3

Knowing and Seeing

Talks and Questions-and-Answers
at a Meditation Retreat in Taiwan
by Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw
W.K. g !"""
T#e $aterial in t#is book $ay be re%rinted wit#out
t#e aut#or&s %er$ission. 't is re(o$$ended t#at)
*or reasons o* ka$$a) no (#anges be $ade.
Printed +or +ree ,istribution
-ontents
Knowing and Seeing
+oreword .
/ditorial ote 00
Pre*a(e to t#e Se(ond /dition 03
Talk 0
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% Mind*ulness-o*-4reat#ing to Absor%tion 05
'ntrodu(tion 05
W#y Meditate6 05
W#at 's Meditation6 07
T#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# 08
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% -on(entration 09
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% Mind*ulness-o*-4reat#ing 09
1ow 2ou 4alan(e t#e +i3e -ontrolling +a(ulties !:
1ow 2ou 4alan(e t#e Se3en +a(tors o* /nlig#ten$ent 30
1ow 2ou Attain ;#<na 3!
Questions = Answers 0 3:
Talk !
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% Absor%tion on >t#er Sub?e(ts 55
T#e T#irty-Two Parts o* t#e 4ody 55
T#e T#ree /ntran(es to ibb<na 5:
T#e Skeleton 5:
T#e +i3e ;#<na +a(tors 5.
T#e Ten Kasi@as 70
T#e -olour Kasi@a 70
T#e W#ite Kasi@a 70
T#e /art# Kasi@a 78
T#e Water Kasi@a 78
T#e +ire Kasi@a 7:
T#e Wind Kasi@a 7:
T#e Aig#t Kasi@a 7:
T#e S%a(e Kasi@a 7.
T#e +our '$$aterial ;#<nas 7.
T#e 4ase o* 4oundless-S%a(e 79
T#e 4ase o* 4oundless--ons(iousness 8"
T#e 4ase o* ot#ingness 80
T#e 4ase o* eit#er-Per(e%tion-or-on-Per(e%tion 8!
Questions = Answers ! 85
Talk 3
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% t#e Subli$e Abidings and Prote(ti3e Meditations :7
'ntrodu(tion :7
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% t#e +our Subli$e Abidings :7
Ao3ingkindness BMett<C :7
Ao3ingkindness Towards A Person 2ou Aike = Res%e(t :.
4reaking ,own t#e 4arriers BSD$<sa$b#edaC .0
T#e Twenty-Two -ategories .!
T#e Ens%e(i*ied and S%e(i*ied -ategories .5
T#e Ten ,ire(tional -ategories .7
-o$%assion BKaru@<C .8
A%%re(iati3e-;oy BMudit<C .:
/Fuani$ity BE%ekk#<C ..
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% t#e +our Prote(ti3e $editations .9
Re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a B4udd#<nussatiC 9"
Re%ulsi3eness Meditation BAsub#aC 9!
Re(olle(tion-o*-,eat# BMara@<nussatiC 93
Su$$ary 95
Questions = Answers 3 9:
Talk 5
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Materiality 005
'ntrodu(tion 005
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% +our-/le$ents Meditation 005
1ow 2ou Analyse RG%a Kal<%as 0!7
1ow 2ou Analyse Trans%arent-/le$ents Materiality 03"
T#e +i*ty-+our Ty%es o* Materiality in t#e /ye 03!
1ow 2ou See Materiality Produ(ed by -ons(iousness 033
1ow 2ou See Materiality Produ(ed by Te$%erature 035
1ow 2ou See Materiality Produ(ed by utri$ent 035
Su$$ary 03:
Questions = Answers 5 039
Talk 7
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Mentality 083
'ntrodu(tion 083
1ow 2ou ,is(ern ;#<na T#oug#t-Pro(esses 087
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Sensual Plane T#oug#t-Pro(esses 08.
Wise and Enwise Attention 08.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Mind-,oor T#oug#t-Pro(esses 08.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern +i3e-,oor T#oug#t-Pro(esses 089
1ow 2ou ,is(ern /Hternal Mentality 0:!
Questions = Answers 7 0:7
Talk 8
1ow 2ou See t#e Ainks o* ,e%endent->rigination 0..
'ntrodu(tion 0..
T#e T#ree Rounds o* ,e%endent->rigination 0.9
1ow 2ou ,is(ern t#e Past 09"
/Ha$%les 093
1ow 2ou ,is(ern t#e +uture 097
Questions = Answers 8 09:
Talk :
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% t#e 'nsig#t-Knowledges to See ibb<na !0:
'ntrodu(tion !0:
T#e Knowledge o* -o$%re#ension BSa$$asana-I<@aC !0.
T#e +orty Per(e%tions B-att<rDs<k<raanu%assan<C !!"
T#e Se3en Ways *or Materiality BRG%a-SattakaC !!!
T#e Se3en Ways *or Mentality BArG%a-SattakaC !!5
T#e Knowledge o* Arising = Passing-Away BEdayabbaya-I<@aC !!8
4rie* Met#od !!:
,etailed Met#od !!:
T#e >bser3ation o* t#e ature o* Arising
BSa$udayad#a$$<nu%assDC !!.
T#e >bser3ation o* t#e ature o* Passing-Away
BVayad#a$$<nu%assDC !!9
T#e >bser3ation o* t#e ature o* Arising = Passing-Away
BSa$udaya3ayad#a$$<nu%assDC !3"
T#e Ten '$%er*e(tions o* 'nsig#t B,asa-E%akkilesaC !33
T#e Knowledge o* ,issolution B4#aJga-I<@aC !33
T#e Re$aining Knowledges !35
Questions = Answers : !38
Talk .
T#e 4udd#a&s Wis#es *or 1is ,is(i%les and 1is Tea(#ings
BTalk gi3en on Ves<k#a ,ayC !7:
Talk 9
T#e Most Su%erior Ty%e o* >**ering
BTraditional /nd-o*-Retreat Talk to ,onors) >rganiKers and 1el%ersC !:8
>**erings to t#e SaJg#a BSaJg#ika-,<naC !..
A%%endiH 0
Llossary o* Entranslated P<Mi Ter$s 3"7
A%%endiH !
+or 'n*or$ation Regarding -entres Tea(#ing t#e Pa-Auk Syste$ 30"
+oreword
As $ost o* us know) t#e t#ree trainings o* 3irtuous (ondu(t)
(on(entration) and wisdo$) are t#e t#ree stages
o* 4udd#ist %ra(ti(e. T#roug# t#e %ra(ti(e o* t#e t#ree
trainings) an ordinary %erson (an attain t#e su%re$e
ibb<na and be(o$e a noble one.
T#e Visudd#i$agga (o$%iled by t#e Venerable
4udd#ag#osa is an eH%osition o* t#e t#ree trainings.
't is based on t#e P<Mi teHts and (o$$entaries) and
eH%lains t#e se3en stages o* %uri*i(ation) and siHteen
insig#t-knowledges. 4ut #ow to attain t#e$ #as been
a di**i(ult Fuestion *or all 4udd#ists *or $any generations.
+or t#is) we are *ortunate to #a3e t#e Venerable
Pa-Auk Sayadaw. 1is tea(#ing is t#e sa$e as) indeed
it is in $u(# $ore detail t#an) w#at is des(ribed in t#e
Visudd#i$agga. 4ased on t#e 3ery sa$e sour(es) t#e
P<Mi teHts) (o$$entaries and t#e Visudd#i$agga) t#e
Sayadaw tea(#es $editators) ste% by ste%) #ow to attain
t#ose stages o* %uri*i(ation and insig#t-knowledges.
T#e goal o* t#e tea(#ing at Pa-Auk +orest Monastery
is) in a((ordan(e wit# t#e ort#odoH tea(#ing) to realiKe
ibban< in t#is 3ery li*e. To a(#ie3e t#at end) $editators
$ust (o$%re#end all $entality-and-$ateriality) also
known as t#e *i3e aggregates) as i$%er$anent) su**ering)
and non-sel*. As *or t#e ob?e(ts o* Vi%assan< $editation)
t#ey are not only t#e internal and eHternal *i3e aggregates)
but also t#e *i3e aggregates o* %ast) *uture) %resent)
gross) subtle) su%erior) in*erior) *ar) and near. >nly a*ter
(o$%re#ending all o* t#e$ %enetrati3ely as i$%er$anent)
su**ering) and non-sel*) (an $editators attain t#e
noble %at#s and *ruitions) and gradually eradi(ate or
redu(e 3arious de*ile$ents. A*ter #a3ing seen ibban<
*or *irst ti$e) $editators (an see (learly t#at t#ey #a3e attained
t#e *irst %at# and *ruition) w#at de*ile$ents t#ey
#a3e abandoned) and w#at de*ile$ents t#ey still need
to abandon. T#en t#ey (ontinue to %ra(tise Vi%assan<
to attain #ig#er %at#s and *ruitions u% to ara#ants#i%)
w#ereby t#ey are no longer sub?e(t to rebirt#) and will
attain *inal ibban< a*ter deat#.
't is 3ery *ortunate t#at ' still #a3e t#e o%%ortunity)
in t#is %resent age w#erein 4udd#is$ is degenerating)
to %ra(tise t#e original syste$ o* 4udd#ist $editation.
't $akes $e *eel as i* ' were ba(k in t#e 4udd#a ti$e.
+or t#is ' a$ 3ery grate*ul to t#e Sayadaw) w#o s%ent
$any years %ra(tising in t#e *orest) wit# t#e P<Mi teHts
and (o$$entaries to guide #i$) to redis(o3er t#is
tea(#ing. 't is out o* (o$%assion) t#at #e sa(ri*i(es
$u(# o* #is ti$e to tea(# $editation *or t#e bene*it
o* #u$ankind. 1is tea(#ing is $arkedly (lear and
detailed t#roug#out t#e se3en stages o* %uri*i(ation.
T#is is a rare tea(#ing and #ard to (o$e by) not only in
Taiwan) but in t#e w#ole world.
+ro$ A%ril to ;une) t#e Sayadaw (ondu(ted a two-
$ont# $editation retreat *or t#e *irst ti$e in Taiwan) at
2i-Tung Te$%le. A$ong $any Taiwanese) #is tea(#ing
will de*initely arouse interest in t#e original $editation.
't is also a great #el% to *ill in so$e ga%s o* Ma#<y<na
$editation. 1o%e*ully t#e reader will) a*ter reading
t#e %ro*ound talks) and answers to Fuestions) gi3en
in Taiwan by t#e Sayadaw) be able to #a3e a dee%er
understanding o* t#e 4udd#a tea(#ings.
May t#e true ,#a$$a endure long. May t#e
%ubli(ation o* t#is book %ro3ide a re*uge *or t#ose w#o
wis# to know w#at t#e rounds o* birt#-and-deat# are)
and w#o wis# to attain liberation. May t#is book guide
$ore %eo%le onto t#e rig#t %at# to liberation) so t#at
t#ey (an realiKe *or t#e$sel3esN OAll *or$ations are i$%er$anent)
all d#a$$as are non-sel*) and ibban< is
utterly %ea(e*ul.& To see t#at is (ertainly not so$et#ing
i$%ra(ti(able) but so$et#ing absolutely %ra(ti(al. >nly
one w#o sees it knows it) and only one w#o eH%erien(es
it (an en?oy t#e bliss o* t#e ,#a$$a.
A Taiwanese 4#iks#uniBMeditator at said retreat)
w#o t#en went to Pa-Auk+orest Monastery to (ontinue.C
a$o Tassa) 1o$age to 1i$)
4#aga3ato) t#e 4lessed)
Ara#ato) t#e Wort#y)
Sa$$<- t#e Per*e(tly
Sa$budd#assa. Sel*-/nlig#tened >ne
O4#ikk#us) ' say t#at t#e destru(tion o* t#e taints is *or one w#o
knows and sees) not *or one w#o does not know and see.&
T#e 4udd#a)
Sabb<sa3a Sutta
BT#e se(ond sutta o* t#e Ma??#i$a ikayaC.
O>ne&s own o%inion is t#e weakest aut#ority o* allP&
Venerable 4#adant<(ariya 4udd#ag#osa)
Su$aJgala3il<sinD
BT#e (o$$entary o* t#e ,ig#a ikaya. 78:-.C
OT#is is not $y $et#od. ' #a3e ?ust taken it *ro$ t#e P<Mi teHts
and (o$$entaries.&
Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw)
Pa-Auk +orest Monastery)
Mawla$yine. Myan$ar.
/ditorial ote
T#e talks in t#is book were gi3en by t#e Venerable
Pa-Auk Sayadaw o* Pa-Auk +orest Monastery) Pa-
Auk) Mawla$yine) Myan$ar) w#ile #e (ondu(ted a
two-$ont# $editation retreat at 2i-Tung Te$%le) Sing
-#oo -ity) Taiwan. 'n t#e (ourse o* t#ose two $ont#s)
a%art *ro$ gi3ing daily $editation instru(tions to
indi3idual $editators) t#e Sayadaw read se3en $ain
talks) w#i(# #ad been %re%ared at Pa-Auk %rior to
t#e retreat. T#ose talks were inters%ersed wit# se3en
Question-and-Answer talksQ t#e Fuestions #a3ing
been gi3en be*ore#and by t#e $editators at t#e retreat)
and t#e answers t#en #a3ing been likewise %re%ared
be*ore#and by t#e Sayadaw. T#e Sayadaw read a *urt#er
two talks. >ne was read to t#e general %ubli( on
t#e o((asion o* Ves<k#a day Bt#e anni3ersary o* t#e
4udd#a&s birt#) enlig#ten$ent and *inal %assing awayC.
T#e ot#er was read at t#e end o* t#e retreat) and was
t#e traditional talk on o**erings) *or t#e (#ie* donor) t#e
abbess o* 2i-Tung Te$%le) ot#er donors) and t#e organiKers
and #el%ers at t#e retreat. All siHteen talks #ad
been %re%ared in /nglis#) and t#en read in /nglis# by
t#e Sayadaw. +or t#e bene*it o* t#e audien(e) w#o were
all -#inese) t#e talks were also translated be*ore#and
into -#inese) and t#e -#inese read (on(urrently wit#
t#e Sayadaw&s reading.
T#e talks are (on(erned $ainly wit# t#e Sayadaw&s
%rin(i%al a%%roa(# to insig#t $editationN to %ra(tise
tranFuillity $editation *irst) a*ter w#i(# to use it as a
ne(essary 3e#i(le *or insig#t $editation. T#e Sayadaw
tea(#es also %ure-insig#t $editation) w#i(# is w#y #e
%ro3ides an eH%osition o* t#e ort#odoH instru(tions *or
bot# $et#ods.
T#e talks) as t#ey a%%ear #ere) are not word-%er*e(t
3ersions o* t#e talks as t#ey were gi3en in Taiwan.
T#is is be(ause t#e Sayadaw de(ided t#at t#e $aterial
s#ould be edited %rior to %ubli(ation. To t#at end) t#e
Sayadaw reFuested t#at t#e language be (#anged in
any way dee$ed ne(essary) and #i$sel* added *urt#er
details et(. T#e Sayadaw was 3ery *reFuently (onsulted
during t#e entire editing %ro(ess) and #is a%%ro3al se(ured
*or (#anges ot#er t#an t#ose o* only *or$.
T#e editing #as been $ostly o* *or$ and not (ontent.
/**orts #a3e been $ade to retain t#e Sayadaw&s
%arti(ular way o* s%eaking /nglis#) w#en #e dis(usses
wit# and instru(ts $editators. Sin(e t#e Sayadaw
was addressing Taiwanese and Malaysian--#inese
Ma#<y<na 4udd#ists) t#ere are (onsiderably *ewer o*
#is usual (o%ious re*eren(es *ro$ t#e T#era3<da teHts
and (o$$entaries. 't s#ould #ere be $entioned t#at)
w#en t#e Sayadaw translates a P<Mi Fuotation) #e usually
*ollows t#e 4ur$ese (usto$ o* in(luding a gloss
*ro$ t#e (o$$entaries.
Most o* t#e P<Mi ter$s used by t#e Sayadaw #a3e
been translated. T#e P<Mi #as initially been retained in
bra(kets) a*ter w#i(# it #as usually been o$ittedQ as *or
eHa$%le) initiallyN Oi$%er$anent Bani((aC&) subseFuentlyN
Oi$%er$anent&. -on3er-sely) so$e ter$s) awkward in
/nglis#) #a3e been le*t untranslated) su(# asN kasi@a
Btotality6 de3i(e6C) de3a Bgod6 deity6C) bra#$< Bsu%re$e
being on a 3ery #ig# %lane o* eHisten(e6C. A%%endiH 0
is a glossary w#i(# de*ines rat#er t#an translates t#ose
ter$s.
T#e editorial %riorities #a3e been to $aintain t#e
reFuired degree o* a((ura(y) and to try to $ake t#e
talks readable to new(o$er) $editator) and s(#olar
alike. -o$%lete uni*or$ity in editing #as) *or t#ose
reasons) been so$ew#at (o$%ro$ised. 'n t#e genesis
o* t#is book) di3erse #el%ing #ands #a3e been in3ol3ed
in t#e translating) (o$%osing) and editing. +or any
errors or *aults in t#e $aterial) t#e #el%ing #ands alone
are res%onsible.
/ditorsPa-Auk +orest Monastery
Pre*a(e to t#e Se(ond /dition
T#e *irst edition o* Knowing and Seeing) a (olle(tion
o* talks) gi3en in Taiwan) by t#e Venerable Pa-Auk
Sayadaw) was) in s%ite o* t#e best intentions) %ublis#ed
wit# regrettably 3ery $any *laws and errors. T#ey
were al$ost only o* language) w#i(# (ould not) un*ortunately)
but #a3e an ad3erse e**e(t on t#e (ontents. An
atte$%t #as been $ade) wit# t#is se(ond edition) to %ut
t#ings rig#t. T#e editors beg *orgi3eness *or w#ate3er
s(rat(#es still re$ain a*ter t#is *inal %olis#.
May absolutely all %arties in3ol3ed in t#e %rodu(tion
o* t#is $aterial) bene*it *ro$ t#eir labours.
/ditorsPa-Auk +orest Monastery
Talk 0
1ow 2ou ,e3elo%
Mind*ulness-o*-4reat#ing
to Absor%tion
'ntrodu(tion
' a$ 3ery #a%%y to #a3e (o$e to Taiwan) at t#e in3itation
o* so$e Taiwanese $onks and nuns w#o stayed
at Pa-Auk Meditation -entre) near Mawla$yine in
Myan$ar. W#ile in Taiwan ' s#ould like to tea(# you
so$et#ing about t#e syste$ o* $editation taug#t at Pa-
Auk Meditation -entre. 't is based u%on instru(tions
*ound in t#e P<Mi 0 4udd#ist teHts and t#e Visudd#i$agga)
T#e Pat# o* Puri*i(ation. We belie3e t#at t#e $editation
taug#t in t#e P<Mi 4udd#ist teHts is t#e sa$e as t#e
$editation %ra(tised by t#e 4udd#a #i$sel*) and taug#t
by #i$ to #is dis(i%les during #is li*eti$e.
W#y Meditate6
+irst we s#ould ask oursel3es) OW#y did t#e 4udd#a tea(#
$editation6& or) OW#at is t#e %ur%ose o* $editation6&
T#e %ur%ose o* 4udd#ist Meditation is to attain
ibb<na. ibb<na is t#e (essation o* $entality Bn<$aC
and $ateriality BrG%aC. To rea(# ibb<na) t#ere*ore) we
0. +or untranslated P<Mi ter$s) %lease re*er to A%%endiH 0.
$ust (o$%letely destroy bot# w#oleso$e $ental states)
rooted in non-greed) non-anger) and non-delusion) and
unw#oleso$e $ental states) rooted in greed) anger) and
delusion) and w#i(# %rodu(e new birt#) ageing) si(kness
and deat#. '* we destroy t#e$ totally wit# t#e insig#t-
knowledges and %at# knowledge Bariya$aggaC) t#en we
will rea(# ibb<na. 'n ot#er words) ibb<na is release
and *reedo$ *ro$ t#e su**ering o* t#e round o* rebirt#s
BsaRs<raC) and t#e (essation o* rebirt#) ageing) si(kness)
and deat#. We are all sub?e(t to t#e su**ering o* rebirt#)
ageing) si(kness) and deat#) and so to *ree oursel3es
*ro$ t#e $any *or$s o* su**ering we need to $editate.
Sin(e we wis# to be *ree *ro$ all su**ering) we $ust
learn #ow to $editate in order to attain ibb<na.
W#at 's Meditation6
So w#at is $editation6 Meditation (onsists o* Sa$at#a
and Vi%assan< $editation) w#i(# $ust bot# be based
u%on 3irtuous (ondu(t o* body and s%ee(#. 'n ot#er
words) $editation is t#e de3elo%$ent and %er*e(tion
o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#.
T#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# isN rig#t 3iew) rig#t
t#oug#t) rig#t s%ee(#) rig#t a(tion) rig#t li3eli#ood)
rig#t e**ort) rig#t $ind*ulness) and rig#t (on(entration.
Rig#t 3iew and rig#t t#oug#t taken are toget#er (alled
t#e training o* insig#t or wisdo$. T#is t#e 4udd#a
(alled Vi%assan< rig#t 3iew B3i%assan<-sa$$<diSS#iC
and %at# rig#t 3iew B$agga-sa$$<-diSS#iC. Rig#t s%ee(#)
rig#t a(tion) and rig#t li3eli#ood are toget#er (alled t#e
training o* 3irtuous (ondu(t. Rig#t e**ort) rig#t $ind
*ulness) and rig#t (on(entration are toget#er (alled t#e
training o* (on(entration) w#i(# is Sa$at#a $editation
Bsa$at#a-b#<3an<C.
