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Sutra of the Silent Sage
The new meditation hall at Phap Van Temple is adorned with three layers of symbols: the six Paramitas (generosity, mindfulness trainings, inclusiveness, diligence, meditation, insight), the Three Doors of Liberation (emptiness, signlessness, aimlessness), and the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, with the image of a complete Buddha). The process of building has nourished brotherhood throughout six months without a gathering place, and now everyone feels happiness and closeness. Today’s lunch will present the history, difficulties, solutions, and the efforts of each member of the construction team in order to acknowledge and appreciate this work.
The history and content of the Muni Sutra course in the Suttanipāta includes:
- The original Pali text, the English translation by Venerable Saddhatissa, and the Vietnamese version based on various references;
- Comparing the Pali, Chinese, Sanskrit, and Tibetan canons for deeper understanding;
- The Atthakavagga and Parayanavagga chapters in the Sutta Nipāta, as found in the new edition of the Chinese Tripitaka;
- The study plan for the sutra, translated by lay friend Chi Khiem from Sanskrit/Pali into Chinese;
- Researching the meaning of “Muni” – the silent monk, letting go of speculative views, attaining the mind of aimlessness, transcending all concepts.*
The theme of Muni emphasizes: letting go of sensual desire (the precept of sexual responsibility), keeping the precepts, maintaining the “land” of the mind dry, not watering the seeds of negativity; silence, non-arising, not engaging in theoretical debate, living quietly like a lion, walking alone, being silent, attaining inner strength from the five spiritual powers (faith, diligence, mindfulness, concentration, insight), transforming body and mind, transcending all attachments and living freely and peacefully.