𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 & 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQijampCTCU&pp=ygUmYWphaG4gbnlhbmFtb2xpIHdoZW4gdG8gZW50ZXIgc29saXR1ZGU%3D Having established that solitude isn't optional, what is the best way of developing one's mind to cope with solitude without becoming anxious or lonely on account of it. You need to start exposing yourself to seclusion gradually. Needing others, however subtly, is quite a serious compromise for someone interested in practising the Dhamma. - Ajahn Nyanamoli

The Ideal Lover of Solitude (Bhaddekaratta Sutta - MN 131) Let one not trace back the past Or yearn for the future-yet-to-come. That which is past is left behind Unattained is the "yet-to-come." But that which is present he discerns — With insight as and when it comes. The Immovable — the-non-irritable. In that state should the wise one grow Today itself should one bestir Tomorrow death may come — who knows? For no bargain can we strike With Death who has his mighty hosts. But one who dwells thus ardently By day, by night, untiringly Him the Tranquil Sage has called The Ideal Lover of Solitude. https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.131.nana.html

Right Livelihood (samma ajivo) "And what is right livelihood? There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones, having abandoned dishonest livelihood, keeps his life going with right livelihood: This is called right livelihood." - SN 45.8 "A lay follower should not engage in five types of business. Which five? Business in weapons, business in human beings, business in meat, business in intoxicants, and business in poison." - AN 5.177 "Herein, a householder knowing his income and expenses leads a balanced life, neither extravagant nor miserly, knowing that thus his income will stand in excess of his expenses, but not his expenses in excess of his income." - AN 8.54

Guiding people like horses: sometimes, strictly, sometimes gently. And sometimes you have to kill them - (Kesi Sutta, AN 4.111) Kesi: But sir, the Buddha is the supreme guide for those who wish to train. Just how do you guide a person in training? Buddha: Kesi, I guide a person in training sometimes gently, sometimes harshly, and sometimes both gently and harshly. The gentle way is this: ‘This is good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is the result of good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is life as a Deva. This is life as a human.’ The harsh way is this: ‘This is bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is the result of bad conduct by way of body, speech, and mind. This is life in hell. This is life as an animal. This is life as a ghost.’ Kesi: Sir, what do you do with a person in training who doesn’t follow these forms of training?” Buddha: In that case, Kesi, I kill them. Kesi: Sir, it’s not appropriate for the Buddha to kill living creatures. And yet you say you kill them. Buddha: It’s true, Kesi, it’s not appropriate for a Realized One to kill living creatures. But when a person in training doesn’t follow any of these forms of training, the Realized One doesn’t think they’re worth advising or instructing, and neither do their sensible spiritual companions. For it is killing in the training of the Noble One when the Realized One doesn’t think they’re worth advising or instructing, and neither do their sensible spiritual companions. Kesi: Well, they’re definitely dead when the Realized One doesn’t think they’re worth advising or instructing, and neither do their sensible spiritual companions. Excellent, sir! https://suttacentral.net/an4.111/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin

Kakacupama Sutta: The Simile of the Saw (Majjhima Nikaya 21) Our minds will be unaffected and we will say no evil words. We will remain sympathetic, with a mind of goodwill, and with no inner hate. We will keep pervading these people with an awareness imbued with goodwill and, beginning with them, we will keep pervading the all-encompassing world with an awareness imbued with goodwill — abundant, expansive, immeasurable, free from hostility, free from ill will. That's how you should train yourselves.

https://bodhi-bowl.com/2022/07/15/1-what-can-buddhism-offer/ Buddhism offers sanity and wisdom. If we think about it carefully, our modern world is encouraging us to crave. The commercials, the social media etc, they show us a “better” world. We have “better” Smart Phone, “better” vacations, “better” clothings. Right? People want to “share” their latest sensual pleasure. So what is the missing wisdom? No one in the modern world is telling us, “Contentment is happiness. It is a virtue to be contented.” No one is saying what Buddha said. “Craving causes suffering!” Learning Buddhism gives us the opportunity to hear alternative views. The precious message of Buddha provides us the wisdom to step out from all of that “craziness”. This is very important when the stress of competition becomes too painful and unbearable. We will have that wisdom to “step out” with our heads held up high, And that is very important today.

