Why do crocodiles have the biggest smiles?
Even the terrible Nile crocodile makes a sanctuary; where they’ve set aside all predatory behavior - all violence!
When they see a little bird that is ‘likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing!’ - the crocodile doesn’t SNAP!
That little bird could climb into their open mouth - into their head like an intrusive thought that is ‘likable, desirable, agreeable, pleasant, sensual, and arousing!’ - but the crocodile doesn’t SNAP!
The crocodile meditates! They abandon all impulses, to allow for a peace to grow - into a friendship. Now plover birds have a gentle dentistry while crocodiles bask with the biggest smiles!
The original sutta didn’t include any animals. I included them to reference the subtle meaning of ‘Yogakkhemi’; that which is in harmony with sanctuary. The lesson says that the teaching of the ‘Yogakkhemi’ is the teaching of the Dhamma.
Inspired by the Yogakkhemisutta SN 35.104