T#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#
ow) ' would like to eH%lain a little bit $ore about ea(#
o* t#e eig#t *a(tors o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#.
T#e *irst *a(tor is rig#t 3iew. W#at is rig#t 3iew6
Rig#t 3iew (onsists o* *our kinds o* knowledge.
+irst t#ere is t#e insig#t-knowledge o* t#e Trut# o*
Su**ering) w#i(# is t#e *i3e aggregates o* (linging.
Se(ond) t#ere is t#e insig#t-knowledge o* t#e -ause
*or Su**ering) w#i(# dis(erns t#e (auses *or t#e *i3e
aggregates o* (linging. 'n ot#er words) it is t#e insig#t-
knowledge o* de%endent-origination. T#ird) t#ere is
t#e realisation and knowledge o* ibb<na) w#i(# is
t#e (essation o* t#e *i3e aggregates o* (linging. And
*ourt#) t#ere is t#e knowledge o* t#e oble /ig#t*old
Pat#) w#i(# is t#e way o* %ra(ti(e leading to t#e realisation
o* ibb<na.
T#e se(ond *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#
is rig#t t#oug#t. Rig#t t#oug#t isN a%%lied t#oug#t
to t#e ob?e(t o* t#e Trut# o* Su**ering) t#e *i3e aggregates
o* (lingingQ a%%lied t#oug#t to t#e ob?e(t o* t#e
Trut# o* t#e -ause *or Su**ering) t#e (auses *or t#e *i3e
aggregates o* (lingingQ a%%lied t#oug#t to t#e ob?e(t
o* t#e -essation o* Su**ering) ibb<naQ and *inally)a%%lied
t#oug#t to t#e ob?e(t o* t#e Pat# Aeading to t#e
-essation o* Su**ering) t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#.
T#us) rig#t t#oug#t a%%lies t#e $ind to t#e ob?e(t
o* t#e Trut# o* Su**ering) t#e *i3e aggregates o* (linging)
and rig#t 3iew understands it as it really is. T#ese two
*a(tors work toget#er to a%%ly t#e $ind to ea(# o* t#e
+our oble Trut#s) and to understand t#e$. Sin(e t#ey
work toget#er in t#is way) t#ey are (alled t#e training
o* wisdo$ B%aTT<-sikk#<C.
T#e t#ird *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is rig#t
s%ee(#. Rig#t s%ee(# is to abstain *ro$ lying) slander)
#ars# s%ee(#) and useless talk.
T#e *ourt# *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is
rig#t a(tion. Rig#t a(tion is to abstain *ro$ killing) *ro$
t#e*t) and *ro$ seHual $is(ondu(t.
T#e *i*t# *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is
rig#t li3eli#ood. T#is $eans to abstain *ro$ obtaining
a li3ing by wrong s%ee(# or wrong a(tions) su(#
as killing) stealing) or lying. +or lay%eo%le it in(ludes
to abstain *ro$ t#e *i3e ty%es o* wrong tradeN trade in
wea%ons) #u$ans) ani$als *or slaug#ter) intoHi(ants)
and %oisons.
T#e t#ree *a(tors o* rig#t s%ee(#) rig#t a(tion)
and rig#t li3eli#ood are (alled t#e training o* 3irtuous
(ondu(t BsDla-sikk#<C.
T#e siHt# *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is
rig#t e**ort. Rig#t e**ort is o* *our kindsN t#e e**ort to
sto% t#e arising o* unw#oleso$e states t#at #a3e not
yet arisenQ t#e e**ort to re$o3e unw#oleso$e states t#at
#a3e already arisenQ t#e e**ort to arouse t#e arising o*
w#oleso$e states t#at #a3e not yet arisenQ and t#e e**ort
to in(rease w#oleso$e states t#at #a3e already arisen.
'n order to de3elo% t#ese *our ty%es o* rig#t e**ort) we
$ust %ra(tise and de3elo% t#e t#ree trainings o* 3irtuous
(ondu(t) (on(entration) and wisdo$.
T#e se3ent# *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is
rig#t $ind*ulness. Rig#t $ind*ulness is o* *our kindsN
$ind*ulness o* t#e body) $ind*ulness o* *eelings)
$ind*ulness o* (ons(iousnesses) and $ind*ulness
o* d#a$$as. 1ere) t#e d#a$$as are t#e *i*ty-one
$ental-(on(o$itants eH(luding *eeling) or anot#er
way) t#e *i3e aggregates o* (linging) t#e twel3e internal
and eHternal sense-bases) t#e eig#teen ele$ents)
t#e se3en *a(tors o* enlig#ten$ent) t#e +our oble
Trut#s) et(. 4ut t#e *our ty%es o* $ind*ulness (an be
redu(ed to ?ust two) $ind*ulness o* $ateriality and
$ind*ulness o* $entality.
T#e eig#t# *a(tor o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is
rig#t (on(entration. Rig#t (on(entration is t#e *irst
?#<na Babsor%tionC) se(ond ?#<na) t#ird ?#<na) and
*ourt# ?#<na. T#ese are (alled rig#t (on(entrationa((ording
to t#e Ma#<sati%aSS#<na Sutta) t#e Lreater
,is(ourse on +oundations o* Mind*ulness. 'n t#e Pat#
o* Puri*i(ation BVisudd#i$aggaC) rig#t (on(entration is eH%lained
in $ore detail as t#e *our *ine-$aterial ?#<nas
BrG%a-?#<naC) t#e *our i$$aterial ?#<nas BarG%a-?#<naC
and a((ess (on(entration Bu%a(<ra-sa$<d#iC.
So$e %eo%le #a3e a great a((u$ulation o* %<ra$Ds)
and (an attain ibb<na by si$%ly listening to a brie*
or detailed talk on t#e ,#a$$a. Most %eo%le) #owe3er)
do not #a3e su(# %<ra$D) and $ust %ra(tise t#e oble
/ig#t*old Pat# in t#e gradual order. T#ey are (alled
%erson-to-be-led Bneyya-%uggalaC) and $ust de3elo%
t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# ste% by ste%) in t#e order o*
3irtue) (on(entration) and wisdo$. A*ter %uri*ying
t#eir 3irtue t#ey $ust train in (on(entration) and a*ter
%uri*ying t#eir $ind by way o* (on(entration %ra(ti(e
t#ey $ust train in wisdo$.
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% -on(entration
1ow s#ould t#ey de3elo% (on(entration6
T#ere are *orty sub?e(ts o* Sa$at#a $editation)
and a %erson (an de3elo% any o* t#ese to attain (on(en-
tration.
T#ose w#o (annot de(ide w#i(# $editation sub?e(t
to de3elo% s#ould start wit# $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing
B<n<%<nasatiC. Most %eo%le su((eed in $editation by
using eit#er $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing or t#e *our-ele$ents
$editation. T#ere*ore) ' s#all now eH%lainbrie*ly #ow to %ra(tise $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing.
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% Mind*ulness-o*-4reat#ing
T#e de3elo%$ent o* $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing B<n<%<nasatiC
is taug#t by t#e 4udd#a in t#e Ma#<sati%aSS#<na
Sutta BT#e Lreater ,is(ourse on +oundations o*
Mind*ulnessC o* ,ig#a ikaya BAong ,is(oursesC. 1e
saysN
O4#ikk#us) #ere in t#is Tea(#ing a b#ikk#u #a3ing
gone to t#e *orest) or to t#e *oot o* a tree) or to an e$%ty
%la(e) sits down (ross-legged and kee%s #is body ere(t
and establis#es $ind*ulness on t#e $editation ob?e(tQ
only $ind*ully #e breat#es in and only $ind*ully #e
breat#es out.
0. 4reat#ing in a long breat# #e knows) U' a$
breat#ing in a long breat#V) or breat#ing out a long
breat# #e knows) U' a$ breat#ing out a long breat#V.
!. 4reat#ing in a s#ort breat# #e knows) U' a$
breat#ing in a s#ort breat#V) or breat#ing out a s#ort
breat# #e knows) U' a$ breat#ing out a s#ort breat#V.
3. U/H%erien(ing t#e w#ole breat# body ' will
breat#e inV) t#us #e trains #i$sel*) and) U/H%erien(ing
t#e w#ole breat# body ' will breat#e outV) t#us #e trains
#i$sel*.
5. U-al$ing t#e breat# body ' will breat#e inV)
t#us #e trains #i$sel*) and) U-al$ing t#e breat# body
' will breat#e outV) t#us #e trains #i$sel*.&
To begin $editating) sit in a (o$*ortable %osition and
try to be aware o* t#e breat# as it enters and lea3es t#e
body t#roug# t#e nostrils. 2ou s#ould be able to *eel
it eit#er ?ust below t#e nose or so$ew#ere around t#e
nostrils. ,o not *ollow t#e breat# into t#e body or out
o* t#e body) be(ause t#en you will not be able to %er*e(t
your (on(entration. ;ust be aware o* t#e breat# at t#e
$ost ob3ious %la(e it brus#es against or tou(#es) eit#er
t#e to% o* t#e u%%er li% or around t#e nostrils. T#en you
will be able to de3elo% and %er*e(t your (on(entration.
,o not %ay attention to t#e indi3idual (#ara(teristi(s
Bsab#<3a-lakk#a@aC) general (#ara(teristi(s Bsa$$aTTa-
lakk#a@aC or (olour o* t#e ni$itta Bsign o* (on(entrationC.
T#e indi3idual (#ara(teristi(s are t#e (#ara(teristi(s o*
t#e *our ele$ents in t#e breat#N #ardness) roug#ness)
*lowing) #eat) su%%orting) %us#ing) et(. T#e general
(#ara(teristi(s are t#e i$%er$anent Bani((aC) su**ering
Bdukk#aC) or non-sel* Banatt<C (#ara(teristi(s o* t#e breat#.
T#is $eans do not note Oin) out) i$%er$anent&) or Oin)
out) su**ering&) or Oin) out) non-sel*&. Si$%ly be aware o*
t#e in-and-out breat# as a (on(e%t.
T#e (on(e%t o* t#e breat# is t#e ob?e(t o* $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing. 't is t#is ob?e(t you $ust (on(entrate
on to de3elo% (on(entration. As you (on(entrate on t#e
(on(e%t o* t#e breat# in t#is way) and i* you %ra(tised
t#is $editation in a %re3ious li*e) and de3elo%ed so$e
%<ra$Ds) you will easily be able to (on(entrate on t#e
in-and-out breat#.
'* not) t#e Visudd#i$agga suggests (ounting t#e
breat#s. 2ou s#ould (ount a*ter t#e end o* ea(# breat#N
O'n-out-one) in-out-two)& et(.
-ount u% to at least *i3e) but not to $ore t#an ten.
We suggest you (ount to eig#t) be(ause t#at re$inds
you o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#) w#i(# you are trying
to de3elo%. So you s#ould (ount) as you like) u% to
any nu$ber between *i3e and ten) and deter$ine t#at
during t#at ti$e you will not let your $ind dri*t) or
go elsew#ere) but be only (al$ly aware o* t#e breat#.
W#en you (ount like t#is) you *ind t#at you are able to
(on(entrate your $ind) and $ake it (al$ly aware o*
only t#e breat#.
A*ter (on(entrating your $ind like t#is *or at least
#al* an #our) you s#ould %ro(eed to t#e se(ond stageN
0. O4reat#ing in a long breat# #e knows) U' a$
breat#ing in a long breat#V) or breat#ing out a long
breat# #e knows) U' a$ breat#ing out a long breat#V.
!. O4reat#ing in a s#ort breat# #e knows) U' a$
breat#ing in a s#ort breat#V) breat#ing out a s#ort
breat# #e knows) U' a$ breat#ing out a s#ort breat#V.&
At t#is stage you #a3e to de3elo% awareness o* w#et#er
t#e in-and-out breat#s are long or s#ort. OAong& or Os#ort&
#ere do not re*er to lengt# in *eet and in(#es) but lengt#
in ti$e) t#e duration. 2ou s#ould de(ide *or yoursel*
w#at lengt# o* ti$e you will (all Olong&) and w#at lengt#
o* ti$e you will (all Os#ort&. 4e aware o* t#e duration o*
ea(# in-and-out breat#. 2ou will noti(e t#at t#e breat#
is so$eti$es long in ti$e) and so$eti$es s#ort. ;ust
knowing t#is is all you #a3e to do at t#is stage. ,o not
note) O'n) out) long - 'n) out) s#ort&) ?ust O'n) out&) and be
aware o* w#et#er t#e breat#s are long or s#ort. 2ou
s#ould know t#is by being ?ust aware o* t#e lengt# o*
ti$e t#at t#e breat# brus#es and tou(#es t#e u%%er li%)
or around t#e nostrils) as it enters and lea3es t#e body.
So$eti$es t#e breat# $ay be long t#roug#out t#e sitting)
and so$eti$es s#ort) but do not %ur%osely try to
$ake it long or s#ort.
At t#is stage t#e ni$itta $ay a%%ear) but i* you
(an do t#is (al$ly *or about one #our) and no ni$itta
a%%ears) you s#ould $o3e on to t#e t#ird stageN
3. OU/H%erien(ing t#e w#ole breat# body ' will
breat#e inV) t#us #e trains #i$sel* and) U/H%erien(ing
t#e w#ole breat# body ' will breat#e outV) t#us #e trains
#i$sel*.&
1ere t#e 4udd#a is instru(ting you to be aware o* t#e
w#ole breat# *ro$ beginning to end. As you do t#is t#e
ni$itta $ay now a%%ear. '* it does) do not i$$ediately
s#i*t your $ind to it) but stay wit# t#e breat#.
'* you are (al$ly aware o* t#e breat# *ro$ beginning
to end *or about an #our) and no ni$itta a%%ears)
you s#ould $o3e on to t#e *ourt# stageN
5. OU-al$ing t#e breat# body ' will breat#e inV)
t#us #e trains #i$sel* and) U-al$ing t#e breat# body
' will breat#e outV) t#us #e trains #i$sel*.&
To do t#is) you s#ould de(ide to $ake t#e breat# (al$)
but go on being aware o* t#e breat# *ro$ beginning
to end) and do not#ing else to $ake t#e breat# (al$.
'* you do) your (on(entration will break and *all away.
T#e Visudd#i$agga gi3e *our *a(tors t#at $ake t#e
breat# (al$N re*le(tion B<b#ogaC) re%eated re(olle(tion
Bsa$ann<#<raC) attention B$anasik<raC) and in3estigation
B3D$aRsaC. So all you need to do at t#is stage is to de(ide
to (al$ t#e breat#) and to be (ontinuously aware o* it.
T#is way) you will *ind t#at t#e breat# be(o$es (al$er)
and t#e ni$itta $ay a%%ear.
;ust be*ore t#e ni$itta a%%ears) a lot o* $editators
en(ounter di**i(ulties. Mostly t#ey *ind t#at t#e breat#
be(o$es 3ery subtle) and not (learQ t#ey $ay t#ink t#e
breat# #as sto%%ed. '* t#is #a%%ens) you s#ould kee%
your awareness w#ere you last noti(ed t#e breat#) and
wait *or it t#ere.
A dead %erson) a *oetus in t#e wo$b) a drowned
%erson) an un(ons(ious %erson) a %erson in t#e *ourt#
?#<na) a %erson in t#e attain$ent o* (essation Bnirod#a-
sa$<%attiC!) and a bra#$<N only t#ese se3en ty%es o*
%erson do not breat#e. Re*le(t on t#e *a(t t#at you are
not one o* t#e$) t#at you are in reality breat#ing) and
t#at it is ?ust your $ind*ulness w#i(# is not strong
enoug# to be aware o* t#e breat#.
W#en it is subtle) you s#ould not (#ange t#e breat#
to $ake it $ore ob3ious) as t#e e**ort will (ause agitation)
and your (on(entration will not de3elo%. ;ust be
aware o* t#e breat# as it is) and i* it is not (lear) si$%ly
wait *or it w#ere you last noti(ed it. 2ou will *ind t#at)
as you a%%ly your $ind*ulness and wisdo$ t#is way)
t#e breat# will rea%%ear.
T#e ni$itta o* $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing 3aries
a((ording to t#e indi3idual. To so$e t#e ni$itta is
%ure and *ine like (otton wool) drawn out (otton)
$o3ing air or draug#t) a brig#t lig#t like t#e $orning
star Venus) a brig#t ruby or ge$) or a brig#t %earl. To
ot#ers it is like t#e ste$ o* (otton %lant) a s#ar%ened
%ie(e o* wood. To yet ot#ers it is like a long ro%e or
string) a wreat# o* *lowers) a %u** o* s$oke) a stret(#ed
out (obweb) a *il$ o* $ist) a lotus) a (#ariot w#eel) a
$oon) or a sun.
'n $ost (ases) a %ure w#ite ni$itta like (otton
wool is t#e ugga#a-ni$itta Btaken-u% sign or learning
signC) w#i(# is usually dull and o%aFue. W#en t#e
ni$itta be(o$es brig#t like t#e $orning star) brilliant
and (lear) it is t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta B(ounter%art signC.
W#en like a dull ruby or ge$) it is t#e ugga#a-ni$itta)
but w#en brig#t and s%arkling) it is t#e %aSib#<ga-
!. W#en (ons(iousness) $ental-(on(o$itants) and $ateriality
%rodu(ed by (ons(iousness are sus%ended.
ni$itta. T#e ot#er i$ages s#ould be understood in
t#is way.
T#e ni$itta a%%ears to di**erent %eo%le in di**erent
ways) be(ause it is %rodu(ed by %er(e%tion. T#e
di**erent %er(e%tions o* di**erent $editators be*ore t#e
arising o* t#e ni$itta %rodu(e di**erent ty%es o* ni$itta.
/3en t#oug# $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing is a single
$editation sub?e(t) it %rodu(es 3arious ty%es o* ni$itta)
de%ending on t#e indi3idual.
W#en you #a3e rea(#ed t#is stage it is i$%ortant
to not %lay wit# your ni$itta. ,o not let it go away) and
do not intentionally (#ange its s#a%e or a%%earan(e. '*
you do) your (on(entration will not de3elo% any *urt#er)
and your %rogress will sto%. 2our ni$itta will %robably
disa%%ear. So w#en your ni$itta *irst a%%ears) do not
$o3e your $ind *ro$ t#e breat# to t#e ni$itta. '* you
do) you will *ind it disa%%ears.
'* you *ind t#at t#e ni$itta is stable) and your
$ind by itsel* #as be(o$e *iHed on it) t#en ?ust lea3e
your $ind t#ere. '* you *or(e your $ind to (o$e away
*ro$ it) you will %robably lose your (on(entration.
'* your ni$itta a%%ears *ar away in *ront o* you)
ignore it) as it will %robably disa%%ear. '* you ignore it) and
si$%ly (on(entrate on t#e breat# at t#e %la(e w#ere t#e
breat# tou(#es) t#e ni$itta will (o$e and stay t#ere.
'* your ni$itta a%%ears at t#e %la(e w#ere t#e
breat# tou(#es) is stable) and a%%ears as i* it is t#e
breat# itsel*) and t#e breat# as i* it is t#e ni$itta) t#en
*orget about t#e breat#) and be ?ust aware o* t#e ni$itta.
4y $o3ing your $ind *ro$ t#e breat# to t#e ni$itta)
you will be able to $ake *urt#er %rogress. As you kee%
your $ind on t#e ni$itta) t#e ni$itta be(o$es w#iter
and w#iter) and w#en it is w#ite like (otton wool) it is
t#e ugga#a-ni$itta.
2ou s#ould deter$ine to kee% your $ind (al$ly
(on(entrated on t#e w#ite ugga#a-ni$itta *or one) two)
t#ree #ours) or $ore. '* you (an kee% your $ind *iHed
on t#e ugga#a-ni$itta *or one or two #ours) it s#ould
be(o$e (lear) brig#t) and brilliant. T#is is t#en t#e
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta B(ounter%art signC. ,eter$ine and
%ra(tise to kee% your $ind on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta *or
one) two) or t#ree #ours. Pra(tise until you su((eed.
At t#is stage you will rea(# eit#er a((ess Bu%a(<raC
or absor%tion Ba%%an<C (on(entration. 't is (alled a((ess
(on(entration be(ause it is (lose to and %re(edes ?#<na.
Absor%tion (on(entration is ?#<na.
4ot# ty%es o* (on(entration #a3e t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta as t#eir ob?e(t. T#e only di**eren(e between
t#e$ is t#at in a((ess (on(entration t#e ?#<na *a(tors
are not *ully de3elo%ed. +or t#is reason b#a3aJga $ind
states still o((ur) and one (an *all into b#a3aJga Bli*e-
(ontinuu$ (ons(iousnessC. T#e $editator will say t#at
e3eryt#ing sto%%ed) and $ay e3en t#ink it is ibb<na.
'n reality t#e $ind #as not sto%%ed) but t#e $editator
is ?ust not su**i(iently skilled to dis(ern t#is) be(ause
t#e b#a3aJga $ind states are 3ery subtle.
To a3oid dro%%ing into b#a3aJga) and to de3elo%
*urt#er) you need t#e #el% o* t#e *i3e (ontrolling *a(ultiesN
*ait# Bsadd#<C) e**ort B3DriyaC) $ind*ulness BsatiC)
(on(entration Bsa$<d#iC) and understanding B%aTT<C to
%us# t#e $ind and *iH it on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. 't
takes e**ort to $ake t#e $ind know t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta again and again) $ind*ulness to not *orget it)
and understanding to know it.
