Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Linux Update-2018-10-10
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Higher Knowledge of Dhamma or Abhidhamma
Higher Knowledge of Dhamma or
Abhidhamma
Introduction
to Abhidhamma
Abhidhamma is colossal and any attempt
at simplifying it is difficult, simply because of the fact that
Abhidhamma in Buddhist terminology is an attempt to finely describe
the working of the Mind.
It is a conceptual framework of
“phenomena of existence” of physical and mental formations; i.e;
analysis of mental phenomena and their conditioning.
This
analysis is the basis for expounding the very nature of existence of
the being (Bhava) conditioned by Anitta (impermanence), Dukka
(unsatisfactoriness based on impermanence) and hence Anatma
(selflessness).
The expression of this at fine mental formation
is Upppada (beginning), Thithi (rising to a peak) and Bhanga
(dissolution) of one thought moment to another with similar
beginning, crescendo and dissolution; i.e; in other words “a state
of flux” of mental formation and dissolution.
This formation
does not end at physical death but extends into the next round of
existence in Bhava.
The
mental process is described as a stream (Bhavanga Sota) which
invariably accompany the being.
One experiences only one thought
moment at any particular time. No two thought moments coexist.
Each
thought moment hangs onto some kind of object.
No
consciousness arises without an object either physical or
mental.
When a person is fast asleep and is in a dreamless state
he experiences a kind of consciousness which is more passive than
active (note no mention about subconsciousness in Abhidhamma akin to
Freudian analysis).
It
is similar to consciousness at the time of conception and at the
final moment of death.
This type of consciousness in Abhidhamma
term is Bhavanga.
Like
any other consciousness it consists of genesis (Uppada) steady state
or static (Thiti) and cessation (Bhanga). Arising and perishing it
flows on like a stream not remaining the same for two consecutive
thought moments.
According
to Abhidhamma, two types of (conscious and subconscious) of
consciousness does not exist.
Bhavanga is not a sub-plane
but a continuous stream of existence.
In Abhidhamma the word
that aptly describe the state of the mind is Javana (running, no
exact English rendering).
This
Javana thought moment lasts seven thought moments or at times of
death five thought moments. Javana state is arrested by Thadarammana
when an object (physical or mental) of attention is registered by the
thought process and consists of two thought moments.
The death
occurs immediately after the Cuti consciousness.
Cuti
and Patisandhi are continuous, within the same thought moment and
there is NO room for Untharbhava in Abhidhamma!
It
lapses into Bhavanga sota of enormity (of Samsara) which each one
owns of his own, with neither beginning nor end.
A
super being cannot pardon actions (Kusala or Akusala) of a being or
arrest this process.
Though,
with death, the physical body disintegrates and the flow of
consciousness temporarily ceases yet the stream is not annihilated as
the Kammic force that propels it remains.
Death is only a
prelude to rebirth.
As Patisandhi (relinking) is the initial
thought moment of life so Cuti the final thought moment. They are the
entrance and exist of a particular life. Cuti occurs between Javana
and Patisandhi, Thadarammana and Patisandhi and Bhananga and
Patisandhi.
So the Samsara is the conditional existence (sort of
cause and effect process) of beings, all inclusive (not only human
but Deva and Preta included) and the goal of Buddhist Practice is to
strive for Unconditional Existence of the Mental Culture (not a zero
sum game or state) of Bliss without attachment (Tanha).
Way to
achieve this is by one’s own effort of Meditation (not just
meditation) with clear understanding of the above premises of Anitta,
Dukka and Anatma.
Mind’s response to sense organ’s
perception of an impulse as part of an object (Kaya/Rupa) of
attention sets in a chain reaction.
1. Impulse has to be above
the threshold value.
2. That causes to arise sensation from the
sense object.
3. Perception of that sensation as agreeable,
disagreeable or neutral.
4.Volitional (Cetana) attachment
(Tanha) to that Citta (i.e; awakening of the life stream (Bhavanga
sota) of continuity).
5. Momentary focus of attention to that
state of Mind.
6. Brings to life the mental phenomenon
associated with that state of mind (within the Mind or arise from
sense organ).
7. Attention to the same until another (Citta)
thought process begins.
