Locked Down Inside Our Body - Ajahn Dhammasiha

Ajahn Dhammasīha challenges us to reflect on the idea of 'being stuck in a lockdown' on a deeper level. Are we truly free when the government enforced lockdown is lifted? Or do we not remain 'stuck' inside our body, and 'locked down' in attachment and delusion all the time?He quotes Suttanipāta verse 778, the famous verses on “The Cave” from the Chapter of Octads, where the Buddha compares our situation to being imprisoned inside the cave of our body, deeply submerged in delusion. Only through abandoning sensuality and releasing our mind from attachment to the physical body can we end the 'lockdown' and gain real freedom.Human beings stuck inside their body-cave,Smothered, covered and constraint by ignorance;They are far from solitude and blissful states:Sensuality is hard to overcome.(...)Comprehend perception, and you cross the flood,Sages don't get stuck, they dont' claim ownership.Heedful and with barb removed you travel light,Freed from longing for rebirth in any world. (Suttanipāta Verses 778 & 785)By the way, this talk has also been recorded on video for our vimeo Dhammatalks channel. If you're curious what the scene looks like in the monastery during the live podcasts, you can see it here:https://vimeo.com/410885984www.dhammagiri.org.auwww.vimeo.com/dhammatalkswww.tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archivewww.castbox.fm/ch/2744970