Bhante Phra Ek's Teachings : Dhamma Wheel Sutta (Part 2)

Continuing from the previous post on Bhante Phra Ek's teaching of the Dhamma Wheel Sutta. 

Notes from 1st day (part 2)

CAUSE

Cakkhu-karani = seeing (realising) the unique characteristics (visesalaksana) of the 5 aggregates, e.g. desire, jumping mind, anger, heat, skeleton, solid…)

Nana-karani = rising & falling of Dukkha and its associated cause. Seeing the universal characteristics (Samanyalaksana). Realising the 4 Noble Truths to completion (magga nana and yathabhutananadassana).

This “nana” is not normal “nana”, such as dejavu, intuition, etc) but is “nana” from spiritual insight.  

EFFECTS

Upasamaya = tranquility
Abinnaya = direct knowledge
Sambhodhaya = enlightenment
Nibbanaya = extinguishment of Dukkha

In ancient India, 2 paths believed to bring ultimate liberation: -

- self-indulgence : the first cognitive process in the new life, rooted in greed.
- Self-motification : there was and still is a belief that purification and final deliverance can be achieved by rigorous self-motification. 

Abhisambodhi = unprecedented (in all realms of existence)

- Knowledge
- Realisation
- Wisdom’s light
What is it? …. RIGHT VIEW!

In short, the 5 clinging aggregates are Dukkha (whether wholesome or unwholesome also Dukkha).

Before the Buddha’s time, 

i. Those who hold the view that the body is Dukkha tried to abandon the body and entering immaterial jhana. #a
ii. Those who hold the view that the mind is Dukkha meditated to extinguish consciousness and entering Asannasatta realm, which are unconscious and experience nothing. #b
iii. The point is all Paths at that time attempted to cease Dukkha on the 5 aggregates, either the body or the mind. 

The Buddha extinguishes Dukkha at the view, i.e. the RIGHT VIEW. Not also at the 5 aggregates. 

The Buddha did not refer to a being as “a person/being”, instead he used the term “5 aggregates”. 

 #a : experience no body, only light and bliss. After death, will reborn in immaterial Brahma realm. They’l not have any body (no 5 senses). Cannot see, hear, etc – unable to her the Dharma nor see the Buddha. Even though the mind is pure, but it’s not enlightened. After kara expires, they will still be reborn and defilements will come back. So, defilements only temporary not-arising (Arupa loka).

#b : A person who dies from that state, if they die standing, will be reborn in Asannasatta realm in standing position, but no consciousness. Have eyes, ears, nose, etc, but no eye consciousness, no ear consciousness, etc. So, still cannot see even though have eyes. Cannot hear, even though have ears. 

31 planes of existence – Anagamins (Non-Returners) are reborn in realm #23 to 27. 

Do not forget to review the notes from Part 1 here - https://buddha-and-me.blogspot.com/2024/06/bhante-phra-eks-teachings-dhamma-wheel.html