Description
Description
This is an audiobook of Bodhi Leaves No. 2 by Kassapa Thera, The Simpler Side of Buddhist Doctrine narrated by Jim Swift. The print edition can be found in the Pariyatti Edition of Collected Bodhi Leaves Vol. 1. The eBook of Bodhi Leaves No. 2 can be downloaded from the BPS website.
Excerpt:
In the Holy Books are many sermons, long and short, full of advice to the average layman. Notable amongst these is the Sig lov da Suttanta, known as the Layman s Vinaya which details correct behaviour for the good layman. Excellent though all such sermons are, none can surpass the brief simple appeal of the words to Nakula s parents, which advise the cultivation of four things: Saddh , Virtue, Generosity and Wisdom.
A striking thing in the Buddha-dhamma is that here we find naught of Thou shalt or Thou shalt not. When once it is realized that selfishness and self-indulgence cause all our woe, then a wise one strives for self mastery. S la is the mastery of speech and action. Of his own free will, the Buddhist pledges to observe this precept of virtue, and that. The minimum number of such precepts of virtue that the good Buddhist should observe is five: (1) I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from destroying the life of beings; (2) from taking things not given; (3) from sexual misconduct; (4) from false speech, and (5) from liquor that causes intoxication and heedlessness.
The Buddhist has no impossible postulates; he tries to see, as his teacher taught, things as they really are. He looks at the world around him and sees that all, all is transitory there. He sees that what is transitory is bound to be sad. All that we love is passing away, and such parting from the loved is suffering. And we, we too are part of the passing show with greying hair, falling and decaying teeth, disease and death looming ahead it is all sad. The Buddhist sees that, to what is transient and sad, one clings in vain, and in all this we can see naught of which he can say with assurance as to the permanent value of such statement This is me, this is mine, this is a soul.
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VIPASSANA PRODUCTS
Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. More information about Vipassana as taught by S.N. Goenka is available at www.dhamma.org.
The tag Vipassana identifies products that are directly related to this tradition and differentiates them from other Theravada resources available on our site. While the main emphasis in Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N. Goenka is on actual practice, this product may provide inspiration and guidance to a Vipassana meditator.
We also carry titles from the Theravada tradition, as we feel that by exploring the wider world of the Theravada texts, which include the Buddha’s discourses, commentaries, and scholarly articles and treatises, meditators have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Dhamma and thereby enrich their meditation practice. This kind of intellectual exploration also helps a meditator to gain an understanding of the evolution and historical context of their meditation tradition. This understanding in turn deepens their practice and understanding of the Dhamma.
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