Craving
Published on Dec 06, 2020
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Spreads like a creeping vine
The craving of a person who lives negligently
A Visual journey of the Dhammapada
Starting with V334
Some photos my own, many from India, others are slide deck photos
Starting with V334
Some photos my own, many from India, others are slide deck photos
Photo by mjk4219
Like a monkey seeking fruit in the forest
Such a person leaps ever onward
for anyone who overcomes
this miserable craving and clinging to the world
Photo by andramaxy@rocketmail.com
Tanha
Craving, thirst
Deep dive into craving
B/C of Beauty of these verses and
I had never explored it in the past
Rabbit hole!
Tanha- Pali: thirst, drought, craving, and "The fever of unsatisfied longing"
-Merriam-Webster THIRST: "to crave vehemently & urgently"
-thirst is a deep physiological need
-very compelling
-implies suffering; we suffer from thirst;
-sense of sadness or tragedy in it
Often used interchangeably with desire BUT
Desire has many different meanings- more on this later.
B/C of Beauty of these verses and
I had never explored it in the past
Rabbit hole!
Tanha- Pali: thirst, drought, craving, and "The fever of unsatisfied longing"
-Merriam-Webster THIRST: "to crave vehemently & urgently"
-thirst is a deep physiological need
-very compelling
-implies suffering; we suffer from thirst;
-sense of sadness or tragedy in it
Often used interchangeably with desire BUT
Desire has many different meanings- more on this later.
Photo by Dan Gold
Craving is a Noble Truth
Stupa at Deer Park, Sarnath- site of the first turning of the wheel of dharma- 4NTs
1st All existence is dukkha
2nd The cause of dukkha is craving
3rd The cessation of dukkha comes with the cessation of craving
4th There is a path that leads from dukkha
2nd NT: it is this craving that leads to renewed existence:
If there were no pleasure and joy in the world, we would not become enamored of samsara.
By facing up to the truth of suffering and its causes, we may begin to reduce it.
1st All existence is dukkha
2nd The cause of dukkha is craving
3rd The cessation of dukkha comes with the cessation of craving
4th There is a path that leads from dukkha
2nd NT: it is this craving that leads to renewed existence:
If there were no pleasure and joy in the world, we would not become enamored of samsara.
By facing up to the truth of suffering and its causes, we may begin to reduce it.
"Bhikkhus, all is burning"
The Ādittapariyāya Sutta- FIRE SERMON
"The eye is burning, forms are burning...
Burning with what? Burning with the fire of lust, with the fire of hate, with the fire of delusion.
"When a noble follower who has heard (the truth) sees thus, he finds estrangement in the eye, finds estrangement in forms...
"When he finds estrangement, passion fades out. With the fading of passion, he is liberated.
Nirvana means the extinguishing of fire
"The eye is burning, forms are burning...
Burning with what? Burning with the fire of lust, with the fire of hate, with the fire of delusion.
"When a noble follower who has heard (the truth) sees thus, he finds estrangement in the eye, finds estrangement in forms...
"When he finds estrangement, passion fades out. With the fading of passion, he is liberated.
Nirvana means the extinguishing of fire
Photo by Connor Jalbert
this i say to you:
good fortune to all assembled here!
V337
What exactly is Tanha?
Photo by Lahiru Supunchandra
Lobha/Raga
(greed) +
Dvesha/Dosa
(aversion, hatred) +
& Moha
(ignorance, delusion)
Tanha contains 3 root poisons/kleshas- Rooster, snake, and pig -axle of the wheel of life
-lead to creation of karma--> rebirth
Mind states that distort our perception of reality
Rooted in discontent, sense of lack, feeling unfulfilled
Our actions and speech emerge from mental states;
Acknowledging our behaviors are s/t informed by destructive emotions- we can transform them.
-lead to creation of karma--> rebirth
Mind states that distort our perception of reality
Rooted in discontent, sense of lack, feeling unfulfilled
Our actions and speech emerge from mental states;
Acknowledging our behaviors are s/t informed by destructive emotions- we can transform them.