Upppda, Thiti and Bhanga process recurs
in an undulating form in each thought moment of the present.
In
terms of the life process, Patisandhi, Bhavanga and Cuti operate, in
the ever recurring Samsara Cycle.
Javana is the most important
of all where the free will operates and the action (good or bad)
falls into either Kusala or Akusala Kamma. One owns or inherits the
merits or demerits of his or her action or deed.
Thought
process has 17 thought moments and Javana has 7 thought moments and
Tadarammana has two thought moments and the rest of the eight thought
moments are given separate names starting from Atita Bhavanga to
Votthappana ending in Javana and Tadarammana.
This in essence
embodies the basic tenets of Abhidhamma but does not include all the
finer classifications.
Summary;
1. Bhavanga sota
2.
Bhavanga uppaccheda
3. Bhavanga calana
4. Avarjana (focus
of attention)
5. Tadarammana (focus of attachment)
6.
Javana (there is no proper English rendering of this word)
7.
Kusala and Akusala (or Kriya of the Arhaths)
Uppada, Thiti and
Banga of the thought moment or process ensues with extreme
rapidity.
8. Bhavanga sota.
Glimpse
of Mind in Abhidhamma
Abhidhamma is colossal and any
attempt at simplifying it is difficult, simply because of the fact
that Abhidhamma in Buddhist terminology is an attempt to finely
describe the working of the Mind.
It is a conceptual framework
of “phenomena of existence” of physical and mental formations;
i.e; analysis of mental phenomena and their conditioning.
This
analysis is the basis for expounding the very nature of existence of
the being (Bhava) conditioned by Anitta (impermanence), Dukka
(unsatisfactoriness based on impermanence) and hence Anatma
(selflessness).
The
expression of this at fine mental formation is Upppada (beginning),
Thithi (rising to a peak) and Bhanga (dissolution) of one thought
moment to another with similar beginning, crescendo and dissolution;
i.e; in other words “a state of flux” of mental formation and
dissolution.
This
formation does not end at physical death but extends into the next
round of existence in Bhava. The mental process is described as a
stream (Bhavanga Sota) which invariably accompany the being.
One
experiences only one thought moment at any particular time. No two
thought moments coexist. Each thought moment hangs onto some kind of
object. No consciousness arises without an object either physical or
mental.
When
a person is fast asleep and is in a dreamless state he experiences a
kind of consciousness which is more passive than active (note no
mention about subconsciousness in Abhidhamma akin to Freudian
analysis). It is similar to consciousness at the time of conception
and at the final moment of death.
This
type of consciousness in Abhidhamma term is Bhavanga. Like any other
consciousness it consists of genesis (Uppada) steady state or static
(Thiti) and cessation (Bhanga). Arising and perishing it flows on
like a stream not remaining the same for two consecutive thought
moments. According to Abhidhamma no two type of (conscious and
subconscious) of consciousness exist.
Bhavanga is not a
sub-plane but a continuous stream of existence.
In
Abhidhamma the word that aptly describe the state of the mind is
Javana (running). This Javana thought moment lasts seven thought
moments or at times of death five thought moments. Javana state is
arrested by Thadarammana when an object (physical or mental) of
attention is registered by the thought process and consists of two
thought moments.
The death occurs immediately after the Cuti
consciousness. Though, with death, the physical body disintegrates
and the flow of consciousness temporarily ceases yet the stream is
not annihilated as the Kammic force that propels it remains.
Death
is only a prelude to rebirth.
As
Patisandhi (relinking) is the initial thought moment of life so Cuti
the final thought moment. They are the entrance and exist of a
particular life. Cuti occurs between Javana and Patisandhi,
Thadarammana and Patisandhi and Bhananga and Patisandhi.
So
the Samsara is the conditional existence (sort of cause and effect
process) of beings, all inclusive (not only human but Deva and Preta
included) and the goal of Buddhist Practice is to strive for
Unconditional Existence of the Mental Culture (not a zero sum game or
state) of Bliss without attachment (Tanha).
Way
to achieve this is by one’s own effort of Meditation (not just
meditation) with clear understanding of the above premises of Anitta,
Dukka and Anatma.