1ow 2ou 4alan(e t#e +i3e -ontrolling
+a(ulties
T#e *i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties B%aT(indriy<C are t#e *i3e
%owers t#at (ontrol t#e $ind) and kee% it *ro$ straying
o** t#e %at# o* Sa$at#a BtranFuillityC and Vi%assan<
Binsig#tC t#at leads to ibb<na. '* one or $ore are in
eH(ess) t#is leads to i$balan(e.
T#e *irst one is *ait# in w#at one s#ould #a3e *ait#
in) su(# as t#e Tri%le Le$) or *ait# in ka$$a and its results.
't is i$%ortant to #a3e *ait# in t#e enlig#ten$ent
o* t#e 4udd#a) be(ause wit#out it) a %erson will regress
*ro$ t#e work in $editation. 't is also i$%ortant to
#a3e *ait# in t#e tea(#ings o* t#e 4udd#a) na$ely t#e
+our Pat#s) t#e +our +ruits) ibb<na) et(. T#e tea(#ings
o* t#e 4udd#a s#ow us t#e way o* $editation) so at
t#is stage it is i$%ortant to #a3e (o$%lete *ait# in t#at
tea(#ing.
Aet us say t#e $editator t#inks) O-an ?#<na
really be attained by ?ust wat(#ing t#e in-breat# and
out-breat#6 's it really true t#at t#e ugga#a-ni$itta is
like w#ite (otton wool) and t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta like
(lear i(e or glass6& '* t#ese kinds o* t#oug#t %ersist) t#ey
result in 3iews su(# as) O;#<na (annot be attained in t#e
%resent age)& and t#e $editator&s *ait# in t#e tea(#ing
will de(line) and #e will be unable to sto% #i$sel* *ro$
gi3ing u% t#e de3elo%$ent o* Sa$at#a.
So a %erson w#o is de3elo%ing (on(entration wit# a
$editation sub?e(t like $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing needs
to #a3e strong *ait#. 1e s#ould de3elo% $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing wit#out any doubts. 1e s#ould t#ink) O;#<na
(an be a(#ie3ed) i* ' *ollow t#e instru(tions o* t#e +ully
/nlig#tened 4udd#a syste$ati(ally.&
'*) #owe3er) a %erson lets #is *ait# in ob?e(ts t#at
#e s#ould #a3e *ait# in be(o$e eH(essi3e) and #ere it
is t#e $editation sub?e(t o* $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing)
t#en be(ause eH(essi3e *ait# #as de(ided on t#e ob?e(t)
wisdo$ is not (lear) and also t#e re$aining *a(ulties)
e**ort) $ind*ulness) and (on(entration are weakenedN
/**ort is unable to raise asso(iated $ental *or$ations
3 to t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) and kee% t#e$ t#ereQ
$ind*ulness is unable to establis# knowledge o* t#e
%aSib#<ga-ni$ittaQ (on(entration is unable to %re3ent
t#e $ind *ro$ going to anot#er ob?e(tQ and wisdo$
is unable to see %enetrati3ely t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
4e(ause wisdo$ is unable to understand t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta) and su%%ort t#e *a(ulty o* *ait#) eH(essi3e *ait#
leads a(tually to a de(rease in *ait#.
'* e**ort is too strong) t#e re$aining *a(ulties)
*ait#) $ind*ulness) (on(entration) and wisdo$) will be
unable res%e(ti3ely de(ide) establis#) %re3ent distra(tion)
and dis(ern %enetrati3ely. T#us eH(essi3e e**ort
(auses t#e $ind to not stay (al$ly (on(entrated on
t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) and t#e enlig#ten$ent *a(tors
o* tranFuillity) (on(entration) and eFuani$ity do not
arise wit# su**i(ient strengt#.
3. Mental *or$ations Bn<$a-d#a$$<C in(lude bot# (ons(ious-
nesses B(itt<C and t#eir $ental-(on(o$itants B(etasik<C.
To balan(e *ait# wit# wisdo$) and (on(entration
wit# e**ort) is %raised by t#e wise. '*) *or instan(e) *ait#
is strong and wisdo$ is weak) a %erson will de3elo%
*ait# in) and res%e(t *or ob?e(ts wit#out use and essen(e.
+or instan(e) #e will de3elo% *ait# in) and re3eren(e
*or ob?e(ts re3ered and res%e(ted by religions outside
ort#odoH 4udd#is$) *or eHa$%le) guardian s%irits or
%rote(ti3e deities.
'*) on t#e ot#er #and) wisdo$ is strong and *ait#
is weak) a %erson (an be(o$e Fuite (ra*ty. Wit#out
$editating) t#ey will s%end t#eir ti$e si$%ly %assing
?udge$ents. T#is is as di**i(ult to (ure) as to (ure a
disease (aused by an o3erdose o* $edi(ine.
'* *ait# and wisdo$ are balan(ed) a %erson will
#a3e *ait# in ob?e(ts #e s#ould #a3e *ait# inN #owe3er)
t#e Tri%le Le$) ka$$a) and its e**e(ts. 1e will belie3e
t#at i* #e $editates) in a((ordan(e wit# t#e 4udd#a&s
instru(tions) #e will be able to attain t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta) and ?#<na.
Again) i* (on(entration is strong and e**ort is weak)
a %erson (an be(o$e laKy. '* e**ort is strong) and (on(entration
weak) #owe3er) #e (an be(o$e agitated. 4ut w#en
(on(entration and e**ort are balan(ed) #e will be(o$e
neit#er laKy) nor agitated) and will be able to attain ?#<na.
W#en a %erson wis#es to (ulti3ate a Sa$at#a
sub?e(t) it is good to #a3e 3ery strong *ait#. '* #e t#inks)
O' will (ertainly rea(# ?#<na) i* ' de3elo% (on(entration
on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta&) t#en by t#e %ower o* t#at
*ait#) and by (on(entrating on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta)
#e will de*initely a(#ie3e ?#<na. T#is is be(ause ?#<na
is based %ri$arily on (on(entration.
+or a %erson de3elo%ing Vi%assan< it is good t#at
wisdo$ be strong) be(ause w#en wisdo$ is strong #e
will be able to know and see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s o*
i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel* %enetrati3ely.
W#en (on(entration and wisdo$ are balan(ed)
$undane ?#<nas Blokiya-?#<naC (an arise. 4e(ause t#e
4udd#a taug#t to de3elo% Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<
toget#er) su%ra$undane ?#<nas Blokuttara-?#<naC (an
also arise only w#en (on(entration and wisdo$ are
balan(ed.
Mind*ulness is ne(essary under all (ir(u$stan(es)
be(ause it %rote(ts t#e $ind *ro$ agitation
due to eH(ess *ait#) e**ort) or wisdo$) and *ro$ laKiness
due to eH(ess (on(entration. 't balan(es *ait# wit#
wisdo$) (on(entration wit# e**ort) and (on(entration
wit# wisdo$.
So $ind*ulness is always ne(essary) as is t#e
seasoning o* salt in all sau(es) and a %ri$e $inister
*or all t#e king&s a**airs. 1en(e it says in t#e an(ient
(o$$entaries) t#at t#e 4lessed >ne said) OMind*ulness
is always ne(essary in any $editation sub?e(t.& W#y6
4e(ause it is a re*uge and %rote(tion *or t#e $editating
$ind. Mind*ulness is a re*uge) be(ause it #el%s t#e $ind
arri3e at s%e(ial and #ig# states) it #as ne3er rea(#ed
or known be*ore. Wit#out $ind*ulness t#e $ind is
in(a%able o* attaining any s%e(ial and eHtraordinary
states. Mind*ulness %rote(ts t#e $ind) and kee%s t#e
ob?e(t o* $editation *ro$ being lost. T#at is w#y to one
dis(erning it) wit# insig#t-knowledge) $ind*ulnessa%%ears
as t#at w#i(# %rote(ts t#e ob?e(t o* $editation) as
well as t#e $ind o* t#e $editator. Wit#out $ind*ulness)
a %erson is unable to li*t t#e $ind u% or restrain t#e
$ind. T#at is w#y t#e 4udd#a #as said it is ne(essary
in all instan(es. BSee also Visudd#i$agga -#a%ter 'V)
%ara. 59. Ma#<SDk< 0) 07"-075.C
1ow 2ou 4alan(e t#e Se3en +a(tors o* /nlig#ten$ent
'* one is to a(#ie3e ?#<na using $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing) it is also i$%ortant to balan(e t#e Se3en
+a(tors o* /nlig#ten$ent. T#ey are t#e /nlig#ten$ent
+a(tors o*N
0. Mind*ulness BsatiCQ w#i(# re$e$bers t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta) and dis(erns it again and again.
!. 'n3estigation o* P#eno$ena Bd#a$$a3i(ayaCQ w#i(#
understands t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta %enetrati3ely.
3. /**ort B3DriyaCQ w#i(# is brings t#e enlig#ten$ent *a(tors
toget#er) and balan(es t#e$ on t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$ittaQ and es%e(ially rein*or(es itsel*) and t#e
+a(tor o* 'n3estigation o* P#eno$ena.
5. ;oy B%DtiCQ gladness o* t#e $ind w#en eH%erien(ing
t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
7. TranFuillity B%assadd#iCQ (al$ness o* t#e $ind and
$ental-(on(o$itants) t#at #a3e t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta as t#eir ob?e(t.
8. -on(entration Bsa$<d#iCQ one-%ointedness o* t#e
$ind on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
:. /Fuani$ity Bu%ekk#<CQ e3enness o* $ind t#at
neit#er be(o$es eH(ited) nor wit#draws *ro$ t#e
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
A $editator $ust de3elo% and balan(e all se3en enlig#ten$ent
*a(tors. Wit# insu**i(ient e**ort) #owe3er)
t#e $ind will *all away *ro$ t#e ob?e(t o* $editation)
w#i(# in t#is (ase is t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. T#en one
s#ould not de3elo% tranFuillity) (on(entration) and
eFuani$ity) but de3elo% in3estigation o* %#eno$ena)
e**ort) and ?oy. T#is way t#e $ind is raised u% again.
W#en t#ere is too $u(# e**ort) #owe3er) t#e $ind
will be(o$e agitated and distra(ted. T#en one s#ould
do t#e o%%osite) and not de3elo% in3estigation o* %#eno$ena)
e**ort) and ?oy) but tranFuillity) (on(entration)
and eFuani$ity. T#is way t#e agitated and distra(ted
$ind be(o$es restrained and (al$ed.
T#is is #ow t#e *i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties) and
se3en *a(tors o* enlig#ten$ent are balan(ed.
1ow 2ou Attain ;#<na
W#en t#e *i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties) *ait#) e**ort) $ind*ulness)
(on(entration) and understanding are su**i(iently
de3elo%ed) (on(entration will go beyond a((ess)
u% to absor%tion (on(entration. W#en you rea(# ?#<na)
your $ind will know t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta wit#out
interru%tion. T#is (an (ontinue *or se3eral #ours) e3en
all nig#t) or *or a w#ole day.
W#en your $ind stays (ontinuously (on(entrated
on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta *or one or two #ours) you
s#ould try to dis(ern t#e area in t#e #eart w#ere t#e
$ind-door Bb#a3aJga (ons(iousnessC rests) t#at is t#e
#eart-base $ateriality. T#e b#a3aJga (ons(iousness is
brig#t and lu$inous) and t#e (o$$entaries eH%lain
t#at it is t#e $ind-door B$anod3<raC. '* you try $any
ti$es) again and again) you will e3entually dis(ern
bot# t#e $ind-door) and %aSib#<ga-ni$itta as ita%%ears
t#ere. 2ou s#ould t#en dis(ern t#e *i3e ?#<na
*a(tors one at a ti$e. Wit# (ontinued %ra(ti(e) you will
be able to dis(ern t#e$ all toget#er at on(e. T#e *i3e
?#<na *a(tors areN
0. A%%lied t#oug#t B3itakkaCN dire(ting and %la(ing
t#e $ind on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta o* t#e in-and-
out breat#.
!. Sustained t#oug#t B3i(<raCN $aintaining t#e
$ind on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta o* t#e in-and-out
breat#.
3. ;oy B%DtiCN liking *or t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta o* t#e
in-and-out breat#.
5. 4liss Bsuk#aCN #a%%iness about t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta o* t#e in-and-out breat#.
7. >ne-%ointedness Bekaggat<CN one-%ointedness o*
$ind on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta o* t#e in-and-out
breat#.
T#e ?#<na *a(tors are as a grou% (alled ?#<na. W#en you
are ?ust beginning to %ra(tise ?#<na) you s#ould %ra(tise
to enter ?#<na *or a long ti$e) and not s%end too $u(#
ti$e dis(erning t#e ?#<na *a(tors. 2ou s#ould %ra(tise
$astery B3asD-b#<3aC o* t#e ?#<nas. T#ere are *i3e kinds
o* $asteryN
0. To ad3ert to t#e ?#<na *a(tors.
!. To enter ?#<na w#ene3er desired.
3. To resol3e Bad#iSS#<naC to stay in ?#<na *or a deter$ined
duration) and to kee% t#e resol3e.
5. To e$erge *ro$ ?#<na at t#e deter$ined ti$e.
7. To re3iew t#e ?#<na *a(tors.5
'n t#e Pabbateyyag<3D Sutta in t#e AJguttara ik<ya
Bu$eri(al ,is(oursesC) t#e 4udd#a says t#at one
s#ould not try going to t#e se(ond ?#<na wit#out
$astering t#e *irst ?#<na. 1e eH%lains t#at i* one does
not $aster t#e *irst ?#<na t#oroug#ly) but tries to go to
#ig#er ?#<nas) one will lose t#e *irst ?#<na) as well as
be unable to attain t#e ot#er ?#<nas. >ne will lose all
t#e ?#<nas.
W#en you $aster t#e *irst ?#<na) you (an try to
%rogress to t#e se(ond ?#<na. 2ou need to enter t#e *irst
5. Ad3erting and re3iewing o((ur in t#e sa$e $ind-door
t#oug#t-%ro(ess B$anod3<ra-3Dt#iC. Ad3erting is %er*or$ed
by t#e $ind-door ad3erting (ons(iousness B$anod3<r<3a??ana
C) w#i(# in t#is (ase takes as ob?e(t one o* t#e *i3e ?#<na
*a(tors) su(# as a%%lied t#oug#t. Re3iewing is %er*or$ed
by t#e *our) *i3e) siH) or se3en re3iewing i$%ulsion (ons(iousnesses)
t#at o((ur i$$ediately a*ter t#e $ind-door
ad3erting (ons(iousness) and w#i(# #a3e t#e sa$e ob?e(t.
See Talk +i3e *or $ore detailed eH%lanation.
?#<na) e$erge *ro$ it) and re*le(t on its *aults) and on
t#e ad3antages o* t#e se(ond ?#<na. T#at is) t#e *irst
?#<na is (lose to t#e *i3e #indran(es) #as gross ?#<na
*a(tors o* a%%lied and sustained t#oug#t) and is t#us
less (al$ t#an t#e se(ond ?#<na) w#i(# is wit#out t#e$.
So) wit# no desire now *or t#ose two ?#<na *a(tors) *or
only ?oy) #a%%iness) and one-%ointedness) you s#ould
again (on(entrate on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. T#is way
you will be able to attain t#e se(ond ?#<na) %ossessed o*
only t#ose t#ree *a(tors) ?oy) bliss) and one-%ointedness.
2ou s#ould t#en %ra(tise t#e *i3e $asteries o* t#e se(ond
?#<na.
W#en you #a3e su((eeded) and want to de3elo%
t#e t#ird ?#<na) you s#ould e$erge *ro$ t#e se(ond
?#<na) and re*le(t on its *aults) and on t#e ad3antages o*
t#e t#ird ?#<na. T#at is) t#e se(ond ?#<na is (lose to t#e
*irst ?#<na) and #as t#e gross ?#<na *a(tor o* ?oy) and is
t#us less (al$ t#an t#e t#ird ?#<na) w#i(# is wit#out ?oy.
Wit# t#e desire now to attain t#e t#ird ?#<na) you s#ould
again (on(entrate on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. T#is way
you will be able to attain t#e t#ird ?#<na) %ossessed o*
only #a%%iness and one-%ointedness. 2ou s#ould t#en
%ra(tise t#e *i3e $asteries o* t#e t#ird ?#<na.
W#en you #a3e su((eeded) and want to de3elo%
t#e *ourt# ?#<na) you s#ould e$erge *ro$ t#e t#ird
?#<na) and re*le(t on its *aults and on t#e ad3antages o*
t#e *ourt# ?#<na. T#at is) t#e t#ird ?#<na #as t#e gross
?#<na *a(tor o* #a%%iness) and is t#us less (al$ t#an
t#e *ourt# ?#<na) w#i(# is wit#out #a%%iness. Wit#
t#e desire now to attain t#e *ourt# ?#<na) you s#ould
again (on(entrate on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. T#is way
you will be able to attain t#e *ourt# ?#<na) %ossessed o*
only eFuani$ity and one-%ointedness. 2ou s#ould t#en
%ra(tise t#e *i3e $asteries o* t#e *ourt# ?#<na.
Wit# t#e attain$ent o* t#e *ourt# ?#<na) t#e
breat# sto%s (o$%letely. T#is (o$%letes t#e *ourt#
stage in t#e de3elo%$ent o* $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing
B<n<%<nasatiCN
5. OU-al$ing t#e breat# body ' will breat#e inV)
t#us #e trains #i$sel*) and) U-al$ing t#e breat# body
' will breat#e outV) t#us #e trains #i$sel*.&
T#is stage began ?ust be*ore t#e ni$itta a%%eared) and
as (on(entration de3elo%ed t#roug# t#e *our ?#<nas) t#e
breat# be(a$e %rogressi3ely (al$er and (al$er) until
it sto%%ed in t#e *ourt# ?#<na.
W#en a $editator #as rea(#ed t#e *ourt# ?#<na
by using $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) and #as de3elo%ed
t#e *i3e $asteries) t#e lig#t o* (on(entration is brig#t)
brilliant and radiant) and #e (an) i* #e wis#es) $o3e on
to de3elo% Vi%assan< $editation. T#e $editator (an) on
t#e ot#er #and) (ontinue to de3elo% Sa$at#a $editation.
T#at will be t#e sub?e(t o* $y neHt talk) na$ely)
#ow to de3elo% t#e ten kasi@as.
Questions = Answers 0
Question 0.0N 1ow do we) in t#e *our stages o* $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing B<n<%<nasatiC) de(ide w#en to go
*ro$ one stage to anot#er6
Answer 0.0N T#e 4udd#a taug#t $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing ste% by ste%N long breat#) s#ort breat#) w#ole
breat# and subtle breat#) only *or easy understanding.
At t#e ti$e o* a(tual %ra(ti(e) all *our stages $ay o((ur
at t#e sa$e ti$e. +or eHa$%le) w#en t#e breat# is long)
we s#ould try to know t#e w#ole breat#Q w#en t#e
breat# is s#ort) we s#ould try to know t#e w#ole breat#
too. T#is s#ould be done only w#en t#e (on(entration
#as i$%ro3ed) *or eHa$%le) w#en you (an (on(entrate
*or about #al* an #our. T#en) i* you (an (on(entrate on
t#e w#ole long breat#) and t#e w#ole s#ort breat# *or
about one #our) t#e breat# will auto$ati(ally be(o$e
subtle) and you (an (#ange to (on(entrate on t#e subtle
breat#. '* t#e breat# does not be(o$e subtle) you s#ould
?ust (on(entrate on t#e breat#. 2ou $ust not $ake t#e
breat# subtle on %ur%ose nor $ake it long or s#ort on
%ur%ose. 'n t#is way) all t#e *our stages are in(luded in
a single stage. At t#e *ourt# stage) t#e breat# be(o$es
only subtle. 't does not (ease entirely. T#e breat# (eases
entirely only at t#e *ourt# ?#<na. T#is is t#e subtlest
stage.
Question 0.!N 's it ne(essary) in $editation) to #a3e a
ni$itta6
Answer 0.!N 'n so$e $editation sub?e(ts Bka$$aSS#<naC
like $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) kasi@a-$editation and
re%ulsi3eness-$editation Basub#aC) a ni$itta is ne(essary)
i* one wants to attain ?#ana in ot#er $editation sub?e(ts)
like re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a B4udd#<nussatiC) a
ni$itta is not ne(essary. 'n lo3ingkindness-$editation
B$ett<-b#<3an<C) breaking down t#e boundaries is (alled
t#e ni$itta.
Question 0.3N So$e say t#at w#ile %ra(tising $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing t#eir soul goes out o* t#e body. 's t#at
true) or are t#ey on t#e wrong %at#6
Answer 0.3N A (on(entrated $ind (an usually (reate a
ni$itta. W#en (on(entration is dee%) strong) and %ower*ul)
t#en be(ause o* di**erent %er(e%tions) di**erent
ni$ittas a%%ear. +or eHa$%le) i* you want t#e ni$itta to
be long it will be longQ i* you want it to be s#ort it will be
s#ortQ i* you want it to be round it will be roundQ i* you
want it to be red it will be red. So 3arious %er(e%tions
$ay arise w#ile %ra(tising $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing.
2ou %er(ei3e yoursel* outside t#e body. 't is si$%ly a
$ental (reation) not be(ause o* a soul. T#is is not a
%roble$. ;ust ignore it) and return to being $ind*ul o*
your breat#.