Lobha- Greed, desire
- Attachment to things
- Attachment to ideas
- Attachment to our world
- Attachment to self-view
1. Objects, others, praise, attention.
2. Holding on to our own beliefs or understanding is grasping
3. Belief our world is reality- Buddhist view is each category of being creates its own world, none is more real than another
4. How we see o/w and how others see us- Status
2. Holding on to our own beliefs or understanding is grasping
3. Belief our world is reality- Buddhist view is each category of being creates its own world, none is more real than another
4. How we see o/w and how others see us- Status
Photo by Kazi Faiz Ahmed Jeem
Dosa- aversion, hatred
- Non-acceptance of your experience in the present moment
- Fueled by thoughts, sensation, memories
Examples: Irritation, anger, resistance, fault-finding, judging, comparing, boredom, fear, sadness, disappointment, impatience
Photo by David Clode
moha- delusion, ignorance
- Enchantment with a desired object
- Incomplete perception- Avidya
- Self-cherishing
Misconception of reality-Avidya- Not seeing
We exaggerate the + pleasurable qualities & ignore the -difficult/painful qualities- and cost of attaining
Therefore, craving is ignorance or Unwise attention
We think if we possess the object, we will secure or enhance our ego identity
We exaggerate the + pleasurable qualities & ignore the -difficult/painful qualities- and cost of attaining
Therefore, craving is ignorance or Unwise attention
We think if we possess the object, we will secure or enhance our ego identity
Photo by Nicolas Castez
so suffering sprouts again and again
until the tendency to crave is rooted out
Photo by Jack Skipworth
The streams flow everywhere
the creeper of craving sprouts and remains
v340
How do we recognize tanha?
Photo by Lahiru Supunchandra
Cetana-directionality
Hidden
Impermanent
Conditioned
Habitual
Variable
Self-propagating
-Directionality of the mind toward or away from the object or experience
-Hidden or invisible, often go unnoticed;
-Arises, then is replaced, impermanent
-Deeply conditioned patterns
-Variable intensity and frequency- can be obsessive, ex addiction
-Can never be satisfied: Gratification exists because there is joy in the world. If pleasure did not exist, we would not become enamored with things.
-pain-resistance-seek sensual pleasure-increases craving-attachment to pleasure-increases suffering w/ change in conditions-
-Seek to avoid the second arrow; do not be fettered by your experience of suffering
-Hidden or invisible, often go unnoticed;
-Arises, then is replaced, impermanent
-Deeply conditioned patterns
-Variable intensity and frequency- can be obsessive, ex addiction
-Can never be satisfied: Gratification exists because there is joy in the world. If pleasure did not exist, we would not become enamored with things.
-pain-resistance-seek sensual pleasure-increases craving-attachment to pleasure-increases suffering w/ change in conditions-
-Seek to avoid the second arrow; do not be fettered by your experience of suffering
Photo by Milada Vigerova
Kama Tanha
- Craving for pleasure via 6 sense desires
- Preferences and expectations- reinforce self
- Causes suffering when ceases or absent
Most apparent.
Present in our usual engagement with the world.
Food, pleasing sights/sounds, sexual fulfillment, physical comfort, pleasant mind states, confirming thoughts, reassurance, experiences
The problem is not enjoying them but in being attached to the world of sense pleasures and avoiding discomfort.
Pretas/hungry ghosts- their craving blinds them to the fact that it is the very thing that imprisons them and condemns them to inevitable suffering
Present in our usual engagement with the world.
Food, pleasing sights/sounds, sexual fulfillment, physical comfort, pleasant mind states, confirming thoughts, reassurance, experiences
The problem is not enjoying them but in being attached to the world of sense pleasures and avoiding discomfort.
Pretas/hungry ghosts- their craving blinds them to the fact that it is the very thing that imprisons them and condemns them to inevitable suffering
Photo by Michael Kucharski
bhava tanha
- Craving for becoming
- Expectations
- Based in self-view; reinforces self
- In meditation- striving, spiritual ambition, trying to make s/t happen
EX: existence, ambition, attainment, approval, success, obsessively planning
Longing, wishing, wanting, hoping, overeagerness, seeking more, Expectation; the idea of what we want to happen
Self-view: status, continuity in the world
Fuels these uncomfortable states: Anxiety, doubt, greed, envy, impatience, self-judgment, comparison, envy, temptation, greed
Longing, wishing, wanting, hoping, overeagerness, seeking more, Expectation; the idea of what we want to happen
Self-view: status, continuity in the world
Fuels these uncomfortable states: Anxiety, doubt, greed, envy, impatience, self-judgment, comparison, envy, temptation, greed
Vibhava Tanha
- Craving for non-existence
- Craving numbness, oblivion, extinction
- Consumes immense amount of energy
Annihilation, aversion to something present
wanting to be separated from pain
escapism, addiction, television
Must be abandoned
wanting to be separated from pain
escapism, addiction, television
Must be abandoned
How do we distinguish pleasure from craving?
