Buddhadāsa Bhikkhu encourages us to use this opportunity to develop an understanding of what it is we are coming here for, a new way of life that is completely free of all suffering. He explains that throughout the course of human history there has been an increase in problems related to the business of living, especially the problem that we call ‘dukkha’ (mental pain, mental suffering, and anguish) which comes from selfishness. He notes that all the different kinds of kilesa (mental defilement) arise from selfishness. He states how controlling the instincts is necessary in order to control selfishness in order to control the defilements. We do mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati bhāvanā) because it is a very efficient and powerful way to get rid of selfishness. Lastly he details how the practice can’t be separated from the mode of living which supports and nurtures it – the five conditions of life which we need to take care of in order for life to continue.

This Dhamma teaching was offered by Tan Ajahn on 2nd September 1987.
Live English translation by Santikaro Bhikkhu; 56 minutes

Ending Selfishness series

8709 – [1 of 5] Danger of Selfishness

8709 – [2 of 5] Source of Selfishness

8709 – [3 of 5] Destroying Selfishness

8709 – [4 of 5] Benefits of Unselfishness

8709 – [5 of 5] Way of Practice for Ending Selfishness