Inner Exploration – 2nd Edition (2020)

Radiating good thoughts to help oneself and others.

According to Abhidhamma, our thoughts can directly influence matter, not only within our bodies, but also beyond our bodies.

If we investigate what is happening in the world today, we may become convinced of the frightening possibility that our collective thoughts and actions are affecting the normal balance and rhythms of nature. Climate chaos, global warming, virus, and the repeated occurrence of natural disasters are mainly arising from the corruption in our own minds.

According to Ledi Sayadaw, the well-known 19th-century Burmese scholar-monk, in the manual of Cosmic order (Niyāma Dīpanī), karma can be classified in two ways, as that which affects only ourselves and that which “overflows” its boundaries and affects others (even inanimate things) as well. Indeed, he states, “When men become exceedingly corrupt in thought and deed, all the overflowing course of their karma rushes from this extensive earth up to the orbit of the moon, sun, and stars, antagonizing even the realm of space and the whole organic world of trees, etc.”. Please also see AN IV.70

These words are only a warning of what may come. It is hoped that humankind wakes from its dreams of greed, hatred, and delusion before it is too late. Otherwise we will end up turning the planet into a disaster-zone where life as we know it can no longer exist.

The good news is that if we improve our thoughts, words, and actions, that change will affect not only ourselves but others and the environment as well. For example, if we radiate thoughts of loving-kindness, wisdom, tolerance, compassion, contentment, and gratitude and develop these qualities in our daily lives, we might be able to counter some of the negativity that is creating many of the problems in the world. This would have a healing effect on everyone. The Buddha was known for his tolerance and compassion, emphasizing the importance of developing these qualities in our daily lives.

One meditation practice taught by the Buddha in particular can heal our hearts and minds and act as a balm healing the hearts and minds of others. It is called loving-kindness and compassion meditation (mettā karuna bhāvanā). For this meditation, we sincerely wish others be well, free from all fears, dangers, and free from all suffering.

Such good thoughts will produce many consciousness-born kalāpas. These particles will have a preponderance of fire-element. That fire-element can produce many generations of temperature-born kalāpas, internally and externally. These are manifested as good vibrations or energy emanating from us that have a positive effect on ourselves and others.

Mind leads the world.

The only way to effectively help oneself and others, to improve the world, to heal our wounded planet and save ourselves from destruction, is to radiate thoughts of love, wisdom, appreciation, compassion and gratitude towards all living beings, even to the great Earth itself, which has sustained life for so many generations. We are sisters and brothers in this world. Let’s start radiating good thought to oneself and others before too late.

Sabbītiyo vivajjantu sabbarogo vinassatu,
May all stress be dispelled,  may all disease be destroyed,

mā te bhavatvantarāyo, sukhī dīghāyuko bhava!
may no dangers be for you, may you be happy and live long!

Bhavatu sabbamaṅgalaṁ, rakkhantu sabbadevatā,
May there be every blessing for you, and may all devas protect you,

sabba-Buddhānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantu te!
by the power of all the Buddhas may you be safe forever!

Bhavatu sabbamaṅgalaṁ, rakkhantu sabbadevatā,
May there be every blessing for you, and may all devas protect you,

sabba-Dhammānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantu te!
by the power of  Dhamma, may you be safe forever!

Bhavatu sabbamaṅgalaṁ, rakkhantu sabbadevatā,
May there be every blessing for you, and may all devas protect you,

sabba-Saṅghānubhāvena sadā sotthī bhavantu te!
by the power of the Saṅghas, may you be safe forever!

By the power of your good deeds, may you be safe forever!

Words of Wisdom by Sayalay Susīlā (written on 28th March 2020)