-You can enjoy s/t w/o craving.
-Tanha includes wrong view & attachment
-Pleasure from beauty does not usually result in craving-
-Ex- scenery, art, music, poetry, sunset
-No striving to own it or make it our own
-Desire can be wholesome: it can be the motivation to accomplish something—
Dharma Raga- craving for dharma
Dharma Kama- love for the dharma
-a desire for enlightenment
-to become more compassionate
-to serve others.
-Tanha includes wrong view & attachment
-Pleasure from beauty does not usually result in craving-
-Ex- scenery, art, music, poetry, sunset
-No striving to own it or make it our own
-Desire can be wholesome: it can be the motivation to accomplish something—
Dharma Raga- craving for dharma
Dharma Kama- love for the dharma
-a desire for enlightenment
-to become more compassionate
-to serve others.
Attached to happiness, seeking enjoyment
People are subject to birth and death
Someone attached to the forest
Runs right back to it.
Come, see that free person
Run right back into bondage
Photo by Kiwihug
pulling out the thorn from your heart
Renunciation leads to freedom
Attadanda Sutta from the Sutta Nipata
3rd NT: freedom from craving leads to stillness, simplicity, and contentment
What are some steps we can take to transform craving?
Attadanda Sutta from the Sutta Nipata
3rd NT: freedom from craving leads to stillness, simplicity, and contentment
What are some steps we can take to transform craving?
Photo by Lahiru Supunchandra
Recognize it
What is happening in your experience r/n?
Is craving or aversion present?
If you are having a pleasant experience, is grasping present?
If something is unpleasant, are you pulling away from it?
Ignoring it?
What is the general flavor of your mind?
Is your mind in the present moment?
Is craving or aversion present?
If you are having a pleasant experience, is grasping present?
If something is unpleasant, are you pulling away from it?
Ignoring it?
What is the general flavor of your mind?
Is your mind in the present moment?
Photo by Suzanne D. Williams
Sit with it
Now-get out of the way! Observe it.
Notice what is happening in your body, mind.
How does it feel? Change?
Be interested in it and curious to see what happens.
Cultivate the confidence cravings will evolve if you set up + conditions for it to work itself out.
Contemplate your desires and let them be.
Acknowledge them without a sense of judgment
Resist taking steps to fulfill them
Do not try to think your way out of it.
Notice what is happening in your body, mind.
How does it feel? Change?
Be interested in it and curious to see what happens.
Cultivate the confidence cravings will evolve if you set up + conditions for it to work itself out.
Contemplate your desires and let them be.
Acknowledge them without a sense of judgment
Resist taking steps to fulfill them
Do not try to think your way out of it.
Remind yourself of the nature of tanha
Remind y/s of the nature of life- Recognize it is not always going to work for you the way you want it to.
Tell y/s: "this is what happens in this world"
Forgive life for being what it is- ornament of the brave
This craving is just another experience
See objects of craving in their entirety. Vidya. Right view.
Reflect on how this may bring you suffering
-Object of craving is impermanent- it burns out when fuel runs out
-If we invest our happiness in it we will suffer later
-We may not be able to attain or control it
-We may lose it or be separated from it.
- There are consequences of acting on it. It will burn you.
Tell y/s: "this is what happens in this world"
Forgive life for being what it is- ornament of the brave
This craving is just another experience
See objects of craving in their entirety. Vidya. Right view.
Reflect on how this may bring you suffering
-Object of craving is impermanent- it burns out when fuel runs out
-If we invest our happiness in it we will suffer later
-We may not be able to attain or control it
-We may lose it or be separated from it.
- There are consequences of acting on it. It will burn you.
Photo by Eyasu Etsub
Contemplate a neutral object, one of beauty, or Brahma Viharas
Neutral, something unlikely to trigger more craving or aversion
Ex: Breath, body sensations, flame of candle
Beauty: one you can simply enjoy; flower, nature, snow, Buddha rupa
Brahma Viharas: Metta, karuna, mudita, & upekkha- equinamity.