Wat Huay Pla Klang, Chiang Rai, Thailand Wat Huay Pla Kang is a Chinese styled temple in the northern outskirts of Chiang Rai city. The majestic Wat Huay Pla Kang, or Big Buddha Temple, looms over Chiang Rai from a rolling green hilltop. The compound is dominated by a 90m white statue of Guan Yin/Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattava of Compassion and an impressive 9-level pagoda. The pagoda, guarded by two gold and green Chinese dragons, is nine tiers tall with a unique pyramid-shaped top.

The Power of Faith - Ajahn Nyanadhammo In our practice of the spiritual path, we have to be going in the direction of the goal, the fruit of the path, but to do that, we have to create the conditions before any results can arise. One important group of conditions necessary for spiritual development are the five spiritual faculties (indriya). When these spiritual faculties are developed, they become strengths (bala), they become powers for the mind, to move the mind towards the goal, in the direction of Dhamma. So the five spiritual faculties – saddha (Faith/Confidence), viriya (energy/effort), sati (recollection/mindfulness), samadhi (concentration), pañña (wisdom) – when they are cultivated and developed, they become a power for the mind. Faith is the fuel, the energy which propels us on the spiritual path. For many Western people this quality is actually not very strong when we come to Buddhism, because we often come to Buddhism with the approach of having rejected religions of faith, religions which demand belief. We’ve come from a rational, intellectual and logical appreciation of Dhamma; and so we find it difficult to develop those faith practices like recollection of the Buddha, recollection of his teachings, or recollection of the Ariya-Sangha. And that can be one of our weaknesses – that our strong intellectual side is out of balance – so our practice can be very dry and formal. It lacks the zest, the zeal, the earnestness, the uplifting joy associated with sheer faith. So if this is the case, it may be one of the factors that one may need to focus on if one’s meditation is getting stuck or not developing. So we do have great paramı, especially to have been born in non-Buddhist countries, but then to have come across these teachings and have the opportunity to practise under these conditions, in a tradition which is still vibrant and alive, which is still transforming people into ariyas. All that is needed is there, it’s just a matter of applying the mind to creating the causes, putting forth the effort. And that effort must be constant and steady. This is not a 100-yard short sprint, this is a marathon. It takes extended and persistent effort, the attitude of "It does not matter how long it takes, I will continue striving." Apart from the foundation of faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, we must have the trust in the training (sikkha), for it is this training we are undertaking that leads to liberation. We have to trust in our ability to realise the Dhamma. Saddha can be increased by having contact with the teachings; by reading the Suttas; reading the life of the Buddha; having contact with good monks, having contact with the ariya-sangha; listening to Dhamma and reciting those teachings, bringing them to mind frequently.

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in association with India’s Ministry of Culture, celebrated Ashadha Purnima on 3 July in New Delhi. “Asadha Purnima commemorates Lord Buddha’s first sermon to his first five ascetic disciples at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. This is popularly also known as the day of the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. In this sermon, Lord Buddha stated the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.” The event marks a major celebration for the IBC, as it is commonly held to be the second most sacred day for Buddhists after the day marking the Buddha’s birth, awakening, and passing away, also known as Buddha Purnima or Vaishakha Purnima. IBC’s special project in Lumbini, Nepal, the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage. Construction of the center is underway, with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi having laid the foundation stone on 8 May last year on Buddha Purnima.

Guidelines for Proper Meditation Sitting Posture 1) Place the rear cushion under your hip and keep your legs lower than the cushion so that your back stays straight instead of leaning backwards. 2) Place your left leg on top of your right leg, or place your right leg on top of your left leg (half-lotus position). 3) Keep your spine erect. 4) Dhyana Mudra: Bring your hands together to the front. Place your left hand on top of right hand if your left leg is on top of the right leg. Let the two thumbs touch each other. Try not to push your arms backward or pull forward. Inclining your pelvis slightly forward while keeping your back straight will help you maintain a comfortable position. 5) Keep your head and neck straight up. 6) Gently close your eyes. 7) Focus and be mindful of inhaling and exhaling. Breathe naturally and simply watch your breathing just like a gatekeeper watching people coming in and going out.

