The Ten Stages of human aging: Ven. Buddhaghosa thera in his encyclopaedic work of Lord Buddhas teachings, the Visuddhi Magga, gives a delightful reflection on the 10 stages of human aging by dividing the average 100 years life expectancy during that time to ten decades. (1) The Tender decade (Manda Dasaka) : The first ten years of a person living for a hundred years are called the tender decade (Manda,Dasaka). For he is a tender unsteady child then. (2) The Playful decade (Kridha Dasaka) : The next ten are called the playful decade. For he delights in play then. (3) The Beautiful decade (Vanna Dasaka) : The next ten are called the beautiful decade bloom then where youthful feelings occur. (4) The Strong decade (Bala Dasaka) : The next ten are called the strong decade full abundance then. (5) The Wise decade (Panna Dasaka) : The next ten are called the wise decade. For his beauty and power reaches full. By then his wisdom is well established. Even in one naturally weak in wisdom at this time, there arises at least some wisdom. (6) The Declining decade (Hani Dasaka) : The next ten are called the declining decade. For his fondness for play, his beauty, strength and wisdom decline then. (7) The Stooping decade (Varna Prastha Dasaka) : The next ten are called the stooping decade stoops forward due to old age then. (8) The Bent decade (Pabbhara Dasaka) : The next ten are called the bent decade (pabbhāra dasaka). For his figure is bent like the tip of a plough then. (9) The Silly decade (Mohamula Dasaka) : The next ten are called the silly decade. For he becomes silly and forgets whatever he does then. (10) The Bed ridden/ Prone decade (Sayana Dasaka) : The last ten are called the prone decade where one spend more time in bed (sayana). May all beings be well and happy & attain the fruits of Nibbana.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 14:01:15 +0000
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