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In the video featured below, TWIM instructor Kirsten Jones presents a reading of excerpts of MN 13: The Greater Discourse on the Mass of Suffering followed by a 30 minute gided meditation. The Buddha explains what distinguishes his teaching from others: a deep understanding of sensual pleasure, its dangers, and the way out. He shows that attachment to sensual pleasures inevitably leads to suffering—through loss, conflict, anxiety, and even violence.
The Buddha analyzes experience in terms of three aspects: gratification, danger, and escape. While pleasure can bring temporary satisfaction, it is unstable and ultimately unsatisfactory. Feelings themselves are impermanent and subject to change, making them unreliable as a basis for lasting happiness.
True liberation comes through understanding and abandoning craving, particularly the desire tied to sensory experience. The path to freedom lies in letting go of attachment, leading to states of deep meditative peace and ultimately release from suffering.
The discourse emphasizes insight into experience as the key to genuine spiritual freedom.
YouTube Link: MN 13 below.
Majjhima Nikāya 13. Mahādukkhakkhandhasutta, The Greater Discourse on the Mass of Suffering —Bhikkhu Bodhi:
Link: https://suttacentral.net/mn13/en/bodhi?lang=en&reference=none&highlight=false
Tuesday Practice Circle with Kristen Jones: 10:00, Central, 8:00 Pacific, Link: https://www.dhammasukha.org/tuesday-zoom-study-and-meditate
Hosted by: Dhamma Sukha Meditation Center, To be reminded each weekly drop an email to Kirsten@dhammasukha.org
