Hello all
1 Not sure about the reference too,(probably the Majjhima...)
but it goes something like:
'if your heart is clean, the well at your yard may be a sacred river
too'.
2 Consulted the monks, here at Cittalapabbata it self, we think the
Levitation story, is from 'Rasavahini', or 'Sumangalavinasini'.
These are works of a devotional character, I'm told,
so too harsh a criticism may be inappropriate,
especially as the supernatural abilities 'abhinnas', come from a
mastery over one of the elements, by mental power.
for example, a mastery of the earth element
may enable one to determine earth anywhere, in the sky even, and
because of his supreme mind power, he can actually fly thus.
that, if you will, gives an added significance to
'mano pubbangama dhamma'...
in the 'Muulapariyaaya Sutta (m.n.1)'
the word 'Abhinna' is used to describe the enlightened mind
process of cognition, metal attitude.
these are 'cetovimotti' reached by the practice of Samatha.
in few other discourses, the 'super powers' are in the same list
as 'eradication of defilements' 'Khayaasavaa',
the only ability that is a synonym of 'Nibbana'.
but apart from it, it is not the wisdom of liberation.
another carefull distinction may be drawn to the contrast between
the practice, life and habits of the 'great ones' and mere 'showing
off'.
there is a secular spirit, that seems to go well with the teachings,
and some would like to see it free from it's traditions and
ethniticism - but how to get rid of conceit?
There are inscriptions here in the caves entrances,
dating 4th-5th century B.c.e, in Brahmi script,
often ending with
'agataanagata catu disa sagasa lene dine'
(- a consonant cannot be written without a vowel,
does it echo the wish for Samatha powers,
an identification-model for the common good folk?)
'(the) cave was given to the monks community of the four direction,
past and future',
so that, Australians too, may come and practice...