneration and devotion to Him and what He represents, and not to the stone or metal figure.

The image is a visual aid that helps one to recall the Buddha in the mind and to remember His great qualities which inspired millions of people from generation to generation throughout the civilized world. Buddhists use the statue as a symbol and as an object of concentration to gain a peace of mind. When Buddhists look upon the image of the Buddha, they put aside thoughts of strife and think only of peace, serenity, calmness and tranquility. The statue enables the mind to recall this great man and inspires devotees to follow His example and instructions. In their mind, the devout Buddhists feel the living presence of the Master. This feeling makes their act of worship become vivid and significant. The serenity of the Buddha image influences and inspires them to observe the right path of conduct and thought.

An understanding Buddhist never asks favors from the image nor does he request forgiveness for evil deeds committed. An understanding Buddhist tries to control his mind, to follow the Buddha's advice, to get rid of worldly miseries and to find his salvation. Those who criticize Buddhists for practising idol worship are really misinterpreting what Buddhists do. If people can keep the photographs of their parents and grandparents to cherish in their memory, if people can keep the photographs of kings, queens, prime ministers, great heroes, philosophers, and poets, there is certainly no reason why Buddhists cannot keep their beloved Master's picture or image to remember and respect Him. What harm is there if people recite some verses praising the great qualities of their Master? If people can lay wreaths on the graves of beloved ones to express their gratitude, what harm is there is Buddhists too offer some flowers, joss-sticks, incense, etc., to their beloved Teacher who devoted His life to help suffering humanity? People make statues of certain conquering heroes who were in fact murderers and who were responsible for the death of millions of innocent people. For the sake of power, these conquerors committed murder with hatred, cruelty and greed. They invaded poor countries and created untold suffering by taking away lands and properties of others, and causing much destruction. Many of these conquerors are regarded as national heroes; memorial services are conducted for them and flowers are offered on their graves and tombs. What is wrong then, if Buddhists pay their respects to their world honored Teacher who sacrificed His worldly pleasures for the sake of Enlightenment to show others the Path of Salvation?

Images are the language of the subconscious. Therefore, the image of the Enlightened One is often created within one's mind as the embodiment of perfection, the image will deeply penetrate into the subconscious mind and (if it is sufficiently strong enough) can act as an automatic brake against impulses. The recollection of the Buddha produces joy, invigorates the mind and elevates man from states of restlessness, tension and frustration. Thus the worship of the Buddha is not a prayer in its usual sense but a meditation. Therefore, it is not idol worship, but 'ideal' worship.

The Buddha images are nothing more than symbolic representations of His great qualities. It is not unnatural that the deep respect for the Buddha should be expressed in some of the finest and most beautiful forms of art and sculpture the world has ever known. It is difficult to understand why some people look down on those who pay respect to images which represent holy religious teachers.
The calm and serene image of the Buddha has been a common concept of ideal beauty. The Buddha's image is the most precious, common asset of Asian cultures. Without the image of the Buddha, where can we find a serene, radiant and spiritually emancipated personality?

But the image of the Buddha is appreciated not only by Asian or Buddhists. Anatole France in his autobiography writes, 'On the first of May, 1890, chance led me to visit the Museum in Paris. There standing in the silence and simplicity of the gods of Asia, my eyes fell on the statue of the Buddha who beckoned to suffering humanity to develop understanding and compassion. If ever a god walked on this earth, I felt here was He. I felt like kneeling down to Him and praying to Him as to a God. Once a general left an image of the Buddha as a legacy to Winston Churchill. The general said, 'if ever your mind gets perturbed and perplexed, I want you to see this image and be comforted.' What is it that makes the message of the Buddha so attractive to people who have cultivated their intellect? Perhaps the answer can be seen in the serenity of the image of the Buddha.

A life so beautiful, a heart so pure and kind, a mind so deep and enlightened, a personality so inspiring and selfless -- such a perfect life, such a compassionate heart, such a calm mind, such a serene personality is really worthy of respect, worthy of honors and worthy of offering. The Buddha is the highest perfection of mankind. The Buddha image is the symbol, not of a person, but of Buddhahood -- that to which all men can attain though few do. For Buddhahood is not for one but for many: 'The Buddhas of the past ages, the Buddhas that are yet to come, the Buddha of the present age; humbly I each day adore.'

