Parayana Sutta

The current issue of BuddhaDharma Magazine has a fine article by Glenn Wallis on the practicality of Buddha's teaching. The article features the Parayana Sutta (SN 4.43.44), which the author translates as the "Destination" sutra.

I found myself deeply moved by the last two paragraphs - similar as they are to words I've heard from my own teachers.

Destination

I will teach the destination and the path leading to the destination. Listen to what I say.

What is the destination? The eradication of infatuation, the eradication of hostility, and the eradication of delusion is what is called the destination.

And what is the path leading to the destination? Present-moment awareness directed toward the body. This awareness is what is called the path leading to the destination.

In this way, I have taught to you the destination and the path leading to the destination. That which should be done out of compassion by a caring teacher who desires the welfare of his students, I have done for you.

There are secluded places. Meditate, do not be negligent! Don't have regrets later! This is my instruction to you.

Photograph courtesy of John Small. Photos.

Comments

[bob]

I like, and it makes more sense to me, to label what we seek as the destination. Enlightenment always sat uncomfortably on my mind.
The question now arises is a teacher needed. If what we seek is personal and intuitive can we go it alone? This question does not keep me from sitting everyday constantly on the look out for what I now call the destination.

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Bob,
In my experience, regular contact with teachers is essential. As James Ford recently wrote on Monkey Mind:

"The brain is a great liar. We tell ourselves all sorts of stories about what we need and deserve, only some of which are true. Also along the spiritual way we have lots of experiences. Mostly of limited or actually no value on the way."

It can't be said better than this - it's very hard for the mind to see that it's fabricating its experience. Teachers, however, can help the mind see through the fabrications.

I'm just a little nervous about the term "destination" - if only because it suggests an end-point. As long as we understand that the work of practice is to unbind ourselves from infatuation (desire), hostility (anger) and delusion (ignorance) - and that these impulses are endless - then we'll be fine!

We already are fine, of course. We just don't believe it.

Barry

[Lauren Thompson]

I've been exploring your blog lately and often find it to be "just the thing." Thanks for that. I jumped off this post of yours to create a post on my own blog, Mud & Lotus, including a grateful link. [ http://mudandlotus.blogspot.com/2010/01/map-no-map.html ] I suspect that the "destination" is really more of a vantage point than a place on any near or far shore. However, I continue to practice my rowing.

Gasho,

Lauren Thompson