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– “The deeply embedded perception of a “me” is associated with sanna vipallasa. Removal of sakkaya ditthi does not affect that much the removal of the perception of a “me.”
From reading the paragraph, it seems like it would still be of benefit for a Sotapanna to mediate on netaṁ mama, nesohamasmi, na meso attā’ of the five aggregates and on the other dhatu’s like in the Mahārāhulovādasutta.
– “Thus, the correct translation of “‘etaṁ mama, esohamasmi, eso me attā’ ti” is “mine, of myself, or can be beneficial for me?”
That’s very interesting . . . In the past year or so I have been working on coming up with an interpretation that works best for my own understanding of that famous verse.
Can’t say this would be the right translation or interpretation of that famous verse, but it seems like it works best for my practice and understanding at this current time. What I have come up with so far is:
Etaṃ mama (had as mine), esohamasmi ( I am any of the 5 aggregates or the 20 kinds / types of sakkaya ditthi), eso me atta’ ti (is of value or importance to me).
None of the 5 aggregates or dhatus “can be had as mine”, that my essence is any of the 5 aggregates and the 5 aggregates is of importance or value to me.
Tentatively planning to arrive in Sri Lanka on September 18th. Will visit some sites, then stay in the area of JBM monastery around September 26th and will leave on Oct. 2 back to Colombo and next day fly out.
Was hoping to travel to Sri Lanka around the end of September, but mundane affairs factored into the reasons for date of travel.
Based on the dates, I’ll be able to meet up with Jorg, but not sure about LDF.
Since I’ll be arriving earlier and planning to visit some sites like the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and surrounding area. If Jorg or LDF have any questions like transportation around Sri Lanka or other questions, feel free to ask. I can be contacted by Whatsapp while on the trip (whenever I can use wi-fi).
KāmasaññāInitially seeing here the topic of kāmasaññā being discussed on the forums. Due to not having knowledge of or have put in the time or effort to gain knowledge about topic; wasn’t planning on putting too much time or focus on the topic until at a later time. In the end felt there were some uncertainty in the answers to the questions regarding kāmasaññā. Thought of siding tracking and taking a quick look into kāmasaññā, not knowing what to expect from just “taking a quick look” turned out to be beyond expectations. It’s my belief what transpired could potentially be of benefit to others that are interested in the topic. I can’t say I know or understand everything about kāmasaññā, but just hope to share what I have come across for other’s discernment and feedback.It was mentioned:- “Actually, I am still not on board with Arahant even having “kama sanna.” If there is not even “kama sanna” then An Arahant would not experience any taste! I am still trying to verify it.”
- This is a tricky issue because we don’t have any Arahants to verify this for us.”
From what I have come to learn, it’s my belief that kāmasaññā doesn’t arise in an Arahant. If that’s the case, then how does Arahant’s taste? Would that be the tricky issue involved?I hope sufficient materials and evidence will be provided by the end of this post, hoping the information can be of use and help for others knowledge and on the path.I would like to mention that I haven’t put in the effort or focus into learning Pali besides some important Pali Buddha dhamma words. I can’t say I have the qualifications based on academic standards interpreting sutta’s or even being able to currently understand Pali or the sutta’s without English translations and interpretations.What’s shared is just based on what I can piece together and understand on my own. I’m aware sometimes I might not have thought of or see where there might be errors or inconsistencies in what I believe in. I hope what is shared can be scrutinize and reviewed by others for feedback.At a later time it’s mentioned:- In a comment above, I stated: “Actually, I am still not on board with Arahant even having “kama sanna.” If there is not even “kama sanna” then An Arahant would not experience any taste! I am still trying to verify it. “
- Even an Arahant would have the “kama sanna,” i.e., experience the sweetness of sugar, bitterness of lemon, etc.
