Thus have I heard: Once, the Blessed One was staying at Migāramātu Palace in the Eastern Park near Sāvatthī. At that time, two Brahmin youths, Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja, were practicing in the monastic community, aspiring to become monks.

Then, in the evening, the Blessed One rose from meditation, came down from the hall, and began walking in the open air in the shade of the hall. Vāseṭṭha saw the Blessed One rise from meditation, come down, and walk in the shade. Upon seeing this, he said to Bhāradvāja: "Friend Bhāradvāja, the Blessed One has risen from meditation and is now walking in the shade of the hall. Friend, let us go to see the Blessed One; perhaps we might hear a teaching from him." Bhāradvāja replied: "Very well, friend."

So Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja approached the Blessed One. After paying homage to him, they walked alongside him. At this point, the Blessed One said to Vāseṭṭha: "Vāseṭṭha, you were born into Brahmin families and lineages, but have left home life for the homeless state. Do the Brahmins revile and reproach you for this?"

"Indeed they do, Blessed One. The Brahmins revile us with the harshest words, without restraint."

"How do they revile you?"

"Blessed One, the Brahmins say: 'The Brahmin caste is the highest; other castes are inferior. Brahmins are the white caste; others are dark. Only Brahmins can be purified, not non-Brahmins. Brahmins are the sons of Brahmā, born from his mouth, created by Brahmā, heirs of Brahmā. Yet you have abandoned the highest caste to join these shaven-headed ascetics, these menials, these dark ones born from the feet of others. This is not good, this is not proper.'"

"Vāseṭṭha, these Brahmins have forgotten ancient tradition when they say: 'The Brahmin caste is the highest; other castes are inferior. Brahmins are the white caste; others are dark. Only Brahmins can be purified, not non-Brahmins. Brahmins are the sons of Brahmā, born from his mouth, created by Brahmā, heirs of Brahmā.' Vāseṭṭha, we can see that the wives of Brahmins also menstruate, become pregnant, give birth, and nurse their children, yet these Brahmins, though born from wombs, say such things. They not only slander Brahmā but also speak falsely, creating much evil karma.

[The Purity of the Four Castes]

"Vāseṭṭha, there are four castes: Khattiyas, Brahmins, Vessas, and Suddas. Among Khattiyas, some kill living beings, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, speak divisively, use harsh speech, engage in idle talk, are covetous, harbor ill will, and hold wrong views. These unwholesome actions—declared unwholesome, blameworthy, not to be practiced, unworthy of noble ones, dark with dark results, condemned by the wise—can be seen among Khattiyas. The same is true of Brahmins... of Vessas... of Suddas.

"Similarly, among Khattiyas, some abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and idle talk; they are not covetous, harbor no ill will, and hold right views. These wholesome actions—declared wholesome, blameless, to be practiced, worthy of noble ones, bright with bright results, praised by the wise—can be seen among Khattiyas. The same is true of Brahmins... of Vessas... of Suddas.

"Vāseṭṭha, among these four castes, both dark and bright qualities exist simultaneously—actions condemned by the wise and actions praised by the wise. In this situation, how can Brahmins say: 'The Brahmin caste is the highest; other castes are inferior. Brahmins are the white caste; others are dark. Only Brahmins can be purified, not non-Brahmins. Brahmins are the sons of Brahmā, born from his mouth, created by Brahmā, heirs of Brahmā'? The wise would not agree with this claim. Why? Because, Vāseṭṭha, from among these four castes, whoever becomes a monk and attains Arahantship—with defilements destroyed, the holy life fulfilled, what needed to be done accomplished, the burden laid down, the goal reached, the fetters of existence destroyed, and liberated through perfect knowledge—is declared supreme. This is in accordance with Dhamma, not contrary to Dhamma. For Dhamma is the highest in the world, both in this life and the next."

"Vāseṭṭha, through this example too, it can be understood that Dhamma is highest in the world, both in this life and the next."

"Vāseṭṭha, King Pasenadi of Kosala knows that 'the ascetic Gotama has gone forth from the Sakyan clan.' The Sakyans are vassals of King Pasenadi. The Sakyans show him deference, homage, rise for him, salute him, and pay him respect. And likewise, King Pasenadi shows the Tathāgata deference, homage, rises for him, salutes him, and pays him respect. He does not do this thinking: 'The ascetic Gotama is well-born, I am of low birth; he is powerful, I am weak; he is handsome, I am ugly; he has great influence, I have little influence.' Rather, he respects, honors, reveres, venerates, and pays homage to the Dhamma. Through this example too, it can be understood that Dhamma is highest in the world, both in this life and the next."