However, it is not compulsory for every Buddhist to have a Buddha image to practise Buddhism. Those who can control their mind and the senses can certainly do so without an image as an object. If Buddhists truly wish to behold the Buddha in all the majestic splendor and beauty of His ideal presence, they must translate His Teachings into practice in their daily lives. It is in the practice of His Teachings that they can come closer to Him and feel the wonderful radiance of His undying wisdom and compassion. Simply respecting the images without following His Sublime Teachings is not the way to find salvation.

We must also endeavor to understand the spirit of the Buddha. His Teaching is the only way to save this troubled world. In spite of the tremendous advantages of science and technology, people in the world today are filled with fear, anxiety and despair. The answer to our troubled world is found in the teaching of the Buddha.


May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The Buddhist view on Killing for Self Protection & Mercy Killing


The Buddhist view on Killing for Self Protection & Mercy Killing 

The Buddha has advised everyone to abstain from killing. If everybody accepts this advice, human beings would not kill each other. In the case where a person's life is threatened, the Buddha says even then it is not advisable to kill out of self-protection. The weapon for self-protection is loving-kindness. One who practises this kindness very seldom comes across such misfortune. However, man loves his life so much that he is not prepared to surrender himself to others; in actual practice, most people would struggle for self-protection. It is natural and every living being struggles and kills others for self-protection but kammic effect depends on their mental attitude. During the struggle to protect himself, if he happens to kill his opponent although he has no intention to kill, then he is not responsible for that action. On the other hand, if he kills another person under any circumstances with the intention to kill, then he is not free from the kammic reaction; he has to face the consequences. We must remember that killing is killing; when we disapprove of it, we call it 'murder'. When we punish man for murdering, we call it 'capital punishment'. If our own soldiers are killed by an 'enemy' we call it 'slaughter'. However, if we approve a killing, we call it 'war'. But if we remove the emotional content from these words, we can understand that killing is killing.

According to Buddhism mercy killing too cannot be justified. Mercy and killing can never go together. Some people kill their pets on the grounds that they do not like to see the pets suffer. However, if mercy killing is the correct method to be practised on pets and other animals, then why are people so reluctant to do the same to their beloved ones?

When some people see their dogs or cats suffer from some skin disease, they arrange to kill those poor animals. They call this action, mercy killing. Actually it is not that they have mercy towards those animals, but they kill them for their own precaution and to get rid of an awful sight. And even if they do have real mercy towards a suffering animal, they still have no right to take away its life. No matter how sincere one may be, mercy killing, is not the correct approach. The consequences of this killing, however, are different from killing with hatred towards the animal. Buddhists have no grounds to say that any kind of killing is justified.

Some people try to justify mercy killing with the misconception that if the motive or reason is good, then the act itself is good. They then claim that by killing their pet, they have the intention to relieve the unhappy animal from its suffering and so the action is good. No doubt their original intention or motive is good. But the evil act of killing will certainly bring about unwholesome results. The Buddhist religion cannot justify mercy killing as completely free from bad reaction. However, to kill out of necessity and without any anger or hatred has less bad reaction than to kill out of intense anger or jealousy.

On the other hand, a being (man or animal) may suffer owing to his bad kamma. If By mercy killing, we prevent the working out of one's bad kamma, the debt will have to be paid in another existence. As Buddhists, all that we can do is to help to reduce the pain of suffering in others.  Buddhism can never accept these arguments because it is not how the killing occurs that is important, but the fact that a life of one being is terminated by another. No one has any right to do that for whatever reason.


May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Why we take Refuge in the Buddha



 Why we take Refuge in the Buddha

The Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha not out of fear of Him, but to gain inspiration and right understanding for their self-purification. Buddhists do not take refuge in the Buddha with the belief that He is a god or son of god. The Buddha never claimed any divinity. He was the Enlightened One, the most Compassionate, Wise, and Holy One who ever lived in this world. Therefore, people take refuge in the Buddha as a Teacher or Master who has shown the real path of emancipation. Buddhists pay homage to Him to show their gratitude and respect, but they do not ask for material favors. Buddhists do not pray to the Buddha thinking that He is a god who will reward them or punish or curse them. They recite verses or some sutras not in the sense of supplication but as a means of recalling His great virtues and good qualities to get more inspiration and guidance for themselves and to develop the confidence to follow His Teachings.