2,300-Year-Old Buddhist Elephant Statue Unearthed in India believed to date to the 3rd century BCE. A team working for The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) found the elephant while working in the Daya River in east India in the state of Odisha. The statue, which measures approximately 1 meter (3 feet) in height, is carved from rock in a style resembling other Buddhist statues of elephants found across the state. Elephants feature prominently in a number of the Buddha’s teachings. Archeological work continues to find clues to the development and spread of Buddhism, both within India and beyond. "The giant elephant, with tusks like chariot-poles, agrees heart to heart with the spiritual giant (The Buddha), since each finds joy in the woods alone." - Udana 4.5 (A Bull Elephant) https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/2300-year-old-buddhist-elephant-statue-unearthed-in-india/

Bhante Vimalaramsi passed away on 27th June. Bhante was Abbot of the Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center in Annapolis, Missouri. Bhante Vimalaramsi studied with Anagarika Munindra in 1977 and became a bhikkhu in Thailand in 1986 with further studies in Burma. In 1995 Bhante began to study the Sutta texts more thoroughly and he practiced meditation according to the Suttas. After a three-month self-retreat in a cave in Thailand, he wrote a book on the Mindfulness of Breathing called "The Ānāpānasati Sutta: A Practical Guide to Mindfulness of Breathing and Tranquil Wisdom Meditation". Bhante used the Majjhima Nikaya as his basis for teaching the "Mindfulness of Metta" and the Brahmaviharas that leads to the realization of Nibbana. Samvega citta 🙏🏽☸️

Delight in the Forest, Befriend the Silence Whether in a village, forest, valley, or on a hill, wherever liberated ones dwell, delightful indeed, is that place. Delightful are forests, where the sense pleasure seekers do not delight. There, the liberated ones delight, for they seek no sense pleasures. ~ Dhammapada Verse 98-99

Right Speech Guidelines (samma vaca) Dwell in Silence - Speak only if you can improve upon silence. Avoid pointless talk, frivolous talk, idle talk, empty chatter. Right Speech, Wholesome Speech: Speech that is appropriate and helpful in the spiritual life. From Sallekha Sutta and Majjhima Nikaya (MN 8): 🔸Others will speak falsehood; we shall abstain from false speech here. 🔸Others will speak maliciously; we shall abstain from malicious speech here. 🔸Others will speak harshly; we shall abstain from harsh speech here. 🔸Others will gossip; we shall abstain from gossip here. From Anguttara Nikaya V.19: 🔸It is spoken at the right time. 🔸It is spoken in truth. 🔸It is spoken affectionately. 🔸It is spoken beneficially. 🔸It is spoken with a mind of good-will. Topics of Proper Conversation are: 🔸Talk on modesty, deportment, humility, minimizing the self and observing the appropriate code of conduct. 🔸Talk on contentment and renunciation. 🔸Talk on physical and mental solitude. 🔸Talk on freedom from defilements. 🔸Talk on freedom from the hindrances. 🔸Talk on avoidance of entanglements and of simplicity. 🔸Talk on arousing energy and right effort. 🔸Talk on virtue. 🔸Talk on meditation. 🔸Talk on wisdom. 🔸Talk on release from suffering. 🔸Talk on the knowledge and vision of release from suffering. Read more here: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca4/samma-vaca/index.html #RightSpeech #Buddhism

