- According to Sonadana, what qualities make a brahmin a brahmin?
- Which qualities that make a brahmin a brahmin can be taken away and the brahmin would still remain a brahmin?
- Which qualities cannot be taken away?
- Ajatassatu lists various crafts, from warrior to bathhouse attendant and wreath weaver, and points out that all those engaged in these crafts live off the fruits of their trade, delight themselves and their friends with them, feed themselves and their loved ones with these fruits, and make offerings. The fruits of their labor are visible. Is it possible in the same way to indicate the fruit of hermitry that would be visible in this world?
- What are the visible fruits of hermitage?
- Why, impressed by the peace of the monastic community, does Ajatassatu desire the same peace for his son?
Additional questions:
- The Buddha often says in the suttas “Only the Buddha or a disciple of the Buddha can answer this question”. What does this mean?
- When people take refuge in the Buddha, they say, “I ask to be remembered by the Buddha as a lay follower” Why? What stands behind this wish?
- These people who ask, consciously or subconsciously, understand that the Buddha will always be in the heavens. If the Buddha will remember them, it means they cannot become lost. A hook of compassion will be lowered to them which will pull them to the heavens. They cared about the future. They want the Buddha and his disciples to remember them in this and future lives.
- What should we be thinking when we bow? (When teaching to others and students bow to teacher and vice versa at the end of class)
- “May our collaboration bring good to many beings”
Are there Suttas that Help deal with Stress?
Yes. MN 20. Five Methods of Stopping vicious thoughts. It is good to practice these methods on a daily basis.
