Free Online Preview of Translation:
Lakkhana Sutta: Marks Discourse Translated into English by Bhikkhu Ananda, the Blessed One’s kammic(karmic) Explanation of the actions leading to the gaining of the 32[100%] Marks of a Great Person Excerpts(30: 3, 4, 6, 12 and 13).
Monks, there are these 32 marks unique to a Great Person, and for that Great Person only 2 courses are open. If he leads the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has a thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness then he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world and sages of other communions knows these 32 marks, but they do not know the action(kammic) reasons for the gaining of them…
(30.3) Monks in whatever former life, former existence or abiding place the Tathagata rejecting the taking of like and abstaining from it and laying aside the stick and sword abided kindly and compassionate having friendship and sympathy for all living beings by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, he acquired these 3 Marks of a Great Person: projecting heels, long fingers and toes, and a divinely straight body. Being endowed with these marks. if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He dwells having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He is long-lived, and during that time no human being can possibly take his life. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit? He is also long lived. No human being, not an ascetic nor Brahmin, nor deva , nor Mara, nor Brahma, nor any being in the world can possibly take his life. That is his benefit as a Buddha…
(30:4) Monks, in whatever former life, former existence or abiding place the Tathagata became a provider of good food and drink, delicious and tasty, by performing that action heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond other angels in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired this mark of a Great Person. He has the 7 convex surfaces on both hands, both feet, both shoulders, and his trunk. Being endowed with these marks. if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the dhamma, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has a thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He dwells having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He will receive excellent food and drink. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit? He also receives excellent food and drink. That is his benefit as a Buddha
(30.6)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata became a speaker to the people about their welfare, about dhamma, explaining this to beings and became a bearer of welfare and happiness, a dispenser of dhamma, by performing that action heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond other angels in 10 respects in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired these 2 marks of a great person: high raised ankles and upward growing body hairs(previously referred to as looking bluish like collyrium curling in rings to the right.) . Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He is the chief, foremost, highest, supreme among the unrenounced. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness then he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He is the chief, foremost, highest, supreme among all beings. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30:12)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata desired the welfare of beings, their advantage, comfort, security from the yoke thinking how they might increase in faith, morality, learning, generosity, in Dhamma, in wisdom, in wealth and possessions, in bipeds and quadrupeds, in servants, workers and helpers, in relatives, friends and acquaintances, by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond the other angels in 10 respects, in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired these 3 marks of a Great Person, the front part of his body is like a lion's, there is no hollow between his shoulders and his neck and his shoulders are even. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He cannot lose anything: wealth and possessions, bipeds and quadrupeds, wives and children. Losing nothing, he will succeed in all things. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, then he will become an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He cannot lose anything: faith, morality, learning, generosity or wisdom. Losing nothing, he will succeed in all things. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30:13)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding; place the Tathagata was one who avoided harming beings by hand, by stone, by stick, or by sword, by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond the other angels in 10 respects, in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired this mark off a Great Person: He has a perfect sense of taste. Whatever he touches with the tip of his tongue, he tastes in his throat and the taste is thoroughly dispersed. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He will suffer little distress or sickness. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit? He benefits likewise. He will suffer little distress or sickness. His digestion is neither too cool, nor too hot, but of a middle temperature tolerant of striving. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
Rev. Ananda is working on a prose translation of Marks Discourse( about the 32(100%) Marks of a Great Person, with the thought of letting it be sold including with a service pledge option for a free ebook by email version and a free email forward in the case of someone who is sick and can't think of some type of service they could do yet or such or such. He is thinking of letting the proceeds after covering book and site type costs go to helping to fund a Monastery in Ohio(possibly in the Greater Cleveland Area) including for monks and nuns, male novices and female novices, male and female long term lay residents", other services started to be shone here on this site, and including to help fund a shelter(or shelters) for homeless in Cleveland including a special service award for 24 hour a day 7 day a week service or one could say 24 hour a day 15 day(100%) of the fortnight service. That way old people, sick people, pregnant women, women with babies, and women with little children don't necessarily have to go walk around all day every day of the year. I am thinking about calling the Monastery, the United States Back Up Monastery of Greater Cleveland, Ohio. The more land we could get then there would be more room to build kutis when more and more like to become monastics and also long term lay residents.