From Saññāsutta, in the parallel, “Antidotes for harmful perceptions”.“Mendicants, there are these three things.“Tayome, bhikkhave, dhammā.”<br />
“Sensual, malicious, and cruel perceptions. Kāmasaññā, byāpādasaññā, vihiṁsāsaññā.”<br />
From what I can discern and see is kāmasaññā being mentioned along with the other unwholesome states of mind. So far, this leads me to believe that kāmasaññā isn’t just simply related to the possibility of tasting sweetness or other taste, but the main relationship is with defilements or akusala.In the same sutta, it gives me the idea of kāmasaññā is something that should be given up or renounced.“You should develop perceptions of renunciation to give up sensual perceptions, perceptions of good will to give up malicious perceptions, and perceptions of harmlessness to give up cruel perceptions.”“Kāmasaññāya pahānāya nekkhammasaññā bhāvetabbā, byāpādasaññāya pahānāya abyāpādasaññā bhāvetabbā, vihiṁsāsaññāya pahānāya avihiṁsāsaññā bhāvetabbā.”From Anupubbanirodhasutta:“For someone who has attained the first absorption, sensual perceptions have ceased.”“Paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ samāpannassa kāmasaññā niruddhā hoti;”Just when I was about to complete and post this writing. Unexpectedly came across this PD post.- 2. When one gets to the first jhāna, one “transcends” (or go beyond) the kāma lōka or “sense sphere”. Our human realm is one of 11 realms in the kāma lōka as we discussed before.
- In the Anupubbanirodha Sutta (AN 9.31): “Paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ samāpannassa kāmasaññā niruddhā hoti” OR ““When one has attained the first jhāna, perceptions of sensuality (kāma saññā) stop from arising“.
For us it’s evident what the answer is, but my question is when the perception of kāmasaññā stop from arising, does this mean when one attains the first absorption, perceptions of taste or the other sense organs have ceased?Reading the English translation of this sutta gives me the idea that the sutta is teaching the progression of unwholesome / akusala thoughts, speech and actions and kāmasaññā is involved.“The element of sensuality gives rise to sensual perceptions. Sensual perceptions give rise to sensual thoughts. Sensual thoughts give rise to sensual desires. Sensual desires give rise to sensual passions. Sensual passions give rise to searches for sensual pleasures.”“Kāmadhātuṁ, bhikkhave, paṭicca uppajjati kāmasaññā, kāmasaññaṁ paṭicca uppajjati kāmasaṅkappo, kāmasaṅkappaṁ paṭicca uppajjati kāmacchando, kāmacchandaṁ paṭicca uppajjati kāmapariḷāho, kāmapariḷāhaṁ paṭicca uppajjati kāmapariyesanā.”The possible tricky issue that was mentioned, how does Arahant’s taste if kāmasaññā doesn’t arise in an Arahant. I believe the answer could be in the sutta below, “rasasaññā” but I’m not 100% certain since this is only my belief so far without other’s feedback or help.Saññaṁ pariññā vitareyya oghanti. Saññāti kāmasaññā byāpādasaññā vihiṁsāsaññā nekkhammasaññā abyāpādasaññā avihiṁsāsaññā rūpasaññā saddasaññā gandhasaññā rasasaññā phoṭṭhabbasaññā dhammasaññā—yā evarūpā saññā sañjananā sañjānitattaṁ—ayaṁ vuccati saññā. Saññaṁ pariññāti saññaṁ tīhi pariññāhi parijānitvā—ñātapariññāya, tīraṇapariññāya, pahānapariññāya.Katamā ñātapariññā? Saññaṁ jānāti—ayaṁ kāmasaññā, ayaṁ byāpādasaññā, ayaṁ vihiṁsāsaññā, ayaṁ nekkhammasaññā, ayaṁ abyāpādasaññā, ayaṁ avihiṁsāsaññā, ayaṁ rūpasaññā, ayaṁ saddasaññā, ayaṁ gandhasaññā, ayaṁ rasasaññā, ayaṁ phoṭṭhabbasaññā, ayaṁ dhammasaññāti jānāti passati—ayaṁ ñātapariññā.From what I can understand and see so far, it’s my believe and understanding that kāmasaññā arises when defilement comes into play, like kamaguna, kama, sankappa raga, and so forth. I would agree that kāmasaññā doesn’t arise in Arahants. Unless there’s another kāmasaññā or it means something else that I’m not aware of. When Arahants taste, smell and the other senses, I believe it would just be the 6 sanna’s mentioned. But I’m not 100% sure since I don’t know exactly what’s being said in the sutta.In the end, came across in the Nibbedhikasutta and other several sutta’s that aren’t linked (mentioned) below where the 6 sanna’s, “rūpasaññā, saddasaññā, gandhasaññā, rasasaññā, phoṭṭhabbasaññā, dhammasaññā,” are addressed.“There are these six perceptions: perceptions of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, and thoughts.”“Chayimā, bhikkhave, saññā— rūpasaññā, saddasaññā, gandhasaññā, rasasaññā, phoṭṭhabbasaññā, dhammasaññā.”“Six classes of perception: perceptions of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touches, and thoughts.”“Cha saññākāyā— rūpasaññā, saddasaññā, gandhasaññā, rasasaññā, phoṭṭhabbasaññā, dhammasaññā.”1 user thanked author for this post.
