SUTRA: 'Ten Pleasure Seekers' (AN 10.91)

How do we get to Burning Man? We need driving directions and stops on the way to the playa

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Numerical Discourses (AN 10.91) 10. "With Upāli, Ten Pleasure Seekers"

Once the Buddha was staying near the City of Sāvatthī at Jeta’s Grove, in the Millionaire (Anāthapiṇḍika)’s monastery (Jetavana).

Then the rich householder Anāthapiṇḍika [the philanthropist Sudatta, the "Giver of Alms," "Supporter of the Needy"] went to the Buddha, bowed, and sat respectfully to one side. Seated there, the Buddha said to him: “Ten pleasure seekers are found in the world. What are the ten?

We're here to have a good time, right Bri-Bri?

“One, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. One neither makes oneself happy nor pleased, neither shares it nor makes merit.

“Two, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. One makes oneself happy and pleased but neither shares it nor makes merit.

“Three, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. One makes oneself happy and pleased and shares it and makes merit.

“Four, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using means both legitimate and illegitimate, coercive and uncoercive. One neither makes oneself happy nor pleased, neither shares it nor makes merit.

“Five, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using means both legitimate and illegitimate, coercive and uncoercive. One makes oneself happy and pleased, but neither shares it nor makes merit.

“Six, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using means both legitimate and illegitimate, coercive and uncoercive. One makes oneself happy and pleased and shares it and makes merit.

“Seven, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. One neither makes oneself happy nor pleased, neither shares it nor makes merit.

“Eight, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. One makes oneself happy and pleased, but neither shares it nor makes merit.

“Nine, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. One makes oneself happy and pleased and shares it and makes merit. But one enjoys that wealth in bondage, infatuated, clinging, blind to the drawbacks, not understanding the escape.

See, Stewie? We're rich, we share, we get it...

“Ten, a pleasure seeker seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. One makes oneself happy and pleased and shares it and makes merit. And one enjoys that wealth without bondage, without infatuation, without clinging, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape.

The first

Why, you ask? Here's why.

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using illegitimate, coercive means, who neither makes oneself happy nor pleased, neither shares it nor makes merit. That person may be criticized on three grounds: One seeks for wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. This is the first ground for criticism. One does not make oneself happy nor pleased. This is the second ground for criticism. One neither shares it nor makes merit. This is the third ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be criticized on these three grounds.

The second

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using illegitimate, coercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, but who neither shares it nor makes merit. That person may be criticized on two grounds and praised on one. One seeks for wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. This is the first ground for criticism. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the one ground for praise. One neither shares it nor makes merit. This is the second ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be criticized on these two grounds and praised on this one.

The third

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using illegitimate, coercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, who shares it and makes merit. This person may be criticized on one ground and praised on two. One seeks for wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. This is the one ground for criticism. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the first ground for praise. One shares it and makes merit. This is the second ground for praise. This pleasure seeker may be criticized on this one ground and praised on these two.

The fourth

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using means both legitimate and illegitimate, coercive and uncoercive, who neither makes oneself happy and pleased, neither shares it nor makes merit. This person may be praised on one ground and criticized on three. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the one ground for praise. One seeks for wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. This is the first ground for criticism. One neither makes oneself happy nor pleased. This is the second ground for criticism. One neither shares it nor makes merit. This is the third ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be praised on this one ground and criticized on these three.

The fifth

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using means both legitimate and illegitimate, coercive and uncoercive, who makes oneself happy and pleased, but who neither shares it nor makes merit. That person may be praised on two grounds and criticized on two. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the first ground for praise. One seeks for wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. This is the first ground for criticism. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the second ground for praise. One neither shares it nor makes merit. This is the second ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be praised on these two grounds and criticized on these two.

The sixth

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using means both legitimate and illegitimate, coercive and uncoercive, who makes oneself happy and pleased, shares it and makes merit. One may be praised on three grounds and criticized on one. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the first ground for praise. One seeks for wealth using illegitimate, coercive means. This is the one ground for criticism. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the second ground for praise. One shares it and makes merit. This is the third ground for praise. This pleasure seeker may be praised on these three grounds and criticized on this one.

