The Foolish and the Wise (sutra)

Crystal Quintero, Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Wisdom Quarterly (Bala-Pandita, SN 12.19)

"If the traveler cannot find [greater or equal] to go with one, let one travel alone rather than with a fool for company" (H. Hopp Delaney/H-K-D/flickr.com).

I think therefore I am not...

At one time the Blessed One was residing in Savatthi where he said: "When a foolish person is obstructed (hindered) by ignorance and craving, this body is the result.

There is both this body (internal rupa, dhatu) and external name-and-form. Here within this teaching, dependent on this duality, there arises contact at the six sense bases.

Touched by one or all of these, the foolish (unthinking person) is sensitive to pleasure and pain (which one necessarily misunderstands and identifies with rather than seeing them clearly and dispassionately as ti-lakkhana, as bearing the Three Universal Marks of Existence).

"A great rock is not disturbed by the wind; the mind [heart] of a wise person is not disturbed by either honor or abuse" -- or any of the eight worldly conditions of life.

The Wise

Great minds think a d--- Michele Bachmann

"When a wise person is obstructed by ignorance and craving, this body is the result. There is both this body (internal) and external name-and-form. Here within this teaching, dependent on this duality, there is contact at the six sense bases. Touched by one or more of these, the wise person is (also) sensitive to pleasure and pain.
 
"So what difference, what distinction, what distinguishing factor is there between the wise person and the foolish person?"
 

The fool is his own worst enemy... (H-K-D)

[The monastics replied:] "Venerable sir, for us the teachings (Dharma) have the Blessed One as their root, their guide, and their explainer. It would be good if the Blessed One himself would explain the meaning of this statement. And having heard it from the Blessed One, the monastics will remember it."
 
"In that case, meditators, listen and give close attention. I will explain."
 
"As you say, venerable sir," they responded.
 

Wise Reflection (BPS.lk)

The [Buddha] explained, "The ignorance with which the fool is obstructed, the craving with which the fool is linked, through which this body has resulted, has not been abandoned by the fool, and that craving has not been destroyed/abandoned. Now why is that? It is because the fool has not practiced the supreme life for the ending of suffering.

"Therefore, at the break up of the body, one is headed for yet another body (form). Headed for a body, one is not entirely freed from rebirth, aging, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, disappointment, or despair. I tell you, one is not entirely freed from disappointment and suffering.
 

"Gods" Sakka and Brahma go to the Buddha

"However, the ignorance with which the wise is obstructed, the craving with which one is linked, through which this body has resulted, has been abandoned by the wise, and that craving has been destroyed/abandoned. Now why is that? It is because the wise person has practiced the supreme life for the ending of all suffering.

"Therefore, at the break up of the body, one is not headed for yet another body. Not headed for a body, one is entirely freed from rebirth, aging, death, sorrow, lamentation, pain, disappointment, or despair. I tell you, that person is entirely freed from disappointment and suffering."

Four ways to improve wisdom

Ven. Chandananda (Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara), CC Liu, Bhante (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

The Buddha sitting in ancient Sukhothai, Thailand (Ted Richardson, Phuket Lawyer/flickr)

 

Buddhism emphasizes the value of wisdom and teaches how to improve it to maximum benefit.

 

Happiness in life depends on how much wisdom (liberating knowledge, discernment) we have and how much effort we put forth to develop it and bring it to fruition.

The ultimate consummation of wisdom is nirvana. Therefore, Buddhism calls wisdom "wealth" and a "diamond." 

 

Stupas are reminders of the enlightened (R2)

Wisdom, which may also be called "right understanding" or "right view," can be divided in two -- understanding karma and understanding Dependent Origination.

To cultivate wisdom we have to fulfill four requisites:

1. associating with a noble friend(s) who explains the Buddha's message,
2. listening to and studying the historical Buddha's teachings (the Dharma),
3. wisely-reflecting (YM) on the Dharma we hear and study, and
4. practicing calm, concentration, and insight (as meditations).

DHARMA license plate (drba.org)

As a result of these practices, five Spiritual Faculties (bala, part of the 37 Requisites of Enlightenment) increase.
 
As soon as a supremely enlightened being, a teaching-buddha, meets a person, that best kind of teacher/physician becomes aware of the person's spiritual power and ability, as cultivated in the past (mostly in previous lives): confidence (conviction), energy (effort), mindfulness (bare attention), concentration (collectedness), and wisdom (insight).

Karma, it's everywhere we're going to be.

The Buddha then discerns how best to explain worldly reality to the person. In this way one is able to make very rapid progress.

In the absence of personally interacting with such a teacher -- which comes about, as does so much in life, due to our mental, verbal, and bodily karma (doing) -- we systematically study the Dharma. In this way we make gradual progress toward the ultimate goal of enlightenment and nirvana without sliding back.