Thank you very much Sir!
- “But for both those to hold, kāmaguṇa must arise in the person.”
I’m in total agreement on this!
Thank you once again.
Thank you for your advice and recommendation Sir,
- “kāmaguṇa” are not intrinsic to the external object (arammana) being discussed. Those arise in one’s mind.”
That’s my current understanding of kāmaguṇa and it’s very clear to me that kāmaguṇa are not intrinsic to or in any internal or external object. That’s why I made the point that kāmaguṇa are mind made, just like kāma assāda. Kāmaguṇa arises in our minds when our defilements make contact (phassa) with a rupa or more specifically the 5 sense objects where we believe that 5 sense object is with the six characteristics “iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā” and when that happens kāma assāda also arises. In fact kāmaguṇa can change for the human being in a very short time.
Based on the example it was made about the pigs, I also have thought of many examples. I was planning on bringing up some of these examples and more thoughts on kāmaguṇa at a later time. But currently I just want to take things step by step before I get ahead of myself. My thoughts on kāmaguṇa that I have in mind but haven’t written it all out comes to the similar general ideas or understanding as what you have mentioned here and taught on PD.
Currently, I really need a second opinion or feedback to make sure that I have understood something properly. I’m going to try ask the question again, but I’ll try it in a different way. I’m sincerely sorry if I keep repeating myself with this question, but this is something that I really need to make sure that I’m not mistaken and have understood this correctly.
“Yaṁ kho, bhikkhave, ime pañca kāmaguṇe paṭicca uppajjati sukhaṁ somanassaṁ—ayaṁ kāmānaṁ assādo.”
“The pleasure and happiness that arise from these five kinds of sensual stimulation: this is the gratification of sensual pleasures.”
Would Lal sir or anyone here disagree with me or feel that I’m mistaken if I believe / said or taught based on what I just quoted in Pali and the English translation that sukha, somanassa, piti “can” or “does” arise from kāmaguṇa and the sukha, somanassa, piti that arises from kāmaguṇa is kāma assāda?
If there are no comments, I would take that so far others are not able to notice or see any mistakes in my discernment and understanding of what was quoted in Pali and the English translation given.
“Yaṁ kho, bhikkhave, ime pañca kāmaguṇe paṭicca uppajjati sukhaṁ somanassaṁ—ayaṁ kāmānaṁ assādo.”“The pleasure and happiness that arise from these five kinds of sensual stimulation: this is the gratification of sensual pleasures.”I have read over this line, I believe enough times. What I’m believing of seeing and understanding is that sukham, somanassa “can” arise from kāmaguna and this sukham, somanassa that arises from kāmaguna is kāma assāda.I was wondering if Lal or anyone can help me with a second opinion or confirmation that I have understood properly what was mentioned in Pali and translated in English that’s quoted at the beginning of this post. I’m really afraid of misunderstanding or getting this wrong.I should’ve mentioned this with my earlier post, but would like to add this since it’s my believe what was mentioned in my previous post and the quoted writing from the PD post below could be consider coming to the similar general idea or understanding.
Nibbāna – Rāgakkhaya Dosakkhaya Mohakkhaya – Part 1
“Burning” (Tāpa) Has Root Cause in Rāga (Greed) and Dosa (Anger)
6. We attach to things that we like. This “attachment” is described in several ways by the Buddha: icchā, taṇhā, nandi, piya, kāma, etc. When exposed to such ‘likable things” in this world, we become joyful and try to get more of them, even using immoral deeds. Therein lies the problem.
- Those things in this world that lead to such attachment and joyful feelings are called “things with kāmaguṇa“ or “characteristics/sources of kāma.”
It’s my current understanding that those “joyful feelings“, “likable things” and “we attach to things that we like” are kāmaguna and kāma assāda. “Try to get more of them, even using immoral deeds. Therein lies the problem.” That’s kāma.