The seventh

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means, who neither makes oneself happy nor pleased, neither shares it nor makes merit. One may be praised on one ground and criticized on two. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the one ground for praise. One neither makes oneself happy nor pleased. This is the first ground for criticism. One neither shares it nor makes merit. This is the second ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be praised on this one ground and criticized on these two.

The eighth

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, but who neither shares it nor makes merit. One may be praised on two grounds and criticized on one. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the first ground for praise. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the second ground for praise. One neither shares it nor makes merit. This is the one ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be praised on these two grounds and criticized on this one.

The ninth

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, and who shares it and makes merit. But one enjoys that wealth in bondage, infatuated, clinging, blind to the drawbacks, and not understanding the escape. One may be praised on three grounds and criticized on one. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the first ground for praise. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the second ground for praise. One shares it and makes merit. This is the third ground for praise. One enjoys that wealth in bondage, infatuated, clinging, blind to the drawbacks, and not understanding the escape. This is the one ground for criticism. This pleasure seeker may be praised on these three grounds and criticized on this one.

The tenth

“Now, consider the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, who shares it and makes merit. And one enjoys that wealth without bondage, without infatuation, without clinging, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape. One may be praised on four grounds. One seeks for wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means. This is the first ground for praise. One makes oneself happy and pleased. This is the second ground for praise. One shares it and makes merit. This is the third ground for praise. One enjoys that wealth without bondage, without infatuation, without clinging, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape. This is the fourth ground for praise. This pleasure seeker may be praised on these four grounds.

Best of the best

Maybe redheads have the most fun.

“These are the ten pleasure seekers found in the world. The pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, who shares it and makes merit, who uses that wealth without bondage, without infatuation, without clinging, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of the ten.

Why does India add lard to ghee?

“From a cow comes milk, from milk come curds, from curds come butter, from butter comes ghee [clarified butter now almost always adulterated with lard], and from ghee comes cream of ghee [crème de la crème]. And the cream of ghee is said to be the best of these.

“In the same way, the pleasure seeker who seeks wealth using legitimate, uncoercive means, who makes oneself happy and pleased, who shares it and makes merit, who uses that wealth without bondage, without infatuation, without clinging, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of the ten.”

When life no longer gives pleasure, what then?

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• Seth MacFarlane, Family Guy; Dhr. Seven (ed.), based on Bhikkhu Sujato (trans.) suttacentral.net, Kāmabhogī Sutta (AN 10.91), Wisdom Quarterly

Heaven on Earth: 5 Levels of Wealth (video)

MagnatesMedia, May 19, 2021; Ashley Wells, Seth Auberon (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Inside the Secret Lives of the Ultra-Rich

(MagnatesMedia) ⭐ If one earned $1 per second, to make 1 million dollars would take about 11 and a half days. But to make 1 billion dollars would take over 31 and a half years.

See, it’s easy to think of wealth in terms of "rich or poor," but broadly speaking, there are arguably Five Different Levels of Rich. At each level, things change very drastically.

The difference between what a millionaire can do and what a billionaire can do is simply staggering.

This video explores what life is like at each of these different wealth levels, delving into how the ultra-rich spend their money, including some of their most bizarre and extravagant purchases.

But as one watches, one realizes that one of the biggest changes that happens at each wealth level is perspective. This is because prices feel relative to how much one earns.

So if we compare someone whose earning $40,000 a year with someone earning 400 million a year, it’s 10,000 times more. This means a Lamborghini that costs $300,000 to them is the equivalent of spending $30. A $10 million piece of art? That feels like $1,000.

So while to us these purchases would feel major, to a billionaire it’s not even something they need to think about. And of course, when one is that wealthy, it’s not just items and experiences one can buy.

Let’s instead start off with the first level of rich: The Top 1%. Even though this phrase is synonymous with being extremely rich, if one's income is over $200,000 a year, one is technically part of the Top 1% of earners in the world. So being in the Top 1% may not make one feel quite as rich as one might think. 

This is why beyond this level, wealth starts being measured in net worth rather than income, as the more wealth one has the more assets one has, and one is probably not making one's money from a salary.

So the next level of rich is a net worth of $10 million-$30 million. This level of wealth...

