Barre Center for Buddhist Studies

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Kama Sutta

Poem
Andrew Olendzki
Summer 2010

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This is the Pali version of the better-known Sanskrit work, Kāma Sutra. Discerning readers may notice that the two texts are somewhat different (this one is shorter, for example). I’m translating the word “kāma” here as “pleasure,” but it really refers to the wanting of pleasure, the grasping after gratification through sensory objects, and thus denotes an emotional response rather than a feeling tone.

It is easy to underestimate the subtlety of the Buddha’s teaching here, and to thus caricature Buddhism as being world-denying. But notice the author of these stanzas is not saying that land, goods, kinfolk, etc. are evil, only that they are dangerous. It is the greed (anugijjha literally means going around like a vulture) for these things, which is generated within ourselves, that sets us up for disappointment and injury.

Mindfulness helps us steer a course around such attachment and beyond the suffering it brings with it. This ultimately represents a form of spiritual evolution toward a more empowered way of being human.

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Insight Journal

Summer 2010

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In this volume:

The Pilgrims’ Experience

By Various

Article

The Sixth Sense

By William Waldron

Article

Kama Sutta

By Andrew Olendzki

Poem

Cherish the Nuns

By Andrew Olendzki

Article

The Last Stronghold of Self

By Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia

Article

Perennial Issues

By Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Article

The BCBS Model Goes to India

By Justin Kelley

Article

 

All issues:

See all Insight Journal issues

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  • Home
  • About Us
    • New and Notable
    • COVID-19 Safety Protocols
    • Mission and Values
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Board of Directors
    • IMS
    • Staff
    • Job Openings
    • Getting to BCBS
    • Mailing List
    • Contact Us
  • Onsite Programs
    • Current Course Calendar
    • Everything You Need to Know About Residential Programs
    • Typical Residential Schedule
    • Continuing Education Credits
    • Financial Assistance
    • Teacher Dāna
  • Online Programs
    • Upcoming Programs
    • Wisdom Collaborations
    • Previously Offered Programs
    • Cancellation Policy
  • Path Programs
  • Teaching Faculty
  • Resources
    • Insight Journal
    • Bhikkhu Anālayo’s Offerings
    • The Daily Sit
    • Freely Offered Dharma
      • Events
      • Courses
    • BCBS Publishing
    • BCBS Bookstore
    • Access to Insight
    • Dharma Seed
  • Generosity
    • Donate
    • Recurring Donations
    • Planned Giving
    • Other Ways of Giving
    • Teacher Dāna
    • Volunteer