Hi Folks !
It's been a long time, hasn't it ?!
Staying in the Buddha's world is peaceful, educative and invigorating.
My 3 months of Pali studies were intense.
Did you like the last post ?
It was my paper which I presented.
Coming back to the usual noisy, screechy, selfish world was awful and a bit fearful !
Are people really so greedy, insensitive and cruel ?
There is no fear of retribution for oneself.
The other one dies/is raped/killed/burnt/looted/cheated because of his/her past karmas.
I may have done any or all of that or supported it actively or passively by doing nothing, but I will go to heaven because I am protected by whatever I have complete faith in.
Hmn -
More on heaven etc in another post.
Today, I want to tell you about a wonderful Sutta which the Buddha taught.
It is called the Second Cloud Sutta.
The dutiya valaahaka suttam.
A Sutta is a discourse.
Second, because he gave it before too.
So what does the Buddha say ?
He says, there are 4 types of clouds.
Which four ?
1. Those which thunder but do not rain.
2. Those which rain but do not thunder.
3. Those which neither thunder nor rain.
4. Those which thunder and rain.
Here, thunder stands for Theory.
Rain stands for Experiencing the 4 Noble Truths.
The 4 Noble Truths are -
1.There is suffering.
2.There is cause to the suffering.
3. There is a way out of suffering.
4. The 8 - fold Noble Path is the way out of suffering.
One who experiences all 4, reaches the state of Arhat, a non - returner in his life itself and can teach the practice to others.
Now you would find a man who has -
1. Mastered the theory but not experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
2. Has not mastered the theory but has experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
3. Has neither mastered the Theory nor experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
4. Has mastered the theory and experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
Going through the Buddha's discourses is a wonderful experience.
He makes so much sense!
There is not one bit that one can disagree with, even after trying hard to find something to argue with!
But this is only the written, heard or seen word.
It is like watching a yummy food recipe being made with expertise so that one does not get even one step wrong.
Who enjoys it ?
The chef who has made it and tasted it, not us, the engrossed, salivating viewers !
Just as clouds which create a lot of spectacle, thunder and frighten, send off fearful bolts of lightening but then disperse when winds blow or even a gentle breeze persists, are no use at all, are they ?
Then there are clouds which are quiet and persevere as they go about their job and shower without any drama.
And so on.
Which cloud is important ?
The pompous one or the one which gives rain ?
Similarly, theory is important to get rid of all doubts regarding the technique, many need to understand intellectually before embarking on the road.
It's like reading the warnings on a prescription medicine.
What does it contain ?
What will it do ?
What do I have to do ?
But once satisfied, one has to take it.
That's what this lovely Sutta explains.
Distinguish between rites/rituals and the practice which will take you out of the cycle of rebirths.
Be the cloud which rains.
It's been a long time, hasn't it ?!
Staying in the Buddha's world is peaceful, educative and invigorating.
My 3 months of Pali studies were intense.
Did you like the last post ?
It was my paper which I presented.
Coming back to the usual noisy, screechy, selfish world was awful and a bit fearful !
Are people really so greedy, insensitive and cruel ?
There is no fear of retribution for oneself.
The other one dies/is raped/killed/burnt/looted/cheated because of his/her past karmas.
I may have done any or all of that or supported it actively or passively by doing nothing, but I will go to heaven because I am protected by whatever I have complete faith in.
Hmn -
More on heaven etc in another post.
Today, I want to tell you about a wonderful Sutta which the Buddha taught.
It is called the Second Cloud Sutta.
The dutiya valaahaka suttam.
A Sutta is a discourse.
Second, because he gave it before too.
So what does the Buddha say ?
He says, there are 4 types of clouds.
Which four ?
1. Those which thunder but do not rain.
2. Those which rain but do not thunder.
3. Those which neither thunder nor rain.
4. Those which thunder and rain.
Here, thunder stands for Theory.
Rain stands for Experiencing the 4 Noble Truths.
The 4 Noble Truths are -
1.There is suffering.
2.There is cause to the suffering.
3. There is a way out of suffering.
4. The 8 - fold Noble Path is the way out of suffering.
One who experiences all 4, reaches the state of Arhat, a non - returner in his life itself and can teach the practice to others.
Now you would find a man who has -
1. Mastered the theory but not experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
2. Has not mastered the theory but has experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
3. Has neither mastered the Theory nor experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
4. Has mastered the theory and experienced the 4 Noble Truths.
Going through the Buddha's discourses is a wonderful experience.
He makes so much sense!
There is not one bit that one can disagree with, even after trying hard to find something to argue with!
But this is only the written, heard or seen word.
It is like watching a yummy food recipe being made with expertise so that one does not get even one step wrong.
Who enjoys it ?
The chef who has made it and tasted it, not us, the engrossed, salivating viewers !
Just as clouds which create a lot of spectacle, thunder and frighten, send off fearful bolts of lightening but then disperse when winds blow or even a gentle breeze persists, are no use at all, are they ?
Then there are clouds which are quiet and persevere as they go about their job and shower without any drama.
And so on.
Which cloud is important ?
The pompous one or the one which gives rain ?
Similarly, theory is important to get rid of all doubts regarding the technique, many need to understand intellectually before embarking on the road.
It's like reading the warnings on a prescription medicine.
What does it contain ?
What will it do ?
What do I have to do ?
But once satisfied, one has to take it.
That's what this lovely Sutta explains.
Distinguish between rites/rituals and the practice which will take you out of the cycle of rebirths.
Be the cloud which rains.
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