Dear Yong Peng,
Op 14-mrt-2009, om 13:14 heeft Ong Yong Peng het volgende geschreven:

> I have a peep on Cariya Sutta, but hope Nina can comment further on
> the word hirii. We are only halfway through Cariya Sutta, but it
> seems to be discussing in particular "ethical integrity or
> responsibility" regarding sexual relationships.

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N: I had not thought about it in this way. It is more like shrinking
back from the dirt of defilements. Thus, the opposite of the pig who
swallows in dirt, eats dirt.
And then, there are many degrees of defilements, more gross and more
subtle. Understanding can be developed of very subtle lobha we may
not have known of before, or conceit we may not have noticed before.
Like: 'I want to be a superior person', clinging to our own goodness.
We learn to see through motives that seem very noble but which are
directed towards gain for ourselves. We learn how often we deceive
ourselves, mislead ourselves. It is understanding of the different
cittas at the present moment that will teach us a lesson. Thus, hiri
will develop. It arises with each and every kusala citta. When giving
with generosity the citta is kusala and there is also hiri that
shrinks back from avarice and selfish gain. When observing a precept
like abstaining from slandering, there is also hiri that shrinks back
from giving in to slandering.
Nina.



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