Theravada Pointing-out Sutta

[CedarTree]

Many know that I follow Soto Zen in particular the tradition that emphasizes Zazen; Gyobutsuji Zen Monastery in America & Antai-ji in Japan.

However I do have a background in Theravada and as of late a very keen interest in the Tantric traditions.

Below is an excerpt from one of my favorite Suttas. It is directly from the Pali Canon and about as Theravada as you can get.

Tidbit of wisdom = Bahiya was recognized later in the Theravada tradition as the one that had achieved arahantship the fastest.

A third time, Bāhiya said to the Blessed One, "But it is hard to know for sure what dangers there may be for the Blessed One's life, or what dangers there may be for mine. Teach me the Dhamma, O Blessed One! Teach me the Dhamma, O One-Well-Gone, that will be for my long-term welfare & bliss."

"Then, Bāhiya, you should train yourself thus: In reference to the seen, there will be only the seen. In reference to the heard, only the heard. In reference to the sensed, only the sensed. In reference to the cognized, only the cognized. That is how you should train yourself. When for you there will be only the seen in reference to the seen, only the heard in reference to the heard, only the sensed in reference to the sensed, only the cognized in reference to the cognized, then, Bāhiya, there is no you in connection with that. When there is no you in connection with that, there is no you there. When there is no you there, you are neither here nor yonder nor between the two. This, just this, is the end of stress."[2]

Through hearing this brief explanation of the Dhamma from the Blessed One, the mind of Bāhiya of the Bark-cloth right then and there was released from effluents through lack of clinging/sustenance. Having exhorted Bāhiya of the Bark-cloth with this brief explanation of the Dhamma, the Blessed One left.