I would like to share some of my current thinking and understanding of kamaguna for feedback and scrutiny. Currently without going into all the / further details that I have in mind and if I were to give a quick explanation on kāmaguna, kāma assāda, kāma and the connections between them, it would be that;Kāmaguna = are 5 sense objects that a living being in the kama loka regards / considers / views / experiences as “iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā” or likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing. And when we regard / view / considers / experiences one of the 5 sense objects with the 6 characteristics “iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā”, kāma assāda arises.Kāma assāda = is the piti, sukha, somanassa or the “gratification” that arises from kamaguna.Currently one of the reasons why I believe kāma assāda arises from kāmaguna is based on what’s translated in the sutta’s.Yaṁ kho, bhikkhave, ime pañca kāmaguṇe paṭicca uppajjati sukhaṁ somanassaṁ—ayaṁ kāmānaṁ assādo.A) The pleasure and happiness that arise from these five kinds of sensual stimulation: this is the gratification of sensual pleasures.B) Now the pleasure and joy that arise dependent on these five cords of sensual pleasure are the gratification in the case of sensual pleasures.C) Whatever pleasure, whatever happiness arises in consequence of these five strands of sense-pleasures, this is the satisfaction in sense-pleasures.From reading and contemplating on the English translations, I get the idea that kamaguna is kama assada and vice verse. Kamaguna which is one’s own avija, tanha relating to the 5 sense objects is the source of or what gives rise to kama assada. Both kāmaguna and kāma assāda are both mind made!What I just mentioned about kāmaguna is kāma assāda and vice verse is of great importance to me and would like to ask for other’s thoughts and feedback.Kāma = is the intention of seeking or clinging to kāmaguna or kāma assāda. When one isn’t directly experiencing the 5 sense objects as kāmaguna, kāma is what generates / regenerates the experience of the 5 sense objects that are likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing or kamaguna’s which gives rise to kama assada.*** So basically when we experience kāmaguna, it gives rise to kāma assāda (this is an automatic process) and then we carry out or engage in kāma (which we have control over) to continue experiencing or regenerate kāmaguna and kāma assāda. ***Some other observations for scrutiny and feedback.Kāma is like vaci sankhara, while kāmaguna is like mano sankhara.Kāma is like upadana, while kāmaguna is like tanha.Kāmaguna is samphassa ja vedana and kāma is what perpetuates samphassa ja vedana.Hi Tobi,
No need to apologize, I totally understand and I’m probably in the similar boat.
- “Since Mara is also something that tries to keep us in samsara, I made the connection to Kamaguna”.
I’m not sure if you had a chance to come across what I mentioned in the thread “Post on Kama guna – Origin of attachment (Tanha)” relating to a connection made between Kama guna and Mara.
“From Sakuṇagghisutta:
It teaches kāmaguṇa is the domain of Mara and cattāro satipaṭṭhānā is the domain of our fathers.”
What might be of interest to you is that besides the one connection that was made between kamaguna and Mara, in the last few days, I was able to make more connection between Kamaguna and Mara, I’ll definitely be sharing those connections at a later time. But currently, I’m working on writing out something that’s very important to me relating to kamaguna that I would like to present here for scrutiny and feedback to make sure what I have in mind is on the right track and is self consistent.
So far, I might have only mentioned about 50% what I have in mind about kamaguna. Investigating into the teachings of kamaguna, Kāma or kāmā, kāmehi from the last few weeks and contemplating the connection between them has been an eye opening experience for me and realized how far, deep and detailed the connections can get / go.
You mentioned:
- In my opinion, the first four Jhānas are capable of “Samphassa-jā-vēdanā” to delete/overwrite these storages
Currently I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with this since I have not or currently contemplate what you mentioned, but very recently I came across something that I feel might be of interest to you and relate to what you have in mind. Thought I would share.
“Ko ca, bhikkhave, vedanānaṁ assādo?
Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṁ savicāraṁ vivekajaṁ pītisukhaṁ paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja viharati.”
“And what is the gratification of feelings?
It’s when a mendicant, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unskillful qualities, enters and remains in the first absorption, which has the rapture and bliss born of seclusion, while placing the mind and keeping it connected.”
All the best Tobi and same to everyone here and all other living beings in all the different directions.
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Greetings Tobi,
- “Kāmaguna are the five objects of the senses, they are the cause of the emergence of desire, hatred and delusion.”
From my current belief and understanding ofKāmaguna, it’s way more than just the five objects of the senses. Some of the idea’s I have in mind right now regarding Kāmaguna is that the explanation of it can get pretty detailed and deep. It’s possible that I could be wrong or mistaken about some of these idea’s, but I’ll be sharing what I have in mind regarding Kāmaguna for others scrutiny whenever I can finish typing out what I would like to share.
