A Fistful of Sand

What Is and What Is Not the Dhamma   There are those who search for authentic Buddhist teachings, Dhamma (Skt Dharma), and there are those that are willing to take anything they can get as long as it is cheap and easy. Those who do search for authenticity should consider the qualities of the teaching as well as the authenticity of the words themselves. According to the Buddha the Dhamma has eight qualities that demonstrate its authenticity. Teachings that are not Dhamma have eight but opposing qualities. When Gotami, the Buddha’s stepmother asks Buddha to name the qualities she asked him how she could recognize real Dhamma and distinguish it from false teachings (Gotami Sutta). One influential Thai teacher has called this particular teaching “the constitution of Buddhism”. The eight principles are the standard by which any teaching, Buddhist or not, should be judged. The teaching is right in line with the Kalama Sutta (Anguttara Nikaya 3.65) and the teaching...

And again, there is a group of two in virtue: dependent and non-dependent. Virtue that is connected with becoming is dependent on craving. The virtue that is connected with addiction to rites and ceremonies is dependent on opinions. The virtue that is connected with self-praise and blame of others is dependent on pride. These are 'dependent' virtues. Virtue that is for the sake of freedom is 'non-dependent' virtue. 'Dependent' virtue is not for wise men. 'Non-dependent' virtue is for the wise. – Vimuttimagga p11 Below is a short Sutta I feel is worthwhile reading. It doesn’t teach any deep lessons leading toward enlightenment. What it does is tell the disciple of the facts of capriciousness in the human heart that will lead to the demise or decline of the practice and efficacy of the teachings. The Buddha begins in a matter of fact way. "That's the way it is, Kassapa. When beings are degenerating and the true Dhamm...