There are critics who condemn this attitude of taking refuge in the Buddha. They do not know the true meaning of the concept of taking refuge in and paying homage to a great religious Teacher. They have learned only about praying which is the only thing that some people do in the name of religion. When Buddhists seek refuge it means they accept the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha as the means by which they can eradicate all the causes of their fear and other mental disturbances. Many people, especially those with animistic beliefs, seek protection in certain objects around them which they believe are inhabited by spirits.

The Buddha advised against the futility of taking refuge in hills, woods, groves, trees and shrines when people are fear-stricken: No such refuge is safe, no such refuge is Supreme. Not by resorting to such a refuge is one freed from all ill. He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha sees with right knowledge the Four Noble Truths -Sorrow, the cause of Sorrow, the transcending of Sorrow, and the Noble Eightfold Path which leads to the cessation of Sorrow. This indeed is secure refuge. By seeking such refuge one is released from all Sorrow. -- (Dhammapada 188-192)

In the Dhajagga Sutta, it is mentioned that by taking refuge in Sakra, the king of gods or any god, the followers would not be free from all their worldly problems and fears. The reason is, such gods are themselves not free from lust, hatred, illusion and fear, but the Buddha, Dhamma and the Sangha (i.e. the community who has attained perfection) are free from them. Only those who are free from unsatisfactoriness can show the way to lasting happiness.

Francis Story, a well-known Buddhist scholar, gives his views on seeking refuge in the Buddha:
'I go for refuge to the Buddha. I seek the presence of the Exalted Teacher by whose compassion I may be guided through the torrents of Sansara, by whose serene countenance I may be uplifted from the mire of worldly thoughts and cravings, seeing there in the very assurance of Nibbanic Peace, which He himself attained. In sorrow and pain I turn to Him and in my happiness I seek His tranquil gaze. I lay before His Image not only flowers and incense, but also the burning fires of my restless heart, that they may be quenched and stilled, I lay down the burden of my pride and my selfhood, the heavy burden of my cares and aspirations, the weary load of this incessant birth and death.'

Some people say that since the Buddha was only a man, there is no meaning in taking refuge in Him. But they do not know that although the Buddha very clearly said that He was a man, he was no ordinary man like any of us. He was an extraordinary and incomparably holy person who possessed Supreme Enlightenment and great compassion toward every living being. He was a man freed from all human weaknesses, defilements and even from ordinary human emotions. Of Him it has been said, 'There is none so godless as the Buddha, and yet none so godlike.' In the Buddha is embodied all the great virtues, sacredness, wisdom and enlightenment.

Another question that people very often raise is this: 'If the Buddha is not a god, if He is not living in this world today, how can he bless people?' According to the Buddha, if people follow His advice by leading a religious life, they would certainly receive blessings. Blessing in a Buddhist sense means the joy we experience when we develop confidence and satisfaction. The Buddha once said, 'if anyone wishes to see me, he should look at my Teachings and practise them.' (Samyutta Nikaya) Those who understand His Teachings easily see the real nature of the Buddha reflected in themselves. The image of the Buddha they maintain in their minds is more real than the image they see on the altar, which is merely a symbolic representation. 'Those who live in accordance with the Dhamma (righteous way of life) will be protected by that very Dhamma.'  One who knows the real nature of existence and the fact of life through Dhamma will not have any fear and secure a harmonious way of life.

In other religions, the people worship their god by asking for favours to be granted to them. Buddhists do not worship the Buddha by asking for worldly favours, but they respect Him for His supreme achievement. When Buddhists respect the Buddha, they are indirectly elevating their own minds so that one day they also can get the same enlightenment to serve mankind if they aspire to become a Buddha. Buddhists respect the Buddha as their Master. However, this respect does not imply an attachment to or a dependence on the Teacher.

May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Friday, September 2, 2016

Six Caritas (Six Types of Temperament or Nature)



Six Caritas (Six Types of Temperament or Nature)

There are six types of persons according to their temperament or nature.

1 Ràga-carita – the greedy-natured who indulge in sensuous pleasure without shame; The greedy-natured persons should exercise the ten Asubhas (Reflection on the 10 loathsome objects) and kàyagatàsati (Reflection on the 32 impure parts of the body)as these can suppress passion effectively.

2 Dosa-carita – the hate-natured who get angry easily even over trivial things; the hate-natured persons should practise the four Brahmavihàras (4 sublime abodes) and the four colour-kasinas. I.e. nela, peeta, lohita and odàta kasinas. These meditations are pure and serene and can delight persons who exercise them.