- “According to the Jain ascetics; Pleasure cannot be gained by pleasure; Joy can be gained through pain (sukhena sukhaṃ adhigantabbaṃ, dukkhena kho sukhaṃ adhigantabbaṃ).”
I could be mistaken about this, but actually from what I currently think of Kāmaguna is that pleasure can be gained from pleasure, at least in regards to Kāmaguna. I haven’t thought of the other pleasures like jhana’s, but at a later time, I’ll elaborate more on this since I would like others feedback. So far in my mind . . . it makes sense . . . but we’ll see.
- “Could it be that with Jhana Bhavana, we are trying to emit/produce a “pabhassara citta”?
Feel free to correct me if I’m mistaken, but from my current understanding, we’re not trying to “emit/produce” a pabhassara citta since pabhassara citta are produced with every citta. The thing is that we never experience or can experience a pabhassara citta unless one is an Arahant. Pabhassara citta are the 7 universal cetiska’s, but the citta get’s contaminated due to our anusaya’s or from the evolution of citta. That’s why or at least one of the reason’s why we can’t experience a pabhassara citta even though it’s produced with every citta.
This post can give you more details and explanation.
Pabhassara Citta, Radiant Mind, and Bhavaṅga
- “Could you say that Kamaguna is a touch of Mara?”
Can you clarify for me what do you exactly mean by Kamaguna is a touch of Mara?
You welcome LDF, I do hope / wish for what I have gained from the dhamma can be shared with others and anything discussed relating to the dhamma can be useful / helpful to others out there.
It was mentioned:
- Average humans believe that the kāmaguṇa (“iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā”) are in external things (rūpā, saddā, gandhā, rasā, phoṭṭhabbā)
- If that is the case, we will never be able to remove them from those external things and attain Nibbana!
- One is able to remove them only because they arise in one’s own mind. “
That is very well said Sir.
- “The “uneducated average person (puthujjana)” attributes those six characteristics to the EXTERNAL THINGS: rūpā, saddā, gandhā, rasā, phoṭṭhabbā. In other words, they attribute “pañca kāmaguṇāna” to those external rupa, sadda, gandha, etc.”
We believe those six characteristics are inherent in the external things rūpā, saddā, gandhā, rasā, phoṭṭhabbā, but actually those six characteristics arises from our mind projecting to external objects.
- “The Buddha taught that EXTERNAL THINGS (houses, cars, music, food…) do not have “pañca kāmaguṇāna.” They arise in the mind because of one’s ignorance of Buddha Dhamma. “
- “The term “pañca kāmaguṇāna” needs to be understood”.
After learning more about “pañca kāmaguṇāna” and seeing the teaching from sutta’s that the Noble 8 Fold Path and cattāro satipaṭṭhānā should be developed to give up kamaguna. I believe the knowledge / understanding of kāmaguṇā would be beneficial to one’s understanding and practice of the dhamma.
From the Sambādhasutta, I’m not exactly sure how I should interpret the English translation “confinement” being used in the sutta. But anyways, it teaches kāmaguṇa as the idea of confinement and that there’s an opportunity amid confinement.
‘Sambādhe gataṁ okāsaṁ,
Avidvā bhūrimedhaso;
‘The opportunity amid confinement
was discovered by the Buddha of vast intelligence
Sights known by the eye that are likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing.
These are the five kinds of sensual stimulation that are called ‘confinement’ by the Buddha.
Now, take a mendicant who, quite secluded from sensual pleasures … enters and remains in the first absorption.
To this extent the Buddha spoke of an opportunity amid confinement in a qualified sense.”
From Sakuṇagghisutta:
It teaches kāmaguṇa is the domain of Mara and cattāro satipaṭṭhānā is the domain of our fathers. The sutta helped me to come up with the idea of using kāmaguṇa as a warning / danger sign for possible attachment and/or that I have became attached (tanha) and have entered Mara’s domain where I can be unwholesomely influenced. When that happens, I need to put in more effort to carry out the 4 supreme efforts and satipaṭṭhānā to enter back into our fathers domain where Mara cannot influence or get a hold of me. <br /><br />
“So, mendicants, don’t roam out of your own territory into the domain of others. If you roam out of your own territory into the domain of others, Māra will find a vulnerability and get hold of you.