Rev. Ananda is working on a prose translation of Marks Discourse( about the 32(100%) Marks of a Great Person, with the thought of letting it be sold including with a service pledge option for a free ebook by email version and a free email forward in the case of someone who is sick and can't think of some type of service they could do yet or such or such. He is thinking of letting the proceeds after covering book and site type costs go to helping to fund a Monastery in Ohio(possibly in the Greater Cleveland Area) including for monks and nuns, male novices and female novices, male and female long term lay residents", other services started to be shone here on this site, and including to help fund a shelter(or shelters) for homeless in Cleveland including a special service award for 24 hour a day 7 day a week service or one could say 24 hour a day 15 day(100%) of the fortnight service. That way old people, sick people, pregnant women, women with babies, and women with little children don't necessarily have to go walk around all day every day of the year. I am thinking about calling the Monastery, the United States Back Up Monastery of Greater Cleveland, Ohio. The more land we could get then there would be more room to build kutis when more and more like to become monastics and also long term lay residents.
By about 12 years ago I had stopped mowing lawns. One of the reasons was combining the abstaining from the taking of life with the mindfulness and clear awareness practice of consideration that there are sometimes little beings such as insects abiding in there. Also at the time there was the respect for the Arahants for whom it is impossible that they would deliberately deprive a living being of life as discussed at the end of Middle Length Discourse of the Buddha#76(152 Discourses in Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha Wisdom Publications: available online including from pariyatti.com)
It seems to me in rural areas in the United States I often see places where the grass is left to grow without mowing.
I am thinking about helping to raise funds to start a church. I am in the habit of consulting with senior monks and appreciating their's and other's experience. I am thinking about calling it The United States Back Up Church and Abiding of Greater Cleveland, Ohio. One of the intentions is to help add to back up coverage for monks and nuns including with the understanding that it is impossible for Arahants to disrobe.
I am thinking about finding out more about Government Auctions. I have compassion for people who can't pay their taxes, but as long as the government is going to auction it off anyway, I think why not buy it and do something meritorious with it?
Since I am concerned that in some urban and some suburban places others would possibly have concern about grass never being mowed, I am thinking about finding a place with a surface that would not need mowing such as with a concrete surface or other suitable surface or surfaces. The idea of killing a living being is abhorrent to me.
There is the possibility, the opportunity for the "homeless" to learn what was taught by the Blessed One, but not out of greed that they show their confidence(to me or invited instructor although I would be personally glad to accord them due respect), but with the thought, the Dhamma is properly proclaimed by the Blessed One, visible here and now, inviting inspection, onward leading, to be realized by the wise each one for himself(or herself). Thus letting them learn Dhamma because of the intrinsic excellence of the Dhamma, out of compassion and sympathy, out of tender concern. Please note I have experience ministering not only with Buddhist people, but also working with support from and to people from other religions.
There is the possibility, the opportunity for the "homeless" to learn what was taught by the Blessed One, but not out of greed that they show their confidence(to me or invited instructor although I would be personally glad to accord them due respect), but with the thought, the Dhamma is properly proclaimed by the Blessed One, visible here and now, inviting inspection, onward leading, to be realized by the wise each one for himself(or herself). Thus letting them learn Dhamma because of the intrinsic excellence of the Dhamma, out of compassion and sympathy, out of tender concern. Please note I have experience ministering not only with Buddhist people, but also working with support from and to people from other religions.
I have recently signed up for a Pay Pal account and have received 2 donations over the internet.
The donations were sent to
Rev Jimmy L Korzun
(no periods)
I give free Dhamma talks and meditation instruction and I am willing to plan to do so as schedule and funding permit. There is also the possibility of doing internet events. These free talks and internet events could also possibly be done to help with fundraisers. Some examples of things they could be done to help with include, but are not limited to, weather, etc. search and rescue support, and raising funds to help cover medical expenses.
Also referred to as Marks Page
Free Online Preview of Translation:
Lakkhana Sutta : Marks Discourse Translated into English by Bhikkhu Ananda, the Blessed One’s kammic(karmic) Explanation of the actions leading to the gaining of the 32[100%] Marks of a Great Person Excerpts(30: 3, 4, 6, 12 and 13).