>nly w#en you dis(ern ulti$ate $entality-
$ateriality B%ara$att#a-n<$arG%aC internally and eHternally)
(an you sol3e t#e %roble$ o* a soulN you will not
*ind a soul anyw#ere. So) you need to break down t#e
(o$%a(tness o* $entality and $ateriality) and realiKe
ulti$ate $entality and $ateriality.
O<n<d#<tuyo 3inibb#u?it3a g#ana3inibb#oge kate
anattalakk#a@aR y<t#<3asarasato u%aSS#<ti&N OW#en we
break down (o$%a(tness) t#e %er(e%tion o* non-sel*
Banatta-saTT<C will arise.& 't is be(ause o* t#e %er(e%tion
o* (o$%a(tness) t#at t#e %er(e%tion o* a soul o((urs.
To break down t#e (o$%a(tness o* $ateriality)
you $ust *irst dis(ern t#e rG%a kal<%as Bs$all %arti(lesC.
T#en you $ust dis(ern t#e di**erent ty%es o* ulti$ate
$ateriality) w#i(# are at least eig#t in ea(# rG%a kal<%a.
Wit#out doing t#is t#e %er(e%tion o* a soul will not
disa%%ear.
Si$ilarly) wit#out breaking down t#e (o$%a(tness
o* $entality) t#e %er(e%tion o* a soul will not
disa%%ear. +or eHa$%le) w#en your $ind wanders)
you $ay t#ink t#at t#e wandering $ind is your soul.
Anot#er eHa$%le is 3isaJk#<ragataR (itta. VisaJk#<ra
$eans Owit#out *or$ations&) and is ibb<na. +or$ations
BsaJk#<raC are $entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses.
ibb<na itsel* #as no *or$ations) but t#e a(t o* seeing
ibb<na reFuires t#e *or$ation o* (ons(iousness. 'n
t#e (ase o* t#e 4udd#a) it is t#e ara#ant-*ruition (ons(iousness
Bara#atta%#ala-(ittaC) and is asso(iated wit#
$ental-(on(o$itants. '* it is t#e *irst ?#<na ara#ant-
*ruition (ons(iousness) t#ere are t#irty-se3en $ental
*or$ations. T#ose w#o #a3e not yet attained a Pat#
Knowledge B$agga-T<@aC) +ruition Knowledge B%#ala-
T<@aC) and insig#t-knowledge B3i%assan<-T<@aC) or w#o
#a3e not yet broken down t#e (o$%a(tness o* $entality)
$ay t#ink (ons(iousness is t#eir soul. 4ut i* t#ey
break down t#e (o$%a(tness o* $entality) t#ey will
see t#e ra%id arising and %assing-away o* (ons(ious
ness and its (on(o$itants. Wit# t#e %er(e%tion o*
i$%er$anen(e) t#e %er(e%tion o* non-sel* will o((ur.
'n t#e Meg#iya Sutta t#e 4udd#a saidN OAni((asaTTino
Meg#iya anattasaTT< sa@S#<ti.& O+or t#ose w#o #a3e
%ower*ul insig#t-knowledge o* i$%er$anen(e) insig#t-
knowledge o* non-sel* will also (learly a%%ear.&
Question 0.5N W#ere does t#e W<n<%<naX ni$itta (o$e
*ro$6 W#at $akes it a%%ear6
Answer 0.5N Most $ind states w#i(# arise de%endent
u%on t#e #eart-base %rodu(e breat#ing. A real <n<%<na-
ni$itta (o$es *ro$ t#e breat#. ot e3ery $ind state)
#owe3er) %rodu(es a ni$itta. >nly a dee%ly (on(entrated
$ind %rodu(es a ni$itta. T#ere*ore) t#e breat#
%rodu(ed by a dee% and (on(entrated $ind $akes an
<n<%<na-ni$itta a%%ear. '* t#e ni$itta is *ar *ro$ t#e
nostrils) it is not a real ni$itta. A ni$itta $ay o((ur
be(ause o* (on(entration) but not ne(essarily t#e real
<n<%<na-ni$itta. '* t#e ni$itta %rodu(es ?#<na) we (all
it an <n<%<na-ni$itta. 4ut i* it does not %rodu(e ?#<na)
it is not t#e real <n<%<na-ni$itta. '* you (on(entrate
on t#at ni$itta) ?#<na will not o((ur. Esually t#e (on(entration
(annot be(o$e strong and %ower*ul. '* you
$editate on t#at ni$itta) it will 3ery soon disa%%ear.
Question 0.7N W#at are t#e se3en stages o* %uri*i(ation
and siHteen insig#t-knowledges6
Answer 0.7N T#e se3en stages o* %uri*i(ation are t#e
%uri*i(ations B3isudd#iC o*N
0. Virtue BsDla-3isudd#iC)
!. Mind B(itta-3isudd#iC)
3. View BdiSS#i-3isudd#iC)
5. >3er(o$ing doubt BkaJk#<3ita-ra@a-3isudd#iC)
7. Knowledge and Vision o* W#at is and W#at is
ot Pat# B$agg<$aggaT<@adassana-3isudd#iC)
8. Knowledge and Vision o* t#e Way B%aSi%ad<T<@a-
dassana-3isudd#iC)
:. Knowledge and Vision BT<@adas-sana-3isudd#iC.
And t#e siHteen insig#t-knowledges are t#e knowledges
BT<@aC o*N
0. Analysing Mentality-$ateriality Bn<$arG%a-%ari((#eda-
T<@aC)
!. ,is(erning -ause and -ondition B%a((aya-%arigga#a-
T<@aC)
3. -o$%re#ension Bsa$$asana-T<@aC)
5. Arising and Passing-away Budayabbaya-T<@aC)
7. ,issolution Bb#aJga-T<@aC)
8. Terror Bb#aya-T<@aC)
:. ,anger B<dDna3a-T<@aC)
.. ,isen(#ant$ent Bnibbid<-T<@aC)
9. ,esire *or ,eli3eran(e B$uT(itu-ka$yat<-T<@aC)
0". Re*le(tion B%aSisaJk#<-T<@aC)
00. /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<-
T<@aC)
0!. -on*or$ity Banulo$a-T<@aC)
03. -#ange-o*-lineage Bgotrab#u-T<@aC)
05. T#e Pat# B$agga-T<@aC)
07. T#e +ruition B%#ala-T<@aC)
08. Re3iewing B%a((a3ekk#a@a-T<@aC.
ow you know t#e na$es o* t#ese insig#t-knowledges)
#a3e you eH%erien(ed t#e$6 o. T#at is w#y to #a3e
only t#eoreti(al knowledge is not enoug#Q you $ust
%ra(tise wit# great e**ort to also realiKe t#e$.
W/ditor&s oteN At t#e end o* t#is talk t#e Pa-Auk
Sayadaw added t#e *ollowing (o$$ent on t#e *i3e
#indran(es.X
ow ' would like to brie*ly eH%lain t#e *i3e #indran(es
BnD3ara@aC. T#e *irst #indran(e is sensual desire
Bk<$a((#andaC. 't is t#e atta(#$ent to %ro%erty or to
%eo%le. 't is t#e desire to get sense ob?e(ts. +or eHa$%le)
you $ay get atta(#ed to your kuSi B#utC or roo$. W#ile
$editating you $ay t#ink) O>#) it would be good i* $y
kuSi were beauti*ul.& >r you $ay t#ink) O>#) it would be
good i* t#e w#ole bedroo$ belonged to $e.& '* you are
o3erw#el$ed by sensual desire) you will not be able to
(on(entrate well on your $editation ob?e(t. 2ou $ust
#a3e strong $ind*ulness and $ake e**ort) to sto% t#e
arising o* sensual desire.
T#e se(ond #indran(e is ill-will Bby<%<daC. 't is
#atred *or or dissatis*a(tion wit# %eo%le or t#ings. +or
eHa$%le) i* t#e $editator sitting neHt to you) w#ile sitting
down) $akes a noise wit# #is or #er robes) you
$ay be(o$e angry and t#ink) O>#) w#y is #e $aking
so $u(# noise.& '* your $ind is o3erw#el$ed by #atred
or dissatis*a(tion) you will not be able to (on(entrate
well on your $editation ob?e(t eit#er.
T#e t#ird #indran(e is slot# and tor%or Bt#ina-$idd#aC.
'* t#e $ind is weak) or not interested in t#e $editation
ob?e(t) slot# and tor%or (an o((ur. So$eti$es) #owe3er)
slee%iness $ay be due to tiredness) or la(k o* rest.
T#e *ourt# #indran(e is restlessness and re$orse
Budd#a((a-kukku((aC. '* your $ind is restless) it will be
like a #ea% o* as#es #it by a stone) *lying about and s(attering.
Si$ilarly) w#en t#ere is restlessness) t#e $ind
is s(attered. W#ile $editating) you $ust not relaH t#e
$ind) and let it go away *ro$ your $editation ob?e(t. '*
you do) restlessness will o((ur. Re$orse is to regret bad
deeds done) and good deeds not done in t#e %ast. 1ere
too) you $ust #a3e great $ind*ulness) and $ake great
e**ort to sto% t#e arising o* restlessness and re$orse.
T#e *i*t# one is s(e%ti(al doubt B3i(iki((#<C. 't is
#a3ing doubts aboutN
0. T#e 4udd#a)
!. T#e ,#a$$a)
3. T#e SaJg#a)
5. T#e t#ree trainingsN 3irtue) (on(entration) and
wisdo$)
7. Past *i3e aggregates Bk#and#aC)
8. +uture *i3e aggregates)
:. 4ot# %ast and *uture *i3e aggregates)
.. ,e%endent->rigination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC.
'* you #a3e doubts about t#e training o* (on(entration)
you (annot $editate well. +or eHa$%le) you $ay t#inkN
O's it %ossible to attain ?#<na t#roug# $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing6 -an ?#ana be attained by (on(entrating on
t#e <n<%<na-ni$itta6&
T#e *i3e #indran(es are o%%osite to ?#<na (on(entration.
Talk !
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% Absor%tion
on >t#er Sub?e(ts
'n $y %re3ious talk ' eH%lained #ow to de3elo% t#e
$editation sub?e(t o* $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing u% to
t#e *ourt# ?#<na. ' ended $y talk by saying t#at w#en
a $editator #as rea(#ed t#e *ourt# ?#<na by using
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) and #as de3elo%ed t#e *i3e
$asteries) t#e lig#t o* (on(entration is brig#t) brilliant
and radiant) and #e (an) i* #e wis#es) $o3e on to
de3elo% Vi%assan< $editation.
4ut at t#is %oint t#e $editator (an also go on to
de3elo% Sa$at#a $editation. Today) ' s#all eH%lain #ow to
de3elo% ot#er Sa$at#a sub?e(tsN $editation on t#e t#irty-
two %arts o* t#e body) t#e skeleton) ten kasi@as) et(.
T#e T#irty-Two Parts o* t#e 4ody
'* you want to de3elo% $editation on t#e t#irty-two
%arts o* t#e body) you s#ould *irst re-establis# t#e
*ourt# <n<%<na-?#<na. W#en t#e lig#t o* (on(entration
is brig#t) brilliant) and radiant) you s#ould use it to
try to dis(ern t#e t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body) one at a
ti$e.
T#e t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body are twenty %arts
wit# %redo$inantly t#e eart#-ele$ent) and twel3e
%arts wit# %redo$inantly t#e water-ele$ent. T#e
twenty eart#-ele$ent %arts s#ould be dis(erned in
*our sets o* *i3eN
0-7. 1ead #airs) body #airs) nails) teet#) skin.
8-0". +les#) sinews) bones) bone $arrow) kidneys.
00-07. 1eart) li3er) $e$brane) s%leen) lungs.
08-!". 'ntestines) $esentery) undigested *ood)
*ae(es) brain.
T#e twel3e water-ele$ent %arts s#ould be dis(erned in
two sets o* siHN
0-8. 4ile) %#leg$) %us) blood) sweat) *at.
:-0!. Tears) grease) sali3a) snot) syno3ial *luid)
urine.
,is(ern t#e %arts in t#e gi3en order) but one at a ti$e.
Try to see ea(# o* t#e %arts) as distin(tly as you would
see your *a(e in a (lean $irror.
'*) w#ile doing t#is) t#e lig#t o* (on(entration
s#ould *ade) and t#e %art o* t#e body being dis(erned
be(o$e un(lear) you s#ould re-establis# t#e *ourt#
<n<%<na-?#<na. W#en t#e lig#t is again brig#t and
strong) you s#ould return to dis(erning t#e %arts o*
t#e body. ,o t#is w#ene3er t#e lig#t o* (on(entration
*ades.
Pra(tise so t#at you are) *ro$ #ead #airs down
to urine) or *ro$ urine ba(k to #ead #airs) able to see
ea(# one (learly and wit# %enetrating knowledgeQ kee%
%ra(tising until you be(o$e skil*ul.
T#en) again using t#e lig#t o* (on(entration and
wit# your eyes still (losed) you s#ould try to dis(ern)
anot#er being (lose by. 't is es%e(ially good to dis(ern
so$eone in *ront o* you. ,is(ern t#e t#irty-two %arts o*
t#e body in t#at %erson) or being) *ro$ #ead #airs down
to urine) and *ro$ urine ba(k to #ead #airs. ,is(ern t#e
t#irty-two %arts *orwards and ba(kwards $any ti$es.
W#en you #a3e su((eeded) dis(ern t#e t#irty-two %arts
on(e internally) t#at is in your own body) and on(e eHternally)
t#at is in t#e ot#er %erson&s bodyQ do t#is $any
ti$es) again and again.
W#en you are able to dis(ern internally and
eHternally like t#is) t#e %ower o* $editation will in(rease.
2ou s#ould t#us gradually eHtend your *ield o*
dis(ern$ent bit by bit) *ro$ near to *ar. ,o not worry
t#at you (annot dis(ern beings *ar away. Esing t#e
brilliant lig#t o* t#e *ourt# ?#<na) you (an easily see
beings *ar awayQ not wit# t#e naked eye) but wit# t#e
eye o* wisdo$ BT<@a(akk#uC. 2ou s#ould be able to
eHtend your *ield o* dis(ern$ent in all ten dire(tionsN
abo3e) below) east) west) nort#) sout#) nort# east) sout#
east) nort# west) sout# west. Take w#o$e3er you dis(ern)
be t#ey #u$an) ani$al or ot#er beings) in t#ose
ten dire(tions) and dis(ern t#e t#irty-two %arts) on(e
internally and on(e eHternally) one %erson or ot#er
being at a ti$e.
W#en you no longer see $en) wo$en) or bu**aloes)
(ows) and ot#er ani$als) as su(#) but see only
grou%s o* t#irty-two %arts) w#ene3er and w#ere3er
you look) internally or eHternally) t#en (an you be said
to be su((ess*ul) skil*ul) and eH%ert in dis(erning t#e
t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body.
T#e T#ree /ntran(es to ibb<na
1ere) ' would like to eH%lain t#e t#ree entran(es to
ibb<na. 'n t#e Ma#<sati%aSS#<na Sutta BT#e Lreater
,is(ourse on +oundations o* Mind*ulnessC o* ,Dg#a
ik<ya BAong ,is(oursesC) t#e 4udd#a tea(#es t#at t#e
$editation sub?e(t o* t#e *our *oundations o* $ind*ulness
is t#e only way to ibb<na. T#e (o$$entary) on
t#e ot#er #and) eH%lains t#at t#ere are t#ree ways to
ibb<na) and re*ers to t#e$ as gates. T#ey are t#e
$editation sub?e(ts o* t#e (olour kasi@as B3a@@akasi@aC)
re%ulsi3eness B%aSikGla-$anasik<raC) and 3oidness o* sel*
BsuTTataC) w#i(# is *our-ele$ents $editation.
T#ey are) #owe3er) re*erred to as Sa$at#a $editation
only) not Vi%assan<.
T#ere*ore) w#en a %erson #as be(o$e %ro*i(ient in
dis(erning t#e t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body) internally
and eHternally) #e (an (#oose to de3elo% any o* t#e
t#ree entran(es. +irst) ' s#all eH%lain #ow to de3elo%
$editation on re%ulsi3eness o* t#e t#irty-two %arts o*
t#e body.
T#e Skeleton
2ou (an take eit#er all t#irty-two %arts as a w#ole) or
only one o* t#e$ as your ob?e(t to de3elo% $editation
on re%ulsi3eness o* t#e body B%aSikGla-$anasik<raC. ' s#all
eH%lain #ow to $editate on t#e skeleton) t#e bones)
w#i(# is one o* t#e t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body.
To de3elo% t#is $editation) you s#ould on(e
again re-establis# t#e *ourt# <n<%<na-?#<na. W#en t#e
lig#t is brig#t) brilliant and radiant) use it to dis(ern
t#e t#irty-two %arts in your own body) t#en in a being
nearby. ,is(ern t#us internally and eHternally on(e
or twi(e. T#en take t#e internal skeleton as a w#ole)
and dis(ern it wit# wisdo$. W#en t#e w#ole skeleton
is (lear) take t#e re%ulsi3eness o* t#e skeleton as ob?e(t)
and note it again and again as eit#erN re%ulsi3e) re%ulsi3e
B%aSikGla) %aSikGlaCQ or re%ulsi3e skeleton) re%ulsi3e
skeleton BaSS#ika%aSikGla) aSS#ika%aSikGlaCQ or skeleton)
skeleton BaSS#ika) aSS#ikaC.
ote it in any language you like. 2ou s#ould try to
kee% your $ind (al$ly (on(entrated on t#e ob?e(t o* re%ulsi3eness
o* t#e skeleton *or one or two #ours. 4e (are*ul
to see t#e (olour) s#a%e) %osition and deli$itation.
4e(ause o* t#e strengt# and $o$entu$ o* t#e
*ourt# ?#<na (on(entration based on $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing) you will *ind t#at t#is $editation will also
be(o$e dee% and *ully establis#edN you will be able to
%rodu(e) sustain and de3elo% t#e %er(e%tion and knowledge
o* re%ulsi3eness.
>n(e your (on(entration on t#e re%ulsi3eness o* t#e
skeleton is establis#ed) you s#ould dro% t#e %er(e%tion
o* Oskeleton&) and ?ust be $ind*ul o* t#e re%ulsi3eness.
A((ording to t#e Visudd#i$agga) seeing t#e (olour)
s#a%e) %osition) and deli$itation o* a %art is seeing t#e
ugga#a-ni$itta. Seeing and dis(erning t#e re%ulsi3eness
o* t#at %art is seeing t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
T#e +i3e ;#<na +a(tors
4y (on(entrating on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta o* t#e re%ulsi3eness
o* bones) you (an attain t#e *irst ?#<na) at w#i(#
ti$e t#e *i3e ?#<na *a(tors will be %resent. T#ey areN
0. A%%lied t#oug#t B3itakkaCN dire(ting and %la(ing
t#e $ind on t#e re%ulsi3eness o* bones.
!. Sustained t#oug#t B3i(<raCN $aintaining t#e $ind
on t#e re%ulsi3eness o* bones.
3. ;oy B%DtiCN liking *or t#e re%ulsi3eness o* bones.
5. 4liss Bsuk#aCN #a%%iness asso(iated about t#e re%ulsi3eness
o* bones.
7. >ne-%ointedness Bekaggat<CN one-%ointedness o*
$ind on t#e re%ulsi3eness o* bones.
2ou (an) in a si$ilar way) attain t#e *irst ?#<na on
t#e re%ulsi3eness o* one o* t#e ot#er %arts o* t#e
body.
A Fuestion arisesN O1ow (an ?oy and #a%%iness
arise wit# t#e re%ulsi3eness o* t#e skeleton as ob?e(t6&
T#e answer is t#at) alt#oug# you are (on(entrating
on t#e re%ulsi3eness o* t#e skeleton) you #a3e undertaken
t#is $editation be(ause you #a3e understood t#e
bene*its o* it) and understand t#at it will #el% you to
e3entually attain *reedo$ *ro$ ageing) si(kness) and
deat#. ;oy and #a%%iness (an arise also be(ause you
#a3e re$o3ed t#e de*ile$ents o* t#e *i3e #indran(es)
w#i(# $ake t#e $ind #ot and tired.
't is ?ust like a s(a3enger would be delig#ted to
see a big #ea% o* garbage) t#inking) O' will earn a lot o*
$oney *ro$ t#is.& >r like a %erson w#o is se3erely ill
would be #a%%y and ?oy*ul w#en relie3ed by 3o$iting
or #a3ing diarr#oea.
T#e Ab#id#a$$a (o$$entary eH%lains t#at w#oe3er
#as attained t#e *irst ?#<na on t#e re%ulsi3eness o*
t#e skeleton) s#ould go on to de3elo% t#e *i3e $asteries
o* t#e *irst ?#<na. A*ter w#i(#) t#e $editator #ere too
s#ould take t#e nearest being) best o* all a %erson sitting
in *ront o* #i$) and wit# #is lig#t o* (on(entration take
t#at %erson&s skeleton as ob?e(t. 1e s#ould (on(entrate
on it as re%ulsi3e) and de3elo% t#is %er(e%tion until t#e
?#<na *a(tors be(o$e %ro$inent. /3en t#oug# t#ey are
%ro$inent) it is) a((ording to t#e (o$$entary) neit#er
a((ess (on(entration Bu%a(<ra-sa$<d#iC nor absor%tion
(on(entration Ba%%an<-sa$<d#iC) be(ause t#e ob?e(t is
li3ing. '*) #owe3er) you (on(entrate on t#e eHternal
skeleton as i* it were dead) you (an) a((ording to t#e
sub-(o$$entary to t#e Ab#id#a$$a) t#e MGlaSDk<)
attain a((ess (on(entration.
