firewns wrote:
“In my opinion, as your second goal, it should be having the chance to hear the pure Dhamma from Buddha Metteyya and to attain magga phala there and then, or even in the intervening years before He arrives in the human realm, which seems to be better than to be reborn as a Brahma being.”
We think alike. That is another reason why I want to be reborn a brahma. If you see this topic from last month, this was my reply:
Sammaparibbajaniya Sutta forum topic
“2) If can’t attain stages of Nibbana, then attain jhana so that one can increase the chance of a brahma bhava and maybe become Ariya as a brahma. Billions years of bliss and safety from apayas. Since brahmas have long lifespan, this increases the chance of possibly meeting the future Buddha as well(yes this is my wish haha), and become an Ariya after listening to a desana by him. ”
firewns wrote:
“The power of making determinations when performing kusala and/or punna kamma can be tremendous.”
Yes, could not agree more! Our repeated abhisankhara create an energy, that if done enough and with strong/potent enough intention, it creates momentum and propels a sentient being towards that direction(goal/wish/desire). Sometimes to the point that it is fated or becomes fate rather than have a weak chance/probablity of coming to fruition(in the case of Bodisatta and Chief disciples). That is why I have a daily routine, and list of wishes/determinations when doing kusala/punna/metta bhavana, to create and build up this energy so that it would propel me towards the Sotapanna stage at the very least.