Final-nirvana (reclining) pose, accompanied by a golden sheen with symbolic feet, Burma

The Buddha as My Best Friend (sutra)

Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, CC Liu, Wisdom Quarterly translation of the "Discourse on Half [the Supreme Life]," Upaddha Sutta (SN 45.2) NOBLE FRIENDSHIP (Kalyāṇa-Mittatā)

The Buddha-to-come, Metteyya ("Friend"), Ladakh, Himalayan India (Sahil Vohra/flickr)

  

Theravada novice, Indonesia (Massulan/flickr)

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was living among [his relatives] the Sakyans [on the northwest Indian frontier, likely in Afghanistan].

 

There in a Sakyan town named Sakkara Ven. Ananda went to the Blessed One, bowed, sat respectfully to one side, and said: "Venerable sir, this is half of the supreme life: noble friendship, noble companionship, noble association!"* 

• [*As AN 8.54 points out, this means associating with noble spiritual friends (kalyana mittas), learning from them, and emulating their good qualities.]

"Do not say so, Ananda, do not say so! Noble friendship, noble companionship, noble association is the whole of the supreme life. When a meditator has noble friends, companions, and associates, such a person can be expected to develop and pursue the Noble Eightfold Path.

How's that?

Buddha, Bodh Gaya (Chandrasekaran arum/flickr)

"How does a meditator with noble friends, companions, and associates develop and pursue the Noble Eightfold Path? 

 

"A meditator develops right (optimal) view dependent on seclusion [mental seclusion, withdrawal of the senses], dependent on [temporary] dispassion [as a result of directly seeing the Three Marks of Existence, the true nature of things], dependent on cessation [focusing on the passing away phase of phenomena], resulting in relinquishment [letting go].

"Furthermore, one develops right intention... right speech... right action (karma)... right livelihood... right effort... right mindfulness... and right concentration dependent on seclusion, dependent on dispassion, dependent on cessation, resulting in relinquishment.

"This is how a meditator with noble friends, companions, and associates develops and pursues the Noble Eightfold Path [which ennobles one, i.e., results in enlightenment and being set FREE by the Truth (Veritas liberabit vos): liberation from all further rebirth and suffering (nirvana)].

The Eyes of Wisdom are always also the Eyes of Compassion (cabrenna.com/WQ)

 
The Buddha as BEST friend

Ahh, nirvana! (Plsrj/flickr)

"Now through this line of reasoning one may come to directly know how noble friendship, noble companionship, noble association is the whole of the supreme life: It is dependent on me (a supremely enlightened teacher) as a noble friend

• that beings (devas and humans) once subject to rebirth have gained release from rebirth,
• that beings once subject to aging have gained release from aging,
• that beings once subject to death have gained release from death,
• that beings once subject to (suffering manifesting as) sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair [as well as association with the unloved, separation from the loved, not getting what one wants and, in brief, the Five Aggregates of Clinging] have gained release from all of these.

Mahayana novices (wellhappypeaceful.com)

"It is through this line of reasoning that one may directly come to know how noble friendship, noble companionship, noble association is [not only half but actually] the whole of the supreme life."

The Other F-Word (faith)

Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, CC Liu, Wisdom Quarterly; Joseph Goldstein (IMS); Wikipedia edit saddha; Ben Griggs (Happy Science Temple, Japan)

(SoundsTrue) Insight Meditation, Tape 10, a talk on faith and wisdom with Joseph Goldstein

Buddha, Gandhara style

FAITH IN BUDDHISM (Pāli saddhā, "to place one's heart on") is an important constituent element of the teachings of the historical Buddha within all Buddhist traditions, although the kind and nature of "faith," confidence, conviction, or devotion varies in different schools.

According to the tradition using the exclusively Buddhist-language of Pali, some of the first words uttered by the Buddha after resolving to teach to the world the Dharma he had rediscovered were: "Wide open is the door of the Deathless to all who have ears to hear! Let them send forth faith [confidence in the enlightenment of the teacher, the teaching, and those successfully taught] to meet it!" (Mahavagga, I, 5,11; Vinaya Texts, T.W. Rhys Davids, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi 1996, p.88).

 

Treasure, faculty, power of faith

Richard Gere and Lisa Simpson meditate

The Pāli discourses (suttas, sutras) list confidence/faith as one of Seven Treasures (dhanas) (e.g., Collection of Long Discourses III.163, Estlin Carpenter J. (ed.), The Dīgha Nikāya, Pali Text Society, London 1976, p. 163), one of Five Spiritual Faculties (indriyas), one of four "streams of merit," and one of the Five Spiritual Powers (balas).