This video looks at ALL the other levels of wealth, including the difference between millionaires and billionaires. What are some of the craziest things rich people buy? What are some of the most expensive items ever made and rarest purchases the ultra-rich make?

Let's visualize wealth in different ways, looking at wealth inequality, understanding how billionaires buy a lot more than just expensive items and special experiences.

This post was inspired by Reddit poster a1988eli (with added research and analysis) who had spent a lot of time with several ultra-rich people and therefore had great insights about the levels of wealth.

His original comment was on the reddit post "What do insanely wealthy people buy that ordinary people know nothing about?"

This levels of wealth video was produced within the parameters of the fair use doctrine. Please contact support@magnatesmedia.com with any questions about the contents of this video. Video created by: John Frazer and Hahoany Assad with inspiration and thanks to a1988eli.

Clip from James Jani's channel that visualizes wealth: The Untold Truth About Money: How to Build Wealth from Nothing

Enjoy this video looking inside the lives of the ultra-rich and what a billion dollars can buy.

MagnatesMedia is producing lots more documentaries on business, wealth, finance, success, influence, and lots of fascinating topics. Visit channel page to see free library of documentaries. Subscribe and turn on notifications for more soon 🔔

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Jackpot: How to win billion dollar lottery!

Ñanamoli Thera, Culakammavibhanga Sutra (MN 135) via Access to Insight; Associated Press (ap.org); Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Crystal Q., CC Liu, Seth Auberon (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

What happens if you win Mega Millions' $900M jackpot?

Official website: megamillions.com

DES MOINES, Iowa - Despite the horrible odds — one in 302.5 million for those keeping score at home — someone (or group) will eventually match all six numbers and win the Mega Millions jackpot, now at $900 million. It could happen as soon as Friday night, when the next drawing is held, leaving most of us disappointed but some lucky winner beset by a host of questions. More

• READER MAIL: "Dear Wisdom Quarterly, even though that stuff happens to most winners, HOW do I win? Thanks!

How to win the lottery

We want: long life, health, beauty, power, riches [like massive lottery winnings], high birth, and intelligence, or some of these things? They do not appear by chance.

It is not "luck" that someone is healthy or a lack of luck that someone is stupid. It may not be clear to us now, but all such inequalities among beings come about due to the karma they have made, actions from the past ripening now.

Each person reaps one's own fruits. So if we are touched by short life, illness, ugliness, insignificance, poverty, lowly birth, or stupidity and one does not like these things, there is no need to accept that that is the way it is. Something can be done; "action" (karma) can be taken.

Gambling leads to loss; merit leads to winning

It is also the mark of one who -- having heard the Dharma that leads to enlightenment and liberation from all suffering -- is no longer drifting aimlessly but now has direction in life and a sense of understanding and control over the sort of events that will occur now and in the future.

The future need not be like the past, provided one makes the appropriate kind of karma now. Knowing what karma to make and what to avoid is the mark of a wise person.

 

SUTRA: Short Exposition on Karma

For one who knows-and-sees, it's easy to win!

1. Thus have I heard. On one occasion the [Buddha] was living in Savatthi in Jeta's Grove, in the multimillionaire's Park.

 

Then Sub, the Brahmin student, Todeyya's son, went to the [Buddha] and exchanged greetings. When the courteous and amiable talk concluded, Sub sat down respectfully to one side and said:

 

2. "Master Gautama [the Buddha's surname], what is the reason, what is the condition, as to why inferiority and superiority are met with among human beings, among humankind?

"One meets short-lived and long-lived people, sick and healthy people, ugly and beautiful people, insignificant and influential people, poor and rich people, low-born and high-born people, stupid and intelligent people.

"What is the reason, what is the condition, as to why superiority and inferiority are met with among human beings, among humankind?"

The Buddha answers
3. "Brahmin, beings are owners of karmas, heirs of karmas, they have karmas as their progenitor, karmas as their kin, karmas as their homing-place. It is karmas that differentiate beings according to inferiority and superiority."
 

Winning numbers: 15-23-53-65-70-7 (10/19/18)

4. "I do not understand the detailed meaning of Master Gautama's utterance spoken in brief without expounding the detailed meaning. It would be good if Master Gautama taught me the Dharma so that I might understand the detailed meaning of this utterance spoken in brief without expounding the detailed meaning."

