Karaniyametta Sutta
Date: 11/08/2024
Main discussion Points
Below are some questions that we discussed in the sutta session and some general answers we came up with to them. For privacy reasons, the people involved in the discussion are going to remain anonymous.
Questions/topics:
What is attachment in buddhism?
In Buddhism, attachment (Upadana) is seen as one of the main reasons we suffer because we hold on to things that won't last forever, like people, objects, or ideas. This creates stress and unhappiness. Attachment means we cling to things—whether that's people, objects, or even certain beliefs. But this can cause problems, especially if we believe that we, or the things we cling to, will always stay the same (i.e they are permanent). Since nothing lasts forever and everything eventually changes (impermanent in nature), holding on tightly to things is pointless. It often leads to pain because we lose what we're trying to keep. Buddhist teachings help us understand why we hold on to things and the impermanence in everything, which leads to peace and freedom from suffering, known as Nirvana/Nibbana.
In Buddhism we believe that “upadhi dukkhassa mūlanti” which means that attachment is the root of suffering. This is not to be taken in a pessimistic way but as a way to understand the reality of our world. Everything and everyone we attach ourselves to can be taken away from us. Sometimes we have control when we lose what we are attached to but most of the time we do not. In Buddhism we learn to think of everything as impermanent and we use this thought process to help us when we are separated from the things and people we love.
What are the different types of happiness in buddhism?
There are two main types of happiness in Buddhism:
1. Worldly happiness - this refers to happiness that can be obtained from sensual pleasures for examples through material items or experiences. While happy in the moment, this type of happiness does not last very long.
2. Pure happiness- this refers to happiness that can be obtained from performing good deeds/practices and maintain a pure mind. For example, this happiness can be achieved by performing meditation, maintaining the 5-precepts or through charitable actions. This type of happiness is long-lasting.
What does ‘subharo’ mean?
Su is a prefix which gives the meaning of 'easily' or 'conveniently'. Term bhara is derived from the verb 'bharathi' which means feed/support. Hence, Subharo means to be easily fed/supportable. When we say ‘easily fed’ it is not to be taken literally, in the context of the karaniyametta sutta, to be ‘easily fed/supportable’ means to be content with what you are given. It means to live by one’s means and not be fulfilled by greedy desires for materialistic goods. This is quite hard to do in modern day society as we live in a world where ‘money buys happiness’ and the more goods you have equates to your status. If we rise above this need for more, we become people who are happy with what we have and be more grateful to what we are given. To be easily supportable goes hand in hand with being more grateful for what we have and the people around us. It makes us more appreciative for the people who care and we are able to rise about greed and cravings. Like it is said in the dhammapada “Tasinaya purakkhata paja parisappanti sasova bandhito samyojanasangasattaka dukkhamupenti punappunam ciraya” - People beset with craving are terrified like a hare caught in a snare; held fast by fetters and bonds they undergo dukkha (round of rebirths) again and again, for a long time.
What does it mean to be ‘gentle’ in the context of the karaniyametta sutta?
Being gentle is not just a physical characteristic but it is also an internal trait. When we are gentle with the way we talk and act, everything we do is with kindness and pure intentions.
Key stanza and annotations
As we had quite a few newcomers in session 2, Bhante revisited the first stanza of the sutta (see session 1). We also began analysis of the first line of the second stanza:
Pali text:
1Santussako ca 2subharo ca
Translation:
“One should be content, easy to support”
Santussako - Contented, satisfied
Subharo - Easily supported by others, to be frugal (for more in depth explanation of this term see main discussion points above)
Discussion content to be published.
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