DEPOPULATION

Welcome back to the Sutta Meditation Series Podcast. In this Dhamma session we take a look at the Buddha's answer, in the Paloka Sutta (AN 3.56), to a brahmin's question on why we see the number of people decline, why depopulation can be seen. The Buddha gives three reasons for why we experience depopulation, and in his answer he emphasises what is driving these reasons. He explains that when the world is overpowered by illicit lust, rapacious greed and led by the wrong Dhamma (i.e. following the greed, hatred and delusion path) we can only expect downfall, decline and afflictions such as depopulation.   We study this teaching not to focus on blaming and pointing at specific people or groups, but to look at how we can empower ourselves to do better - for ourselves, for each other, for the world.   Suttas that are mentioned directly or indirectly in this session:  — Mahāsupina Jataka (Ja 77)  — Parābhava Sutta  (Snp 1.6)  — Sukkadhamma Sutta (Iti 42)  — Duccaritavipāka Sutta (AN 8.40)  — Attabyābādha Sutta (AN 3.17)   — Aññatarabrāhmaṇa Sutta (AN 3.53)   — Samaya Sutta (AN 3.54)  — Dutiyaanāgatabhaya Sutta (AN 5.78)   Bohoma pin to the person who requested this Dhamma talk. A VIDEO of this FULL SESSION with presentation slides has been published to the Sutta Meditation Series YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4KjPKhbTx8 Blessings of the Triple Gem. Theruwan saranai