Contemplating the nature of samsaric existence.
Contemplation of the elements (dhatu, mahabhuta) as a meditation method taught by the Buddha. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah%C4%81bh%C5%ABta
Actions (kamma) can bear fruit (vipaka) here and now, later in this life, or in a future life. Over-simplified presentation of kamma in popular Buddhism based on Jataka and Avadana stories. Kamma = field, consciousness = seed, craving (tanha) = moisture.
05:18
Ven. Gavesako - Buddha discusses Kamma with Jains
The difference between Buddhist and Jain conception of kamma. "Burning up old kamma" by ascetic practices (tapas) is not what the Buddha teaches. Emphasis on ethical quality of mind. See http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.101.than.html
05:18
Ven. Gavesako - What is the "highest austerity" in Buddhism
What is the meaning of "khanti paramam tapo titikkha" (Dhammapada 184)? Does "tapo" here refer to simply enduring pain and "burning up" old kamma? Or is it rather non-reactiveness, tolerance and forgiveness when faced with aggresive behaviour?
04:17
Ven. Gavesako - Rites and rituals (silabbata-paramasa)
What is meant by "silabbata-paramasa" (attachment to rites & rituals, precepts & practices, customs & vows) as one of the first three fetters (samyojana) preventing Stream-entry?
What is the meaning of "meditation" (bhavana) in Buddhism. Development of wholesome states of mind, abandoning unwholesome states. Samatha and vipassana.
How should we assess another person's character traits such as virtue, purity, endurance, wisdom? The Buddha's advice. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.192.than.html
The six sense bases or sense spheres (ayatana) which allow us to know the world. Special abilities such as divine eye (dibba-cakkhu) or divine ear (dibba-sota). Extending the range of the senses through modern technology. Sense-restraint (indriya-samvara).
Does the Buddha teach "mind/body dualism"? According to the Suttas our experience is made up of nama-rupa (mental and physical processes: form, feeling, perception, mental formations) and vinnana (consciousness: awareness of nama-rupa) = 5 aggregates.
Why do the Commentaries (Atthakatha) and Abhidhamma speak only about rupadhamma & namadhamma (viññana being included in nama)? In the Suttas the Buddha talks about "nama-rupa (name & form) together with viññana (consciousness)" as the structure of experience. See http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.15.0.than.html http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn12/sn12.067.than.html http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.009.than.html
06:33
Ven. Gavesako - Right speech and communication (samma vaca)
What are the characteristics of right speech? Applying the same principles in modern ways of communicating.
The cycle of birth and death as the context of this particular lifetime. The insecurity of our existence in it. See Anatamagga-samyutta (The unimaginable beginnings of samsara) http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/index.html#sn15
Kamma (karma) as an ethical principle constructing our future, as opposed to materialism. Three types of sankhara. Kamma is the agent which fashions the direction of life. See http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/9280/kamma1.htm
The Buddha's teaching on kamma (karma) as opposed to some other philosophical views. Not everything that we experience now is simply result of past actions. See http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn36/sn36.021.than.html
The importance of collecting almsfood (pindapata) as a Buddhist monk, reflecting on the nature of life in the world.
Hypocrisy, dishonesty and self-delusion in the world as opposed to the Buddhist principle of "safeguarding the truth" (saccanurakkhana). Wanting to move closer to reality rather than buy into cheap pleasures of the senses that society at large offers. Distributed by Tubemogul.
03:39
Ven. Gavesako - (Biographical) Growing up under communism
Bhikkhu Gavesako (Czech Republic) talks about hypocrisy, dishonesty and untruthfulness at school, in society, in the media. It is a system based on delusion, covering up the truth. The goal of Buddhism is to uncover reality.
Contemplating the nature of samsaric existence.
Comments