 

"Then listen, Brahmin, and heed well what I explain."

 

"Even so, Master Gautama," Sub the Brahmin replied. Then the [Buddha] explained... More

 

The "American War": businessmen make more money from war than from lottery: 3 top Afghan officials killed while US general is fine
KABUL, Afghanistan - The three top officials in Afghanistan's Kandahar province were murdered when traitorous guards opened fire on them at a security conference today (10/18/18), the deputy provincial governor said, and a "Taliban" spokesman said the target was Washington's top general in Afghanistan, Gen. Scott Miller, who escaped without injury, according to NATO. More

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How to be a LOTTERY winner (sutra)

Editors, Wisdom Quarterly, Piyajatika Sutra (MN 87) edited by Wisdom Quarterly based on a poor translation by Ven. Thanissaro; Calottery.com/contact-us/contact-us-FAQs; AP

Rejoice! Mavis L. Wanczyk, 53, a Massachusetts hospital worker, stepped forward to claim the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in U.S. history — $758.7 million Powerball prize! (AP)

You've won, now what?

Poor tax? I'll take 1,000 of them.

In past posts we've explained how to win. Now you've won. The first thing to do -- since the money won't be coming for at least six weeks -- is read THE WINNER'S HANDBOOK (see below).

Plan ahead. Get an accountant. Retain a lawyer. Hire a handler who comes between you and everyone else, like that guy Kelley who runs blockage for Trump now. This filter will keep you sane and keep panhandlers at bay. They can apply for money rather than asking directly.

• MONEY POT: ~$758 million
• WINNING NUMBERS: 6 7 16 23 26 (Powerball 4)
• Three California tickets got 5 out of 6 numbers
• Hospital worker claims record lottery jackpot
• Clerk just happy to have touched winning ticket
• Police boost patrols around Powerball winner

 
You Just Won Big!

Remember, donate to the Reality Winner Fund!

Congratulations as you begin a new and exciting chapter of your life! We always say that winning a lottery prize should never be a nightmare or complicate your life. If you plan well, surround yourself with trusted advisors and make smart decisions this will be one of the best experiences of your life.
 
You have many important decisions ahead of you, so we at the California Lottery thought we’d share some key information with you that may be helpful in the weeks to come. This detailed booklet explains just about everything you need to know now that you’ve won a large sum of money.

We realize that you have a lot on your mind. Take a moment to review and consider these suggestions and recommendations, sooner, rather than later. Below are some key points to consider when getting started.
•
There will be immediate interest in your story. According to California public disclosure laws, your name is public record. That means the media will likely attempt to contact you to ask a lot of fun questions about your win! Their efforts are made easier in this day and age of internet search engines.
 
With that in mind, we urge you to consider taking part in media availability. We’ll take care of everything along the way by planning and guiding you through the media process. Winners have been better able to satisfy these media requests in one shot and get on with their lives.
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The name and location of the retailer who sold you the winning ticket, the date you won and the amount of your winnings are also matters of public record and are subject to disclosure.
•
You can form a trust prior to claiming your prize, but our regulations do not allow a trust to claim a prize. Understand that your name is still public and reportable.
•

•
If you are concerned about people trying to contact you, consider changing your cell and home phone numbers or allowing your voicemail to pick up calls for a few days.
•
An attorney can help protect you and your assets. Interview at least three licensed attorneys and select the one you feel most comfortable with.
•
An accountant can make sure your taxes are in order year after year (more details inside). Interview several Certified Public Accountants. Remember, you will have to pay federal taxes on your win.
•
If you plan to invest your money, do so wisely. You may consider the services of a qualified investment planner. Again, interview at least three and select the one you are most comfortable with.
•
You may decide you want to hire an attorney, an accountant and an investment planner from three different firms so that they act independently from one another.
•
Remember—you are the boss. They work for you!
•
You will receive many offers to donate, invest or even give away your money. Always consult your experts.
•
Spending fast and furious will only fast and furiously separate you from your winnings. Be careful with your newfound wealth! Below are some reputable associations to help you assemble your legal and financial team.


