Ayya Santussika: Thoughts of Sanctuary and Seclusion

(Cloud Mountain Retreat Center) In Itivuttaka 38, the Buddha talks about how the Tathāgata frequently has two thoughts: one about sanctuary and the other about seclusion. The thought about sanctuary, the safety and security for living beings, comes from his love of and delight in kindness. The thought comes from the Buddha's love of seclusion and his delight in it, so this thought often occurs to him: ‘What is unskillful has been given up.’ The Buddha encouraged his disciples to love kindness and delight in it, then this thought will often occur to them: ‘Through this behavior, I shall not hurt any creature firm or frail.’ He also encouraged them to love seclusion and delight in it, then this thought will often occur to them: ‘What is unskillful? What is not given up? What should I give up?’”