Bhante Sanathavihari: On the Wings of Awakening

Bhante Sanathavihari enthusiastically and joyfully shares the Ummaggasutta as a way of considering that the Buddhist metaphor of a bird, with one wing of compassion and one wing of wisdom, might be more like a UFO, compassion and wisdom being one: two sides of a coin of wisdom— “penetrative” and “great.” He especially focuses on illuminating “great wisdom,” or mahaprajna, reminding us that compassion includes us as individuals, that no one’s happiness is more important than anyone else’s, that “all beings tremble when they’re being attacked.” He explores each of the four Brahmaviharas (metta, karuna, mudita, and upekkha) and teaches us that this great wisdom, or compassion, takes many forms and that no form is any less than another. Bhante concludes his talk with questions from the audience and a dedication. Bhante is currently a resident at Upaya, hence his remark “It’s a little different to be on the other side.”