•
Martindale-Hubbell Directory: martindale.com
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California State Bar: calbar.ca.gov
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The California Society of Certified Public Accountants:
(800) 922-5272 | calcpa.org
•
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors:
(800) 366-2732 or (888) 333-6659 | napfa.org
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The Financial Planning Association:
(800) 322-4237 | fpanet.org

• General Questions
• Financial Questions
• Estate Planning & Forms
• Assignment of Prize Payments
• Public Disclosure
• Managing Your Winnings
• Winner’s Checklist
• Lottery District Offices 

- When you win, don't cling! -

  

SUTRA:  "From What is Dear"

Piyajatika Sutra  (MN 87) edited by Wisdom Quarterly based on trans. by Ven. Thanissaro

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi at Jeta's Grove, in Anathapindika's monastery.

Now at that time a certain householder's dear and beloved little son, his only child, had died. Because of his death, the father had no desire to work or eat. He kept going to the graveyard and crying out, "Where have you gone, my only little child? Where have you gone, my only little child?"

• He lost his mind, his faculties, the way gamblers lose their minds, their faculties when they lose their money or property -- even the potential for winnings they were never in possession of -- experience wracking pain as if they had lost their only son. This is how it is with things we hold dear, grasp, and cling  to, not seeing things as they truly are. We live in danger with no knowledge of the means of escape. We are desperate and in our desperation we begin to lose our grip even as we want to cling more and more, as if clinging were the answer when in fact it's a big part of the problem.

Then he went to the Blessed One [the Buddha] and, on arrival, bowed and sat respectfully to one side. As he was sitting there the Blessed One said to him, "Householder, your faculties are not those of one who is steady in mind. There is an aberration in your faculties."

When Queen Mallika heard the Buddha-Dharma, she became a stream-winner (first stage of enlightenment). This results in perfect confidence/faith (saddha) in the Buddha.

 
...Now at that time a large number of gamblers were playing dice not far from the Blessed One [the Buddha]. So the householder went to the householders and, on arrival, said: "Just now, venerable sirs, I went to Gautama [the Buddha] the wandering ascetic and, on arrival, bowed and sat respectfully to one side.

"As I was sitting there, Gautama the wandering ascetic said to me, 'Householder, your faculties are not those of one who is steady in his own mind. There is an aberration in your faculties.'
 
"When this was said, I said to him, 'Venerable sir, how could there not be an aberration in my faculties? My dear and beloved little son, my only child, has died. Because of his death, I have no desire to work or eat. I keep going to the graveyard and crying out, "Where have you gone, my only little child? Where have you gone, my only little child?"'
 
"'That is the way it is, householder. That is the way it is -- for sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear.'
 
"'But, venerable sir, who would ever think that sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear? Happiness and joy are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear.' So, not delighting in the words of Gautama the wandering ascetic , rejecting them, I got up from my seat and left."
 
"That's the way it is, householder [said the gamblers]. That's the way it is. Happiness and joy are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear."
 
So the householder left, thinking, "I agree with the gamblers."

Faith: Queen Mallika was a stream-winner

Eventually, word of this conversation made its way into the king's inner chambers. Then King Pasenadi Kosala addressed Queen Mallika:

"Mallika, your wandering ascetic Gautama has said this: 'Sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear.'"
 
"If that was said by the Blessed One, great king, then that's the way it is."
 
"No matter what Gautama the wandering ascetic says, Mallika endorses it: 'If that was said by the Blessed One, great king, then that's the way it is.' Just as, no matter what his teacher says, a pupil endorses it: 'That's the way it is, teacher. That's the way it is.' In the same way, no matter what Gautama the wandering ascetic says, Mallika endorses it: 'If that was said by the Blessed One, great king, then that's the way it is.'

"Go away, Mallika! Get out of my sight!"
 

A stream-winner's faith in the Buddha

Then Queen Mallika called for the Brahmin Nalijangha: "Come, Brahmin. Go to the Blessed One and, on arrival, showing reverence with your head to his feet in my name, ask whether he is free from illness and affliction, is carefree, strong, and living in comfort, saying:

"'Queen Mallika, venerable sir, shows reverence with her head to your feet and asks whether you are free from illness and affliction, are carefree, strong, and living in comfort.'