3 Moha-carita – the stupid or dull-natured; the stupid and dull-natured persons as well as the ruminating-natured persons should practice ànàpànassati. The minds of these people are restless and distracted because of uddacca, vicikicchà and vitakka. In ànàpànassati the in-breathing and the out-breathing have to be noted rhythmically. So ànàpànassati can control and calm down the restless minds.

4 Saddhà-carita – the faithful-natured who venerate the Triple-Gem piously: The faithful-natured persons should practise Buddhànussati, dhammànussati, sanghànusssati, silànussati, càgànussati and devatànussati. Saddhà (faith) is already strong in these persons and it will be further strengthened to great benefits by practicing these recollection meditative objects.

5 Buddhi-carita – the intelligent-natured who rely on reason and would not believe easily; the intelligent-natured persons should practice maranànussati, upasamànusssati, àhàre-patikula-sannà and catudhàtu- vavatthàna. The subjects of these meditations  are deep and subtle, and thus they can stimulate and strengthen the wisdom of the intelligent-natured persons.

6 Vitakka-carita – the ruminating-natured who think over this and that without accomplishing much. The ruminating-natured persons should practice ànàpànassati like in the Moha Carita.

The kammaññhànas which are suitable to all types of persons are pathavi-kasina, àpo-kasina, tejo-kasina, vàyo kasina, aloka-kasina, àkàsa-kasina and the four àruppas( 4 immaterial spheres).


May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Fourfold Advent of Death (Marana’uppatti-catukka)



Fourfold Advent of Death (Marana’uppatti-catukka)

The fourfold advent of death may be compared to the four ways of extinguishing a lighted oil-lamp.

The flame of the oil-lamp may go out when:

1 the wick burns out,
2 the oil burns out,
3 both the wick and the oil burn out, or
4 the wind blows suddenly or the light is put out purposely even though the wick and the oil still remain.

In the same way, a person may die in one of the following ways:

1 Ayukkhaya-marana
Death due to the expiration of the age-limit,

2 Kammakkhaya-marana
Death due to the expiration of the reproductive kammic force,

3 Ubhayakkhaya-marana
Death due to the expiration of both the age-limit and kamma,

4 Upacchedaka-marana
Death due to the intervention of a destructive kamma. It is sudden death such as the one encountered in car accident or suicide or at a young age sometimes, etc.


May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

The 108 Modes of Craving (Tanhà)


The 108 Modes of Craving (Tanhà):

Tanhà is craving. It is the chief root of suffering, and of the ever continuing cycle of rebirths. First, craving is of three kinds:

1 Kàma-tanhà – craving for sense-objects,
2 Bhava-tanhà – craving for rupa- and arupa-jhànas and rupa- and arupa-existences,
3 Vibhava-tanhà – craving for non-existence.
Corresponding to the six sense-objects, there are six kinds of craving:
1 rupa-tanhà – craving for visible objects,
2 sadda-tanhà – craving for sounds,
3 gandha-tanhà – craving for odours,
4 rasa-tanhà – craving for tastes,
5 photthabba-tanhà – craving for bodily impressions.
6 dhamma-tanhà – craving for mental impressions.

If we multiply the first group of 3 kinds of craving with thesecond group of 6, we get 18 kinds of craving. Again multiplying this by 2 as they can exist both internally and externally, we get 36 kinds of craving.

Now these 36 kinds of craving can occur in the past, in the present and in the future. So they total to 108 kinds of tanhà

May all beings be happy and well & attain Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

CITTA (Consciousness)


CITTA (Consciousness)

“Citta” is defined as “cinteti’ti cittan”, here the word” cinteti” means thinking; thinking of an object is Consciousness (Citta).  “Arammanan Vijanati”, the word “Arammana” means “object” and “ vijànàti” means “ to know”, so knowing various object is Citta. In simpler terms Citta can be defined as ‘consciousness of the senses’ or ‘awareness of an object’. The term Citta is invariably employed while referring to different classes of consciousness. In isolated cases, in the ordinary sense of mind, both terms Citta and Mana are frequently used.