Monks, there are these 32 marks unique to a Great Person, and for that Great Person only 2 courses are open. If he leads the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has a thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness then he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world and sages of other communions knows these 32 marks, but they do not know the action(kammic) reasons for the gaining of them…
(30.3) Monks in whatever former life, former existence or abiding place the Tathagata rejecting the taking of like and abstaining from it and laying aside the stick and sword abided kindly and compassionate having friendship and sympathy for all living beings by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, he acquired these 3 Marks of a Great Person: projecting heels, long fingers and toes, and a divinely straight body. Being endowed with these marks. if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He dwells having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He is long-lived, and during that time no human being can possibly take his life. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit? He is also long lived. No human being, not an ascetic nor Brahmin, nor deva , nor Mara, nor Brahma, nor any being in the world can possibly take his life. That is his benefit as a Buddha…
(30:4) Monks, in whatever former life, former existence or abiding place the Tathagata became a provider of good food and drink, delicious and tasty, by performing that action heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond other angels in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired this mark of a Great Person. He has the 7 convex surfaces on both hands, both feet, both shoulders, and his trunk. Being endowed with these marks. if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the dhamma, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has a thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He dwells having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He will receive excellent food and drink. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit? He also receives excellent food and drink. That is his benefit as a Buddha
(30.6)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata became a speaker to the people about their welfare, about dhamma, explaining this to beings and became a bearer of welfare and happiness, a dispenser of dhamma, by performing that action heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond other angels in 10 respects in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired these 2 marks of a great person: high raised ankles and upward growing body hairs(previously referred to as looking bluish like collyrium curling in rings to the right.) . Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He is the chief, foremost, highest, supreme among the unrenounced. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness then he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He is the chief, foremost, highest, supreme among all beings. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30.8)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata approached an ascetic or Brahmin and asked, "Venerable Sir, what is the wholesome? What is the unwholesome? What is blameworthy? What is blameless? What course is to be followed? What is not to be followed? What if I do it will lead to my suffering for a long time? What if I do it will lead to my happiness for a long time?"
By performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond other angels in 10 respects in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired this mark of a great person: His skin is so delicate and smooth that no dust can adhere to his body. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He will be very wise and among the unrenounced there will be none equal or superior to him in wisdom. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness then he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He has great wisdom, wide wisdom, joyous wisdom, swift wisdom, keen(sharp) wisdom, and penetrative wisdom and among all being there will be none equal or superior to him in wisdom. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30.9)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata was one who lived without anger and even after many words had been spoken was not abusive, aggressive, wrathful or agitated, displaying neither anger, nor hatred, nor resentment but instead was in the habit of giving fine rugs, cotton, linen, and woolen stuffs, by performing that action heaping it up lavishly and abundantly, on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond other angels in 10 respects in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired this mark of a great person: He has a bright complexion, the color of gold. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He will receive such fine stuffs. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness then he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He will receive such fine stuffs. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30:12)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata desired the welfare of beings, their advantage, comfort, security from the yoke thinking how they might increase in faith, morality, learning, generosity, in Dhamma, in wisdom, in wealth and possessions, in bipeds and quadrupeds, in servants, workers and helpers, in relatives, friends and acquaintances, by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond the other angels in 10 respects, in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired these 3 marks of a Great Person, the front part of his body is like a lion's, there is no hollow between his shoulders and his neck and his shoulders are even. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He cannot lose anything: wealth and possessions, bipeds and quadrupeds, wives and children. Losing nothing, he will succeed in all things. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, then he will become an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He cannot lose anything: faith, morality, learning, generosity or wisdom. Losing nothing, he will succeed in all things. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30:13)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata was one who avoided harming beings by hand, by stone, by stick, or by sword, by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond the other angels in 10 respects, in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired this mark of a Great Person: He has a perfect sense of taste. Whatever he touches with the tip of his tongue, he tastes in his throat and the taste is thoroughly dispersed. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit? He will suffer little distress or sickness. That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit? He benefits likewise. He will suffer little distress or sickness. His digestion is neither too cool, nor too hot, but of a middle temperature tolerant of striving. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
(30:16)Monks, in whatever former life, former existence, or abiding place the Tathagata rejecting false speech and abstaining from it, put away lies, was wedded to the truth, reliable, consistent, not a deceiver of the world, by performing that action, heaping it up lavishly and abundantly on the dissolution of the body after death he was reborn in a happy state, in a heavenly world where he was endowed beyond the other angels in 10 respects, in length of heavenly life, beauty, happiness, splendor, influence and in heavenly sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tangibles. Upon coming to be reborn here on earth he acquired these 2 marks of a Great Person: separate growing body hairs, one to each pore and the hair between his brows is white and soft like cotton down. Being endowed with these these marks if he lives the household life he will become a ruler, a wheel turning righteous leader of the law, conqueror of the 4 directions who possesses the 7 gems. These are the wheel gem, the elephant gem, the horse gem, the jewel gem, the woman gem, the householder gem and as 7th the counselor gem. He has thousand sons who are heroes, of heroic stature, conquerors of the hostile army. He abides having conquered the land bounded by the sea with stick and sword laid aside by means of the dhamma. As a ruler, how does he benefit. He will be obeyed by Brahmin(religious people) householders, citizens and villagers, treasurers, guards, doorkeepers, ministers, tributary leaders, tenants and chiefs, and pages.That is his benefit as a ruler.
But if he goes forth from the household life into homelessness, he will become an Arahant, a Fully-Enlightened Buddha, one who draws back the veil from the world. As a Buddha, how does he benefit. He will be obeyed by monks and nuns, angels and humans, asuras, nagas and gandhabbas. That is his benefit as a Buddha.
Accomplishment in the Service of Samma Sambuddha Gotama's Dispensation.Of English language reciters, Rev. Ananda Thera is the person who is the most accomplished in reciting discourses from memory known to us in the world today having recited the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha(a collection of 152 discourses) from memory in English. His sharing of instruction has also included invitations to speak on discourses found within the Long Discourses of the Buddha collection.
His advisement is available on the computer site
In discourse #92 from the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha when asked by the Brahmin Sela, who is your general?, the Blessed One replies the unsurpassed Wheel of Dhamma set rolling by the Tathagata, Sariputta the Tathagata's son helps me in turning this wheel. So in addition to studying about the 32 Marks of a Great Person I have found the Venerable Sariputta, the foremost of the Blessed One's monks in great wisdom to be very helpful for the practicalities of the laying aside the stick and sword approach to national defense and law enforcement, etc. This discourse is available free online from vipassana.info
Since this type of truly pure approach is a righteous one that does not oppress others I am able to follow a way of advising about the right way of doing things without discrimination, nor prejudice. There will be those with like little dust in their eyes who can benefit and to the extent that this is practiced there will then be that much less suffering in the world. I am seriously willing to work with people on this approach. Please be considerate of people's efforts to study and realize this more deeply, of their efforts to improve and be better people. Please be respectful of the right effort that go into the achievement of the Noble Wheel Turner's leader's historical accomplishment of peace.
Rev. Ananda is working on a prose translation of Marks Discourse( about the 32(100%) Marks of a Great Person, with the thought of letting it be sold including with a service pledge option for a free ebook by email version and a free email forward in the case of someone who is sick and can't think of some type of service they could do yet or such or such. He is thinking of letting the proceeds after covering book and site type costs go to helping to fund a Monastery in including for monks and nuns, male novices and female novices, male and female long term lay residents", other services started to be shone here on this site, and including to help fund a shelter(or shelters) for homeless in including a special service award for 24 hour a day 7 day a week service or one could say 24 hour a day 15 day(100%) of the fortnight service. That way old people, sick people, pregnant women, women with babies, and women with little children don't necessarily have to go walk around all day every day of the year. I am thinking about calling the International Back Up Monastery,. The more land we could get then there would be more room to build kutis when more and more like to become monastics and also long term lay residents.
I would be willing to ordain people from any ethnic group as good monastics when there would be suitable space for them. That is to say the same basic opportunity for all the human beings to be good monastics. Of course they would have to maintain the same basic standard as the rest of the monastics. As I have traveled around the world I have encountered some monks nowadays who were casually observing most of the Patimokkha and some who observing 90 something percent. If I were to encounter a monk or nun who wanted to observe even 100 percent of the Patimokkha I believe I would bend over backwards so to speak, so to express to allow them the opportunity to do so.
