Do you not find it difficult to think in terms of “mental states”?

3:33 PM
Do you not find it difficult to think in terms of “mental states”?
Q: Do you not find it difficult to think in terms of “mental states”? Thinking of one’s own mental state might seem an ego- centric attitude. 

A: Thinking of one’s own mental states is very realistic, because it is the different mental states which make us act in this way or that. Only if we study our mental states and the many factors which cause them to be like this or that, will we be able to understand the deepest motives of our behaviour. We have to start by being aware of our own mental states. This is not egocentric, because we have to understand ourselves first, before we can understand other people. Through the study of theAbhidhamma one can begin to have more understanding of one’s own mental states. The Abhidhamma is that part of the Buddhist teachings which analyses the different states of mind and which explains in detail about everything which is real. The study of the Abhidhamma helps us to understand which causes bring which effects in our life and in the lives of other people.

[Exerpted from the Book: Buddhism in Daily Life written by Nina van Gorko]
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What is the meaning of giving food to the monks?

3:22 PM
What is the meaning of giving food to the monks?
As regards the giving of food to the monks, some people doubt whether that is of any use. They are inclined to think thatmonks want to have an easy life and that they do not have towork at all, but they forget that the real meaning of being a monkis seeking the truth. A monk’s life is a hard life, he does not have a family life, he
cannot choose his own food and he does not take part in any entertainment such as going to the movies or football matches.He renounces the luxuries of a home, entertainment, choice ofclothing and food, in order to seek the truth and to help otherpeople to find the truth as well.

When people give food to the monks their act is one which willbe fruitful for both parties. The giver will benefit from his actbecause he has a wholesome mental state at the time of giving:when there is generosity there is no greed or attachment. Thereceiver will benefit from the act of the giver because he isencouraged to study and practise the Buddhist teachings moreearnestly and to help other people to know the teachings as well.He knows that the food he receives puts him under an obligationto be worthy of the gift, to work for the spiritual welfare of thewhole world. Monks are continually reminded of their responsibilityas monks, and twice a month they recite the rules of “Påìimokkha”in which their obligations are summed up. Furthermore, whenthe receiver is aware of the wholesome state of the giver, he willrejoice in the good deeds of the giver and thus he will have awholesome mental state as well; he will be inspired by the generosityof the giver.

[Exerpted from the Book: Buddhism in Daily Life written by Nina van Gorko]
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Could you tell me more about the different degrees of understanding the Buddha’s teaching?

4:09 PM
Could you tell me more about the different degrees of understanding the Buddha’s teaching?
As regards paying respect to the Buddha image, people who have a higher level of understanding know that the Buddhahas passed away completely. When one has studied the teachings more deeply and when one has tried to verify them in daily life, one understands that, although the Buddha has passed away, it still makes sense to pay respect to him. It is the wholesome mental state of the person who pays respect to the Buddha or who offers something to him which will bring its result accordingly. Every good action brings a good result to the person who performs it. One reaps what one has sown.

The person who pays respect to the Buddha with the right understanding does not have a confused idea of a Buddha in heaven who could see him or hear him. The image of the Buddha reminds him of the virtues of the Buddha. He thinks of the wisdom of the Buddha who found the Path to complete freedom from sorrow all by himself and who was able to help other people as well to find this Path. He thinks of the purity of the Buddha, of the purity in all his deeds, his speech and his thoughts. He thinks of the compassion of the Buddha, who taught out of compassion for everybody.
Nina van Gorkom
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