W#en t#e ?#<na *a(tors are (lear) s#ould again
(on(entrate on t#e internal skeleton as re%ulsi3e. ,o
t#is alternately) on(e internally t#en on(e eHternally)
again and again. W#en you #a3e $editated like t#is
on t#e re%ulsi3eness o* t#e skeleton) and it #as be(o$e
dee% and *ully de3elo%ed) you s#ould eHtend your *ield
o* dis(erning t#e skeleton) in all ten dire(tions. Taking
one dire(tion at a ti$e) w#ere3er your lig#t o* (on(entration
rea(#es) de3elo% ea(# dire(tion in t#e sa$e
way. 2ou s#ould a%%ly your %enetrating knowledge
bot# near and *ar) in all dire(tions) on(e internally and
on(e eHternally. Pra(tise until w#ere3er you look in t#e
ten dire(tions) you see only skeletons. >n(e you #a3e
su((eeded) you are ready to de3elo% t#e w#ite kasi@a
$editation.
T#e Ten Kasi@as
T#e -olour Kasi@a
T#ere are *our (olours used *or kasi@a $editationN blue)
yellow) red) and w#ite. O4lue& BnDlaC (an also be translated
as Obla(k&) or Obrown&. All *our kasi@as (an be de3elo%ed
u% to t#e *ourt# ?#<na by using as ob?e(t t#e (olours o*
di**erent %arts o* t#e body.
A((ording to t#e Ab#id#a$$a (o$$entary) t#e
#ead #airs) body #airs) and t#e irises o* t#e eyes (an
be used *or t#e blue) brown) or bla(k kasi@a u% to t#e
*ourt# ?#<naQ *at and urine (an be used *or t#e yellow
kasi@aQ blood) and *les# (an be used *or t#e red kasi@a.
And t#e w#ite %arts) su(# as t#e bones) teet#) and nails
(an be used *or t#e w#ite kasi@a.
T#e W#ite Kasi@a
't says in t#e suttas) t#at t#e w#ite kasi@a is t#e best
o* t#e *our (olour kasi@as) be(ause it $akes t#e $ind
(lear and brig#t. +or t#at reason) ' s#all eH%lain #ow to
de3elo% t#at one *irst.
To de3elo% t#e w#ite kasi@a) you s#ould *irst
re-establis# t#e *ourt# <n<%<na-?#<na. W#en t#e lig#t
o* (on(entration is brig#t) brilliant) and radiant) you
s#ould use it to dis(ern t#e t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body
internally) t#en t#e t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body eHternally)
in a being nearby. T#en dis(ern ?ust t#e skeleton
%art. '* you want to dis(ern it as re%ulsi3e you (an do
so) but i* not si$%ly dis(ern t#e eHternal skeleton.
T#en take eit#er t#e w#itest %la(e in t#at skeleton)
or) i* t#e w#ole skeleton is w#ite) t#e w#ole skeleton)
or t#e ba(k o* t#e skull) and (on(entrate on it as Ow#ite)
w#ite&.
Alternati3ely) i* you want to) and your (on(entration
is really s#ar%) you (an) i* you #a3e seen t#e
internal skeleton as re%ulsi3e) and rea(#ed t#e *irst
?#<na) take t#at skeleton as w#ite) and use t#at as your
%reli$inary ob?e(t.
2ou (an also dis(ern *irst t#e re%ulsi3eness in
an eHternal skeleton) and $ake t#at %er(e%tion stable
and *ir$) t#us $aking t#e w#ite o* t#e skeleton $ore
e3ident. T#en) you (an (#ange to t#e %er(e%tion o* it as
Ow#ite) w#ite&) and instead de3elo% t#e w#ite kasi@a.
Wit# one o* t#e ob?e(ts o* w#ite in t#e eHternal
skeleton as ob?e(t) you s#ould %ra(tise to kee% t#e $ind
(al$ly (on(entrated on t#at w#ite ob?e(t *or one or two
#ours.
4e(ause o* t#e strengt# and $o$entu$ o* t#e
*ourt# ?#<na (on(entration based on $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing) you will *ind t#at your $ind will stay (al$ly
(on(entrated on t#e ob?e(t o* w#ite. W#en you are able
to (on(entrate on t#e w#ite *or one or two #ours) you
will *ind t#at t#e skeleton disa%%ears and only a w#ite
(ir(le re$ains.
W#en t#e w#ite (ir(le is w#ite as (otton wool) it
is t#e ugga#a-ni$itta Btaken-u% signC. W#en it is brig#t
and (lear like t#e $orning star) it is t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta B(ounter%art signC. 4e*ore t#e ugga#a-ni$itta
arises) t#e skeleton ni$itta *ro$ w#i(# it arises) is t#e
%arika$$a-ni$itta B%re%aratory signC.
-ontinue to note t#e kasi@a as Ow#ite) w#ite& until
it be(o$es t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. -ontinue (on(entrating
on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta until you enter t#e *irst
?#<na. 2ou will *ind) #owe3er) t#at t#is (on(entration is
not 3ery stable and does not last long. 'n order to $ake
it stable and last a long ti$e) you need to eH%and t#e
ni$itta.
To do t#is) you s#ould (on(entrate on t#e w#ite
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta *or one or two #ours. T#en deter$ine
to eH%and t#e w#ite (ir(le by one) two) t#ree) or
*our in(#es) de%ending on #ow $u(# you t#ink you are
able to eH%and it. See i* you su((eed) but do not try to
eH%and t#e ni$itta) wit#out *irst deter$ining a li$itN
$ake sure to deter$ine a li$it o* one) two) t#ree) or
*our in(#es.
W#ile eH%anding t#e w#ite (ir(le) you $ay *ind
t#at it be(o$es unstable. T#en go ba(k to noting it as
Ow#ite) w#ite& to $ake it stable. 4ut as your (on(entration
in(reases t#e ni$itta will be(o$e stable and (al$.
W#en t#e *irst eH%anded ni$itta #as be(o$e stable)
you s#ould re%eat t#e %ro(ess) t#at is) again deter$ine
to eH%and it by a *ew in(#es. T#is way you (an eH%and
t#e ni$itta in stages) until it is one yard in siKe) t#en two
yards) and so on. ,o t#is until it eHtends in all ten dire(tions
around you) wit#out li$it) and so t#at w#ere3er
you look) you see only w#ite. ,o it till you see not e3en
a tra(e o* $ateriality) w#et#er internal or eHternal. '* you
de3elo%ed t#e w#ite kasi@a in a %ast li*e) during t#is or
a %re3ious 4udd#a&s dis%ensation) t#at is) i* you #a3e
w#ite kasi@a %<ra$D) t#en you will not need to eH%and
t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) be(ause as you (on(entrate on it)
it will auto$ati(ally eH%and in all ten dire(tions. 2ou
s#ould in eit#er (ase now kee% your $ind (al$ly (on(entrated
on t#e eH%anded w#ite kasi@a) and w#en it is
stable) t#en ?ust like #anging a #at on a #ook) %ut your
$ind on one %la(e in t#at w#ite kasi@a. Kee% your $ind
t#ere) and (ontinue to note Ow#ite) w#ite&.
W#en your $ind is (al$ and stable) t#e w#ite
kasi@a will also be (al$ and stable) and will be eH(eedingly
w#ite) brig#t) and (lear. T#is too is a %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta) %rodu(ed by eH%anding t#e original w#ite
kasi@a %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
2ou $ust (ontinue to $editate) until you (an
(on(entrate on t#at w#ite kasi@a %aSib#<ga-ni$itta
(ontinuously *or one or two #ours. T#en t#e ?#<na *a(tors
will be(o$e 3ery %ro$inent) (lear) and strong in
your $ind) and you will #a3e rea(#ed t#e *irst ?#<na.
T#e *i3e ?#<na *a(tors areN
0. A%%lied t#oug#t B3itakkaCN dire(ting and %la(ing
t#e $ind on t#e w#ite kasi@a.
!. Sustained t#oug#t B3i(<raCN $aintaining t#e $ind
on t#e w#ite kasi@a.
3. ;oy B%DtiCN liking *or t#e w#ite kasi@a.
5. 4liss Bsuk#aCN #a%%iness about t#e w#ite kasi@a.
7. >ne-%ointedness Bekaggat<CN one-%ointedness o*
$ind on t#e w#ite kasi@a.
T#e ?#<na *a(tors are toget#er (alled ?#<na. 'n t#e way
des(ribed in t#e talk on $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing)
%ra(tise t#e *i3e $asteries o* t#e *irst w#ite kasi@a
?#<na) and t#en de3elo% t#e se(ond) t#ird) and *ourt#
?#<nas.
T#e *our ?#<nas are also (alled *ine-$aterial-%lane
?#<nas) BrG%<3a(ara-?#<naC) be(ause t#ey $ay (ause rebirt#
in t#e *ine-$aterial real$. 4ut #ere we do not
en(ourage t#e de3elo%$ent o* ?#<nas *or t#e sake o*
attaining rebirt# in t#e *ine-$aterial real$) but *or t#e
sake o* using t#e$ as a basis *or de3elo%ing Vi%assan<
$editation.
'* you #a3e de3elo%ed t#e w#ite kasi@a $editation
u% to t#e *ourt# ?#<na using t#e w#ite o* an eHternal
skeleton) t#en you will also be able to de3elo% t#e
brown) blue) or bla(k kasi@a using eHternal #ead #airs)
t#e yellow kasi@a using eHternal *at or urine) and t#e
red kasi@a using eHternal blood) et(. 2ou (an also use
t#ose %arts in your own body.
W#en you #a3e su((eeded) you (an de3elo% t#e
(olour kasi@as using t#e (olour o* also *lowers) or ot#er
eHternal ob?e(ts. All blue and brown *lowers are (alling
out) in3iting you to de3elo% t#e blue kasi@a. All yellow
*lowers are (alling out) in3iting you to de3elo% t#e
yellow kasi@a. All red *lowers are (alling out) in3iting
you to de3elo% t#e red kasi@a. All w#ite *lowers are
(alling out) in3iting you to de3elo% t#e w#ite kasi@a.
T#us) a skilled $editator (an use w#ate3er #e sees to
de3elo% kasi@a (on(entration and insig#t) be it ani$ate
or inani$ate) internal or eHternal.
A((ording to t#e P<Mi teHts) t#e 4udd#a taug#t ten
kasi@as. T#ey are t#e $entioned *our (olour kasi@as)
%lus a *urt#er siHN t#e eart#) water) *ire) wind) s%a(e) and
lig#t kasi@as.
ow) ' would like to eH%lain #ow to de3elo% t#e
re$aining siH ty%es o* kasi@a.
T#e /art# Kasi@a
To de3elo% t#e eart# kasi@a) you s#ould *ind a %ie(e
o* %lain eart#) w#i(# is reddis# brown like t#e sky at
dawn) and wit# no sti(ks) stones) or lea3es. T#en wit#
a sti(k or so$e ot#er instru$ent) draw a (ir(le about
one *oot a(ross. T#at is your $editation ob?e(t) an
eart# kasi@a. 2ou s#ould (on(entrate on it) and note
it as Oeart#) eart#&. -on(entrate on it *or a w#ile wit#
your eyes o%en) and t#en (lose t#e$) and 3isualiKe t#e
eart# kasi@a. '* unable to 3isualiKe t#e ni$itta in t#is
way) you s#ould re-establis# t#e *ourt# <n<%<na-?#<na)
or t#e w#ite kasi@a. T#en use t#e lig#t o* (on(entration
to look at t#e eart# kasi@a. W#en you see t#e ni$itta o*
eart# as (learly as were you looking at it wit# your eyes
o%en) you (an go and de3elo% it so$ew#ere else.
2ou s#ould not (on(entrate on t#e (olour o* t#e
eart# ni$itta) or t#e (#ara(teristi(s o* #ardness) roug#ness
et(.) o* t#e eart#-ele$ent) but (on(entrate on only
t#e (on(e%t o* eart#. -ontinue to de3elo% t#is ugga#a-
ni$itta until it be(o$es %ure and (lear) and is t#e
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
2ou s#ould t#en eH%and t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta a
little at a ti$e) in all ten dire(tions) and t#en de3elo%
t#is $editation u% to t#e *ourt# ?#<na.
T#e Water Kasi@a
To de3elo% t#e water kasi@a) you s#ould use a bowl)
bu(ket) or well o* %ure) (lear water. -on(entrate on
t#e (on(e%t o* water as Owater) water&) and de3elo% t#e
ni$itta as you did t#e eart# kasi@a.
T#e +ire Kasi@a
To de3elo% t#e *ire kasi@a) you s#ould use a *ire) a
(andle) or any ot#er *la$es you re$e$ber seeing. '*
unable to 3isualiKe it) you (an $ake a s(reen wit# a
(ir(ular #ole in it about one *oot a(ross. Put t#e s(reen
in *ront o* a wood- or grass-*ire) so you see only t#e
*la$es t#roug# t#e #ole.
'gnoring t#e s$oke) and burning wood or grass)
(on(entrate on t#e (on(e%t o* *ire) as O*ire) *ire&) and
de3elo% t#e ni$itta in t#e usual way.
T#e Wind Kasi@a
T#e wind kasi@a is de3elo%ed t#roug# t#e sense o*
tou(#) or sig#t. 2ou s#ould (on(entrate on t#e wind
(o$ing in t#roug# a window or door) tou(#ing t#e
bodyQ or t#e sig#t o* lea3es or bran(#es $o3ing in t#e
wind. -on(entrate on t#e (on(e%t as Owind) wind&. 2ou
(an do t#is by re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit# anot#er
kasi@a ob?e(t) and t#en using your lig#t o* (on(entration
to see t#is $o3e$ent eHternally) and dis(ern t#e ni$itta
o* t#e wind. T#e ugga#a-ni$itta looks like stea$
(o$ing o** #ot $ilk ri(e) but t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta is
$otionless. ,e3elo% t#e ni$itta in t#e usual way.
T#e Aig#t Kasi@a
To de3elo% t#e lig#t kasi@a) you s#ould look at rays o*
lig#t) as t#ey strea$ into a roo$ t#roug#) *or eHa$%le) a
(ra(k in t#e wall) and *all on t#e *loor) or as t#ey strea$
t#roug# t#e lea3es o* a tree and *all on t#e ground. 2ou
(an also look u% t#roug# t#e bran(#es o* a tree) at t#e
lig#t in t#e sky abo3e. '* unable to 3isualiKe it) you (an
%ut a (andle or la$% inside an eart#en %ot) and %la(e
t#e %ot in su(# a way t#at rays o* lig#t (o$e out o* t#e
o%ening o* t#e %ot) and *all u%on t#e wall. -on(entrate
on t#e (ir(le o* lig#t on t#e wall as a (on(e%t) as Olig#t)
lig#t&) and de3elo% t#e ni$itta in t#e usual way.
T#e S%a(e Kasi@a
To de3elo% t#e s%a(e kasi@a) you s#ould look at t#e
s%a(e in a doorway) window) or key#ole. '* unable to
3isualiKe it) you (an $ake a (ir(ular #ole in a %ie(e o*
board) about eig#t in(#es to one *oot a(ross. 1old t#e
board u% so you see only t#e sky t#roug# t#e #ole) no
trees or ot#er ob?e(ts. -on(entrate on t#e s%a(e wit#in
t#at (ir(le as a (on(e%t) as Os%a(e) s%a(e&) and de3elo%
t#e ni$itta in t#e usual way.
T#e +our '$$aterial ;#<nas
>n(e you #a3e attained t#e *our ?#<nas wit# ea(# o*
t#e ten kasi@as) you (an %ro(eed to de3elo% t#e *our
i$$aterial ?#<nas BarG%a-?#<naC) also (alled t#e *our
i$$aterial states. T#ey areN
0. T#e 4ase o* 4oundless-S%a(e)
!. T#e 4ase o* 4oundless--ons(iousness)
3. T#e 4ase o* ot#ingness)
5. T#e 4ase o* eit#er-Per(e%tion-or-on-
Per(e%tion.
2ou (an de3elo% t#e$ wit# any o* t#e kasi@as eH(e%t
t#e s%a(e kasi@a.
T#e 4ase o* 4oundless-S%a(e
To de3elo% t#e *our i$$aterial ?#<nas) you s#ould
*irst re*le(t u%on t#e disad3antages o* $ateriality. T#e
#u$an body %rodu(ed by t#e s%er$ and egg o* your
%arents is (alled t#e %rodu(ed-body Bkara?ak<yaC. Sin(e
you #a3e a %rodu(ed-body) you are o%en to assault
wit# wea%ons su(# as kni3es) s%ears) and bullets) and
to being #it) beaten) and tortured. T#e %rodu(ed body is
also sub?e(t to $any diseases) o*) *or eHa$%le) t#e eyes)
ears) and #eart. So you s#ould (onsider wit# wisdo$
t#at) be(ause you #a3e a %rodu(ed body) $ade o*
$ateriality) you are sub?e(t to 3arious kinds o* su**ering)
and t#at i* you (an be *ree o* t#at $ateriality) you
(an also be *ree o* t#e su**ering.
/3en t#oug# a *ourt# *ine-$aterial ?#<na sur%assesgross
%#ysi(al $ateriality) it is still based on it. T#us
you need to sur$ount t#e kasi@a $ateriality. 1a3ing
(onsidered t#is) and wit# no desire now *or t#e kasi@a
$ateriality) you s#ould re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na
wit# one o* t#e nine kasi@as) su(# as t#e eart# kasi@a.
/$erge *ro$ it) and re*le(t on its disad3antagesN
it is based on $ateriality w#i(# you no longer desireQ
it #as ?oy o* t#e t#ird ?#<na as its near ene$yQ and it is
grosser t#an t#e *our i$$aterial ?#<nas.
2ou do not need to re*le(t on t#e disad3antages o*
t#e $ental *or$ations in t#e *ourt# ?#<na) as you did o*
t#e %re3ious ?#<nas) sin(e t#ey are t#e sa$e as in t#e
i$$aterial ?#<nas.
Wit# no desire now *or t#e *ourt# *ine-$aterial
?#<na) you s#ould also re*le(t on t#e $ore %ea(e*ul
nature o* t#e i$$aterial ?#<nas.
T#en eH%and your ni$itta) say) o* t#e eart#
kasi@a) so t#at it is boundless) or as $u(# as you wis#)
and re%la(e t#e kasi@a $ateriality wit# t#e s%a(e it
o((u%ies) by (on(entrating on t#e s%a(e as Os%a(e) s%a(e&
or Oboundless s%a(e) boundless s%a(e&. W#at re$ains is
t#e boundless s%a(e *or$erly o((u%ied by t#e kasi@a.
'* unable to do so) you s#ould dis(ern and (on(entrate
on t#e s%a(e o* one %la(e in t#e eart# kasi@a-
ni$itta) and t#en eH%and t#at u% to t#e in*inite uni3erse.
As a result) t#e entire eart# kasi@a-ni$itta is re%la(ed
by boundless s%a(e.
-ontinue to (on(entrate on t#e boundless s%a(e
ni$itta) until you rea(# ?#<na) and t#en de3elo% t#e
*i3e $asteries. T#is is t#e *irst i$$aterial ?#<na) also
(alled t#e base o* boundless-s%a(e.
T#e 4ase o* 4oundless--ons(iousness
T#e se(ond i$$aterial ?#<na) also (alled t#e base o*
boundless-(ons(iousness B3iTT<@aT(<yatana-(ittaC) #as
as its ob?e(t t#e (ons(iousness o* t#e base o* boundless-
s%a(e ?#<na-(ons(iousness B<k<s<naT(<yatana-?#<na-(ittaC)
w#i(# itsel* #ad boundless s%a(e as its ob?e(t.
To de3elo% t#e base o* boundless-(ons(iousness)
you s#ould re*le(t on t#e disad3antages o* t#e base o*
boundless-s%a(eN it #as t#e *ourt# *ine-$aterial ?#<na
as its near ene$y) and is not as %ea(e*ul as t#e base o*
boundless-(ons(iousness.
Wit# no desire now *or t#e base o* boundless-
s%a(e) you s#ould also re*le(t on t#e $ore %ea(e*ul
nature o* t#e base o* boundless-(ons(iousness. T#en
(on(entrate again and again on t#e (ons(iousness
w#i(# #ad boundless s%a(e as its ob?e(t) and note it as
Oboundless (ons(iousness) boundless (ons(iousness& or
?ust O(ons(iousness) (ons(iousness&.
-ontinue to (on(entrate on t#e boundless (ons(iousness
ni$itta) until you rea(# ?#<na) and t#en
de3elo% t#e *i3e $asteries. T#is is t#en t#e se(ond
i$$aterial ?#<na) also (alled t#e base o* boundless-
(ons(iousness.
T#e 4ase o* ot#ingness
T#e t#ird i$$aterial ?#<na) also (alled t#e base o*
not#ingness) #as as its ob?e(t t#e absen(e o* t#e (ons(iousness
w#i(# #ad boundless s%a(e as its ob?e(t) and
w#i(# was itsel* t#e ob?e(t o* t#e base o* boundless-
(ons(iousness.
To de3elo% t#e base o* not#ingness) you s#ould
re*le(t on t#e disad3antages o* t#e base o* boundless-
(ons(iousnessN it #as t#e base o* boundless-s%a(e as
its near ene$y and is not as %ea(e*ul as t#e base o*
not#ingness.
