Academic Sutta Name Notes PSA Plae Vagga Nikaya PTS Keywords
DhA.

XVI: 1 Attachment hinders spiritual development

Once in Savatthi, the only son of a family became a bhikkhu without his parents' approval. Because of their strong attachment to their son, the father and mother also became a bhikkhu and a bhikkhuni. They could not live separated from one another, and could not give up their affection. The family stayed in the monastery as if they were in their own house, talking and eating together, thus making themselves a nuisance to others. Other bhikkhus reported their behaviour to the Buddha who admonished them, 'Once you have joined the Order, you should no longer stay together like a family. There is no doubt that not seeing those who are dear and seeing those that are not dear to one, are both painful. Even so, you should not hold any being or anything dear to you, because emotional attachment hinders spiritual development.'

55/170 Dhammapada & Commentary Khuddhaka J.i.106ff. despair


Previous Page | Contents | Next Page
Last modified on: Sunday, 13 August 2000.