And what is not a mendicant’s own territory but the domain of others? It’s the five kinds of sensual stimulation. (kāmaguṇa)
This is not a mendicant’s own territory but the domain of others.
You should roam inside your own territory, the domain of your fathers. If you roam inside your own territory, the domain of your fathers, Māra won’t find a vulnerability or get hold of you.And what is a mendicant’s own territory, the domain of the fathers? It’s the four kinds of mindfulness meditation.”
I often see Buddhist practitioners out there asking questions on how one should practice meditation relating to the senses and sense objects. Myself don’t focus on and know much about the subject, but now with a updated understanding of kāmaguṇa, I believe it could be used to help me better learn and comprehend the dhamma teachings on the senses and sense objects.- “The answer is no. External things (rūpā, saddā, gandhā, rasā, phoṭṭhabbā) do not have kāmaguṇa”.
- “The Buddha taught that EXTERNAL THINGS (houses, cars, music, food…) do not have “pañca kāmaguṇāna.
I believe in the Kathāvatthu, it says that the sense-objects themselves are not kama;
Points of Controversy of Sense-Desires (Kv 8.4)
Attheva suttantoti? Āmantā. Tena hi na vattabbaṁ—“pañcevāyatanā kāmā”ti
“Hence it is wrong to say that just the five kinds of sense-objects constitute sense-desires.”
After learning more about kāmaguṇa and reading this verse again.
“Saṅkapparāgo purisassa kāmo,
Na te kāmā yāni citrāni loke;
Saṅkapparāgo purisassa kāmo,
Tiṭṭhanti citrāni tatheva loke;
Athettha dhīrā vinayanti chandan”ti.”
From the sutta, the English word “beautiful” being used for the translation of citrāni caught my attention and felt that the word “beautiful” or yāni citrāni loke could possibly be some clue or idea that could be used for to further clarify kāmaguṇa and kāma / kāmā / kāmehi.
Currently it’s my belief that when it’s said or taught by an Ariya in the sutta’s that something is beautiful, desirable and so on or yāni citrāni loke. Besides the implied mundane / conventional meaning of something that’s “beautiful, desirable, etc”, to me, it’s highly possible that the deeper understanding or meaning of those words could be referring to kāmaguṇa. Because now when I see the the words “beautiful”, “desirable” and similar words being used in the sutta’s, I feel that it could be referring to kāmaguṇa since something is only “beautiful” or “desirable” based on that living being perceiving it to be and not the object itself.
(A) Could yāni citrāni loke and kāmaguṇa have a similar meaning?
I have also come across a sutta where “yāni citrāni” shows up:
“There are so many pretty things in this vast territoryThey disturb one’s thoughts, it seems to me,attractive, provoking lust“Bahūni loke citrāni,asmiṁ pathavimaṇḍale;Mathenti maññe saṅkappaṁ,subhaṁ rāgūpasaṁhitaṁ.The way now I would read this verse; “Kamaguna is vast in our world, they seem attractive, provoking lust and disturbing our thoughts”.(B) I thought of something, could the teaching of kāmaguṇa be connected with the teachings of the ayatana’s? Like how our senses are indriya’s, then becomes ayatana’s when kāmaguṇa arises and kāmaguṇa describes this manifestation of ayatana’s or something?
1 user thanked author for this post.
– “I want to take the time and make sure to get the facts right as much as possible (e.g., references from the Tipitaka.)”
I feel the same way, currently I’m motivated regarding this matter and would like to have or come to some kind of a satisfactory answer really for myself and others that interested in this matter. Recently I tried to explain to myself what “Kāma Guṇa” is and then I started to realize what I have understood or believed about “Kāma Guṇa” wasn’t self consistent and felt that my knowledge and understanding about “Kāma Guṇa” had gaps of understanding. I’m really grateful to be able to come across liked minded people like here on Puredhamma where I can utilize and borrow other’s experiences and intelligence / wisdom to help me discern any misunderstandings that I might have in regards to the dhamma and the sharing of dhamma that can help me to further progress on the Noble 8 Fold Path.
– “I found some suttas that say an Arahant has removed all “Kāma Guṇa” from the mind”.