Gyatrul (b. 1924), in a commentary on the 17th century work of Chagmé, rendered into English by B. Alan Wallace states [Karma Chagmé (author, compiler), Gyatrul Rinpoche (commentary) and B. Alan Wallace (translator), 1998. A Spacious Path to Freedom: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and Atiyoga. Ithaca, New York, USA: Snow Lion Publications):

Tibetan lamas, India (Laura Murphy)

By the power of faith, we are able to eliminate the two types of obscurations [i.e., the "obscuration of conflicting emotions" (Sanskrit kleśa-varaṇa) and the "obscuration concerning the knowable" (Sanskrit jñeyāvaraṇa), Jikdrel Yeshe Dorje (Dudjom Rinpoche, author), translated and edited by Gyurme Dorje and Matthew Kapstein (1991). The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism: Its Fundamentals and History. Boston, USA: Wisdom Publications, p.107]. Through the power of faith both ontological and phenomenological knowledge arises. It is also by the power of faith that both the common and uncommon siddhis [psychic/supernormal powers] arise. More

(Ben Griggs) Happy Science, Japan, international retreat, spring

2011:  Koan seminar exploring "faith," interviews participants.

The new "Monastic Diet" (sutra)

Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Wisdom Quarterly based on Book of Protection (MN 2)

Middlesex schoolboy to Shaolin monk: Enter the Suburban Dragon (See below)

Fat Budai, fit Buddha (center), fat Hotei (Sonam Ukyab/Khorsani/flickr.com)

 

S.A.D. reading won't help.

Ever try to diet? It would be better to live-it. The Buddha was fit, but not Budai (Hotei), the "Fat Happy Bodhisattva" so often confused for the Buddha.

He was roly poly and very pudgy. But he was a Chinese monk and jolly folkloric Santa Claus figure named Budai ("Cloth Sack") who came longer after the Buddha. Taoism reveres him more than Buddhism does, and that's only because he is much more of a good luck charm than an exemplar.

 

Four Reflections of a Buddhist Monastic

1. Wisely reflecting I wear this garment in order to protect myself from cold, heat, gadflies, mosquitoes, wind, sun, from snakes [who would strike warm flesh using thermal-vision but not cool cloth], and also as a constant cover motivated by modesty.

 

Vegan diets are compassionate and healthy

2. Wisely reflecting I partake of food not for the pleasure of it, not for the pride (resulting from the physical strength that can be obtained), not for adornment, not for beautifying [and beefing up] the body, but in order to maintain this body, to slake the hunger, and to enable the practice of the high life. And I do so also to quell the pangs of hunger (due to want of nourishment) but avoiding pain (resulting from an excess consumption of food). In this way life is maintained free from wrongdoing and free from distress.

Fitness = sleep, eat well, smile, work, exercise, and relax.

 

I'm not fat. I'm small-shirted!

3. Wisely reflecting I make use of lodgings in order to protect from cold and heat, from gadflies and mosquitoes, from wind and sun, from snakes, as a constant protection against the rigors of climate, and in order to realize that ardent yearning for seclusion (which results in mental concentration and meditative absorption).

 

4. Wisely reflecting I make use of medicine as an aid to eliminate bodily pains that have arisen and also to maintain that important condition [so useful in striving for liberation from all suffering, enlightenment], free from disease.

• The Importance of "Wise Reflection"

"All The Taints" (MN 2) Bhante G explains this sutra dealing with the eradication of the three taints: craving for sensual pleasure, craving for being, and ignorance, which are heart-defilements brought about by unwise reflection or unskillful attention. The seven methods to eradicate them are: seeing, restraining, using, enduring, avoiding, removing, and developing.
 
Or do it the Hard Way
How about a strictly vegetarian Shaolin monk's diet?
From Middlesex schoolboy to Shaolin monk: Enter the (Terribly Suburban) Dragon

So much strength and power from veggie diet?

He's the ordinary north London boy who became a Chinese warrior monk. And his story is as astonishing as it is inspiring. Matthew Ahmet is 20 and he's hard -- very hard. His head is shaved, and his body bears the ravages of a violent life. A mark on his forehead shows where a metal bar came crashing down on his skull. His forearms have been sliced repeatedly by razor-sharp knives, and his left arm has a "punishment" burn from boiling water. So when he sits down, flashes a beautiful smile, and talks about spreading happiness and peace, it comes as a great surprise. More
 

Why do ALL diets fail? Lose weight anyway (ModernHealthMonk.com).

Autumn Equinox (Temple of the Goddess)

Seven, Wisdom Quarterly; Temple of the Goddess; Voices of the Sacred Feminine

Goddess Saraswati on her delicate veena mounted on her swan offering wisdom

 

Autumn Equinox 2013

Rev. Xia, Temple of the Goddess (Sabbat)

Ritual story telling (T.O.G.)