Wit# no desire now *or t#e base o* boundless-
(ons(iousness) you s#ould also re*le(t on t#e $ore
%ea(e*ul nature o* t#e base o* not#ingness.
T#en (on(entrate on t#e absen(e o* t#e (ons(iousness
w#i(# #ad boundless s%a(e as its ob?e(t. T#ere were
two ?#<na-(ons(iousnessesN *irst t#e (ons(iousness o*
base o* boundless-s%a(e B<k<s<naT(<yatana-?#<na-(ittaC
and t#en t#at o* t#e base o* boundless-(ons(iousness
B3iTT<@aT(<yatana-?#<na-(ittaC. Two (ons(iousnesses (an-
not arise in one $ind-$o$ent. W#en t#e (ons(iousness
o* t#e base o* boundless-s%a(e was %resent) t#e ot#er
(ons(iousness (ould not %resent too) and 3i(e 3ersa. So)
you $ust take t#e absen(e o* t#e (ons(iousness o* t#e
base o* boundless-s%a(e as ob?e(t) and note it as Onot#ingness)
not#ingness& or Oabsen(e) absen(e&.
-ontinue to (on(entrate on t#at ni$itta) until
you rea(# ?#<na) and de3elo% t#e *i3e $asteries. T#is
is t#en t#e t#ird i$$aterial ?#<na) also (alled t#e base
o* not#ingness.
T#e 4ase o* eit#er-Per(e%tion-or-on-Per(e%tion
T#e *ourt# i$$aterial ?#<na) also (alled t#e base o* neit#er-
%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion) #as as its ob?e(t t#e
(ons(iousness o* t#e base o* not#ingness. 't is (alled t#e
base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion be(ause
t#e %er(e%tion in it is eHtre$ely subtle.
To de3elo% t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-
%er(e%tion) you s#ould re*le(t on t#e disad3antages o*
t#e base o* not#ingnessN it #as t#e base o* boundless-
(ons(iousness as its near ene$y) and is not as %ea(e*ul
as t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion.
+urt#er$ore) %er(e%tion is a disease) a boil) and a dart.
Wit# no desire now *or t#e base o* not#ingness)
you s#ould also re*le(t on t#e $ore %ea(e*ul nature
o* t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion.
T#en (on(entrate again and again on t#e (ons(iousness
o* t#e base o* not#ingness as O%ea(e*ul) %ea(e*ul&.
-ontinue to (on(entrate on t#e O%ea(e*ul) %ea(e*ul&
ni$itta) until you rea(# ?#<na) and de3elo% t#e *i3e
$asteries. T#is is t#en t#e *ourt# i$$aterial ?#<na)
also (alled t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-
%er(e%tion.
Today ' #a3e eH%lained #ow to de3elo% t#e ten
kasi@as) and t#e eig#t attain$ents (onsisting o* t#e *our
*ine-$aterial ?#<nas and t#e *our i$$aterial ?#<nas. 'n
$y neHt talk) ' s#ould like to eH%lain #ow to de3elo% t#e
*our subli$e abidings Bbra#$a3i#<raC o* lo3ingkindness)
(o$%assion) a%%re(iati3e-?oy) and eFuani$ity.
Questions = Answers !
Question !.0N 1ow s#ould beginners balan(e t#e *a(ulties
o* (on(entration and wisdo$6 1ow s#ould t#ey %ra(tise
wisdo$ in $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing B<n<%<nasatiC6
Answer !.0N We already talked about balan(ing t#e
*i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties in $y 3ery *irst talk) but ' (an
su$$ariKe. 't is not t#at i$%ortant *or beginners to balan(e
(on(entration and wisdo$. T#is is be(ause t#ey
are only beginners) and t#eir *i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties
are not yet de3elo%ed. 'n t#e beginning o* $editation)
t#ere is usually $u(# restlessness in t#e $ind. So t#e
*a(ulties are not yet strong and %ower*ul. >nly w#en
t#ey are strong and %ower*ul) is it ne(essary to balan(e
t#e$. 4ut i* beginners are able to balan(e t#e *a(ulties
already at t#e beginning stage) t#at is o* (ourse also
good.
+or eHa$%le) you are now %ra(tising <n<%<nasatiQ
<n<%<nasati is $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing. Knowing t#e
breat# is wisdo$ B%aTT<C. 4eing $ind*ul o* t#e breat#
is $ind*ulness BsatiC. >ne-%ointedness o* $ind on t#e
breat# is (on(entration Bsa$<d#iC. T#e e**ort to know
t#e breat# (learly is e**ort B3DriyaC. 1a3ing *ait# t#at
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing (an lead to ?#<na is *ait#
Bsadd#<C.
4eginners $ust try to de3elo% strong and %ower*ul
(ontrolling *a(ulties. T#eir *ait# in $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing $ust be strong enoug#. T#eir e**ort to know
t#e breat# (learly $ust be strong enoug#. T#eir $ind
*ulness o* t#e breat# $ust be strong enoug#. T#eir (on(entration
on t#e breat# $ust be strong enoug#. T#ey
$ust see t#e breat# (learly. T#ey $ust try to $ake t#eir
*i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties strong and %ower*ul) as well
as try to balan(e t#e$. '* one is eH(essi3e) t#e ot#ers
(annot *ul*il t#eir *un(tion %ro%erly.
+or eHa$%le) i* *ait# is too strong and %ower*ul)
it %rodu(es e$otion. T#is $eans t#at t#e e**ort *a(ulty
(annot *ul*il its *un(tion o* $aintaining asso(iated
$ental *or$ations on t#e breat#Q $ind*ulness (annot
be(o$e establis#ed on t#e breat#Q t#e (on(entration
*a(ulty too) (annot *ul*il its *un(tion o* (on(entrating
dee%ly on t#e breat#Q and wisdo$ (annot know t#e
breat# (learly.
W#en) *or eHa$%le) e**ort is eH(essi3e) it $akes t#e
$ind restless) so t#e ot#er (ontrolling *a(ulties be(o$e
again weak) and (annot *ul*il t#eir *un(tion %ro%erly.
W#en $ind*ulness is weak) you (annot do anyt#ing)
be(ause you (annot (on(entrate on t#e breat#) will #a3e
little or no e**ort to dis(ern t#e breat#) and $ay #a3e
no *ait#.
ow you are %ra(tising Sa$at#a. 'n Sa$at#a
$editation) strong and %ower*ul (on(entration is good)
but eH(essi3e (on(entration %rodu(es laKiness. Wit#
laKiness) t#e ot#er *a(ulties be(o$e again 3ery weak)
and (annot *ul*il t#eir *un(tion %ro%erly.
At t#is stage wisdo$ is 3ery dull or in*erior. 't
knows only t#e natural breat#. So *or t#e beginner
w#o is %ra(tising Sa$at#a $editation) it is enoug#
to ?ust know t#e breat# (learly. W#en t#e ugga#a or
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta a%%ears) wisdo$ is knowing t#e
ugga#a or %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. Too $u(# ot#er general
knowledge a%art *ro$ t#is is not good) as you $ay
always be dis(ussing and (riti(iKing. '* a $editator
dis(usses and (riti(iKes $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing too
$u(#) we (an say #is wisdo$ is eH(essi3e) w#i(# also
$akes t#e ot#er (ontrolling *a(ulties weak) and unable
to *ul*il t#eir *un(tion %ro%erly.
So) e3en t#oug# it is not yet 3ery i$%ortant) it is
still good *or a beginner to balan(e #is *i3e (ontrolling
*a(ulties. 1ow to balan(e t#e$6 We $ust %ra(tise wit#
strong and %ower*ul $ind*ulness and e**ort to know
t#e breat# (learly) and (on(entrate on t#e breat# wit#
*ait#. 1owe3er)
Question !.!N W#y don&t we) a*ter attaining t#e *ourt#
?#<na) go straig#t to dis(ern t#e *i3e aggregates) t#eir
nature o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel*) and
attain ibb<na6 W#y do we need to %ra(tise $editation on
t#e t#irty-two %arts o* body) skeleton) w#ite kasi@a) *our-
ele$ents) $ateriality) $entality) de%endent-origination)
and Vi%assan<) be*ore t#e attain$ent o* ibb<na6
Answer !.!N W#at are t#e *i3e aggregates6 W#at is t#e
di**eren(e between t#e *i3e aggregates and $entality-
$ateriality6 ,o you know t#e answer6
4e*ore answering t#e se(ond Fuestion) ' would
like to eH%lain $entality-$ateriality and t#e *i3e aggregates.
A((ording to t#e 4udd#a Ab#id#a$$a) t#ere
are *our ulti$ate realities B%ara$att#aN (ons(iousnesses
B(ittaC) $ental-(on(o$itants B(etasikaC) $ateriality BrG%aC)
and ibb<na.
To attain ibb<na) t#e *ourt# ulti$ate reality)
we $ust see t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering and non-sel*
nature o* t#e ot#er t#ree. T#ere are eig#ty-nine ty%es
o* (ons(iousness) *i*ty-two $ental-(on(o$itants) and
twenty-eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality.
T#e eig#ty-nine ty%es o* (ons(iousness are (alled
t#e (ons(iousness-aggregate B3iTT<@a-k#and#aC. >* t#e
*i*ty-two $ental-(on(o$itants) *eeling is t#e *eeling-
aggregate B3edan<-k#and#aCQ %er(e%tion is t#e %er(e%tion-
aggregate BsaTT<-k#and#aCQ and t#e re$aining *i*ty
$ental-(on(o$itants are t#e *or$ations-aggregate
BsaJk#<ra-k#and#aC.
So$eti$es t#e (ons(iousnesses B(ittaC and $ental-
(on(o$itants B(etasikaC toget#er are (alled $entality
Bn<$aC. So$eti$es t#ey are seen as *our aggregates)
t#e *eeling-aggregate) t#e %er(e%tion-aggregate)
t#e *or$ations-aggregate and t#e (ons(iousness-
aggregate) w#i(# toget#er are t#e $entality-aggregate
Bn<$a k#and#aC. T#e $ateriality-aggregate BrG%a-
k#and#aC is t#e twenty-eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality. T#e
(ons(iousnesses) $ental-(on(o$itants and $ateriality
toget#er are (alled O$entality-$ateriality& Bn<$arG%aC.
T#ey are so$eti$es also (alled t#e *i3e aggregatesN
$ateriality) *eeling) %er(e%tion) *or$ations) and
(ons(iousness. T#eir (auses are also only $entality-
$ateriality.
T#e 4udd#a taug#t t#e *i3e-aggregate $et#od o*
%ra(tising Vi%assan< to t#ree ty%es o* %eo%leN t#ose w#o
#a3e s#ar% wisdo$) t#ose w#ose insig#t-knowledge o*
$entality is not (lear) and t#ose w#o %re*er to %ra(tise
Vi%assan< in t#e brie* way.
ow ' s#all go on to answer t#e se(ond Fuestion.
A((ording to t#e T#era3<da tradition) t#ere are two
ty%es o* $editation sub?e(t Bka$$aSS#<naCN %<ri#<riya-
ka$$aSS#<na and sabbatt#aka-ka$$aSS#<na. P<ri#<riya-
ka$$aSS#<na is t#e $editation sub?e(t t#e indi3idual
wit# w#i(# $editator de3elo%s (on(entration to be
used *or Vi%assan<. T#e $editator $ust always use
t#at $editation sub?e(t as #is *oundation. Sabbatt#aka-
ka$$aSS#<na) on t#e ot#er #and) are t#e $editation
sub?e(ts to be de3elo%ed by all $editators alike. T#ey
are t#e *our %rote(ti3e $editationsN lo3ingkindness-
$editation B$ett<-b#<3an<C) re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a
B4udd#<nussatiC) re(olle(tion-o*-deat# B$ara@<nussatiC)
and re%ulsi3eness-$editation Basub#aC.
So a $editator $ay use $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing
as #is %<ri#<riya-ka$$aSS#<na. 4ut #e $ust also %ra(tise
t#e *our %rote(ti3e $editations be*ore %ra(tising
Vi%assan<. T#is is t#e ort#odoH $et#od.
To %ra(tise lo3ingkindness-$editation u% to t#e
?#<na stage) it is better i* t#e $editator #as already de3elo%ed
t#e w#ite-kasi@a $editation u% to t#e *ourt#
?#<na. An eHa$%le o* t#is is t#e Karaniya$ett< Sutta
B,is(ourse on Ao3ingkindnessC. 't is about *i3e #undred
b#ikk#us w#o went to t#e *orest. T#ey were eH%ert in
t#e ten kasi@as) and eig#t attain$ents Bsa$<%attiC) #ad
de3elo%ed t#e *our %rote(ti3e $editations) and %ra(ti(ed
Vi%assan< $editation u% to t#e Knowledge o* Arising
and Passing-Away Budayabbaya-T<@aC. W#en resident
de3as in t#e *orest got annoyed and *rig#tened t#e$)
t#e b#ikk#us returned to t#e 4udd#a. T#e 4udd#a
t#en taug#t t#e$ t#e Karaniya$ett< Sutta B,is(ourse
on Ao3ingkindnessC as a $editation sub?e(t) and as a
%rote(ti3e (#ant B%arittaC.
't #as ele3en ways to de3elo% lo3ingkindness) and
is *or t#ose w#o #a3e attained lo3ingkindness ?#<na
B$ett<-?#<naC) and #a3e broken down t#e boundaries
between di**erent ty%es o* %eo%le. T#e ele3en ways
are %ra(tised wit# t#e t#oug#t OSuk#ino 3a k#e$ino
#ontu) sabbasatt< b#a3antu suk#itatt<N May all beings be
#a%%y and se(ure& et(.) and $ust be de3elo%ed u% to
t#e t#ird ?#<na. T#is was 3ery easy *or t#ose *i3e #undred
b#ikk#us be(ause t#ey were eH%ert in t#e kasi@a
$editation.
Kasi@a $editation is a 3ery good *oundation
*or de3elo%ing lo3ingkindness ?#<na. 1ow6 'n t#e
AJguttara ik<ya t#e 4udd#a taug#t t#at o* t#e *our
(olour kasi@as) t#e w#ite-kasi@a is best. T#e w#ite-
kasi@a $akes t#e $editator&s $ind (lear and brig#t. A
(lear and tranFuil $ind is su%erior and %ower*ul. '* a
$editator %ra(tises lo3ingkindness-$editation wit# a
(lear $ind) *ree *ro$ de*ile$ents) #e usually attains
$ett< ?#<na wit#in one sitting. So i* one enters t#e
*ourt# w#ite-kasi@a-?#<na) and a*ter e$erging *ro$ it)
%ra(tises $ett< ?#<na) it is 3ery easy to su((eed.
'n order to attain t#e w#ite-kasi@a *ourt# ?#<na)
a $editator s#ould *irst %ra(tise skeleton-$editation
internally and eHternally) be(ause t#is $akes t#e w#ite-
kasi@a $editation 3ery easy. T#ere*ore) a*ter t#e *ourt#
<n<%<na-?#<na we usually tea(# $editators to do t#e
t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body) skeleton-$editation and
w#ite-kasi@a $editation. 'n our eH%erien(e) $ost $editators
say t#at t#e *ourt# w#ite-kasi@a-?#<na is better
t#an t#e *ourt# <n<%<na-?#<na) be(ause it %rodu(es a
(learer) brig#ter and $ore tranFuil $ind) w#i(# is also
3ery #el%*ul *or %ra(tising ot#er $editation sub?e(ts. So
we usually tea(# t#e w#ite-kasi@a $editation be*ore
lo3ingkindness-$editation.
1ere ' would like to *urt#er %oint out a (o$$on
%roble$ *or beginners. 2ou $ay #a3e %ra(tised lo3ing-
kindness-$editation. ,id you attain $ett< ?#<na6 'n
%ra(ti(e) i* a $editator wants to send lo3ingkindness
to so$eone o* t#e sa$e seH) #e s#ould *irst take t#e
s$iling *a(e o* t#at %erson as ob?e(t) and t#en de3elo%
lo3ingkindness towards #i$ wit#N OMay t#is good
%erson be *ree *ro$ $ental su**ering) et(.& Wit# a beginner
t#at s$iling *a(e 3ery soon disa%%ears. 1e (annot
(ontinue #is lo3ingkindness-$editation) be(ause t#ere
is no ob?e(t) and so) #e (annot attain $ett< ?#<na or
anyt#ing.
'* #e uses t#e *ourt# w#ite-kasi@a-?#<na) it is
di**erent. 1e e$erges *ro$ t#e ?#<na) and w#en #e
de3elo%s lo3ingkindness t#e s$iling *a(e will be(ause
o* t#e %re(eding (on(entration not *ade away. 1e is
able to (on(entrate dee%ly on t#at i$age) and able to
attain u% to t#e t#ird $ett< ?#<na wit#in one sitting. '*
#e %ra(tises syste$ati(ally u% to t#e breaking down o*
boundaries between di**erent ty%es o* %eo%le) #e (an
e3en %ra(tise t#e ele3en ways o* t#e Karaniya$ett<
Sutta B,is(ourse on Ao3ingkindnessC and *i3e #undred
and twenty-eig#t %er3asions o* lo3ingkindness
$entioned in t#e PaSisa$b#id<$agga P<Mi TeHt. +or t#is
reason) we usually tea(# t#e w#ite-kasi@a $editation
be*ore lo3ingkindness-$editation.
2ou $ay also #a3e %ra(tised re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-
4udd#a B4udd#<nussatiC. ,id you attain a((ess (on(entration6
W#en t#ose w#o #a3e su((eeded in $ett<
?#<na %ra(tise re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a) t#ey are
able to rea(# a((ess (on(entration wit#in one sitting)
again be(ause o* t#e %re(eding (on(entration su%%orts.
Re%ulsi3eness-$editation Basub#aC too be(o$es easy. '*
a $editator %ra(tises re%ulsi3eness-$editation u% to
t#e *irst ?#<na) and t#en re(olle(tion-o*-deat# B$ara@<nussatiC)
#e is able to su((eed wit#in one sitting.
T#at is w#y we tea(# t#e w#ite-kasi@a $editation
be*ore t#e *our %rote(ti3e $editations. '*) #owe3er) a
$editator wants to go straig#t to Vi%assan<) wit#out
%ra(tising t#e *our %rote(ti3e $editations) #e (an do so.
T#ere is no %roble$.
Question !.3N W#y a*ter #a3ing dis(erned $ateriality
and $entality $ust one %ra(tise t#e *irst and *i*t#
$et#ods o* de%endent-origination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC6
W#at are t#e *irst and *i*t# $et#ods6
Answer !.3N T#ere are) a((ording to t#e T#era3<da
tradition) se3en stages o* %uri*i(ation B3isudd#iC. ' s#all
#ere eH%lain t#e *irst *i3e. T#ey areN
0. T#e Puri*i(ation o* -ondu(t BsDla-3isudd#iC.
!. T#e Puri*i(ation o* Mind B(itta-3isudd#iC. T#is
is a((ess (on(entration Bu%a(<ra-sa$<d#iC and t#e eig#t
attain$ents Bsa$<%attiC.
3. T#e Puri*i(ation o* View BdiSS#i-3isudd#iC. T#is
is t#e Knowledge o* Analysing Mentality-$ateriality
Bn<$arG%a-%ari((#eda-T<@aC.
5. T#e Puri*i(ation by >3er(o$ing ,oubt BkaJk#<-
3ita-ra@a-3isudd#iC. T#is is t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning
-ause and -ondition B%a((aya-%arigga#a-T<@aC) in ot#er
words) to see de%endent-origination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC.
7. T#e Puri*i(ation by Knowledge and Vision o*
W#at 's and W#at 's ot t#e Pat# B$agg<$aggaT<@a-
dassana-3isudd#iC. T#is is t#e Knowledge o* -o$%re#ension
Bsa$$asana-T<@aC and Knowledge o* Arising and
Passing-Away Budayabbaya-T<@aC) w#i(# is t#e beginning
o* Vi%assan<.
So be*ore Vi%assan< t#ere are *our %uri*i(ations. W#y6
Vi%assan< is insig#t) to (o$%re#end t#e i$%er$anent)
su**ering) and non-sel* nature o* $entality-$ateriality
and t#eir (auses. Wit#out knowing $entality-
$ateriality and t#eir (auses) #ow (an we (o$%re#end
t#at t#ey are i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*6
1ow (an we %ra(tise Vi%assan<6 't is only a*ter we #a3e
t#oroug#ly dis(erned $entality-$ateriality and t#eir
(auses) t#at we (an %ra(tise Vi%assan< $editation.
Mentality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses are (alled
O*or$ations& or O(onditioned t#ings& BsaJk#<raC. T#ey
%ass away as soon as t#ey arise) w#i(# is w#y t#ey are
i$%er$anentQ t#ey are sub?e(t to (onstant arising and
%assing-away) w#i(# is w#y t#ey are su**eringQ t#ey
#a3e no sel* BattaC) or stable and indestru(tible essen(e)
w#i(# is w#y t#ey are non-sel*.
-o$%re#ending i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and
non-sel* in t#is way is real Vi%assan<. So be*ore Vi%assan<)
we tea(# $editators to dis(ern $entality) $ateriality
and de%endent-origination. T#e (o$$entary
eH%lains it as) Oani((anti %aT(akk#and#<.& T#at $eans)
Oi$%er$anen(e is t#e *i3e aggregates.& T#e *i3e aggregates
are) in ot#er words) $entality-$ateriality and
t#eir (auses. So real Vi%assan< de%ends on knowing
t#e *i3e aggregates) and t#eir (auses and e**e(ts.
