hung around the outside edge of the open umbrella, extending down to
the ground and forming a cylindrical inner space where a monk can sit
in meditation or lie down to rest with adequate protection from mos-
quitoes and other insects, and, to some extent, the wind and rain.
- Sãmïcikamma
- Dukkha is the condition of fundamental discontent that is inher-
ent within the very nature of all sentient existence. Depending on its
degree of severity, dukkha is experienced as pain and discomfort, dis-
content and unhappiness, or suffering and misery. Essentially, it is the
underlying sense of dissatisfaction that ultimately undermines even the
most pleasant experiences, for everything in the phenomenal world is
subject to change and therefore unreliable. Thus all of saÿsãric exist-
ence is characterized by dukkha. The wish to relieve this unsatisfactory
condition constitutes the starting point of Buddhist practice. Eliminat-
ing its causes (the kilesas), and thus transcending dukkha, is the primary
aim of a Buddhist monk.
- Paccavekkhaõa: Paåisankhã yoniso... etc. A monk is taught to wisely
reflect on his requisites, such as food, not as ends in themselves, but as
tools in the training of the mind; and to develop an attitude of con-
tentment with whatever he receives. He is taught to contemplate food
as follows:
“Reflecting appropriately, he uses alms food, not playfully, or for intox-
ication, not for putting on weight, or for beautification; but simply for
the survival and continuance of the body, for ending its afflictions,
and for supporting the spiritual life, thinking, ‘Thus will I destroy
old feelings (of hunger) and not create new feelings (from overeat-
ing). I will maintain myself, be blameless, and live in comfort’.”
- Paåikkýla. This is a reference to the inherently disgusting, repul-
sive nature of all food. Once chewed in the mouth, even the most eye-
appealing dishes become a disgusting mess. Even more so is the food in
the stomach, which is being digested and broken down into its constit-
uent elements. This is the true nature of food.