The Wheel of the Year spins, and we come together to honor the turning of the seasons and the Earth's life cycles. We open our arms to welcome new beginnings and a year filled with wondrous possibilities. We gather at Autumn Equinox to give thanks for blessings, claim the spark of creativity and the fire of inner wisdom from the Goddess Sarasvati. We seek wisdom and creativity to discern the direction along our divine path.

• Autumn Equinox Ritual
• Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, doors open 6:45 pm, begins 7:30 pm
• Temple of the Goddess Center for Awakening Consciousness
• 690 East Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104
• Pagans Keep the World Alive

For Pagans, teachings are found in nature, earthly seasons, natural cycles, and the cosmos -- all of which are in a constant state of flux. 

We have no fixed Christian Bible, Jewish Torah, or Hindu Bhagavad Gita. But in nature we find the reflections and lessons for how to grow, live consciously, and create the life we wish. To that end rather than emphasize need, we express a desire for change. Inevitably there are new beginnings, new directions to follow. For Pagans that is a given. There is a clarion call for continual renewal.

 

Goddess Saraswati

What we are bringing to our ritual-theatrical celebrations in 2013 are mythic lessons about standing at the crossroads of new directions and discerning through wise, contemplative choices which direction, which new path to take.

 

This year we will explore the tools we need to move forward with courage down paths not yet trodden, consciously choosing new directions life is offering. It is a fertile subject, and we are excited to be opening ourselves artistically and spiritually (and perhaps sexually) to this mythic theme and the possibilities within it.

Vasilisa the Brave and her doll (intuition)

This year our mythic guide is Vasilisa the Brave, who ushers us through our seasonal rituals and myths in 2013. She comes from the Slavic mythic tradition, a young heroine who journeys in search of wisdom, knowledge, on a quest for truth and assistance. Before beginning her journey, Vasilisa is given a doll by her mother; it represents intuition. We each carry it as a guide on our own quest throughout the year. 

Vasilisa's special doll offers wisdom and encourages her to trust her as a source of inner wisdom. She is told to seek the Wise Woman, the Shaman in the woods, whose myths and stories will guide her in her search. Will Vasilisa the Brave find what she is searching for? Come and find out on Saturday night.

The Wise Woman's Autumn myth 

Vedic Goddess Saraswati on her mount with her enchanting veena instrument

 

The story of Vasilisa is a modern retelling of the story of Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, music, arts, science, and the free flow of wisdom, creativity, and consciousness.

She is the Goddess of the River and one of the major figures in the Vedic pantheon, the Mother of the Vedas ("Knowledge Books" of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization) preserved by the Brahmins in India.

 

Saraswati is often pictured as luminous, shining as brightly as the Moon, often with eight arms, each hand holding a symbol of her power: trident, conch, pestle, bow, arrow, bell, discus, and plow. 

Mounted on her white swan, a symbol of purity and discernment, Saraswati plays the music of love and life on a stringed instrument called the veena. A goddess of grace, filled with the abiding confidence of deep wisdom, she offers followers true knowledge, symbolized by a beautiful white lotus.

Radio: Sacred Feminine Voices

Wencke Braathen chats with priestess Rev. Karen Tate (Voices of the Sacred Feminine Radio) about her book, Rituals in Stone: Yeshua and Mariam, Priest & Priestess, King and Queen, followed by Isidora Forrest discussing the old mystery schools and Isis as Goddess of Initiation, Roman vs. Egyptian Mysteries, and Isis in the Western Esoteric Tradition today. Tune in.

• Weekly: live Mondays, 6:00 pm (PST), archived, i-Tunes
• NEXT: Enlightenment for the Rest of Us / Shamanism
• Author Polly Campbell (Imperfect Spirituality: Extraordinary Enlightenment for Ordinary People) will discuss how to integrate everyday moments with traditional spiritual techniques to experience personal growth in our regular routines. Then Gwilda Wiyaka (So, We're Still Here - Now What? Spiritual and Personal Empowerment in a New Era) discusses how shamanic principles can aid spiritual evolution.

Call in (718) 766-4662 to speak to guests about sex, power, and spirituality. Recent shows: Sherry Ruth Anderson, "Ripening Time - Aging with Grace," Judy Foster, "Invisible Women of Pre-History," Ava Park, "Mistresses vs. Queen Archetype," Anodea Judith, "The Global Heart Awakens, Marriage of the Divine Masculine and Feminine," Julia Stonehouse, "How women were denied spiritual authority because of the incorrect facts of life."

Check Out Spirituality Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Karen Tate on BlogTalkRadio

Voices of the Sacred Feminine will run your commercial telling the like-minded about your event, service, or product! The show is looking for a sponsor as it is currently supported by the host, Dr. Tate, as a service to the community, providing obscure guests with a platform to share their insight and wisdom with the world. Feedback and show ideas are welcome. May the Great She embrace all in Her golden wings!

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