"Vāseṭṭha, though you come from different births, names, clans, and families, you have all gone forth from home to homelessness. If someone should ask you: 'Who are you?' you should reply: 'We are ascetics, followers of the Sakyan.' Vāseṭṭha, whoever has firm and unwavering faith in the Tathāgata, deeply rooted, unshakable by any ascetic, brahmin, deva, Māra, Brahmā, or anyone in the world, can rightly say: 'I am a child of the Blessed One, born from the Dhamma, created by the Dhamma, an heir of the Dhamma.' Why? Because the Tathāgata is described as 'the Embodiment of Dhamma,' 'the Embodiment of Brahmā,' 'the Manifestation of Dhamma,' 'the Manifestation of Brahmā.'"

"Vāseṭṭha, after a very long time, there comes a time when the world dissolves. When the world is dissolving, most beings are reborn in the Ābhassara Brahmā world. There they dwell, mind-made, feeding on joy, self-luminous, moving through the air, dwelling in glory. They remain like this for a very long time."

"Vāseṭṭha, after a very long time, there comes a time when the world begins to expand again. When the world is expanding, most beings pass away from the Ābhassara Brahmā world and are reborn here. They still remain mind-made, feeding on joy, self-luminous, moving through the air, dwelling in glory. They remain like this for a very long time."

Let me provide a deep analysis of the profound meaning of this scripture:

1. Opening Scene and Background

   The story takes place at Migāramātu Palace in the Eastern Park near Sāvatthī

   Two Brahmin youths (Vāseṭṭha and Bhāradvāja) are practicing the Dhamma

   The Buddha rises from meditation in the evening and walks in the shade of the hall

   This scene itself contains profound symbolism: from meditation to walking, from light to shadow, suggesting the balance between contemplation and active life.

Walking meditation is an important Buddhist practice:

1. Basic Definition

   A slow, mindful walking practice

   Usually performed in designated areas of meditation centers

   Alternates with sitting meditation

2. Specific Method

   Choose a straight path (usually about 20-30 steps long)

   Walk slowly and steadily back and forth

   Maintain mindfulness, focusing on each movement

   Can be coordinated with breathing for body-mind harmony

3. Purpose

   Balance body and mind, avoiding discomfort from long sitting

   Cultivate mindfulness and awareness

   Train concentration

   Balance sitting and walking meditation

   Integrate meditation into daily activities

4. Benefits

   Improves blood circulation

   Relieves physical fatigue

   Enhances concentration

   Develops awareness

   Integrates meditation into life

5. Guidelines

   Maintain an upright posture

   Keep steps even

   Move gently

   Maintain mindfulness

   Avoid distractions

6. Modern Relevance

   Can be viewed as "walking meditation"

   Suitable for modern stress reduction

   Applicable in daily life

   Helps improve work efficiency

   Promotes physical and mental health

7. Practical Suggestions

   Start with short periods (5-10 minutes)

   Choose quiet environments

   Wear comfortable shoes

   Practice regularly

   Integrate into daily life

Walking meditation is not just a practice method but a life attitude. It teaches us how to maintain awareness while walking, how to practice in daily life, and how to bring the spirit of meditation into every action. This practice is especially suitable for modern people because it is simple, not limited by location, and can effectively reduce stress and improve quality of life.

2. Critique of the Caste System

   The Buddha reveals the absurdity of the Indian caste system through dialogue:

   Brahmins claim to be the highest caste

   They claim to be "sons of Brahmā"

   They believe only Brahmins can be purified

   The Buddha refutes with facts:

   All castes have the same physiological characteristics (menstruation, pregnancy, etc.)

