[AniccaSeeker]

Suppose someone is going through mental harassment and physical abuse. Can they still practise mindfulness in such a situation? If they think that this is the result of previous akusala kamma, and therefore choose not to resist or run away, but instead just observe it as it is and endure the consequences, is that in line with the Dhamma? I thought of examples such as Moggallāna Thero being beaten, and the Buddha accepting the last meal although he knew it would worsen his illness.

Can you please explain this through the Dhamma lens, rather than in a general way?

 

[Lal]

1. Only some of our experiences arise due to direct kamma vipaka.

• Most of our experiences are due to the fact that we are born with a human body, and we live in an environment that naturally subjects us to certain experiences.
• For example, if a hurricane or flood occurs, it will affect everyone living in that area. It is best to avoid areas prone to such situations. Living in a bad neighborhood or association with ‘bad friends’ can be avoided, too.
• In certain, rare cases, like in the situation of Moggallāna Thero being beaten are due to direct kamma vipaka; it was a remnant of an anatiriaya kamma of beating his parents to death in a previous life. The hypothetical case you mentioned probably would not fall under that category.

2. Now, let us consider the hypothetical case you presented: Someone going through mental harassment and physical abuse.

• That could be avoided or at least handled to minimize the effect.
• If the harassment occurs at the workplace, for example, one could seek a new job or request a transfer to a different group within the same employer. 
• If it is from the spouse, one could try to reason with them, avoid retaliating to worsen the situation, and, if all efforts fail, consider a divorce. Of course, this could be complicated if children are involved.
• In almost all other situations, avoiding ‘bad situations/environments’ can be a solution. 

3. The “Sabbāsava Sutta (MN 2)” lists several ways to cultivate the Noble Path. Some of the steps mentioned can be used as ‘mundane applications’ in the situation being discussed.

1. Removal by good associations (“paṭisevanā pahātabbā,” where sevana is an association: for example, with good friends and good deeds). Avoiding the opposite is implied. 
2. Removal by tolerance and patience (“adhivāsanā pahātabbā“). For example, even if one is tempted to steal because of hunger, one should consider the consequences of doing so. In the present case, refrain from retaliation with anger.
3. Removal by staying clear of “bad influences and environments” (“parivajjanā pahātabbā“). One needs to avoid bad friends, unwise places to live (due to floods, bad neighbors, etc.), and inappropriate times to go out, among other things. If one lives in a bad neighborhood, one can make plans to move.
4. Removal by getting rid of certain things (“vinodanā pahātabbā“). One needs to get rid of immoral thoughts that come to mind, such as excessive sensory pleasure, anger, etc.
5. Being mindful (bhāvanā pahātabbā) is listed as the last and incorporates all of the above. Always think about minimizing the bad consequences of the actions one is about to take.

4. Another important thing I have experienced myself is the following. When one lives a simple, moral life and is mindful of how to avoid potential future issues, one will be guided in the ‘right direction’ by Dhamma itself. 

• The verse, “Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacāriṁ” means “Dhamma will guide and protect those who follow Buddha’s teachings and live accordingly.”
• Things seem to ‘work out naturally’ over time when steps in #3 are followed. 

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AniccaSeeker

[AniccaSeeker]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I really liked how you explained it through the Sabbāsava Sutta. Your points about mindfulness, avoiding harmful situations, patience, good company, and staying away from bad environments made it much easier for me to understand. It helped me see that practising Dhamma does not mean silently accepting abuse, but dealing with it wisely without creating more bad kamma. Thanks again for your time.

[Author]

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