AN 3.61 Titthayatana Sutta: The Irrefutable Teaching | Part 3
In case you haven’t seen part 2 of this sutta, click here.
In this video, Bhante continues from the explanation of the Water Element (āpo-dhātu) and then moves to the Fire, Air, Space, and Consciousness Elements. It is important to understand how the average person clings to these Elements without the true understanding of their non-self nature. Hence, the Supreme Buddha teaches us to truly see these Elements with the right understanding like this: “This is not mine, I am not this, this is not my self”. Having this insight about yourself and other beings helps to develop good qualities and most importantly helps one to detach from worldly things, and eventually to reach stages of enlightenment.
An interesting question bringing up another meaning for the Pāli word “Dhātu” is asked by a devotee. The Supreme Buddha explains how things with similar behaviour (Dhātu) get together naturally, which Bhante mentions can be read about in the Dhatu Samyutta in the Saṃyutta Nikāya. Also, the importance of how the mind is at the forefront of everything is discussed, and for one to detach from worldly pleasures, it has to be done through the mind.
Later, a devotee asks about the difference in karma when giving to other beings. Bhante emphasizes how the Supreme Buddha praised giving and advised his disciples to give to anyone (even to animals). Bhante further explains how giving to a person observing precepts and monks/nuns generate more karma than an ordinary person (not observing precepts) or animals. Bhante also highlights two Suttas where the results of giving is explained by the Supreme Buddha (Velāma Sutta and Dakkhiṇāvibhaṅga Sutta).