[Buddha-l] Pali Sutta

[Curt Steinmetz]

This is actually a common "trope" found in many philosophical/spiritual 
writings. Socrates/Plato pulls it out in the Phaedo, and other 
Greek/Roman philosophers made use of the argument as well.

But here is the relevant part of the Kalama Sutra (taken from here:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/kalama1.htm):

*The Four Solaces*

17. "The disciple of the Noble Ones, Kalamas, who has such a hate-free 
mind, such a malice-free mind, such an undefiled mind, and such a 
purified mind, is one by whom four solaces are found here and now.

"'Suppose there is a hereafter and there is a fruit, result, of deeds 
done well or ill. Then it is possible that at the dissolution of the 
body after death, I shall arise in the heavenly world, which is 
possessed of the state of bliss.' This is the first solace found by him.

"'Suppose there is no hereafter and there is no fruit, no result, of 
deeds done well or ill. Yet in this world, here and now, free from 
hatred, free from malice, safe and sound, and happy, I keep myself.' 
This is the second solace found by him.

"'Suppose evil (results) befall an evil-doer. I, however, think of doing 
evil to no one. Then, how can ill (results) affect me who do no evil 
deed?' This is the third solace found by him.

"'Suppose evil (results) do not befall an evil-doer. Then I see myself 
purified in any case.' This is the fourth solace found by him.

"The disciple of the Noble Ones, Kalamas, who has such a hate-free mind, 
such a malice-free mind, such an undefiled mind, and such a purified 
mind, is one by whom, here and now, these four solaces are found."

Curt

Jayarava wrote:
> --- On Tue, 10/3/09, Jackhat1 at aol.com <Jackhat1 at aol.com> wrote:
>
>   
>> I remember a sutta where the Buddha says, if there is life
>> after death,  we should each live our present life as best as we can.
>>
>>     
>
> You may be thinking of the Kālāma Sutta - towards the end.
>
> Jayarava
>
>
>       
>
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