Nina: We also need the Abhidhamma, because without it we would not know,
for
example, that happy feeling does not only arise with kusala citta, when
paying respect, but also with clinging, the citta with lobha.
RS: I have to say that I dont use the Abhidhamma, for reasons that have
been brought forth on this list. I dont begrudge its use, however, and
feel there are many paths to truth, and that each person takes truth
from his/her understanding and situation at the moment. But nothing that
we will find out there is absolute, in the sense that we can say Ah,
this (abhidhamma) is truth or This (sutta) is truth. Thus we will
avoid many conflicts (often mentioned in the scriptures) by not clinging
to one concept of truth or the other. Nothing that can be manifested is
the highest truth. Nibbana cannot be manifested.
Even the Dhamma, so the Buddha taught, will be dispensed with by the
person who has fully reached the other side of the stream. Until then
anything CAN be worthy if we use it to grow in the right direction. It
depends on cetana, intention.
As for the happy feeling that comes with clinging (lobha), it cannot to
be depended upon. It is transient (anicca), mirage (moha) and passes
into unhappiness (dukkha), as clinging always does (the second noble
truth on the arising of suffering). All of this is amply represented in
the Sutta Pitaka. But, more than that, it is in the mind of the person
who progresses on the way to truth, whether or not he knows one or
another pitaka. Above all, the Dhamma must not be an obstacle to our
progress. I am convinced that the Buddhas intention was not to be
complex or out of the reach of anyone, learned or unlearned. Whether
this was the intention of monks that came later is another question. I
always evaluate a thing for myself, regardless of where it comes from,
and dont accept anything because it is merely in the tradition.
I hope, Nina, that your father finds the peace of mind and heart that is
the highest goal of us all.