Ex: Breath, body sensations, flame of candle
Beauty: one you can simply enjoy; flower, nature, snow, Buddha rupa
Brahma Viharas: Metta, karuna, mudita, & upekkha- equinamity.
Cultivate stillness, simplicity, and contentment
Whiskey is an expert in cultivating these mind states!
Be like Whiskey
Ask y/s: do I really need this moment to be different?
Can I let go of my resistance to this experience?
What if I surrendered to what is right now?
Consider you can choose to enter a space of tranquility, ease, and gratitude
Off the cushion: Do nothing. Avoid excessive busyness.
Identify activities that conflict with spiritual life, and those that support it. Avoid those that conflict.
Ex: taking a walk.
Recognize when Kleshas are not present. What is the tone of your mind then?
Practice gratitude; Enjoy what you do have in your life.
Joyful renunciation
Be like Whiskey
Ask y/s: do I really need this moment to be different?
Can I let go of my resistance to this experience?
What if I surrendered to what is right now?
Consider you can choose to enter a space of tranquility, ease, and gratitude
Off the cushion: Do nothing. Avoid excessive busyness.
Identify activities that conflict with spiritual life, and those that support it. Avoid those that conflict.
Ex: taking a walk.
Recognize when Kleshas are not present. What is the tone of your mind then?
Practice gratitude; Enjoy what you do have in your life.
Joyful renunciation
Act in accordance with precepts
5 or 10 precepts
Sila-ethical behavior
Particularly mental precepts:
1. Avoid grasping
2. Abstain from hatred, dismissal
3. Work to transcend self-view
4. Practice Generosity
Sila-ethical behavior
Particularly mental precepts:
1. Avoid grasping
2. Abstain from hatred, dismissal
3. Work to transcend self-view
4. Practice Generosity
Confess
Sometimes we hide our unskillful behavior from o/s or others; Raksha
Confession is the Antidote to concealing
Admitting when you are unskillful helps you identify the shadowy parts of us and lifts the burden of unethical action
Allows you to openly commit to acting more skillfully in the future
Not pejorative- spiritual friends realize only a budda has total purity of mind, the rest of us are expected to act unkillfully at times
Confession is the Antidote to concealing
Admitting when you are unskillful helps you identify the shadowy parts of us and lifts the burden of unethical action
Allows you to openly commit to acting more skillfully in the future
Not pejorative- spiritual friends realize only a budda has total purity of mind, the rest of us are expected to act unkillfully at times
Photo by Roberto Nickson
It's not a strong bond, say the wise,
That is made of iron, wood, or grass
v345-347
Photo by Denny Müller
AND LONGING FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSE-
That bond is weighty, elastic, and hard to loosen.
Photo by Liv Bruce
Having cut even this, they go forth
free from longing, abandoning sensual pleasures
Those attached to passion are caught in a river
like a spider caught in its own web
Photo by Jason DeRusha
But having cut even this, the wise set forth
free from longing, abandoning all suffering
Tanha transformed
Photo by Lahiru Supunchandra
Live like a God/Deva
- Brahmacharya
-Enjoy a blissful state of not wanting anything.
God-like state where desires do not disturb you
-Enjoy a blissful state of not wanting anything.
God-like state where desires do not disturb you
The observer and the observed
An awareness will arise that has its own nature- one that is not disturbed by craving.
You begin to notice your experiences from a more spacious position
You begin to notice your experiences from a more spacious position
Photo by Pepe Reyes
Mind self-liberates
We lose the attachment associated with craving
The mind begins to more quickly and easily recognize which mental states lead to suffering and which to freedom
The mind begins to more quickly and easily recognize which mental states lead to suffering and which to freedom
Photo by Mohamed Nohassi
Equanimity arises
Mind tolerates stronger mental states with forbearance.
The mind does not indulge nor reject the observed experience
Our grip onto our perceived reality is loosened.
The mind has let go.
The mind does not indulge nor reject the observed experience
Our grip onto our perceived reality is loosened.
The mind has let go.
Photo by hurleygurley
Gone beyond becoming, With the mind released in every way
You do not again undergo birth and old age