In” Dhammasaïganãgani “(Classification of Dhammas), the first book in Abhidhamma Pitaka denotes ten names preached by the Buddha, that can be use for Citta (Consciousness) based on their functions. They are:

•  “Cittan”: Thinking various Objects,
•  “Mano”: knowing various objects.
•  “Manasan”: awareness of an object,
•  “Hadayan”: sustaining various kinds of thoughts,
•  “Pandaran”: not being spoiled like various forms of matter or rupa,
•  “Manayatanan”: Ayatana means a field, sphere, basis. Thereby field for various types of Consciousness,
•    Manaindriyan”: So called because they possess a controlling power in their respective spheres,
•  “Vinnanan” : special knowing of various objects,
•  “Vinnankhando”: becoming an aggregate in relation to various Consciousness or mind,
•   Thadja Manovinnana Dhathu”: arising according to concomitant mental factors (Cetasika),

These Ten names are synonyms for Consciousness or Cittas based on the types of functions carried out by Citta.

Only a one Citta arise in our mind at one time, after that citta perish, another citta will arise. Based on this process,  89 or 121 types of cittas that can arise in mind although the Citta is regarded as one Dhamma. These 89 or 121 Cittas may be divided into four classes in accordance with the four planes (bhumi) or spheres:

1 Kàmàvacara cittas: consciousness mostly experienced in the sense sphere (kàma-loka).
2 Rupàvacara cittas: consciousness mostly experienced in the fine-material sphere (rupa-loka),
3 Arupàvacara cittas: Consciousness mostly experienced in the immaterial sphere (arupa-loka)
4 Lokuttara cittas: consciousness experienced in the supramundane (transcendental) level

The above four classes of cittas may be called in short, Kàma cittas, Rupa cittas, Arupa cittas and Lokuttara cittas. Kàmàvacara cittas are experienced not only in the sense sphere but also in other spheres. The same thing is true with rupàvacara cittas and arupàvacara cittas.

Apart from above, Cittas can be further classified into wholesome (Kusala), Unwholesome (Akusala), Resultant (Vipaka), Functional (Kriya). Citta is a conditioned reality as it arises because of conditions and disappears when its conditions cease to sustain them. Therefore it’s impermanent.


May all beings be happy and well & attain Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Monday, July 25, 2016

The eleven ruinous situations possible for the bhikkhu who scolds, rebukes and finds fault with the noble co-associates (Arya Sanga)

The eleven ruinous situations possible for the bhikkhu who scolds, rebukes and finds fault with the noble co-associates (Arya Sanga)

1. Not attain the not yet attained,
2. Degrade from the already attained states,
3. Not get the purification in the training (Sila- Samadi- Panna),
4. Become conceited in the Teaching (Dhamma),
5. Live the ascetic life with dislike,
6. Become defiled on account of some fault,
7. Fall from the training and come to lay life,
8. To be assailed by some serious illness,
9. Mind to be deranged,
10. Die with deluded mind,
11. After death be born in loss or woeful realms,

May all beings be well and happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The five Factors to consider in choosing suitable dwelling (Monastery/ Senasana)

The five Factors to consider in choosing suitable dwelling (Monastery/ Senasana)

1. The dwelling is not too remote, nor too close and is endowed with easy reach.
2. The dwelling is not too crowded during the day and with little noise and much silence during the night.
3. The dwelling with few attacks from gadflies and yellow flies, heat of the air and creeping things, serpents.
4. To those abiding in that dwelling, robes, morsel food, dwellings and requisite needs are fulfilled without difficulty.
5. In that monastery reside elder bhikkhus, who are learned, recalling with the headings the Teaching and Discipline handed down from the past. From time to time they could be approached and asked. ‘Venerable sir, what is the meaning of this’ and those venerable ones would explain to him, make manifest the hidden meanings and dispel doubts in the Teaching (Dhamma).

Dwellings endowed with these five factors are suitable for destroying desires, releasing the mind from desires and attain wisdom.

May all beings be well and happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.


Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The eight instances Sanga Community (Ven. Monks) could turn the bowl upside down

The eight instances Sanga Community (Ven. Monks) could turn the bowl upside down (Pattanikujjana/ Refrain from accepting alms)

If the lay disciple endowed with eight things, if the Community desires could turn the bowl upside down. What eight?

1. Makes effort to cause non-gain to the bhikkhus (Ven. Monks).
2. Makes effort for, ill-being of the bhikkhus.
3. Makes effort for, non-dwelling of the bhikkhus.
4. Makes effort to scolds and abuses bhikkhus.
5. Makes effort to cause disunity in bhikkhus.
6. Makes effort to blame the enlightened one.
7. Makes effort to blame the Teachings of the enlightened one.
8. Makes effort to blame the Community of bhikkhus.


