Taking the non-stop train to Nibbāna

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast.

This talk looks at the challenges we face in our practice when it comes to speculation about the world. It's far too easy to knowingly and unknowingly fall for worldly matters, which inevitably takes us down a variety of rabbit holes that are very difficult to climb out of. We trust a variety of sources without knowing if they are worthy, we pollute our minds, and as a result experience confusion, anxiety, fear and more. Many of us don't realise we are suffering from this, and veering onto the greed, hatred and delusion path.

Using the analogy of a non-stop train to Nibbāna and reference to some specific teachings of the Buddha, the encouragement is to renunciate and abandon these speculations - don't delay, waste time, or veer off the Noble Eightfold Path.

The Buddha considers speculation about the world as an inconceivable thing that will lead to madness or frustration (Acinteyya Sutta, AN 4.77). Buddha also cautions about trusting people too easily, as they are hard to know by appearance and often deceivers who haven't penetrated the truth (Sattajaṭila Sutta, SN 3.11)

It is important to apply knowledge and wisdom from the Buddha's teachings and insight from our meditations to ensure we safeguard from these worldly matters and diversions, and if we can, to encourage our kalyanamittas to do the same.

Some of the suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this session:

• — Acinteyya Sutta (AN 4.77)
• — Sattajaṭila Sutta (SN 3.11)
• — Somā Sutta (SN 5.2)
• — Samiddhi Sutta (SN 4.22)
• — Akkosa Sutta (SN 7.2)
• — Guhaṭṭhakasuttaniddesa (Mnd 2)
• — Nandamāṇavapucchāniddesa (Cnd 11)

Bohoma pin to the kalyanamittas who have engaged in Dhamma sākacchā (discussion) on this particular topic and their contribution to this talk.

Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai