MN62, Bhikkhu Bodhi at Bodhi Monastery (lectures 143 and 144)

[Qianxi]

MN62
M0143_MN-062.mp3 (39.4 MB)
M0144_MN-062.mp3 (43.0 MB)

From the series Bhikkhu Bodhi: A Systematic Study of the Majjhima Nikāya. Lectures:

@mikenz66

Bhikkhu Bodhi: A Systematic Study of the Majjhima Nikāya.
Exploring the word of the Buddha.

A Systematic Study of the Majjhima Nikaya | BODHI MONASTERY

These talks, which run from 2003 to 2010 are Bhikkhu Bodhi’s thematic lectures. This organisational structure forms the basis of “In the Buddha’s Words”.

[ngoonera]

There is a helpful post by Ajahn Brahmali on the topic of MN 62 here:

Ekottarika Āgama 17.1 (To Rāhula)

The Pali commentary fills in some of the gaps. Here is the relevant footnote from Ven. Bodhi’s translation: While Rāhula was following the Buddha, he noted with admiration the physical perfection of the Master and reflected that he himself was of similar appearance, thinking: “I too am handsome like my father the Blessed One. The Buddha’s form is beautiful and so too is mine.” The Buddha read Rāhula’s thought and decided to admonish him at once, before such vain thoughts led him into greater…

Thank you for mentioning this interesting series of talks; I will try to listen to them.

[paul1]

Since it is addressed at the level of the Buddha’s son, MN 62 is among the suttas appropriate to western practitioners as opposed to those delivered from the perspective of the arahant. It describes subsidary meditation subjects which can be used to settle the mind in the lead up to meditation on the breath, in terms of the the third tetrad:

"[9] He trains himself, ‘I will breathe in sensitive to the mind.’ He trains himself, ‘I will breathe out sensitive to the mind.’ [10] He trains himself, ‘I will breathe in satisfying the mind.’ He trains himself, ‘I will breathe out satisfying the mind.’ [11] He trains himself, ‘I will breathe in steadying the mind.’ He trains himself, ‘I will breathe out steadying the mind.’ [12] He trains himself, ‘I will breathe in releasing the mind.’ He trains himself, 'I will breathe out releasing the mind.’ —-MN 118

The four preparatory themes in MN 62 are the elements, the brahma viharas, asubha, and impermanence. These can have different applications in either satisfying (gladdening) the mind when it is lacking inspiration and energy, or on the other hand steadying the mind from the restlessness of sensual thoughts.