AN 4.55 Samajivina Sutta: Living in Tune
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Sorry for sutta-spamming...
i was surprised when i read that this question was asked during Buddha's time
thought it would be interesting to post and share with forummers who may like it
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Once the Blessed One was staying among the Bhaggas in the Deer Park at Bhesakala Grove, near Crocodile Haunt. Then early in the morning the Blessed One put on his robes and, carrying his bowl and outer robe, went to the home of the householder, Nakula's father. On arrival, he sat down on a seat made ready. Then Nakula's father & Nakula's mother went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As they were sitting there, Nakula's father said to the Blessed One: "Lord, ever since Nakula's mother as a young girl was brought to me [to be my wife] when I was just a young boy, I am not conscious of being unfaithful to her even in mind, much less in body. We want to see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come."
And Nakula's mother said to the Blessed One: "Lord, ever since I as a young girl was brought to Nakula's father [to be his wife] when he was just a young boy, I am not conscious of being unfaithful to him even in mind, much less in body. We want to see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come."
[The Blessed One said:] "If both husband & wife want to see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come, they should be in tune [with each other] in conviction, in tune in virtue, in tune in generosity, and in tune in discernment. Then they will see one another not only in the present life but also in the life to come."
Husband & wife, both of them having conviction, being responsive, being restrained, living by the Dhamma, addressing each other with loving words: they benefit in manifold ways. To them comes bliss. Their enemies are dejected when both are in tune in virtue. Having followed the Dhamma here in this world, both in tune in precepts & practices, they delight in the world of the devas, enjoying the pleasures they desire.http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.055.than.html
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I'm actually quite surprised that the buddha encouraged this, would have thought that he'd ask them to consider seeking enlightenment instead.
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if you cultivate "in tune [with each other] in conviction, in tune in virtue, in tune in generosity, and in tune in discernment", you are also on your way to liberation
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yes agreed. I also thought it's like a spirtual friend too...helping along each other in the path to liberation
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Buddha and his wife (before he renounced) were such spiritual partners for many many lifetimes. His wife also attained arhantship later.
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I see, thanks for the sharing.
Thought it was interesting that a monk (forgot who) was commenting on conjoined twins prossibly being husbands and wifes being too obsessed with each other and wanting to be with each other across lifetimes.
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there's a recently article about "married people live longer than single".
i think it depends on the "spiritual happiness" of a person. Spiritually (not materialism)Happy people live longer than unhappy people..
both married and single can be miserable. Singles nowaday can be lonesome and depressed, hence better off getting married. As Too much freedom also not a good advantage, as a person will become indulgence. Got some commitment in life is a form of restriction, discipline, precept to me. I agree with Buddha.
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Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on Love & Relationships
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgGMIn4ktLQ
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on Love & Relationships - Q&A section
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp8sIqd31Ug
ps: the one i attended few months ago, now in youtube.
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