3.5.7

Lesson 3.5.7 Rūpādivaggo – The One Thing That Upsets the Mind

The third constituent of sammākammanto (right action) is focused on refraining from sexual misconduct. While this precept might seem less severe with less negative kammic results than the first two, the Buddha repeatedly warned of the dangers of lust and deep attachment to sensual pleasures (kāmacchando), which is even listed as the first of the five hindrances to mental development. Our modern world often misuses sexuality to capture attention, a practice that highlights its strong power. The following lesson, Methunasutta, delves into the possible mental engrossments and intricate thought processes that are involved with passion, but the Rūpādivaggo is a simpler, straightforward and more enjoyable sutta serving as a great tool for meditators wanting to memorize the Pāli suttas. By doing so, a layperson can be constantly reminded of the risks of sensual pleasures and better appreciate the core importance of this third precept (kāmesumicchācārā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi) for cultivating mental calmness.