Connected Discourses Chap 20 – Lesson 9
A Bull Elephant
translated from the Pali by Sujato Bhikkh
A Bull Elephant
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapindika’s monastery. Now at that time a certain junior mendicant went to visit families too often.
The mendicants said to him, “Venerable, don’t go to visit families too often.” But that mendicant, when spoken to by the mendicants, said this, “But these senior mendicants think they can go to visit families, so why can’t I?” And then several mendicants went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and told him what had happened. The Buddha said:
“Once upon a time, mendicants, there was a great lake in the jungle, with bull elephants living nearby. They’d plunge into the lake and pull up lotus bulbs with their trunks. They’d wash them thoroughly until they were free of mud before chewing and swallowing them. That was good for their appearance and health, and wouldn’t result in death or deadly pain.
The young cubs, following the example of the great bull elephants, plunged into the lake and pulled up lotus bulbs with their trunks. But they didn’t wash them thoroughly, and while they were still muddy they chewed and swallowed them. That was not good for their appearance and health, and resulted in death or deadly pain.
In the same way, there are senior mendicants who robe up in the morning and, taking their bowl and robe, enter the town or village for alms. There they speak on the teachings, and lay people demonstrate their confidence in them. And when they get things, they use them untied, uninfatuated, unattached, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape. That’s good for their appearance and health, and doesn’t result in death or deadly pain.
Junior mendicants, following the example of the senior mendicants, robe up in the morning and, taking their bowl and robe, enter the town or village for alms. There they speak on the teachings, and lay people demonstrate their confidence in them. But when they get things, they use them tied, infatuated, attached, blind to the drawbacks, not understanding the escape. That’s not good for their appearance and health, and results in death or deadly pain.
So you should train like this: ‘When we get things, we will use them untied, uninfatuated, unattached, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape.’ That’s how you should train.”
Note:
Regarding the concept of detachment, or non- attachment, Buddhist texts in Pali mention nekkhamma, a word generally translated as "renunciation". This word also conveys more specifically the meaning of "giving up the world and leading a holy life" or "freedom from lust, craving and desires."
The writings of Milarepa are canonical Mahayana Buddhist texts that emphasize the temporary nature of the physical body and the need for non-attachment.
Detachment is a central concept in Zen Buddhist philosophy. One of the most important technical Chinese terms for detachment is "wú niàn" (無念), which literally means "no thought." This does not signify the literal absence of thought, but rather the state of being "unstained" (bù rán 不染) by thought. Therefore, "detachment" is being detached from one's thoughts. It is to separate oneself from one's own thoughts and opinions in detail as to not be harmed mentally and emotionally by them.
How do Buddhists love without attachment?
To achieve non attachment, one must detach from the idea of a perfect person and holding one's partner to an impossible standard. Instead, one must accept a partner for who they are unconditionally. In Buddhism, this is the key to a happy romantic relationship
How do you practice non attachment?
Practicing non-attachment, or the idea of not allowing our emotions to rule our lives and decisions, helps us to think clearly and make good choices. You can do this by focusing on yourself, accepting change, and forming healthy relationships.
When we have something, we tend to fear losing it. Some of our attachments can be good for us, like love and appreciation for our families, and can motivate us to be our best. But, if we are not careful, some of our attachments can control our lives, altering the way we think and act. Practicing non-attachment, or the idea of not allowing our emotions to rule our lives and decisions, helps us to think clearly and make good choices. You can do this by focusing on yourself, accepting change, and forming healthy relationships.
2. Meditate daily:
Meditation asks you to focus solely on the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future. These thoughts are attachments that are drawing you away from your center. To work at releasing them, find some time each day to be alone in a quiet space. Try to meditate for at least ten minutes initially, but extend this time daily. Focus on your breathing and your body and avoid outside thoughts.
3. Let go of expectations: A fundamental aspect of non-attachment is freedom from expectations. It is often our expectations that cause us to be disappointed in others. When someone breaks plans or trust with you, don’t focus on it. Focus only on what you can do. Let go of the control they had on your happiness.
4. Stay calm no matter the situation: Another principle of non-attachment is emotional and mental control. When circumstances start to upset you, this is a sign that you’re clinging too tightly to an expectation, idea, person, or thing. Take a moment to focus on your breathing. Step away from the situation to calm down so that you don’t react out of anger or sadness. Return when you feel at peace and accepting of the situation.
