It makes sense regarding the level of virtue of a person. Since morality and virtue is a reflection of wisdom (without wisdom they won't see the need to stay truly virtuous even in private), one with dull wisdom would automatically grasp onto all incoming thoughts and perceptions as their own, and act accordingly. Meanwhile the one with discernment and faith is already has a certain level of detachment and will only act according to the Dhamma, whether or not it's an internally or externally inspired mental activity. They won't be subjected to mind control whether it's from propaganda or evil spirits.
Dear Bhante, what a great Dhamma discussion. I often wonder about some strange thoughts I have on occasion- I have now an explanation to where they come from. Samsara is a very complex and intricate experience, thank you for shedding light on one of its qualities. Sadhu!
Very happy it might have been helpful, Andrew. The senior monks (Kruba Ajahn's) in the Thai Tradition sometimes tell the junior monks about these types of things. It's good to have a general knowledge so that one can take care of oneself well.
The part about the native american kids still confused about 'why did the white man kill us' made me so sad. What depths of vile acts greed can take one to ! It also fills one with Samvega, that this human life is so short and so valuable - to be spent in the effort to uproot craving, lest one fall to Apaya.
I don't believe in ghosts but i know the 'dead' are present Its fascinating this fear of ghosts for Thai people. I read about the Romans who were terrified of death which is why their cemeteries were outside the city walls. Great talk 🙏
Thank you for this extremely interesting talk. My new house is behind a cemetary and I walk through there a few times a week. Will make sure to send extra metta to all beings who may be there.
Very happy it might have been helpful, Chris. That eounds like a nice idea. Can also share merits with the beings there after doing a good deed, like spreading mettā.
The part where you talk about spiritual beings (ghosts, Devas) having "laws of physics" that are highly Virtue related or based makes sense in more than one way. I would add to the "ghosts can do nothing or very little if you stick to virtue" another side of the story: If you stick to virtue, maybe the Devas have a much greater influence on your circumstances and thus can help you much more easily (plenty of examples in the suttas). Our two existences, usually, do not have points of contact (as we have with animals, for example), so the aggregate of virtue (not only from this life) might actually be the connection in some way that "connects our worlds". And of course, there is also the aspect that Devas value Virtue (that's how they came to that state) and with that they will want to help here and there a human who adheres to virtue (keeps the precepts) and maybe even more if he practices towards enlightenment.
That is true. Help from the devas is also an excellent protection. When one is virtuous and practices the Dhamma evil being have less ability to harm and good beings are more likely to help.
🙏🙏🙏
It makes sense regarding the level of virtue of a person. Since morality and virtue is a reflection of wisdom (without wisdom they won't see the need to stay truly virtuous even in private), one with dull wisdom would automatically grasp onto all incoming thoughts and perceptions as their own, and act accordingly. Meanwhile the one with discernment and faith is already has a certain level of detachment and will only act according to the Dhamma, whether or not it's an internally or externally inspired mental activity. They won't be subjected to mind control whether it's from propaganda or evil spirits.
Very helpful talk 🙏🙏🙏
Dear Bhante, what a great Dhamma discussion. I often wonder about some strange thoughts I have on occasion- I have now an explanation to where they come from.
Samsara is a very complex and intricate experience, thank you for shedding light on one of its qualities. Sadhu!
Very happy it might have been helpful, Andrew. The senior monks (Kruba Ajahn's) in the Thai Tradition sometimes tell the junior monks about these types of things. It's good to have a general knowledge so that one can take care of oneself well.
The part about the native american kids still confused about 'why did the white man kill us' made me so sad. What depths of vile acts greed can take one to ! It also fills one with Samvega, that this human life is so short and so valuable - to be spent in the effort to uproot craving, lest one fall to Apaya.
Definitely, history has many tragedies. We never know when we might be caught in the next one. A good spur to develop samvega.
I don't believe in ghosts but i know the 'dead' are present Its fascinating this fear of ghosts for Thai people. I read about the Romans who were terrified of death which is why their cemeteries were outside the city walls. Great talk 🙏
Please read tripitaka…you will find everything about hidden secrets of invisible side of the world.
Glad to hear it might have been helpful. Wishing all the blessings of Dhamma practice.
Thank you for this extremely interesting talk. My new house is behind a cemetary and I walk through there a few times a week. Will make sure to send extra metta to all beings who may be there.
Very happy it might have been helpful, Chris. That eounds like a nice idea. Can also share merits with the beings there after doing a good deed, like spreading mettā.
The part where you talk about spiritual beings (ghosts, Devas) having "laws of physics" that are highly Virtue related or based makes sense in more than one way. I would add to the "ghosts can do nothing or very little if you stick to virtue" another side of the story: If you stick to virtue, maybe the Devas have a much greater influence on your circumstances and thus can help you much more easily (plenty of examples in the suttas). Our two existences, usually, do not have points of contact (as we have with animals, for example), so the aggregate of virtue (not only from this life) might actually be the connection in some way that "connects our worlds". And of course, there is also the aspect that Devas value Virtue (that's how they came to that state) and with that they will want to help here and there a human who adheres to virtue (keeps the precepts) and maybe even more if he practices towards enlightenment.
That is true. Help from the devas is also an excellent protection. When one is virtuous and practices the Dhamma evil being have less ability to harm and good beings are more likely to help.
Sadhu sadhu sadhu 🙏🙏🙏 A great Dhamma discussion Bhanthe
Sādhu. Wonderful to hear it might have been helpful. Wishing you all the blessings of Dhamma practice.