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**bettingonosports** · 10-07-2010, 09:51 AM

I noticed discussion of the "demerit" that the mistaken bhikku acquired as a result of his misrepresentation of the teachings about consciousness. What exactly does that refer to, if not the sort of "what goes around comes around because merit and demerit sticks to you and follows you" karma that it would seem Buddha is mocking here?

I mean, if he's mocking the idea of rebirth, why mention demerit? I'm a little confused as to what else that can mean. I'd love to hear from someone a little savvier with this sutta than I am, if somebody has an explanation.

10-07-2010, 09:51 AM	#27
bettingonosports Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 498 Senior Member	I noticed discussion of the "demerit" that the mistaken bhikku acquired as a result of his misrepresentation of the teachings about consciousness. What exactly does that refer to, if not the sort of "what goes around comes around because merit and demerit sticks to you and follows you" karma that it would seem Buddha is mocking here? I mean, if he's mocking the idea of rebirth, why mention demerit? I'm a little confused as to what else that can mean. I'd love to hear from someone a little savvier with this sutta than I am, if somebody has an explanation.
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