   Good and bad people exist in every caste

   True purification comes not from caste but from practice

The Ancient Indian Four-Caste System:

1. Khattiyas (Kshatriyas)

   The ruling class

   Duties:

   Governing the country

   Protecting people

   Maintaining social order

   Leading armies

   Characteristics:

   Holding political power

   Responsible for military affairs

   Maintaining social justice

   Protecting other castes

2. Brahmins

   The priestly class

   Duties:

   Conducting religious ceremonies

   Imparting knowledge

   Studying scriptures

   Guiding spiritual life

   Characteristics:

   Holding religious power

   Responsible for education

   Maintaining traditions

   Guiding other castes

3. Vessas (Vaishyas)

   The merchant class

   Duties:

   Conducting business

   Developing economy

   Managing wealth

   Serving society

   Characteristics:

   Holding economic power

   Responsible for production and trade

   Creating wealth

   Serving other castes

4. Suddas (Shudras)

   The laborer class

   Duties:

   Performing labor

   Providing services

   Supporting society

   Maintaining livelihood

   Characteristics:

   Providing labor

   Responsible for basic work

   Serving other castes

   Maintaining social functioning

Characteristics of the Caste System:

1. Hereditary

   Caste passed down through generations

   Difficult to change status

   Limited social mobility

2. Occupational Restrictions

   Each caste has fixed occupations

   Cannot freely change occupations

   Limits personal development

3. Social Segregation

   No intermarriage between castes

   Limited interaction

   Creates social division

4. Hierarchy

   Castes ranked high to low

   Creates social inequality

   Results in discrimination

The Buddha's Innovation:

1. Opposition to Caste Discrimination

   Belief in human equality

   Rejection of caste superiority

   Promotion of equality

2. Emphasis on Individual Practice

   Valuing inner qualities

   Emphasizing moral cultivation

   Encouraging personal effort

3. Breaking Caste Boundaries

   Allowing different castes to join the Sangha

   Promoting equal practice

   Opposing caste segregation

Modern Significance:

1. Opposition to all forms of discrimination

2. Promotion of human equality

3. Valuing personal effort

4. Emphasizing inner qualities

5. Promoting social harmony

The Buddha's critique of the caste system:

1. Considered the caste system unreasonable

2. Emphasized everyone's potential for enlightenment

3. Promoted equal practice

4. Opposed caste superiority

5. Valued individual practice

These teachings still have important implications for modern society:

1. Opposition to all forms of discrimination

2. Promotion of human equality

3. Valuing personal effort

4. Emphasizing inner qualities

5. Promoting social harmony

The Ten Unwholesome Actions in Buddhism:

1. Killing

   Intentionally taking the life of sentient beings

   Includes direct killing and inciting others to kill

   Violates compassion

   Harms other lives

2. Stealing

   Taking others' property without permission

   Includes theft, robbery, fraud, etc.

   Violates honesty and integrity

   Infringes on others' property

3. Sexual Misconduct

   Improper sexual behavior

   Includes adultery, rape, etc.

   Violates moral ethics

   Hurts others' feelings

4. Lying

   Speaking falsehoods

   Deceiving others

   Violates truthfulness

   Breaks trust

5. Divisive Speech

   Creating discord

   Causing conflict between others

   Disrupts harmony

   Creates division

6. Harsh Speech

   Rough, cruel language

   Hurtful words

   Violates compassion

   Creates suffering

7. Idle Talk

   Meaningless chatter

   Time-wasting speech

   Violates mindfulness

   Useless conversation

8. Covetousness

   Excessive desire

   Endless pursuit of material things

   Violates contentment

   Attachment to external objects

9. Ill Will

   Anger, resentment

   Harboring grudges

   Violates compassion

   Emotions that harm self and others

10. Wrong Views

    Incorrect perspectives

    Denial of cause and effect

    Violates wisdom

    Thoughts leading to wrong actions

Common features of these unwholesome actions:

1. All bring suffering

2. All harm self and others

3. All hinder practice

4. All create negative results

Remedies:

1. Cultivating mindfulness

2. Practicing compassion

3. Observing precepts

4. Developing wisdom

5. Cultivating right view

Modern Significance:

1. These precepts still guide modern society

2. Can help establish healthy relationships

3. Can promote social harmony

4. Can improve personal cultivation

5. Can enhance quality of life

These teachings on unwholesome actions apply not just to Buddhist practitioners but have important guidance for daily life in the modern world. By avoiding these unwholesome actions, we can:

Build better relationships

Enhance personal cultivation

Promote social harmony

Attain inner peace

Achieve true happiness

Ten Wholesome Actions:

1. Not Killing

   Respecting all life

   Cultivating compassion

   Caring for animals

   Protecting the environment

   Promoting peace

2. Not Stealing

   Respecting others' property

   Being honest and trustworthy

   Trading fairly

   Being content

   Cultivating integrity

3. Sexual Restraint

   Maintaining chastity

   Respecting marriage

   Cultivating self-control

   Building healthy relationships

   Maintaining family harmony

4. Truthful Speech

   Speaking truth

   Being honest with others

   Building trust

   Consistency in words and actions

   Cultivating honesty

5. Harmonious Speech

   Promoting harmony

   Resolving conflicts

   Uniting others

   Maintaining friendships

   Cultivating inclusiveness

6. Gentle Speech

   Using gentle language

   Respecting others

   Cultivating compassion

   Resolving conflicts

   Promoting understanding

7. Meaningful Speech

   Meaningful conversation

   Valuing time

   Cultivating mindfulness

   Focusing on the present

   Improving efficiency

8. Contentment

   Being content

   Reducing attachment

   Cultivating gratitude

   Living simply

   Inner abundance

9. Goodwill

   Maintaining calm

   Cultivating tolerance

   Transforming anger

   Understanding others

   Promoting harmony

10. Right View

    Correct perception

    Understanding cause and effect

    Cultivating wisdom

    Discerning right from wrong

    Grasping truth

Common features of these wholesome actions:

1. Bring happiness

2. Benefit self and others

3. Promote practice

4. Create positive results

5. Enhance quality of life

Practice methods:

1. Observing precepts

2. Cultivating mindfulness

3. Practicing compassion

4. Developing wisdom

5. Maintaining awareness

Modern significance:

1. Building harmonious society

2. Enhancing personal cultivation

3. Improving relationships

4. Promoting physical and mental health

5. Achieving true happiness

These wholesome actions can bring:

Inner peace

Interpersonal harmony

Social stability

Life enhancement

True happiness

Through practicing these wholesome actions, we can:

1. Enhance personal cultivation

2. Improve relationships

3. Promote social harmony

4. Attain inner peace

5. Move toward true happiness

These teachings apply not just to Buddhist practitioners but offer important guidance for daily life in the modern world. By practicing these wholesome actions, we can build a better life and create a more harmonious society.

3. The Transcendence of Dhamma

   The Buddha presents a revolutionary view:

   Dhamma (truth) transcends all castes

   True nobility lies in the practice of Dhamma

   Using the example of King Pasenadi: even a king respects a practitioner because of his reverence for Dhamma

4. Cosmological View of World Origins

   The text concludes with a description of cosmic cycles:

   When the world dissolves, beings rise to the Ābhassara Brahmā world

   When the world forms again, beings descend from the Ābhassara world

   Beings feed on joy and are self-luminous

   This suggests:

   The cyclical nature of the universe

   The eternity of life

   The luminous nature of being

The Ābhassara Brahmā World in Buddhism:

1. Basic Concept

   The second realm of the Form Realm (Rūpa-loka)

   Located above the First Jhāna heavens

   Part of the Form Realm

   A realm attainable through meditation

2. Characteristics of Ābhassara Realm

   Light:

   Beings self-luminous

   No need for sun or moon

   Pervasive radiance

   Pure brilliance

   Sound:

   Beings communicate through sound

   No need for language

   Mind-to-mind communication

   Pure harmony

   Lifespan:

   Extremely long life

   Measured in kalpas (eons)

   No sickness

   No aging

3. Life in Ābhassara Realm

   Food:

   Feed on joy

   No need for material food

   Nourished by meditative joy

   Pure and undefiled

   Dwelling:

   Moving through the air

   Dwelling in purity

   No material obstacles

   Complete freedom

   Practice:

   Continuous meditation

   Maintaining mindfulness

   Developing wisdom

   Elevating consciousness

4. Significance of Ābhassara Realm

   Meditation Goal:

   Attainable through practice

   Important goal of meditation

   Result of mind purification

   Manifestation of practice achievement

   Symbolic Meaning:

   Represents luminous wisdom

   Symbolizes purity

   Embodies freedom

   Demonstrates practice results

5. Conditions for Reaching Ābhassara

   Practice Requirements:

   Observing precepts

   Practicing meditation

   Cultivating wisdom

   Purifying mind

   Mental State:

   Inner purity

   Non-attachment

   Maintaining mindfulness

   Developing wisdom

6. Modern Implications of Ābhassara Concept

   Practice Meaning:

   Pursuit of inner light

   Cultivation of pure mind

   Elevation of consciousness

   Attainment of true freedom

   Life Implications:

   Maintaining inner light

   Cultivating pure mind

   Enhancing life quality

   Pursuing true happiness

7. Ābhassara Practice Methods

   Daily Practice:

   Observing precepts

   Practicing meditation

   Cultivating wisdom

   Purifying mind

   Mental Adjustment:

   Maintaining mindfulness

   Reducing attachment

   Cultivating compassion

   Developing wisdom

8. Modern Applications of Ābhassara Concept

   Life Guidance:

   Maintaining inner light

   Cultivating pure mind

   Enhancing life quality

   Pursuing true happiness

   Practice Guidance:

   Observing precepts

   Practicing meditation

   Cultivating wisdom

   Purifying mind

The concept of the Ābhassara realm is not just a meditative state but a life attitude and practice goal. It tells us to:

1. Pursue inner light

2. Cultivate pure mind

3. Elevate consciousness

4. Attain true freedom

5. Realize life's value

These teachings have important implications for modern practice and life.

The Concept of "Kalpa" (Eon) in Buddhism:

1. Basic Definition

   Kalpa is a Buddhist time unit indicating extremely long durations

   Used to describe the four stages of cosmic cycles: formation, existence, destruction, and emptiness

   Represents a complete world cycle

2. Classification of Kalpas

   Small Kalpa:

   Human lifespan increases from 10 years to 84,000 years

   Then decreases from 84,000 years to 10 years

   One such increase-decrease cycle is one small kalpa

   Medium Kalpa:

   20 small kalpas make one medium kalpa

   Includes formation, existence, destruction, and emptiness stages

   Each stage comprises 5 small kalpas

   Great Kalpa:

   4 medium kalpas make one great kalpa

   Equivalent to 80 small kalpas

   Represents a complete world cycle

3. Calculation of Kalpas

   Small Kalpa Calculation:

   Increase and decrease each takes 84,000 years

   One small kalpa is approximately 168,000 years

   Medium Kalpa Calculation:

   20 small kalpas

   Approximately 3,360,000 years

   Great Kalpa Calculation:

   4 medium kalpas

   Approximately 13,440,000 years

4. Symbolic Meaning of Kalpas

   Impermanence:

   Indicates the passage of time

   Shows the change of all things

   Embodies the truth of impermanence

   Samsara:

   Indicates the cycle of life

   Shows the law of cause and effect

   Embodies the truth of rebirth

5. Modern Significance of Kalpas

   Time Perspective:

   Reminds us to value time

   Recognizes life's brevity

   Emphasizes the present

   Life Implications:

   Recognizes life's impermanence

   Values the present moment

   Seizes practice opportunities

6. Practice Significance of Kalpas

   Diligent Practice:

   Making use of limited time

   Striving in practice

   Seeking liberation

   Valuing Conditions:

   Valuing practice opportunities

   Seizing present conditions

   Striving for self-improvement

7. Life Implications of Kalpas

   Time Management:

   Arranging time reasonably

   Valuing every moment

   Focusing on the present

   Life Attitude:

   Recognizing life's impermanence

   Valuing the present moment

   Seizing practice opportunities

8. Modern Applications of Kalpas

   Life Guidance:

   Valuing time

   Focusing on the present

   Striving in practice

   Practice Guidance:

   Diligent practice

   Valuing conditions

   Seeking liberation

The concept of kalpa tells us:

1. Time is precious

2. Life is impermanent

3. Value the present

4. Seize conditions

5. Strive in practice

These teachings have important implications for modern practice and life. By understanding the concept of kalpa, we can:

Better value time

More deeply recognize life

More actively seize the present

More diligently practice

Live more wisely

5. Profound Insights

   This scripture offers the following insights:

   True nobility lies not in birth but in practice

   Truth transcends all human distinctions

   The universe has its inherent laws and cycles

   Light and darkness, good and evil exist in every group

   Practice is the way to transcend caste and achieve true purification

6. Modern Relevance

   This scripture still has important implications for modern society:

   Opposition to all forms of discrimination

   Emphasis on inner cultivation

   Promotion of equality and inclusiveness

   Value of universal truth

   Reminder to focus on the essence of life

This scripture is not just a religious text but a profound philosophical discourse on human nature, equality, and truth. It tells us: true nobility lies not in external status but in inner cultivation; truth transcends all human distinctions; the universe has its inherent laws, and humans should follow these laws to pursue true light and wisdom.