Mind’s
response to sense organ’s perception of an impulse as part of an
object (Kaya/Rupa) of attention sets in a chain reaction.
1.
Impulse has to be above the threshold value.
2.
That causes to arise sensation from the sense object.
3.
Perception of that sensation as agreeable, disagreeable or neutral.
4.Volitional
(Cetana) attachment (Tanha) to that Citta (i.e; awakening of the life
stream (Bhavanga sota) of continuity).
5.
Momentary focus of attention to that state of Mind.
6.
Brings to life the mental phenomenon associated with that state of
mind (within the Mind or arise from sense organ).
7.
Attention to the same until another (Citta) thought process begins.
Upppda,
Thiti and Bhanga process recurs in an undulating form in each thought
moment of the present.
In
terms of the life process, Patisandhi, Bhavanga and Cuti operate, in
the ever recurring Samsara Cycle.
Javana
is the most important of all where the free will operates and the
action (good or bad) falls into either Kusala or Akusala Kamma. One
owns or inherits the merits or demerits of his or her action or deed.
Thought process has 17 thought moments and Javana has 7 thought
moments and Tadarammana has two thought moments and the rest of the
eight thought moments are given separate names starting from Atita
Bhavanga to Votthappana ending in Javana and Tadarammana.
This
in essence embodies the basic tenets of Abhidhamma but does not
include all the finer classifications.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Afterthought not wisdom thoughts
How to Evade Judgments and Descent
Three Ladybirds in one
Most of it is reproduction but my comments are copyrighted, by American standards!
Three Ladybirds in one.
Monsanto Loses Roundup Cancer Trial
A San Francisco jury returned a verdict today in the case of a former groundskeeper with terminal cancer against Monsanto Company, ordering the agrochemical giant to pay $39.2 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages for failing to warn consumers that exposure to Roundup weed killer causes cancer.Dewayne “Lee” Johnson filed the lawsuit (case no. CGC-16-550128) against St. Louis-based Monsanto Co. on Jan. 28, 2016, alleging exposure to the Roundup herbicide he sprayed while working as a groundskeeper for the Benicia Unified School District caused him to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
On June 18, 2018, his case was assigned to Judge Suzanne Ramos Bolanos for the Superior Court of San Francisco, California. Johnson’s case was the first of its kind to proceed to trial due to his terminal diagnosis. After eight weeks of trial proceedings, the jury found unanimously that Monsanto’s glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer caused Mr. Johnson to develop NHL, and that Monsanto failed to warn of this severe health hazard. Importantly, the jury also found that Monsanto acted with malice, oppression or fraud and should be punished for its conduct.
Monsanto was found liable in a lawsuit and ordered to pay $289 million in damages to a man who alleged the company's glyphosate-based weed-killers, including Roundup, caused him cancer.
A California jury on Friday found Monsanto liable in a lawsuit filed by a man who alleged the company's glyphosate-based weed-killers, including Roundup, caused him cancer and ordered the company to pay $289 million in damages.
The case of school groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson was the first lawsuit alleging glyphosate causes cancer to go to trial. Monsanto, a unit of Bayer AG following a $62.5 billion acquisition by the German conglomerate, faces more than 5,000 similar lawsuits across the United States.
The jury at San Francisco's Superior Court of California deliberated for three days before finding that Monsanto had failed to warn Johnson and other consumers of the cancer risks posed by its weed killers.
It awarded $39 million in compensatory and $250 million in punitive damages.
The sticky honeydew is a favorite of ants, who act like mini-farmers and protect the aphids from predators (such as ladybugs). Often gardeners think the ants eat plants, but really the ants are busy taking care of their “herd” and using the “milk” for food. You can get rid of ants by using a sticky product called “tanglefoot” and applying it as directed. The ants get trapped or can’t go around the barrier to get to the aphids. This leaves the aphids defenseless against predators such as ladybugs (actually beetles from the order Coleoptera) who are on the lookout for a tasty meal. Ladybugs are more correctly called ladybird beetles or lady beetles, but the name ladybug is most commonly used. To learn more about other insects in this order, visit the coleoptera webpage,
Ladybugs lay their eggs on plants near aphids and other food sources like mites. Ladybug larvae are pretty interesting looking, almost like mini-alligators, and just as voracious! I took a photo of this little guy on a picnic bench just today. When this baby hatched it was smaller than a pinhead! You can barely see them with a hand lens.