Thanks for bringing that up! That really helps.I have been investigating into what exactly “Kāma Guṇa” is and currently trying to piece together all the information that I have recently learned from this thread, as well from what I have looked into and contemplated on. There’s a question that I would like to ask for feedback and confirmation to make sure what I’m starting to think and believe about the teaching on “Kāma Guṇa” is in the right direction or is the appropriate understanding.(A) My question is, are there any sense objects rūpā, saddā, gandhā, rasā, phoṭṭhabbā “by itself” (without the mind or citta) that can definitely be said to have the “inherent / intrinsic” qualities or characteristics of “iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā” or that’s “agreeable, pleasing, charming, endearing, enticing, and leading to desire?”
From what I have contemplated over and over again for the last 2 days on this questions is that “no” there isn’t any such sense objects “by itself” that has the “inherent / intrinsic” qualities or characteristics of “iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā” or “agreeable, pleasing, charming, endearing, enticing, and leading to desire”.My believe now is that iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṃhitā rajanīyā is based on that living being conditions of the body and mind at that time / moment and when one’s gati, anusaya’s, asava’s, kilesa’s makes phassa (contact) with the 5 sense objects. It’s “not” the 5 sense objects “by itself” that is agreeable, pleasing, charming, endearing, enticing, and leading to desire. It’s one’s gati / kilesa’s that makes 5 sense objects agreeable, pleasing, charming, endearing, enticing, and leading to desire.To me, this would fall inline with what Lal and Lang have brought up: “However, as you stated, “Kāma Guṇa” definitely refers to attachment.”I have been playing around with the name Kāma Guṇa and what I have thought of is qualities or characteristics (guna) leading to Kāma. The qualities or characteristics of cakkhuviññeyyā rūpā iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṁhitā rajanīyā or from one of the other 4 sense objects leads to Kāma.(B) Would it be appropriate to say that Kāma Guṇa is more associated with tanha, while Kāma or kāmā, kāmehi is more associated with upadana?“Sights known by the eye that are likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing. …”I got this translation of Suttacentral and I find the word “known” in the translation to be quite helpful for myself. When I look up the definition of “known”, I get “used to refer to something or someone that is familiar to or understood by people“How this could be potentially helpful to me is that when I apply the definition for “known”;“Sights that are familiar or understood by the eye as likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing.”What this “known as”, “familiar with” or “understood” as likeable desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing by the eyes” is relating to our kilesa’s or the teaching of Anuseti.My understanding of the Buddha dhamma is that us as Buddhist practitioners should “know”, “be familiar with”, “understand” what “Kāma Guṇa” is (or when one becomes attached) and that it isn’t something that should be (upadana) liked or desired for.Last night, I came across a sutta where it mentions the Noble 8 Fold Path is for giving up Kāma Guṇa.From the parallel: “The Buddha taught the eightfold path in order to give up the 5 kinds of sensual stimulation“
“Imesaṁ kho, uttiya, pañcannaṁ kāmaguṇānaṁ pahānāya ayaṁ ariyo aṭṭhaṅgiko maggo bhāvetabbo”ti.“This is the noble eightfold path that should be developed to give up these five kinds of sensual stimulation.”1 user thanked author for this post.
From post Kāma Guṇa – Origin of Attachment (Tanhā)
Vedanā Due to Kāma Guṇa Are Not “samphassa-jā-vedanā“
5. However, this sōmanassa vēdanā that arises due to kāma guṇa are NOT the “samphassa-jā-vēdanā.” Somanassa vēdanā due to kāma guṇa arises in an Arahant, as well as in an average human.
- Let us clarify with some examples. Sugar or honey has a “kāma guna” of sweetness. That holds for everyone, from an average person to an Arahant. A beautiful woman will be seen as such by anyone from an ordinary person to an Arahant.
Is revision needed since Kāma Guṇa doesn’t arise in an Arahant?
As well if Kāma Guṇa doesn’t arise in an Arahant, than Sāmisa Vedanā doesn’t arise in an Arahant as well?
From the same post Kāma Guṇa – Origin of attachment (Tanha)
Vedanā Due to Kāma Guṇa Are Sāmisa Vedanā
6. There is a unique name for those “automatically-arising” vēdanā due to kāma guna. They are sāmisa vēdanā.
- The word sāmisa has origins in the keyword “āmisa,” which means “associated with the sensual world” or “kāma lōka.” Thus, sāmisa sukha vēdanā means a “pleasant feeling” that arises due to the nature of the kāma lōka.
- An Arahant, as well as an average human, will experience similar “sāmisa vēdanā.” Any sensory event of kāma lōka is a sāmisa vēdanā.
