[Tobias G]

See the post Purāna and Nava Kamma – Sequence of Kamma Generation

#9 says: “Anyone born with a physical human body will automatically get the “distorted saññā.” Thus, the “rupa” that comes to mind does not accurately represent the external rupa. Therefore, even an Arahant/Anāgāmi would taste sugar to be sweet. This is not a “superficial trick” by a third-rate magician but a “sophisticated trick” that can be uncovered only by a Buddha. A human body is designed (by kammic influence) to provide that “attractive saññā” because those born humans had craved them in past lives. …”

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A gandhabba outside the physical body still craves for kama and will also attach to e.g. gandha rupa if he/she sees another person smoking. On the other hand, a gandhabba without kamaraga would not be reborn in kamaloka either, because the samyojana is missing. Of course, with a physical body, it is easy to make contact with the five external rupa, but a gandhabba can also see and hear (and smell) without a body. Thus, purana and nava kamma should also be generated. Why is a physical body necessary for distorted sanna and hence kamma generation? 

 

 

[DhammaSponge]

I would imagine not all saññā are exclusive to a physical body. In gandhabba form the mind still craves sights, sounds, and some smells, but as the mind wishes to continue separating, three (or maybe two and a half) senses aren’t enough. Instead of one way of experiencing an object, it craves three so it can continue separating good objects from bad objects. The saññā derived from the qualia of touch or taste (aka the sweetness as a mind interpretation of sense contact) is necessary for this separation.

If there was a way for the mind to get a body with ten senses in the same way as our normal five, it would definitely take that. 

[Lal]

Tobias asked: “Why is a physical body necessary for distorted sanna and hence kamma generation?”

• A human gandhabba is the essence of a human. It has ‘distorted saññā‘ (i.e., kāma saññā).
• It is just that it cannot fulfil its desires for tastes, smells, and touches since it does not have a physical body.
• Since it does not have a physical body, it cannot engage in killing, stealing, or sexual misconduct. But even though it cannot speak out, it can still generate vaci kamma with vaci saṅkhāra. See #7 of “Correct Meaning of Vacī Sankhāra.” Even though it is unable to do the three types of kamma with the physical body, a gandhabba still generates the urge to engage in them, i.e., generate vaci saṅkhāra. Thus, it probably lives a frustrated life.
• Therefore, it can still generate kammic energies through vaci saṅkhāra and mano saṅkhāra. It is just unable to carry out some of the wishes.

I hope the above answers questions in DammaSponge’s mind. If not, feel free to ask any remaining questions.

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Tobias G

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