"And then say: 'Venerable sir, did the Blessed One say that sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear?' Whatever the Blessed One says, remember it well and tell it to me [when you return]. For Tathagatas [wayfarers, buddhas] do not speak what is untrue."
 
"Yes, madam," the Brahmin Nalijangha responded to Queen Mallika. Going to the Blessed One, on arrival he exchanged courteous greetings with the Blessed One. After an exchange of friendly greetings and courtesies, he sat to one... More

The Buddhist millionaire's ENLIGHTENMENT

Hellmuth  Hecker (Anathapindika: The Great Benefactor); Dhr. Seven, Crystal Quintero, Amber Larson, CC Liu (editors), Wisdom Quarterly

Yearning for enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, Bodh Gaya, Bihar, India (glosackmd/flickr)

.

6. When Anathapindika was sick and dying
The [multi-millionaire] householder Anathapindika [Sudatta the banker from prosperous Savatthi, who was called Anāthapindika, "giver of alms to the needy"] became sick a third time with very strong pains which were getting worse and not easing.

Again the multi-millionaire Anathapindika asked Venerable Sariputra and Ven. Ananda for assistance. When Ven. Sariputra -- the male disciple foremost in wisdom -- saw him, he knew that Anathapindika was nearing death, so he gave him in detail the following instructions (only outlined here):

Enlightenment instructions

1. First, practice freeing yourself from clinging to the six sense faculties without attaching to them;
2. Second, practice releasing yourself from dependence on the six [external sense] objects and do not attach to them either.
3. Third, relinquish clinging to the connecting link between the six senses and the six sense objects, as well as to the six sense contacts, the six feelings, the six elements, the Five Aggregates, and the four formless [immaterial] realms, as well as to all that is seen, heard, thought, perceived, and investigated* in the mind.

• *The expression "what is seen, heard, or otherwise sensed" is an expression famously found in the discourse to Bahiya of the Barkcloth (Daruciriya), who was quick to understand and was the fastest to ever become enlightened when being taught by the Buddha with the least amount of instruction: "Do not look long, do not look short. In the seen, let there be only the seen. In the heard, only the heard. In the otherwise sensed, only the otherwise sensed."

Knowledge cannot rival experience (Stivers).

Anathapindika must have followed these detailed instructions with his heart so that even as he was listening, he was already practicing in the way the wise and enlightened Ven. Sariputra had instructed him. At the end of the presentation, tears came from Anathapindika's eyes.

Ven. Ananda turned to him compassionately and asked him to calm himself and to be at peace. Anathapindika replied: "I cannot calm myself and be at peace, O worthy Ananda. I have served the [Buddha] and the spiritually accomplished monastics (nuns and monks) for a long time, and yet I have never heard such a profound discourse."
 
Ven. Sariputra said: "Such profound talk, O householder, will not be clear enough for white-clad followers [lay Buddhists]; it is clear enough for ascetics."
 
Anathapindika answered: "Ven. Sariputra, let such talks on the Dharma be given to white-clad laypeople, too! There are those with just a little dust in their eyes [a small coating of delusion]. If they do not hear such teachings, they will be lost. If they do hear such teachings, some may be able to understand!"

The ultimate
The difference from the previously presented teaching of the Buddha is significant. Here we are concerned with ultimate questions, with the highest deliverance of mind/heart from all suffering, not just on a theoretical basis but as a practice.
 

Anathapindika, full of faith as a stream enterer, famously gives as many gold coins as it takes to cover the ground to buy Jeta Grove to donate it to the Buddha and the Sangha.

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Anathapindika was aware, as a disciple who possessed the fruit of stream-entry (the first stage of enlightenment), of the transitory nature the Five Aggregates of Clinging, and he himself had expressed the fact that he knew the Three Characteristics of Existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self.

But there is a great difference as to whether one merely hears these things and ponders them, or whether one actually practices, directly perceives them, and applies their relevance. In this distinction lies the essential difference between the methods the Buddha used to teach householders and he used to teach monastics.
 
Laypeople vs. monastics

Enlightenment does not come about by clinging to mere rules or rituals, as Binky finds out after reading yoga books and saying om 108,000 times (Matt Groening/"Life in Hell").