Even if we were not all observing 100% all the rules nowadays, the Dhamma and the Discipline(Vinaya and Patimokkha) remains the best and fairest standard for people to come together as monastics and have an opportunity to make a very special type of merit, like brothers living with brothers, sisters living close enough with brothers. Please be understanding that the more excellent, not negligent we are with our discipline practice that it would add up to more opportunity for larger numbers of people to gain in the Dhamma, and that it would also help to contribute to a pure approach to discipline in society in general. There are a number of Patimokkha translations available in English by google.com searching Patimokkha. There is also Patimokkha and Vinaya in English and Pali available in North America from pariyatti.com.
Long Discourses#1-13(Sila Section)Section on Morality helpful for monastic preparation available free online from vipassana.info.
Temporary Ordination with Technical Requirement to try to talk out of disrobing:
In addition to long term ordination for males and females when there would be suitable space, I would consider temporary ordination for those who requested from me. In Thailand it is traditional that every man become a monk at least one time during his lifetime. I am willing to do more of the same type of thing provided it is done responsibly.
So I would be willing to ordain them. According to the Vinaya though it is our responsibility to try to talk someone out of disrobing, and I would be willing to try to do so even if the person was previously thinking to disrobe after 3 or 4 months. For this I like the 7 similes from Discourse #54 from the Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha(available free online from vipassana.info and for order from pariyatti.com with Wisdom Publications being the Publisher and also another distributor) which I have recited from memory. These 7 similes warn how sensual pleasures provide little gratification, much suffering, and much despair while the danger in them is great. Having seen this thus as it actually is with proper wisdom, one avoids the equanimity that is diversified based on diversity and develops the equanimity that is unified, based on unity where clinging to the material things of the world actually ceases without remainder.
Having a longer prep time for full ordination for those possibly planning to ordain for a longer period is not necessarily an indication that one is better prepared in all ways than the other. I think in some cases some longer prep time for full ordination could possibly be helpful in leading to a successful long term monastic experience possibly for one's entire life. In Sri Lanka it is not considered unusual that a monk remain a monk for the rest of his life.
I am thinking about helping to raise funds to start a church. I am in the habit of consulting with senior monks and appreciating their's and other's experience. I am thinking about calling it The International Back Up Monastery and Abiding. One of the intentions is to help add to back up coverage for monks and nuns including with the understanding that it is impossible for Arahants to disrobe.
I am thinking about finding out more about Government Auctions. I have compassion for people who can't pay their taxes, but as long as the government is going to auction it off anyway, I think why not buy it and do something meritorious with it?
There is the possibility, the opportunity for the "homeless" to learn what was taught by the Blessed One, but not out of greed that they show their confidence(to me or invited instructor although I would be personally glad to accord them due respect), but with the thought, the Dhamma is properly proclaimed by the Blessed One, visible here and now, inviting inspection, onward leading, to be realized by the wise each one for himself(or herself). Thus letting them learn Dhamma because of the intrinsic excellence of the dhamma. Letting people "voluntarily" undertake discipline and learn about faithful giving could enable us to accomplish more service to the "homeless" in a more meritorious way, with less wasted effort due to abandoning the stain of stinginess and due to better discipline, and in a more efficient manner.
A homeless forum now exists on the forum computer site: sainthood.ownforum.org
In discourse #26 from the Long Discourses of the Buddha(Wisdom Publications available for order online including from pariyatti.com)[This discourse is available free online from the computer site: tipitaka.wikia.com] This discourse which I found to be so very helpful in clarification, traces back the historical causes of decline as starting with not giving property to the needy. This makes great practical sense to me in terms of conquering the stain of stinginess thru generosity as a practical aspect of relieving suffering.
There seems to be lots of interest in meditation. Onepopular classic that includes a number of meditation subjects is the Great Discourse on the Foundations of Memory. Long Discourse of the Buddha #22. This also includes a detailed exposition of the 4 Noble Truths and practicing the 4 foundations of memory can be a helpful factor for attaining sainthood. Computer Site: accesstoinsight.org. Let click on Pali Canon. Click on Sutta Pitaka, Digha Nikaya. DN#22.
Meditation Advisement is available on the computer site:
I give free Dhamma talks and meditation instruction.
