What's the Real Dhamma? - The Buddha Advises His Own Step Mother How to Recognize His True Teachings | Ajahn Dhammasiha

Often we struggle with doubts which teachings or meditation techniques are genuinely coming from the Buddha, and which ones may be later ideas and additions, or completely fake inventions.

Fortunately, the Buddha himself has given us guidance on how to recognize the quality, the 'flavour', that proves to us that some teaching or method is real, authentic Buddha-Dhamma. He is actually advising his own step mother Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī, who was ordained by him as the first Bhikkhunī (Buddhist Nun). Shortly after her ordination she asks the Buddha for concise instructions how to practise. The Blessed One explains to her 8 criteria to identify dinky-di Dhamma - All teachings or techniques that are true Dhamma & Discipline & Dispensation of the Buddha will lead in the following direction:

1. To dispassion ('viraga'), not to desire and lust
2. To unfettering ('visaṃyoga'), not to entanglement
3. To downsizing ('apacaya'), not to accumulation and hoarding
4. To modesty ('appicchatā'), not to ambition
5. To contentment ('santuṭṭhī'), not to discontent
6. To solitude and seclusion ('paviveka'), not to socializing
7. To energetic effort ('viriyārambha'), not to laziness
8. To be undemanding/easy to be looked after ('subharatā'), not to be demanding, needy and 'high-maintenance'

The quote can be found at:

• Anguttara Nikāya/Numerical Discourses, Book of Eights, #53
• Translation by Ajahn Ṭhānissaro: https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN8_53.html

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