Hatched larva eat tiny critters like mites until they are big enough to eat aphids. If you’re reading along and wondering why I write “larva” sometimes and “larvae” at others it’s because one is singular (larvae) and the other plural (larva) although even I get confused while I’m typing at times, especially late at night.
The larva eat and eat and get bigger and bigger.
Here’s a photo of a ladybug larva that has been chowing down and gotten much larger. I try to be careful when photographing them. The tiny ones shouldn’t be handled because they get squished easily. The larger ones can sometimes be convinced to climb onto a finger and are easier to handle. I’ve noticed that they bite, although I would call it more of a “nip” if you will, sort of like a little pinch.
It also seems like they emit an orange substance when disturbed, although I haven’t been able to find information about this anywhere. In nature, ladybugs are avoided by most predators, apparently because they taste terrible. Although I’m sure most birds or other predators eat at least one before they find out!
There are different types of ladybugs, some with many spots and others with none. The shades of red also vary. This Ladybug Classification webpage can tell you more. The most common type of ladybird beetle is the convergent ladybug, which is pictured in this blog.
Want ladybugs in your garden?
Plant crops that attract aphids. Some suggestions are plants in the cabbage family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) or roses. The photos of adult ladybird beetles, larva and pupae were taken of the beetles among fava beans. I imagine it’s a great crop/place to overwinter during both winter and spring.
It was definitely an “all-you-can-eat” buffet for the beetles!
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get rid of all the aphids in your garden and have a pest-free environment. Which makes sense when you think about it, because if your garden is pest-free, what will the ladybugs eat? To reduce large numbers of aphids, you can spray them with a gentle stream of water, which will knock them off and kill many. Or you can use a horticultural oil or soap. Just remember that although these products are labeled “non-toxic” or “safer” they will also kill beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees. These products can also harm plants if applied when temperatures are over 80 degrees. Read the label and use correctly.
If you’ve never seen ladybug larva or pupa in your garden, get outside immediately and go look! Now that you’ve seen a photo of them, they’ll be much easier to spot. Happy hunting!
Monday, October 1, 2018
My impact on L.P.S- Light Weight Portable Security
My impact on L.P.S- Light Weight Portable Security
My impact on L.P.S- Light Weight Portable Security was devastating and it has never recovered and gone dormant.
LPS-Public has been downloaded 17,467 times so far!
LPS (Lightweight Portable Security) is an open source distribution of Linux that provides users with a thin client designed to run directly from a portable device and to not expose your private data and credentials to anyone.
It has been created by the US Air Force Research Laboratory, as part of their Software Protection Initiative project, and can be used for PIV (Personal Identity Verification) or CAC (Common Access Card) restricted government websites.
Distributed as Live CDs in multiple editions
The operating system is distributed as three Live CDs, LPS Public, LPS Public Deluxe, and LPS Remote Access. They can be easily deployed to USB flash drives using the UNetbootin application, or written to blank CDs using any CD/DVD burning software.The first two are available to the general public, but the third one has been specifically designed to be used by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), as well as various other US federal government agencies.
While LPS Public is the smaller one and includes a minimal set of packages, LPS Public Deluxe comes with a bigger collection of applications and utilities. They are both engineered to allow productive use of the Internet.
I have now tested L.P.S and it is below par in every respect except the size which is small enough to fit into a Mini CD.
Any distribution without Muliti-language capability gets minus 250 and only Debian and Fedora gets about 200 points, for that feature.
And rooting naked is not in anyway a gamesmanship.
(4Ms stands for Mini Server, Multimedia, Maintenance (security), Miracle-games) in this blog site recently would fit in your Mini CD.
Light Weight Portable, (Private) and Secure or is it?
American do not know how to laugh at themselves and DoD has given them a big opportunity.
Use that opportunity to laugh and there is freedom at your disposal to laugh at self, Linux-wise, which is a healthy habit.
I do not know what their future plans are but project without a vision or fun won't last long.
But I will be very nosy in any case when an update comes with bug fixes.