Sutta Discussions - Servering the Bonds of Misery

In this highly interactive sutta discussion contemplates the bonds of suffering—and our escape from it. As part of her sutta reading, Ajahn Candā pays homage to the Buddha’s wisdom, noting that virtue is the foundation of true happiness. She also explains how pure love is an action, rather than a sentiment. A variety of questions from participants enriches Ven Candā’s reflections on uprooting the bonds of existence.

[0:00] Introduction

[2:49] Sutta reading, part 1

[20:08] Does “bonds” mean the same thing as “fetters”?

[21:45] The danger of clinging

[23:55] Is “existence” referring to our human existence or phenomena in general?

[25:38] Can we receive love or only give love?

[28:21] What is the origin of something—is that related to cause and effect?

[32:09] Suffering and the 5 components of existence (khandas)

[35:09] Receiving and giving

[39:04] Sutta reading, part 2

[47:13] How do we gain the right understanding?

[51:15] Does severing the bonds happen suddenly or gradually?

[1:00:25] What happens to somebody who has achieved stream entry in a previous life?

[1:03:18] Lessening craving