“Drop of water on the lotus leaf.”
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Question: Am I right to say that the Arahant can live in the world without getting involved with the worldly Dhamma, like the oil and water - they exist separately in the same vessel?
Than Ajahn: Yes. There are examples in the Buddha’s teachings which go by the simile of the drop of water on the lotus leaf. The drop of water does not seep into the leaf. They exist together, but separately. They don’t join to become one. An arahant will still be involved with all the things in the world but an arahant is not attached to all these things that happen in the world. He understands the true nature of these things as being impermanent, as causing sadness and as the things which are not under anybody’s control to stop them from changing or becoming impermanent. So, the arahant only acknowledges them, knows them and leaves them alone.
Question: Similarly the Arahant’s citta knows happiness and unhappiness: his citta does not adhere to them, but remains separate from the feeling.
Than Ajahn: Yes, he still experiences his happiness that comes through the sense organs through the body. He experiences them but he doesn’t have any reaction towards them. He just knows them and leaves them alone.
Question: Is this because of his citta is in its pure natural form?
Than Ajahn: Right. His citta is detached from everything.
Dhamma in English, Sep 7, 2018.
By Ajahn Suchart Abhijāto
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