Date: 06/15/2024 06/16/2024
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Otto Huang
Dharma Talk
Praises by King Udayana
—Methods to Overcome Sexual Desire
Once, the venerable Bindolobharadaja was traveling and preaching in the country of Pacho, staying in the forest garden offered by the wealthy elder of Qu Shiluo in the southeast of the capital, Joduomi city.
One day, King Udayana of Pacho visited the venerable’s residence and, seeing many young monks who had recently ordained, following the venerable in their studies, curiously asked:
“Bindolobharadaja! Why do these young monks, full of youthful vigor and strong desires, choose to live here in a life of renunciation, and are prepared to live such a life forever?”
“Great King! Buddha taught us this:
‘Monks! When you see a woman of the same age as your mother, think of her as your mother; when you see a woman of the same age as your sister, think of her as your sister; when you see a woman of the same age as your daughter, think of her as your daughter.’
Great King! This is why these young monks, full of youthful energy and strong desires, are able to live here in a life of renunciation.”
“But,Bindolobharadaja! What if one still feels desire towards a woman regarded as his mother, sister, or daughter? Is there a better method for such a person?”
“Yes, Great King! Buddha taught us this:
‘Monks! You should contemplate every part of your body from the soles of the feet to the top of the head and from the inside out, filled with blood, flesh, mucus, excrement, and other impure substances, with no part being clean or beautiful.’
Great King! This way, the monks can comfortably live a life of renunciation.”
“But,Bindolobharadaja! If someone cannot yet begin to practice through his own body, precepts, mind, or wisdom, and although practicing the impurity contemplation, still harbors pure thoughts and desires arise for certain parts, is there a better method for such a person?”
“Yes, Great King! Buddha taught us this:
‘Monks! You should guard the six senses, restraining your mind: when you see something, do not grasp at the image seen, do not let it imprint on your mind and linger, and do not selectively look at only what is pleasing. For if you do not restrain and tame this action of looking, you will be assaulted by the evil laws of greed, sorrow, and distress. The same applies to hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and the other sensory functions.’
Great King! This way, the monks can comfortably live a life of renunciation.”
King Udayana, deeply resonating with these teachings, exclaimed:
“Excellent! Excellent! Venerable Bindolobharadaja! What a skillful teaching that allows young monks to comfortably live a life of renunciation. Especially by guarding the roots through precepts and dignity, I have experienced it myself. Sometimes, when I fail to guard my body, speech, and mind, without maintaining proper mindfulness and guarding the roots when I enter the inner palace, I end up causing much trouble and annoyance. But when I am able to guard my body, speech, and mind, maintain mindfulness, and protect the roots when entering the inner palace, no troubles or annoyances arise, and the torment of body and mind is avoided, let alone leading the secluded life of a renunciant! Therefore, I am convinced that this method can successfully allow these young monks who have just ordained to comfortably live a life of renunciation.”