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapindika’s monastery. Now at that time a certain junior mendicant went to visit families too often.
The mendicants said to him, “Venerable, don’t go to visit families too often.” But that mendicant, when spoken to by the mendicants, said this, “But these senior mendicants think they can go to visit families, so why can’t I?” And then several mendicants went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and told him what had happened. The Buddha said:
“Once upon a time, mendicants, there was a great lake in the jungle, with bull elephants living nearby. They’d plunge into the lake and pull up lotus bulbs with their trunks. They’d wash them thoroughly until they were free of mud before chewing and swallowing them. That was good for their appearance and health, and wouldn’t result in death or deadly pain.
The young cubs, following the example of the great bull elephants, plunged into the lake and pulled up lotus bulbs with their trunks. But they didn’t wash them thoroughly, and while they were still muddy they chewed and swallowed them. That was not good for their appearance and health, and resulted in death or deadly pain.
In the same way, there are senior mendicants who robe up in the morning and, taking their bowl and robe, enter the town or village for alms. There they speak on the teachings, and lay people demonstrate their confidence in them. And when they get things, they use them untied, uninfatuated, unattached, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape. That’s good for their appearance and health, and doesn’t result in death or deadly pain.
Junior mendicants, following the example of the senior mendicants, robe up in the morning and, taking their bowl and robe, enter the town or village for alms. There they speak on the teachings, and lay people demonstrate their confidence in them. But when they get things, they use them tied, infatuated, attached, blind to the drawbacks, not understanding the escape. That’s not good for their appearance and health, and results in death or deadly pain.
So you should train like this: ‘When we get things, we will use them untied, uninfatuated, unattached, seeing the drawbacks, and understanding the escape.’ That’s how you should train.”
Note:
Regarding the concept of detachment, or non- attachment, Buddhist texts in Pali mention nekkhamma, a word generally translated as "renunciation". This word also conveys more specifically the meaning of "giving up the world and leading a holy life" or "freedom from lust, craving and desires."
The writings of Milarepa are canonical Mahayana Buddhist texts that emphasize the temporary nature of the physical body and the need for non-attachment.
Detachment is a central concept in Zen Buddhist philosophy. One of the most important technical Chinese terms for detachment is "wú niàn" (無念), which literally means "no thought." This does not signify the literal absence of thought, but rather the state of being "unstained" (bù rán 不染) by thought. Therefore, "detachment" is being detached from one's thoughts. It is to separate oneself from one's own thoughts and opinions in detail as to not be harmed mentally and emotionally by them.
How do Buddhists love without attachment?
To achieve non attachment, one must detach from the idea of a perfect person and holding one's partner to an impossible standard. Instead, one must accept a partner for who they are unconditionally. In Buddhism, this is the key to a happy romantic relationship
How do you practice non attachment?
Practicing non-attachment, or the idea of not allowing our emotions to rule our lives and decisions, helps us to think clearly and make good choices. You can do this by focusing on yourself, accepting change, and forming healthy relationships.
When we have something, we tend to fear losing it. Some of our attachments can be good for us, like love and appreciation for our families, and can motivate us to be our best. But, if we are not careful, some of our attachments can control our lives, altering the way we think and act. Practicing non-attachment, or the idea of not allowing our emotions to rule our lives and decisions, helps us to think clearly and make good choices. You can do this by focusing on yourself, accepting change, and forming healthy relationships.
- Understand what non-attachment means:
2. Meditate daily:
Meditation asks you to focus solely on the present moment, letting go of worries about the past or future. These thoughts are attachments that are drawing you away from your center. To work at releasing them, find some time each day to be alone in a quiet space. Try to meditate for at least ten minutes initially, but extend this time daily. Focus on your breathing and your body and avoid outside thoughts.
3. Let go of expectations: A fundamental aspect of non-attachment is freedom from expectations. It is often our expectations that cause us to be disappointed in others. When someone breaks plans or trust with you, don’t focus on it. Focus only on what you can do. Let go of the control they had on your happiness.
4. Stay calm no matter the situation: Another principle of non-attachment is emotional and mental control. When circumstances start to upset you, this is a sign that you’re clinging too tightly to an expectation, idea, person, or thing. Take a moment to focus on your breathing. Step away from the situation to calm down so that you don’t react out of anger or sadness. Return when you feel at peace and accepting of the situation.
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