T#e 4udd#a taug#t *our $et#ods *or dis(erning
de%endent-origination) a((ording to t#e (#ara(ter o* #is
listeners. 'n t#e PaSisa$b#id<$agga) t#ere is yet anot#er
$et#od. Altoget#er t#ere are *i3e $et#ods. T#e *irst
$et#od is to dis(ern de%endent-origination in *orward
orderN Oa3i??<%a((ay< saJk#<r<) saJk#<ra%a((ay< 3iTT<@aR)
3iTT<@a%a((ay< n<$arG%aRP Blo wisdo$C et(&. T#e *irst
$et#od is %o%ular in T#era3<da 4udd#is$) but $ay
be 3ery di**i(ult *or t#ose w#o #a3e no Ab#id#a$$a
knowledge) to %ra(tise t#e *irst $et#od. 4ut e3en $editators
wit# good Ab#id#a$$a knowledge $ay #a3e
$any di**i(ulties.
T#e *i*t# $et#od taug#t by t#e Venerable
S<ri%utta) and re(orded in t#e PaSisa$b#id<$agga P<Mi
TeHt) is easy *or beginners. 't is to dis(ern t#at *i3e %ast
(auses #a3e %rodu(ed *i3e %resent e**e(tsQ and t#at *i3e
%resent (auses will %rodu(e *i3e *uture e**e(ts. T#is is
t#e $ain %rin(i%le in t#e *i*t# $et#od. '* you want to
know it wit# dire(t eH%erien(e) you s#ould %ra(tise u%
to t#is stage.
A*ter %ra(tising t#e *i*t# $et#od syste$ati(ally)
you will not #a3e $u(# di**i(ulty in %ra(tising t#e
*irst $et#od. +or t#is reason we tea(# t#e *i*t# $et#od
be*ore t#e *irst $et#od. We tea(# all *i3e $et#ods to
t#ose w#o #a3e ti$e) and want to %ra(tise *urt#er. 4ut
alt#oug# t#e 4udd#a taug#t de%endent-origination
a((ording to t#e (#ara(ter o* #is listeners) one $et#od
is enoug# to attain ibb<na. /3en so) be(ause t#e *irst
$et#od is %o%ular in T#era3<da 4udd#is$) we tea(#
bot# t#e *i*t# and *irst $et#ods.
>ne day) t#e Venerable Ynanda %ra(tised
de%endent-origination in all *our ways. 'n t#e
e3ening) #e went to t#e 4udd#a and said) O4#ante)
alt#oug# de%endent-origination is dee%) it is easy to
$e.& T#en t#e 4udd#a re%liedN O/tassa (<nanda) d#a$$assa
ananubod#<) a%%aSi3ed#< e3a$ayaR %a?< tant<kulaka?<t<)
kul<ga@S#ika?<t<) $uT?a%abba?ab#Gt< a%<yaR
duggatiR 3ini%ataR saRs<raR n<ti3attati.& T#is $eans
t#at wit#out knowing de%endent-origination) wit#
t#e anubod#a-T<@a and t#e %aSi3ed#a-T<@a) one (annot
es(a%e t#e round o* rebirt#s BsaRs<raC) and *our woe*ul
%lanes Ba%<yaC. T#e anubod#a-T<@a is t#e Knowledge o*
Analysing Mentality-$ateriality Bn<$arG%a-%ari((#eda-
T<@aC) and Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and -ondition
B%a((aya-%arigga#a-T<@aC. T#e %aSi3ed#a-T<@a is all
t#e insig#t-knowledges B3i%assan<-T<@aC. So wit#out
knowing de%endent-origination wit# t#e anubod#a-
T<@a and %aSi3ed#a-T<@a) one (annot attain ibb<na.
Wit# t#is Fuotation) t#e (o$$entary says t#at wit#out
knowing de%endent-origination) no one (an es(a%e
*ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s) e3en in a drea$.
Talk 3
1ow 2ou ,e3elo%
t#e Subli$e Abidings
and Prote(ti3e Meditations
'ntrodu(tion
Today ' s#ould like to eH%lain #ow to de3elo% t#e *our
subli$e abidings B(att<ro-bra#$a3i#<raC) and *our %rote(ti3e
$editations B(atur<rakk#a-b#<3an<C. T#e *our subli$e
abidings are t#e $editation sub?e(ts) lo3ingkindness)
(o$%assion) a%%re(iati3e-?oy) and eFuani$ity.
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% t#e +our Subli$e Abidings
Ao3ingkindness BMett<C
To de3elo% t#e subli$e abiding o* lo3ingkindness) you
need *irst o* all be aware t#at it s#ould not be de3elo%ed
towards a %erson o* t#e o%%osite seH BliJga3isab#<gaC) or
a dead %erson Bk<lakata%uggalaC.
A %erson o* t#e o%%osite seH s#ould not be used as
ob?e(t) be(ause lust towards #i$ or #er will %robably arise.
A*ter you #a3e attained ?#<na) #owe3er) it is %ossible to
de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards t#e o%%osite seH as a
grou% wit#) *or eHa$%le) OMay all wo$en be #a%%y.&
A dead %erson s#ould at no ti$e be used) as you
(annot attain lo3ingkindness ?#<na wit# a dead %erson
as ob?e(t.
T#e %ersons you s#ould) #owe3er) de3elo% lo3ing-
kindness towards) areN
0. 2oursel* BattaC)
!. A %erson you like and res%e(t B%iyaC)
3. A %erson you are indi**erent to B$a??#attaC)
5. An ene$y B3erDC.
Alt#oug#) in t#e 3ery beginning) you s#ould de3elo%
lo3ingkindness towards only yousel* and t#e %erson
you like and res%e(t. T#is $eans t#at in t#e 3ery beginning
you s#ould not de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards
t#e *ollowing ty%es o* %eo%leN a %erson you do not like
Ba%%iya%uggalaC) a %erson 3ery dear to you Bati%%iyasa#<yakaC)
a %erson you are indi**erent to B$a??#atta%uggalaC)
and a %erson you #ate B3erD%uggalaC.
A %erson you do not like is one w#o does not do
w#at is bene*i(ial to you) or to t#ose you (are *or. A
%erson you #ate is one w#o does w#at is detri$ental
to you and to t#ose you (are *or. T#ey are in t#e beginning
bot# di**i(ult to de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards)
as anger $ay arise. 't is in t#e beginning also #ard to
de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards a %erson to w#o$ you
are indi**erent. 'n t#e (ase o* a %erson w#o is 3ery dear
to you) you $ay be too atta(#ed to t#at %erson) be *illed
wit# (on(ern and grie*) and e3en (ry i* you #ear t#at
so$et#ing #as #a%%ened to t#e$. So t#ese *our s#ould
not be used in t#e 3ery beginning. Aater) t#oug#) on(e
you #a3e attained lo3ingkindness ?#<na) you will be
able to de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards t#e$.
2ou (annot attain ?#<na using yoursel* as ob?e(t
e3en i* you were to de3elo% t#at $editation *or a
#undred years. So w#y begin by de3elo%ing lo3ing-
kindness to yoursel*6 't is not to attain e3en a((ess
(on(entration) but be(ause w#en you #a3e de3elo%ed
lo3ingkindness towards yoursel*) you are able to identi*y
yoursel* wit# ot#ersQ to see t#at ?ust as you want
to be #a%%y) do not want to su**er) want to li3e long)
and do not want to die) so too all ot#er beings want to
be #a%%y) do not want to su**er) want to li3e long) and
do not want to die.
T#us you are able to de3elo% a $ind t#at desires
t#e #a%%iness and %ros%erity o* ot#er beings. 'n t#e
words o* t#e 4udd#aN
Osabb< dis< anu%ariga$$a (etas<)
ne3a??#ag< %iyatara $attan< k3a(i.
/3aR %iyo %ut#u att< %aresaR)
tas$< na #iRse %ara$attak<$o.&
BSaRyutta-0-:7C
O1a3ing sear(#ed in all dire(tions wit# t#e $ind) one
(annot *ind anyone anyw#ere w#o$ one lo3es $ore
t#an onesel*. 'n t#is sa$e way do all beings in all dire(tions
lo3e t#e$sel3es $ore t#an anyone else) t#ere*ore)
one w#o desires #is own wel*are s#ould not #ar$
ot#ers.&
So in order to $ake t#is identi*i(ation) and $ake
your $ind so*t and kind) you s#ould *irst de3elo%
lo3ingkindness towards yoursel* wit# t#e *ollowing
*our t#oug#tsN
0. May ' be *ree *ro$ danger Ba#aR a3ero #o$iC)
!. May ' be *ree *ro$ $ental %ain Baby<%a??o #o$iC)
3. May ' be *ree *ro$ %#ysi(al %ain BanDg#o #o$iC)
5. May ' be well and #a%%y Bsuk#D att<naR %ari#ar<$iC.
'* one&s $ind is so*t) kind) understanding) and #as e$%at#y
*or ot#ers) one s#ould #a3e no di**i(ulty de3elo%ing
lo3ingkindness towards anot#er. So it is i$%ortant
t#at t#e lo3ingkindness you #a3e de3elo%ed towards
yoursel* be strong and %ower*ul. >n(e your $ind #as
be(o$e so*t) kind) understanding) and #as e$%at#y
*or ot#ers) you (an begin to de3elo% lo3ingkindness
towards ot#ers.
Ao3ingkindness Towards A Person 2ou Aike = Res%e(t
'* you #a3e attained t#e *ourt# ?#<na on $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing) or t#e w#ite kasi@a) you s#ould re-establis# it
until t#e lig#t is brig#t) brilliant) and radiant. 't is) wit#
t#e lig#t o* %arti(ularly t#e w#ite kasi@a *ourt# ?#<na)
really 3ery easy to de3elo% lo3ingkindness-$editation.
T#e reason is t#at wit# t#e (on(entration o* t#e *ourt#
?#<na t#e $ind is %uri*ied o* greed) anger) delusion)
and ot#er de*ile$ents. A*ter #a3ing e$erged *ro$ t#e
*ourt# ?#<na) t#e $ind is %liant) workable) %ure) brig#t)
brilliant and radiant) and be(ause o* t#is you will) in a
3ery s#ort ti$e be able to de3elo% %ower*ul and %er*e(t
lo3ingkindness.
So) wit# t#e strong and brig#t lig#t) you s#ould
dire(t your $ind towards a %erson o* your own seH)
w#o$ you like and res%e(tN $aybe your tea(#er or a
*ellow $editator. 2ou will *ind t#at t#e lig#t s%reads
out around you) in all dire(tions) and t#at w#o$e3er
you %i(k as ob?e(t be(o$es 3isible in it. 2ou t#en take
an i$age o* t#at %erson) sitting or standing) and sele(t
t#e one you like $ost) and t#at $akes you t#e #a%%iest.
Try to re(all t#e ti$e w#en #e was t#e #a%%iest you
e3er saw) and (#oose t#at i$age. Make it a%%ear about
one yard in *ront o* you. W#en you (an see t#at i$age
(learly be*ore you) de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards
#i$ wit# t#e t#oug#tsN
May t#is good %erson be *ree *ro$ dangerBayaR sa%%uriso a3ero #otuC)
May t#is good %erson be *ree *ro$ $ental %ainBayaR sa%%uriso aby<%a??o #otuC)
May t#is good %erson be *ree *ro$ %#ysi(al %ainBayaR sa%%uriso anDg#o #otuC)
May t#is good %erson be well and #a%%yBayaR sa%%uriso suk#D att<naR %ari#aratuC.
/Htend lo3ingkindness towards t#at %erson wit# t#ese
*our %#rases t#ree or *our ti$es) and t#en sele(t t#e
one you like $ost) *or eHa$%le) OMay t#is good %erson
be *ree *ro$ danger&. T#en) wit# a new i$age o* t#at
%erson) in t#is (ase) *ree *ro$ danger) eHtend lo3ing-
kindness using t#e (orres%onding t#oug#t) in t#is (ase)
OMay t#is good %erson be *ree *ro$ danger) $ay t#is
good %erson be *ree *ro$ danger&. ,o it again and again)
until t#e $ind is (al$ and steadily *iHed on t#e ob?e(t)
you (an dis(ern t#e ?#<na *a(tors. T#en) kee% %ra(tis
ing until you rea(# t#e se(ond) and t#ird ?#<nas. A*ter
t#at take ea(# o* t#e ot#er t#ree %#rases and de3elo%
lo3ingkindness u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na. 2ou s#ould #a3e
an a%%ro%riate i$age *or ea(# o* t#e *our %#rases) t#at
is w#en t#inking OMay t#is good %erson be *ree *ro$
danger& you s#ould #a3e an i$age o* t#at %erson as *ree
*ro$ dangerQ w#en t#inking OMay t#is good %erson be
*ree *ro$ $ental %ain& you s#ould #a3e an i$age o* t#at
%erson as *ree *ro$ $ental %ain) and so on. 'n t#is way
you s#ould de3elo% t#e t#ree ?#<nas) and re$e$ber in
ea(# (ase to %ra(tise t#e *i3e $asteries B3asD-b#<3aC.
W#en you #a3e su((eeded wit# one %erson you
like and res%e(t) do it again wit# anot#er %erson o* your
own seH w#o$ you like and res%e(t. Try doing t#is
wit# about ten %eo%le o* t#at (ategory) until you (an
rea(# t#e t#ird ?#<na using any o* t#e$. 4y t#is stage
you (an sa*ely go on to %eo%le) still o* your own seH)
w#o are 3ery dear to you Bati%%iyasa#<yakaC. Take about
ten %eo%le o* t#at (ategory) and de3elo% lo3ingkindness
towards t#e$ one by one) in t#e sa$e way) until t#e
t#ird ?#<na.
T#en you (an also take about ten %eo%le o* your
own seH w#o$ you are indi**erent to) and in t#e sa$e
way de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards t#e$ until t#e
t#ird ?#<na.
+inally) you will by now #a3e $astered t#e lo3ing-
kindness ?#<na to su(# an eHtent t#at you (an in t#e
sa$e way de3elo% it towards about ten %eo%le o* your
own seH w#o$ you #ate. '* you are a ty%e o* Lreat 4eing
like t#e bod#isatta w#en #e was Ma#aka%i) t#e $onkey
king) w#o ne3er #ated anyone w#o #ar$ed) and you
really neit#er #ate) nor des%ise anyone) t#en do not look
*or one to use #ere. >nly t#ose w#o #a3e %eo%le t#ey
#ate or des%ise s#ould de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards
t#at (ategory.
Pra(tising lo3ingkindness t#is way) t#at is) by
de3elo%ing (on(entration u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na on ea(#
(ategory o* %eo%le) %rogressi3ely *ro$ one to t#e neHt)
t#e easiest to t#e $ore di**i(ult) you $ake your $ind
in(reasingly so*t) kind and %liant) until you are *inally
able to attain ?#<na on any o* t#e *our (ategoriesN t#ose
you res%e(t) t#ose dear to you) t#ose you are indi**erent
to) and t#ose you #ate.
4reaking ,own t#e 4arriers BSD$<sa$b#edaC
As you (ontinue to t#us de3elo% lo3ingkindness) you
will *ind t#at your lo3ingkindness towards t#ose you
like and res%e(t) and t#ose 3ery dear to you) be(o$es
e3en) and you (an take t#e$ as one. T#en you will be
le*t wit# only t#ese *ourN
2oursel*)
Peo%le you like)
Peo%le you are indi**erent to)
Peo%le you #ate.
2ou will need to (ontinue de3elo%ing lo3ingkindness
towards t#ese *our) until it be(o$es balan(ed) and wit#out
distin(tion or boundary. /3en t#oug# you (annot
attain lo3ingkindness ?#<na wit# yoursel* as ob?e(t) you
still need to in(lude yoursel* in order to break down t#e
barriers between t#e *our (ategories.
To do t#is) you need to re-establis# t#e *ourt#
?#<na wit#) *or eHa$%le) $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing
or t#e w#ite kasi@a. Wit# t#e strong and brig#t lig#t)
eHtend lo3ingkindness to yoursel* *or about a $inute or
e3en a *ew se(onds. T#en so$eone you like) so$eone
you are indi**erent to) and so$eone you #ate) ea(# one
u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na. T#en again yoursel* brie*ly) but
t#e ot#er t#ree (ategories $ust now ea(# be a di**erent
%erson. Re$e$ber to de3elo% t#e$ wit# ea(# o*
t#e *our %#rases) OMay t#is good %erson be *ree *ro$
danger& et(.) ea(#) u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na.
T#us you s#ould e3ery ti$e (#ange t#e %erson in
ea(# o* t#e t#ree (ategoriesN a %erson you like) one you
are indi**erent to) and one you #ate. ,o t#is again and
again) wit# di**erent grou%s o* *our) $any ti$es) so t#at
your $ind is (ontinuously de3elo%ing lo3ingkindness
wit#out interru%tion) and wit# no distin(tions. W#en
you are able to de3elo% lo3ingkindness ?#<na towards
anyone wit#out distin(tion) you will #a3e a(#ie3ed w#at
is (alled Obreaking down t#e barriers& BsD$<sa$b#edaC.
Wit# t#e barriers between (ategories and indi3iduals
broken down) you will be able to *urt#er de3elo% your
lo3ingkindness $editation) by taking u% t#e $et#od
taug#t by t#e Venerable S<ri%utta) and re(orded in t#e
PaSisa$b#id<$agga.
T#e Twenty-Two -ategories
T#e $et#od in t#e PaSisa$b#id<$agga in3ol3es twenty-
two (ategories by w#i(# to eHtend one&s lo3ingkindnessN
*i3e uns%e(i*ied (ategories Banod#iso-%#ara@<C) se3en
s%e(i*ied (ategories Bod#iso-%#ara@<C) and ten dire(tional
(ategories Bdis<-%#ara@<C.
T#e *i3e uns%e(i*ied (ategories areN
0. All beings Bsabbe satt<C
!. All breat#ing t#ings Bsabbe %<@<C
3. All (reatures Bsabbe b#Gt<C
5. All %eo%le Bsabbe %uggal<C
7. All indi3iduals Bsabbe attab#<3a%ariy<%ann<C
T#e se3en s%e(i*ied (ategories areN
0. All wo$en Bsabb< itt#iyoC
!. All $en Bsabbe %uris<C
3. All enlig#tened beings Bsabbe ariy<C
5. All unenlig#tened beings Bsabbe anariy<C
7. All de3as Bsabbe de3<C
8. All #u$an beings Bsabbe $anuss<C
:. All beings in t#e lower real$s Bsabbe 3ini%<tik<C
T#e ten dire(tional (ategories areN
0. To t#e /ast B%uratt#i$<ya dis<yaC
!. To t#e West B%a((#i$<ya dis<yaC
3. To t#e ort# Buttar<ya dis<yaC
5. To t#e Sout# Bdakk#i@<ya dis<yaC
7. To t#e Sout# /ast B%uratt#i$<ya anudis<yaC
8. To t#e ort# West B%a((#i$<ya anudis<yaC
:. To t#e ort# /ast Buttar<ya anudis<yaC
.. To t#e Sout# West Bdakk#i@<ya anudis<yaC
9. 4elow B#eSS#i$<ya dis<yaC
0". Abo3e Bu%ari$<ya dis<yaC
T#e Ens%e(i*ied and S%e(i*ied -ategories
To de3elo% t#is $et#od o* lo3ingkindness-$editation)
you s#ould as be*ore re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit#
t#e w#ite kasi@a) and de3elo% lo3ingkindness towards
yoursel*) a %erson you res%e(t or w#o is dear to you)
one you are indi**erent to) and one you #ate until t#ere
are no barriers between you. T#en use you brig#t and
brilliant lig#t to see all t#e beings in as big an area as
%ossible around you) around t#e building or $onastery.
>n(e t#ey are (lear) you (an de3elo% lo3ingkindness
towards t#e$ by way o* t#e *i3e (ategories o* uns%e(i*ied
%er3asion) and se3en o* s%e(i*ied %er3asionN twel3e
in total. 2ou s#ould at ea(# (ategory %er3ade lo3ing-
kindness in *our waysN
0. May t#ey be *ree *ro$ danger)
!. May t#ey be *ree *ro$ $ental %ain)
3. May t#ey be *ree *ro$ %#ysi(al %ain)
5. May t#ey be well and #a%%y.
OT#ey& is in ea(# (ase your gi3en (ategory) all beings) all
de3as) et(.
T#us you will be %er3ading lo3ingkindness in a
total o* *orty-eig#t ways WB:Z7C H 5X.
T#e beings in ea(# (ategory s#ould at ea(# %er3asion
be (learly 3isible in t#e lig#t o* (on(entration and
understanding. +or eHa$%le) w#en you eHtend lo3ing-
kindness to all wo$en) you s#ould a(tually see) in t#e
lig#t) all t#e wo$en wit#in t#e deter$ined area. 2ou
s#ould a(tually see all t#e $en) de3as) beings in lower
real$s et(.) in t#e deter$ined area. 2ou $ust de3elo%
ea(# %er3asion u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na) be*ore $o3ing on
to t#e neHt. 2ou s#ould %ra(tise in t#is way until you
be(o$e %ro*i(ient in %er3ading lo3ingkindness in all
t#e *orty-eig#t ways.
>n(e %ro*i(ient) you s#ould eH%and t#e deter$ined
area to in(lude t#e w#ole $onastery) t#e w#ole
3illage) t#e w#ole towns#i%) t#e w#ole state) t#e w#ole
(ountry) t#e w#ole world) t#e w#ole solar syste$) t#e
w#ole galaHy) and t#e w#ole o* t#e in*inite uni3erse.
