Reply To: In Praise of Lal

#51261
Lal
Keymaster

Yes. Thank you!

  • Also, the ability to generate “mettā” for all living beings grows with understanding, i.e., comprehension of what “suffering” is.
  • In the absence of Buddha’s teachings, the only way people know how to avoid “suffering” is to seek sensory pleasures. That idea/perception is built into our physical and mental bodies via Paticca Samuppada. 
  • If one truly comprehends how that happens, one will be able to see that seeking such sensory pleasures only leads to more suffering! That is the real meaning of “sandiṭṭhiko.
  • One time, the Māra Devaputta manifested in the form of a brahmin and told the Buddha, “Don’t give up what is apparent in the present to chase after what takes effect over time.” (“sandiṭṭhikaṁ hitvā kālikaṁ anudhāvitthā’ti.”) Here, the Māra Devaputta used the mundane meaning of “what is apparent in the present” to men “sandiṭṭhika.” See “Sambahula Sutta (SN 4.21).” He was basically saying, “Why don’t you enjoy the apparent sensory pleasures? Why are you giving them up seeking something that may be an illusion.” 
  • But “sandiṭṭhika” means to “see that instant gratification of sensual pleasures is the real cause of much harsher future suffering,” as the Buddha explained to him. The more one engages in sensual pleasures, the further one moves from Nibbana or the “pabhassara citta.” With that revelation, Metta Bhavana becomes much more powerful/effective.
  • Of course, it is not easy to see. It takes an effort. Even though Māra Devaputta lives in the highest Deva realm, he is unable to grasp it.
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