 
For laypeople, insight into the true nature of existence was presented as a matter of knowledge, and this teaching was given at first to the monastics as well. But for the many monastics who had progressed further, the Buddha introduced the practice that would lead to complete liberation (full enlightenment) in this very life.

Only if one sees that Ven. Sariputra's exposition was a practical step-by-step approach to directly experiencing nirvana, can one understand that Anathapindika had never heard the core of the Teaching presented in quite such a manner.

Inner light (enlightenedbeings.com)

In his dying hour he was already far removed from his worldly concerns (about money, business, and craving all his enjoyments) and, while reflecting on the Dharma, he had renounced and abandoned attachment to worldly possessions and even to this decrepit body revealed as unstable and liable to disappoint. So he found himself in a situation comparable to that of the most advanced monastics.

Under these circumstances, Ven. Sariputra was able to effectively give him instructions that would have the most far-reaching effects.
 
After advising Anathapindika in this way, Ven. Sariputra and Ven. Ananda left. Shortly thereafter, the householder Anathapindika passed away and was reborn in Tusita, a blissful celestial world, where his youngest daughter had been reborn.

The Buddha's aura, colorful and streaming.

Yet he was so genuinely devoted to the Buddha and the [Noble] Sangha [the community of accomplished practitioners whether they be lay Buddhist householders or ordained monastics] that he appeared in the Jeta Grove as a deva [a shining one, a light being], filling the entire grove with his luminosity. He went to the Buddha and, after paying respects, spoke the following verses.

"O, blessed is this Jeta Grove,

frequented by the enlightened community,

Where the Dharma King resides,

the fount of all my happiness!

By deeds, by knowledge, by uprightness,

By virtue, by the sublimest life,

By these are mortals purified,

and not by lineage nor by wealth.

A wise person, therefore,

seeing one's own good,

Wisely will one choose the Dharma,

so that one may thus be purified.

Like Sariputra in his wisdom,

in his virtue, and in highest peace,

At best an ascetic who has crossed

beyond, can only equal him."

(MN 143; SN 2.20) More

The power of beauty (sutra)

Pat Macpherson, Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, Crystal Quintero, CC Liu, Wisdom Quarterly; Associated Press, 9-8-13; Sedaka Sutra (SN 47.20), Ittha Sutra, "Welcome Things" (AN 5.43)

The 63rd Miss World Pageant contestants wear Indonesian's traditional dress during opening ceremony in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013 (AP/Firdia Lisnawati).

Everyone loves beauty, even touchy-feely primates, like humans on devas (uhohbro/youtube).

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Has been Miss USA 2012, Rhode Island's Olivia

BALI, Indonesia - The 63rd edition of the Miss World pageant opened [last year] after protests by Muslim hard-liners confined the event to Indonesia's predominantly Hindu resort island of Bali.

 

The opening ceremony, which was televised to 186 countries, featured Bali's Kecak dance and a parade of all 131 contestants.

 

Immodest bikini. It's all rigged

Following days of protests by Indonesian hard-line Muslim groups and the rejection of the contest by a leading clerics' organization, the government announced [the day before] that it was moving the Sept. 28 final round to Bali. It was initially set to be held in Sentul, on the outskirts of the capital, Jakarta.

 

Bali is the only Hindu [and Buddhist]-dominated province in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.

 

Can males be beautiful? Of course

Controversy over the pageant has been mounting in Indonesia, which has a reputation as a tolerant, pluralist society that respects freedom of expression.

 

The Indonesia Ulema Council, the country's most influential clerics' organization, and the hard-line groups Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia and Front for Islamic Defenders have urged the government to cancel the event.

Porn sucks in lesbians, too, in a patriarchy.

They have argued that the exposure of skin by women in a competition violates Muslim teachings, even after organizers agreed to cut the bikini competition and instead outfit contestants in more conservative sarongs [wraps].

 

The chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, Julia Morley, has promised that none of the contestants will wear a bikini. More
 

The Beauty Queen

Wisdom Quarterly translation, Sedaka Sutra (SN 47.20)

Rural Afghan girls look at U.N. workers unloading ballot kits to simulate elections that are actually rigged from helicopter in Ghumaipayan Mahnow village, some 256 miles (410 km) northeast of Kabul, Oct. 4, 2004. Air is the only way to deliver the electoral material in the inaccessible areas of the Badakhshan province. A helicopter distributed electoral kits in 24 remote villages near Tajikistan's border (AP/Emilio Morenatti).