May all beings be well and happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

The ways to overcome Dozing/ Sluggishness

The ways to overcome Dozing/ Sluggishness according to Pacalāyana sutta

Once venerable Mahāmoggallāna was dozing seated in the Kallavalaputta village in Magadha. The Blessed One appeared before venerable Mahāmoggallāna and preached:

1. “Moggallāna, you should not abide in that perception, abiding in which you were overcome by that sluggishness. You should not attend and abide in that perception much. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

2. Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should think and discriminatingly think about the Teaching (Dhamma) as you have heard and experience it with the mind. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

3. Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should recite in detail the Teaching as you have heard and experience it. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

4. Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should pull both ears and rub the legs with both hands. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

5. Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should get up from the seat, wash your eyes, look in the directions and should look at the constellation of stars. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

6. Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should attend to the sign of light - attend to the perception of day- as the day, so the night -as the night so the day. Thus open and uncovered the mind should be developed. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

7. Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should determine a walk perceiving the start and the end with the mental faculties turned inwards and the mind not allowed to wander. There is a possibility for that sluggishness to disappear if you abide thus.

Abiding in this manner if that sluggishness does not disappear, you should turn to the right side and making the lion’s posture, go to sleep keeping one foot over the other and mindful of the time of rising. When awake quickly get out of bed thinking I will not enjoy the sluggish pleasure.


May all beings be well and happy and attain the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com

Abhinna (Supernormal abilities)


Abhinna (Supernormal abilities)         

Abhinna include various special abilities one get through Samatha meditation (Tranquility Meditation/ bavana). This is possible only for the ones who has gained the four/ five  Jhàna (absorbtions). In Abhidhamma methods five jhanas are there when compared to four jhanas in sutta pitaka method. This differentiation comes due to two types of persons based on their wisdom or panna. Those two types of persons are Thikka Panna (developed wisdom) and Manda panna (Not so developed wisdom). A person with developed wisdom can subdue two jhana factors ( Vitakka & Vicara) simultaneously when attaining second jhana. But for the person with lack of wisdom can subdue only a one jhana factor when attaining second jhana. That person subdue other jhana factor (vicara) when attaing third jhana. For that person, five jhanas are needed to subdue all five jhana factors ( vitakka, vicara, piti, suka, ekkaggata) unlike the developed wisdom person who only need four jhanas. The above mentioned meditater can develop the following five kinds of supernormal knowledge or vision:

i. Iddhividha - Flying through the air, walking on water, diving into the earth, creation of forms, etc. belong to this category.

ii. Dibbasotha - is the Celestial Ear, also called clairvoyance, which enables one to hear subtle or coarse sounds far or near.

iii. Paracittavijànana - is the power to discern the thoughts of others.

iv. Pubbenivàsànussati - is the power to remember the past lives of oneself and others. This is the first super normal vision the Buddha developed during the first watch on the night He attained Enlightenment. With regard to this knowledge the Buddha’s power is limitless, while in the case of others it is limited.

v. Dibbacakkhu - is the Celestial or Divine Eye, also called clairvoyance, which enables one to see heavenly or earthly things, far or near, which are imperceptible to the physical eye. This was the second knowledge the Buddha developed during the second watch on the night of His Enlightenment.

Cutåpapàtanàna , knowledge with regard to the dying and reappearing of beings, is identical with this Celestial Eye. Anàgataüsanana, knowledge with regard to the future, and yathàkammåpaganàna, knowledge with regard to the faring of beings according to their own good and bad actions, are two other kinds of knowledge belonging to the same category. These come within the range of the Buddha’s Omniscience. These five kinds of super normal vision are worldly. To these should be added the sixth super normal knowledge — Asavakkhayanàna—Knowledge with regard to the extinction of passions which is supramundane. The first five kinds may be developed at any period; but the last, only during a Buddha-cycle or during the buddha's period.

Edan vo punna kamman asavakkaya wahan hothu sabba dukka pamuchchathu.. 

May this wholesome kamma will help you in attaining the fruits of Nibbana.

Suranda Weediyage
BA, Tripitakachariya, Dip in Pali/ Buddhism (Pali & Buddhist University of Sri Lanka), HNDBF,
surandalk@gmail.com
http://www.thebuddhadhamma.wordpress.com