Monday, January 21, 2013

Dhamma Discussion


Our Lord Buddha stated, “Kālena dhammasākacchā, Etam mangalamuttamam”, which means “Opportune discussion of the Dhamma is the most auspicious sign”. The Dhamma Discussion is suitable to do at the leisure time as well as when one meets with the person who has preference for moral, concentration and wisdom (Sila, Samadhi and Panna). Person who is equal to or higher than one in the level of Sila, Samadhi and Panna (moral, concentration and wisdom) is suitable to discuss the Dhamma. One should also discuss the Dhamma with those person who has lower level in these aspects for their benefits rather than oneself.

Among different Buddhism Texts such as Sutta, Vinaya and Abhidhamma, people usually keep the Text which they are proficient in. So, it is better to discuss the Dhamma with the person who has the same proficiency in Text. Argument will occur if the discussion takes place between the two persons with different proficiency in Text. Then having demerit instead of merit will be the consequence. In Anguttara Pali, “Sakaccha Sutta”, Venerable Sariputta mentioned five ways of the Dhamma Discussion. Answering and discussing the Dhamma:

1. if the person with perfect moral (Sila) asked; 
2. if the person with perfect concentration (Samadhi) asked;
3. if the person with perfect wisdom (Panna) asked;
4. if the person with perfect Vimotti (Phala) Nana asked;
5. if the person with perfect Paccavatkhana Nana asked.

Two persons take part in the Dhamma Discussion. One who explains and the other who listens, in other words, a preacher (Dhammadesana) and a listener (Dhammassa- vana) as well as being right understanding (Ditthiju- kamma). Both of them get merit.

Discussing the Dhamma with children according to their age is also a wise work. One should teach and explain the meaning of prayers. Benefits of worshiping to the Buddha are necessary to mention them too.

Yogi has to ask the Dhamma respectfully to the Kammatthana teacher and the teacher has to give explanation. Like cleaning weeds around the young plant, Yogi is beneficial being made clear of the Vipassana Nana. But Yogi should not discuss the Dhamma among themselves so as to avoid wrong noting.

Henceforth, one should do the Dhamma Discussion whenever possible to have bliss and merit.

Posted by Aye Sat

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