 .

Sakka: Shall I keep you mindful with a sword?

Thus have I heard. At one time the Blessed One was staying among the Sumbhas in the Sumbhan town of Sedaka, where he addressed the monastics, "Meditators!"
 
"Yes, venerable sir," they replied.
 

Mara: Can my daughters distract you?

The Blessed One said, "Suppose, meditators, a large group of people crowds together shouting, 'The beauty queen! The beauty queen!' Further suppose the beauty queen is highly accomplished at singing and dancing, so that an even larger group crowds in shouting, 'The beauty queen is singing! The beauty queen is dancing!'

"Now suppose a man comes along, eager to live, shrinking from death, desiring pleasure, abhorring pain. The crowd says to him, 'See here, fellow! You will take this bowl filled to the brim with oil and carry it on your head between the great crowd and the beauty queen. A man with a raised sword will follow behind you, and if you spill even a drop of oil, he will cut your head off right on the spot!'

Top ten: Monnin said the contestant told her about the discovery as the top 16 were announced. But organizers say she resigned to protest transgender contestants (AP/DM).

 

Miss Georgia, China 2007

"What do you think, Will that man drift off, forget to pay attention to the bowl of oil, allow himself to be distracted?"
 
"No, venerable sir!"
 
"I give you this analogy to convey this meaning: The bowl filled to the brim with oil stands is mindfulness rooted in the body. Thus train yourselves: 'We will develop mindfulness rooted in the body. We will pursue it, hand it the reins, and make it the basis, give it a grounding, steady it, consolidate it, and undertake it well.' Train yourselves that way."

How do I become beautiful?
Wisdom Quarterly translation, Ittha Sutra, "Welcome Things" (AN 5.43)

Bikini wrapped in a U.S. flag -- golfer Sophie Horn (rantsports.com/facebook)

Beauty draws attention and is celebrated even among males with different standards.

Who dictates the standards of beauty?

Anathapindika the (multimillionaire) householder went to the Blessed One, bowed, sat respectfully to one side. And the Blessed One said to him: "Five things, householder, are welcome, agreeable, pleasant, and hard to get in the world. What are those five things?

1. Long life is welcome, agreeable, pleasant, and hard to get in the world.
2. Beauty...
3. Happiness...
4. Influence (status, power, riches, prestige)...
5. "Rebirth in the heavens is welcome, agreeable, pleasant, and hard to get in the world.

Burmese prince (Dietmar Temps)

"Now, I tell you, these five things are not obtained by praying or wishing (by making vows and bargains). If they could be obtained by praying or wishing, who would not have them?

"It is unfitting for a disciple of the noble ones who desires long life to pray for it or to delight in doing so. Instead, a disciple of the noble ones who desires long life should follow the path of practice (karma) leading to long life. [It will yield this result even if one does not specifically wish for it.] In so doing, one will attain long life, whether human or divine.
 

I'm pretty, too, right? Not just my sisters.

"It is unfitting for a disciple of the noble ones who desires beauty to pray for it or to delight in doing so. Instead, a disciple of the noble ones who desires beauty should follow the path of practice leading to beauty. In so doing, one will attain beauty, whether human or divine.
 
"It's unfitting for a disciple of the noble ones who desires happiness...influence...rebirth in the heavens to pray for it or to delight in doing so. Instead, a disciple of the noble ones who desires [these things] should follow the path of practice leading to [them]. In so doing, one will attain [them]."

 

Long life, beauty, influence, honor, heaven, high birth:

To those who delight in aspiring for these in great measure,
Continuously, the wise praise heedfulness

(vigilance, mindfulness, wakefulness, resolution)

In making merit (beneficial karma).

The wise person, heedful, acquires a two-fold safeguard,

In this life and in the next.

By breaking through to this safeguard, one is called wise.
 

Don't body-shame me for these skinny b-thc-s. I'm my own self! (bookstove.com)

People listen when beauty speaks (PETA).

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