When I discovered the Four Noble Truths, It was as if I had found the fabled "fountain of youth" or found a gem that was do magnificent that I wanted to shout it from the highest mountain, the highest building and proclaim to everyone that something joyous, something so wonderful was discovered and that I wanted to share it. So for several weeks, I was in this state of euphoria. ... Not knowing that they were the teachings of the Buddha. This was my introduction to Buddhism.
All in the universe is. If I have no experience of evil, how can I then know what is good? Would I be born transcended? And were I born in such a state who would know or appreciate this? To understand a thing must I not have experience of its opposite? If all were white would you call it a color? My idea is, even though it is hard to accept: If anything in my experience could not be them my experience could not be. Beyond good, beyond evil, beyond all things particular is the truth of what it is to be.
Perhaps someone may have a thought on this: It would seem to be true that there can be no up without down, no happy without sad, no good without evil etc. One of my continued inner inquiries is about this. If there must be "evil" for "good" to have any meaning as a concept then why is there a teaching against "evil" or against "good" if one is of an "evil" bent? I suppose in Buddhism there is a striving to be beyond such judgements. They are mental constructs. Of course, harming others is against Buddhist teaching. This is obvious, but sitting in judgement about the harm done to you is also anathema in Buddhism. I have lines of thought regarding this. Just wondering at others possible thoughts, conclusions...?
Once you go past the conditioned mind, when you see that ask you know are concepts taken to be the truth, when you see that what you really are is not the mind, not the body, but the totality of the present moment that arises in consciousness, all your questions will dissolve. 😘
Sally Bowles he sometimes does long fasts to clear his system so this picture may have been taken after one of them. I have to say though that have known him for a long time at Amaravati and he is almost always full of energy and in great health 👍
That is somewhat tripe also. But close to what I mean. Close to what I feel. Most religions speak of humans as the pinnacle of consciousness in the universe. I mean no disrespect, but I believe that all is consciousness. The universe saw the creation of Earth. Earth bore my parents. My parents bore me. Etc. How can I be more profound than that which bore me? I think we are mistaken in that. However, there is an other state of being. There perhaps that which knows in me is not part and parcel of that which knew here before this I knew here. Perhaps.
Everything arises and ceases and is not self. So simple.
When I discovered the Four Noble Truths, It was as if I had found the fabled "fountain of youth" or found a gem that was do magnificent that I wanted to shout it from the highest mountain, the highest building and proclaim to everyone that something joyous, something so wonderful was discovered and that I wanted to share it. So for several weeks, I was in this state of euphoria. ... Not knowing that they were the teachings of the Buddha. This was my introduction to Buddhism.
Writing thanks to you at time of Covid 19 pandemic.
The teaching is so helpful now.
Thanks Mr amaro for the talk it was very enlightening from tony the lay buddhist from huddersfield
Excellent talk,many thanks
Thanks for posting. Going through a business failure at the moment ; this talk is a big help. with metta
“It’s always possible to begin again” Ajahn Amaro ❤️
robbiepeterh Good deal! If you fall down, get up and start over again. Get up and start over again as many times as needed.
All in the universe is. If I have no experience of evil, how can I then know what is good? Would I be born transcended? And were I born in such a state who would know or appreciate this?
To understand a thing must I not have experience of its opposite? If all were white would you call it a color?
My idea is, even though it is hard to accept: If anything in my experience could not be them my experience could not be.
Beyond good, beyond evil, beyond all things particular is the truth of what it is to be.
Perhaps someone may have a thought on this: It would seem to be true that there can be no up without down, no happy without sad, no good without evil etc.
One of my continued inner inquiries is about this. If there must be "evil" for "good" to have any meaning as a concept then why is there a teaching against "evil" or against "good" if one is of an "evil" bent?
I suppose in Buddhism there is a striving to be beyond such judgements. They are mental constructs. Of course, harming others is against Buddhist teaching. This is obvious, but sitting in judgement about the harm done to you is also anathema in Buddhism.
I have lines of thought regarding this. Just wondering at others possible thoughts, conclusions...?
Once you go past the conditioned mind, when you see that ask you know are concepts taken to be the truth, when you see that what you really are is not the mind, not the body, but the totality of the present moment that arises in consciousness, all your questions will dissolve. 😘
A Walt Disney world ....hahaha...LOL. So true.
he looks so thin, what happened? was he sick?
He's a monk, it's like being on the most extreme diet you'll ever go on, every day for the rest of your life!
Sally Bowles he sometimes does long fasts to clear his system so this picture may have been taken after one of them. I have to say though that have known him for a long time at Amaravati and he is almost always full of energy and in great health 👍
That is somewhat tripe also. But close to what I mean. Close to what I feel.
Most religions speak of humans as the pinnacle of consciousness in the universe. I mean no disrespect, but I believe that all is consciousness. The universe saw the creation of Earth. Earth bore my parents. My parents bore me. Etc. How can I be more profound than that which bore me?
I think we are mistaken in that.
However, there is an other state of being. There perhaps that which knows in me is not part and parcel of that which knew here before this I knew here. Perhaps.
Is it him who is incessantly sniffing?
sorry it was me(