Dear Ven. Nyanatusita and friends,

I have come across something like this before. I don't think the
Buddha was really joking, but making a very serious proposition about
the underlying concept of cause and effect. Unfortunately, I can't
find a reference for you.

It is also interesting to note that many cultures in the world has
regarded the "cleansing" property of water as sacred, including the
close rivals Christianity and Wicca. Hence, the use of water in
religious rites is more than common, and certainly not unique in
India.

From another perspective, the Buddha is also dismissing an unfounded
belief that people simply follow blindly without giving much
thoughts. And, there are many other similar teachings such as the
following from the Dhammapada:

127. Neither in the sky nor in mid-ocean, nor by entering into
mountain clefts, nowhere in the world is there a place where one may
escape from the results of evil deeds.

141. Neither going about naked, nor matted locks, nor filth, nor
fasting, nor lying on the ground, nor smearing oneself with ashes and
dust, nor sitting on the heels (in penance) can purify a mortal who
has not overcome doubt.

188. Driven only by fear, do men go for refuge to many places — to
hills, woods, groves, trees and shrines.

As for your second point about Arahants flying around. I am not sure.
I thought the Buddha strictly prohibits his noble disciples
displaying such miraculous/magical feats unnecessarily. No?

In Australia, those who like seeing people floating in the air may
look out for illusionist Criss Angel's show premiering tomorrow
(Sunday) on channel Seven.


metta,
Yong Peng.

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, nyanatusita wrote:

1: "When Brahmins said that they could wash away their sins by
bathing in sacred rivers, the Buddha joked that the water might wash
away their good deeds also."