Saddhammapatirupaka Sutta: A Counterfeit of the True Dhamma On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Then Ven. Maha Kassapa went to the Blessed One and on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there he said to the Blessed One, "What is the cause, lord, what is the reason, why before there were fewer training rules and yet more monks established in final gnosis, whereas now there are more training rules and yet fewer monks established in final gnosis?" "That's the way it is, Kassapa. When beings are degenerating and the true Dhamma is disappearing, there are more training rules and yet fewer monks established in final gnosis. There is no disappearance of the true Dhamma as long as a counterfeit of the true Dhamma has not arisen in the world, but there is the disappearance of the true Dhamma when a counterfeit of the true Dhamma has arisen in the world. Just as there is no disappearance of gold as long as a counterfeit of gold has not arisen in the world, but there is the disappearance of gold when a counterfeit of gold has arisen in the world, in the same way there is no disappearance of the true Dhamma as long as a counterfeit of the true Dhamma has not arisen in the world, but there is the disappearance of the true Dhamma when a counterfeit of the true Dhamma has arisen in the world. It's not the earth property that makes the true Dhamma disappear. It's not the water property... the fire property... the wind property that makes the true Dhamma disappear.[2] It's worthless people who arise right here [within the Sangha] who make the true Dhamma disappear. The true Dhamma doesn't disappear the way a boat sinks all at once. These five downward-leading qualities tend to the confusion and disappearance of the true Dhamma. Which five? There is the case where the monks, nuns, male lay followers, & female lay followers live without respect, without deference, for the Teacher. They live without respect, without deference, for the Dhamma... for the Sangha... for the Training... for concentration. These are the five downward-leading qualities that tend to the confusion and disappearance of the true Dhamma. https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn16/sn16.013.than.html

https://t.me/TreasuresOfBuddhism Nowadays since we are bombarded with information, it's difficult to filter out the wrong teachings. As Lord Buddha said once "It's worthless people who arise right here [within the Sangha] who make the true Dhamma disappear. The true Dhamma doesn't disappear the way a boat sinks all at once." Those that have a genuine interest in Buddhism, willing to learn "What the Buddha taught" and gain a solid understanding about the suttas, clear out doubts, then you can join this group, which aims to promote, discuss the teachings of Buddha, filtering out bias and modern propaganda. May the true Dhamma last long for the benefit of all sentient beings, and May the Light of the Dhamma spread in all directions. ☸️

Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery - Bali (Indonesia) Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is Bali’s biggest monastery and is located on the hillside of Banjar. The Buddhist monastery first opened its doors to Buddhists in 1970 and has since attracted many visitors on pilgrimage. There are several rooms where visitors can take a moment in quiet meditation. Perhaps the most prominent feature at the Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery is the replication of Borobudur at the temple’s most elevated point. Borobudur is the biggest and oldest Buddhist temple dating many years back to the 9th Century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Borobudur temple is a famous attraction in mainland Indonesia. Brahma Vihara Arama is a popular site for Buddhist pilgrims, particularly during Asada and Vesak, both holy days observed in the religion. During this period, the temple comes alive as visitors throng the grounds to catch a glimpse of the monks in their yearly procession.

The Verses of Arahant Godatta - Thag 14.2 Truly pain coming from seclusion is better than the happiness that comes from sensual pleasures. When foolish people undergo happiness, they are overjoyed and intoxicated with pride. When they undergo pain they are deprived in sadness. Not understanding the true nature of this life, those foolish people are depressed by both happiness and pain. Craving sews existences together creating happiness and pain. Those who overcome this craving can live unshaken like a deeply planted stone pillar. They can live without being overjoyed or depressed. No matter if they gain or lose something. No matter if they gain a bad reputation or a good reputation. No matter if they gain blame or praise. No matter if they gain happiness or unhappiness. They are not agitated. They don’t stick to any object just like a drop of water doesn’t stick to a lotus leaf. Those wise, energetic people are happy everywhere. They are unconquered everywhere. These verses were said by Arahant Godatta. https://suttafriends.org/sutta/thag14-2/

The architectural design of the Mahabodhi Temple and many other Buddhist temples, pagodas around the world represents the Mount Meru/Sumeru which is mentioned in Buddhist suttas. "Even the great ocean, the great earth, Mount Mahā Meru, and the great wind cannot be compared to the supreme liberation taught by the Great Teacher, the Buddha." - Thag 17.2 (Verses of Arahant Sāriputta)