,e3elo% ea(# o* t#e eH%anded areas in t#e *orty-eig#t
ways utill you rea(# t#e t#ird ?#<na.
>n(e %ro*i(ient in t#is total %er3asion o* lo3ing-
kindness) you $ay %ro(eed to t#e ten dire(tional (ategories.
T#e Ten ,ire(tional -ategories
T#e ten dire(tional (ategories o* lo3ingkindness in3ol3e
t#e %re3iously dis(ussed *orty-eig#t (ategories in ea(#
o* t#e ten dire(tions. T#is gi3es a total o* B0" H 5.C *our
#undred and eig#ty ways to eHtend lo3ingkindness.
W#en we add t#e original *orty-eig#t (ategories o* total
%er3asion) we get B5." Z 5.C *i3e #undred and twenty-
eig#t ways to eHtend lo3ingkindness.
To de3elo% t#e dire(tional (ategories o* lo3ing-
kindness) you s#ould see all beings in t#e w#ole uni3erse
to t#e east o* you) and eHtend lo3ingkindness to
t#e$ in t#e *orty-eig#t ways. T#en do t#e sa$e t#ing to
t#e west o* you) and so on in all t#e ot#er dire(tions.
>n(e you $aster t#ese *i3e #undred and twenty-
eig#t ways o* %er3ading lo3ingkindness) you will eH-
%erien(e t#e ele3en bene*its o* %ra(tising lo3ingkindness)
w#i(# t#e 4udd#a taug#t in t#e AJguttara ik<ya.
O4#ikk#us) w#en t#e $ind-deli3eran(e o* lo3ing-
kindness is (ulti3ated) de3elo%ed) $u(# %ra(tised) $ade
t#e 3e#i(le) $ade t#e *oundation) establis#ed) (onsolidated)
and %ro%erly undertaken) ele3en bene*its (an be
eH%e(ted. W#at are t#e ele3en6 A $an slee%s in (o$*ortQ
wakes in (o$*ortQ and drea$s no e3il drea$sQ #e is dear
to #u$an beingsQ #e is dear to non-#u$an beingsQ de3as
guard #i$Q *ire) %oison and wea%ons do not a**e(t #i$Q
#is $ind is easily (on(entratedQ #is (o$%leHion be(o$es
brig#tQ #e dies un(on*usedQ and i* #e %enetrates no #ig#er
#e will be reborn in t#e 4ra#$a World.&
-o$%assion BKaru@<C
>n(e you #a3e de3elo%ed lo3ingkindness as ?ust des(ribed)
it s#ould not be di**i(ult to de3elo% t#e subli$e
abiding o* (o$%assion. To de3elo% (o$%assion) you
s#ould *irst sele(t a li3ing %erson o* your own seH w#o
is su**ering. 2ou s#ould arouse (o$%assion *or #i$ by
re*le(ting on #is su**ering.
T#en re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit# t#e w#ite
kasi@a) and w#en t#e lig#t is brig#t and (lear) use it
to see t#at %erson) and t#en de3elo% lo3ingkindness
?#<na. /$erge *ro$ it) de3elo% (o$%assion towards
t#at su**ering %erson wit# t#e t#oug#t) OMay t#is
%erson be released *ro$ su**ering& BayaR sa%%uriso
dukk#< $u((atuC. ,o t#is $any ti$es) again and again)
until you attain t#e *irst) se(ond) and t#ird ?#<nas) and
t#e *i3e $asteries o* ea(# one. A*ter t#at) you s#ould
de3elo% (o$%assion as you did lo3ingkindness) t#at is)
towards a %erson you like) one you are indi**erent to)
and one you #ateQ ea(# one u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na until
you #a3e broken down t#e barriers between t#e$.
To de3elo% (o$%assion towards beings w#o are
not su**ering in any a%%arent way) you s#ould re*le(t
on t#e *a(t t#at all unenlig#tened beings are liable to
eH%erien(e t#e results o* t#e e3il t#ey #a3e done w#ile
wandering t#roug# t#e round o* rebirt#s) and to t#ere*ore
also be reborn in t#e lower real$s. +urt#er$ore)
e3ery being is wort#y o* (o$%assion) be(ause t#ey are
not *ree *ro$ t#e su**ering o* ageing) si(kness) and
deat#.
A*ter re*le(ting t#us) you s#ould also #ere de3elo%
(o$%assion as you did lo3ingkindness) t#at is) towards
yoursel*) a %erson you res%e(t or w#o is dear to you)
one you are indi**erent to) and one you #ate u% to t#e
t#ird ?#<na) until you #a3e broken down t#e barriers
between you.
A*ter t#at you s#ould de3elo% (o$%assion in t#e
sa$e #undred and t#irty-two ways you de3elo%ed
lo3ingkindness) na$elyN *i3e uns%e(i*ied (ategories)
se3en s%e(i*ied (ategories) and one #undred and twenty
dire(tional (ategories W7 Z : Z B0" H 0! C [ 03!X.
A%%re(iati3e-;oy BMudit<C
To de3elo% t#e subli$e abiding o* a%%re(iati3e-?oy) you
s#ould sele(t a li3ing %erson o* your own seH w#o is
#a%%y) t#e sig#t o* w#o$ $akes you #a%%y) and w#o$
you are 3ery *ond o* and *riendly wit#.
T#en re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit# t#e w#ite
kasi@a) and w#en t#e lig#t is brig#t and (lear) use it
to see t#at %erson) and t#en de3elo% lo3ingkindness
?#<na. /$erge *ro$ it and de3elo% (o$%assion ?#<na.
/$erged *ro$ t#at) and de3elo% a%%re(iati3e-?oy towards
t#e #a%%y %erson wit# t#e t#oug#tN OMay t#is
good $an not be se%arated *ro$ t#e %ros%erity #e #as
attained)& BayaR sa%%uriso yat#<ladd#asa$%attito $<3iga((#atu.C)
until t#e t#ird ?#<na.
A*ter t#at de3elo% a%%re(iati3e-?oy towards towards
a %erson you res%e(t or w#o is dear to you) one
you are indi**erent to) and one you #ate. Again towards
towards yoursel*) a %erson you res%e(t or w#o is dear
to you) one you are indi**erent to) and one you #ate
u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na) until you #a3e broken down t#e
barriers between you. +inally de3elo% a%%re(iati3e-?oy
towards all beings in t#e in*inite uni3erse in t#e #undred
and t#irty-two ways.
/Fuani$ity BE%ekk#<C
To de3elo% t#e subli$e abiding o* eFuani$ity) you
s#ould *irst re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit# t#e
w#ite kasi@a) and use a li3ing %erson o* your own seH)
towards w#o$ you are indi**erent) to de3elo% lo3ing-
kindness) (o$%assion) and a%%re(iati3e ?oy ea(# u% to
t#e t#ird ?#<na. T#en arise *ro$ t#e t#ird ?#<na and
re*le(t on t#e disad3antages o* t#ose t#ree subli$e
abidings) na$ely t#eir (loseness to a**e(tion) to like
and dislike) and to elation and ?oy. A*terwards re*le(t
on t#e *ourt# ?#<na based on eFuani$ity as %ea(e*ul.
T#en de3elo% eFuani$ity towards a %erson you are
indi**erent to wit# t#e t#oug#tN OT#is good $an is #eir
to #is own a(tions.&BOayaR sa%%uriso ka$$asako&C
Wit# t#e su%%ort o* t#e t#ird ?#<nas o* lo3ing-
kindness) (o$%assion) and a%%re(iati3e-?oy) it s#ould
not take you long to de3elo% t#at *ourt# ?#<na o* eFuani$ity.
A*ter t#at de3elo% it towards a %erson you
res%e(t or w#o is dear to you) one #o is 3ery dear to
you) and one you #ate. T#en again towards yoursel*) a
%erson you res%e(t or w#o is dear to you) one you are
indi**erent to) and one you #ate u% to t#e t#ird ?#<na)
until you #a3e broken down t#e barriers between you.
+inally de3elo% eFuani$ity towards all beings in t#e
in*inite uni3erse in t#e abo3e #undred and t#irty-two
ways.
T#is (o$%letes t#e de3elo%$ent o* t#e +our
Subli$e Abidings.
1ow 2ou ,e3elo%
t#e +our Prote(ti3e $editations
T#e *our $editation sub?e(ts o* lo3ingkindness)
re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a) re%ulsi3eness $editation
and re(olle(tion-o*-deat# are (alled t#e O+our
Prote(tions&) or t#e O+our Prote(ti3e Meditations&. T#is
is be(ause t#ey %rote(t t#e $editator *ro$ 3arious
dangers. 't is) *or t#is reason) wort#w#ile to learn
and de3elo% t#e$ be*ore %ro(eeding to Vi%assan<
$editation. ' #a3e already des(ribed #ow to de3elo%
lo3ing-kindness) so ' would now like to talk about
#ow to de3elo% t#e ot#er t#ree %rote(ti3e $editations)
beginning wit# t#e re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a.
Re(olle(tion-o*-t#e-4udd#a B4udd#<nussatiC
T#is $editation sub?e(t (an be de3elo%ed by looking
at t#e nine Fualities o* t#e 4udd#a) using a *or$ula
*reFuently gi3en in t#e suttasN
O'ti%i so b#aga3< ara#aR sa$$<sa$budd#o 3i??<(ara@a-
sa$%anno sugato loka3idG anuttaro %urisada$$as<rat#i
satt#< de3a$anuss<naR budd#o b#aga3<ti.&
T#is (an be eH%lained asN T#is 4lessed >ne)
#a3ing destroyed all de*ile$ents) is a wort#y one
Bara#aRCQ #e #as attained %er*e(t enlig#ten$ent by
#i$sel* Bsa$$<sa$budd#oCQ #e is %er*e(t in knowledge
and $oral (ondu(t B3i??<(ara@asa$%annoCQ #e s%eaks
only w#at is bene*i(ial and true BsugatoCQ #e knows t#e
worlds Bloka3idGCQ #e is t#e unsur%assable ta$er o* $en
*it to be ta$ed Banuttaro %urisada$$as<rat#iCQ #e is t#e
tea(#er o* de3as and $en Bsatt#< de3a$anuss<naRCQ #e is
an /nlig#tened >ne Bbudd#oCQ #e is t#e $ost *ortunate
%ossessor o* t#e results o* %re3ious $eritorious a(tions
Bb#aga3<C.
' s#all gi3e an eHa$%le o* #ow to use t#e *irst
Fuality) ara#aR) to de3elo% (on(entration. A((ording to
t#e Visudd#i$agga) t#e P<Mi word ara#aR #as *i3e de*initionsN
Sin(e #e #as re$o3ed totally) wit#out re$ainder)
all de*ile$ents and #abitual tenden(ies) and #as t#ereby
distan(ed #i$sel* *ro$ t#e$) t#e 4udd#a is a wort#y
oneN ara#aR.
Sin(e #e #as (ut o** all de*ile$ents wit# t#e
sword o* t#e Ara#ant Pat#) t#e 4udd#a is a wort#y
oneN ara#aR.
Sin(e #e #as broken and destroyed t#e s%okes o*
t#e w#eel o* de%endent-origination) beginning wit#
ignoran(e and (ra3ing) t#e 4udd#a is a wort#y oneN
ara#aR.
Sin(e #is 3irtue) (on(entration) and wisdo$ are
unsur%assable) t#e 4udd#a is %aid t#e #ig#est re3eren(e
by bra#$<s) de3as) and $en) and is a wort#y oneN
ara#aR.
Sin(e #e does not) e3en w#en in se(lusion and
unseen) do any e3il by body) s%ee(#) or $ind) t#e
4udd#a is a wort#y oneN ara#aR.
To de3elo% t#is $editation) you s#ould $e$orise
t#ese *i3e de*initions well enoug# to re(ite t#e$.
T#en re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit# eit#er t#e
w#ite kasi@a or $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing. W#en t#e
lig#t is brig#t and (lear) use it to 3isualiKe a 4udd#a
i$age you re$e$ber) like) and res%e(t. W#en it is
(lear) see it as t#e real 4udd#a and (on(entrate on it as
su(#.
'* you were in a %ast li*e *ortunate enoug# to $eet
t#e 4udd#a) #is i$age $ay re-a%%ear. '* so you s#ould
(on(entrate on t#e Fualities o* t#e 4udd#a) and not ?ust
#is i$age. '* t#e i$age o* t#e real 4udd#a does not
arise) t#en si$%ly see t#e 3isualiKed i$age as t#e real
4udd#a) and re(olle(t #is Fualities. 2ou (an (#oose t#e
de*inition o* ara#aR you like $ost) take t#e $eaning
as ob?e(t) and re(olle(t it again and again as) Oara#aR)
ara#aR&.
As your (on(entration de3elo%s and be(o$es
stronger) t#e i$age o* t#e 4udd#a will disa%%ear) and
you s#ould si$%ly re$ain (on(entrated on t#e (#osen
Fuality. -ontinue to (on(entrate on t#at Fuality until
?#<na *a(tors arise) alt#oug# you (an wit# t#is $editation
sub?e(t attain only a((ess-?#<na Bu%a(<ra-?#<naC.
2ou (an (on(entrate on t#e re$aining Fualities o* t#e
4udd#a too) and de3elo% t#e *i3e $asteries.
Re%ulsi3eness Meditation BAsub#aC
To de3elo% t#e re%ulsi3eness $editation on a (or%se)
you s#ould re-establis# t#e *ourt# ?#<na wit# eit#er
t#e w#ite kasi@a or $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing. W#en
t#e lig#t is brig#t and (lear) use it to 3isualiKe t#e $ost
re%ulsi3e (or%se o* your own seH) t#at you re$e$ber
seeing. Ese t#e lig#t to see t#e (or%se eHa(tly as it was
w#en you really saw it in t#e %ast. W#en it is (lear) $ake
it a%%ear as re%ulsi3e as %ossible. -on(entrate on it) and
note it as) Ore%ulsi3e) re%ulsi3e& B%aSikGla) %aSikGlaC.
-on(entrate on t#e ob?e(t o* t#e re%ulsi3eness
o* t#e (or%se until t#e ugga#a-ni$itta Btaken-u% signC
be(o$es t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta B(ounter%art signC.
T#e ugga#a-ni$itta is t#e i$age o* t#e (or%se as
you really saw it in t#e %ast) and is a #ideous) dread*ul)
and *rig#tening sig#t) but t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta is like
a $an wit# big li$bs) lying down a*ter #a3ing eaten
#is *ill.
-ontinue to (on(entrate on t#at ni$itta) until you
rea(# t#e *irst ?#<na) and de3elo% t#e *i3e $asteries.
Re(olle(tion-o*-,eat# BMara@<nussatiC
A((ording to t#e Ma#<sati%aSS#<na Sutta BLreater
,is(ourse on +oundations o* Mind*ulnessC and t#e
Visudd#i$agga -o$$entary) t#e re(olle(tion-o*-deat#
(an also be de3elo%ed using a (or%se you re$e$ber
seeing. T#ere*ore) you s#ould re-establis# t#e *irst
?#<na wit# t#e re%ulsi3eness o* a (or%se) and wit# t#at
eHternal (or%se as ob?e(t) re*le(tN OT#is body o* $ine
too is o* a nature to die. 'ndeed) it will be(o$e dead
?ust like t#is one. 't (annot a3oid be(o$ing like t#is.&
4y kee%ing t#e $ind (on(entrated on and $ind*ul o*
your own $ortality) you will also *ind t#at t#e sense o*
urgen(y BsaR3egaC de3elo%s. Wit# t#at knowledge) you
will %robably see your own body as a re%ulsi3e (or%se.
Per(ei3ing t#at t#e li*e-*a(ulty #as in t#at i$age been
(ut o**) you s#ould (on(entrate on t#e its absen(e wit#
one o* t#e *ollowing t#oug#tsN
0. ' a$ (ertain to die) li*e is i$%er$anent B$ara@aR
$e d#u3aR) ?D3itaR $e ad#u3aRC)
!. ' will (ertainly die B$ara@aR $e b#a3issatiC)
3. My li*e will end in deat# B$ara@a%ariyos<naR $e
?D3itaRC)
5. ,eat#) deat# B$ara@aR) $ara@aRC.
-#oose one and note it in any language. -ontinue to
(on(entrate on t#e i$age o* t#e absen(e o* t#e li*e *a(ulty
in your own (or%se) until t#e ?#<na *a(tors arise)
alt#oug# you (an wit# t#is $editation sub?e(t attain
only a((ess (on(entration.
Su$$ary
T#e *our $editation sub?e(ts o* lo3ingkindness) re(olle(tion-
o*-t#e-4udd#a) re%ulsi3eness) and re(olle(tion-o*-deat#
are (alled t#e +our Prote(tions) or t#e +our Prote(ti3e
$editations) be(ause t#ey %rote(t t#e $editator *ro$
3arious dangers.
'n t#e Meg#iyasutta o* t#e AJguttara ik<ya
Bu$eri(al ,is(oursesC it saysN
O+or t#e re$o3al o* lust) $editation on re%ulsi3eness
s#ould be de3elo%edQ *or t#e re$o3al o*
anger) lo3ingkindness s#ould be de3elo%edQ and
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing s#ould be de3elo%ed
*or t#e (utting o** o* dis(ursi3e t#oug#t.&
A((ording to t#is sutta) re%ulsi3eness $editation is t#e
best wea%on *or re$o3ing lust. '* you take a (or%se as
ob?e(t) and see it as re%ulsi3e) it is (alled Ore%ulsi3eness
o* a li*eless body& Ba3iTT<@aka-asub#aC. To take t#e t#irty-
two %arts o* t#e body o* a li3ing being) and see t#e$
as re%ulsi3e) as taug#t in t#e Liri$<nanda Sutta o* t#e
AJguttara ik<ya Bu$eri(al ,is(oursesC) is (alled O
re%ulsi3eness o* a li3ing body& Bsa3iTT<@aka-asub#aC.
4ot# t#ese *or$s o* re%ulsi3eness $editation are wea%-
ons *or re$o3ing lust.
T#e best wea%on *or re$o3ing anger is to de3elo%
lo3ingkindness) and *or re$o3ing dis(ursi3e t#oug#t
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing is t#e best wea%on.
+urt#er$ore) w#en $editation and *ait# sla(ken)
and t#e $ind is dull) t#e best wea%on is to de3elo%re(olle(tion-
o*-t#e-4udd#a. W#en t#e sense o* urgen(y is
la(king) and you are bored wit# stri3ing in $editation)
t#e best wea%on is re(olle(tion-o*-deat#.
Today ' #a3e eH%lained #ow to de3elo% t#e +our
Subli$e Abidings and +our Prote(ti3e $editations. 'n
$y neHt talk) ' s#all eH%lain #ow to de3elo% Vi%assan<
$editation) beginning wit# t#e *our-ele$ents $editation)
and analysis o* t#e 3arious kinds o* $ateriality.
4e*ore ' end t#is talk) ' would like to eH%lain t#e
relation between Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<.
'n t#e Sa$<d#i Sutta B,is(ourse on -on(entrationC
o* t#e K#and#a-3agga BSe(tion on AggregatesC in t#e
SaRyutta ik<ya BKindred ,is(oursesC) t#e 4udd#a
saidN O4#ikk#u) you s#ould %ra(tise (on(entration. A
b#ikk#u w#o is (on(entrated) b#ikk#us) knows d#a$$as
as t#ey really are. And w#at does #e know as it
really is6 T#e arising o* $ateriality and t#e %assing-
away t#ereo*Q t#e arising o* *eelings) o* %er(e%tion)
and o* *or$ations) and t#e %assing away o* *eelings) o*
%er(e%tion and *or$ationsQ t#e arising o* (ons(iousness
and t#e %assing away t#ereo*.&
T#ere*ore) a b#ikk#u w#o is (on(entrated knows
t#e *i3e aggregates and t#eir (auses) and t#eir arising
and %assing away. 1e sees (learly t#at be(ause o* t#e
arising o* t#eir (auses t#e *i3e aggregates arise) and
be(ause o* t#e (o$%lete (essation o* t#eir (auses) t#e
*i3e aggregates also (o$%letely (ease.
T#e Sa$at#a ' dis(ussed in t#e *irst two talks
and today %rodu(es strong (on(entration. 't is t#e
lig#t o* t#is (on(entration w#i(# lets you see ulti$ate
$entality-$ateriality *or Vi%assan<. Wit# t#at dee%)
strong and %ower*ul (on(entration) you (an see (learly
t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel* nature o*
$entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses. T#is (larity is
a great bene*it (o$ing *ro$ Sa$at#a.
Sa$at#a also gi3es you a %la(e to rest in. T#ere is
$u(# to dis(ern in Vi%assan< and tiredness $ay o((ur.
'n t#at (ase) you (an stay in one o* t#e ?#<nas *or a long
ti$e. T#at rests and re*res#es your $ind) and t#en you
(an go ba(k to Vi%assan<. W#ene3er tiredness o((urs)
you (an again enter ?#<na to rest.
't is good to re$e$ber t#ese bene*its o* Sa$at#a)
w#en ') in t#e *ollowing talks) eH%lain Vi%assan<.
Questions = Answers 3
Question 3.0N 'n $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) t#ere are
t#e %arika$$a-ni$itta) t#e ugga#a-ni$itta) and t#e
%aSib#<ga-ni$ittaN W#at is t#e %arika$$a-ni$itta6
's t#e %arika$$a-ni$itta always grey6 W#at is t#e
di**eren(e between t#e %arika$$a-ni$itta and t#e
ugga#a-ni$itta6
Answer 3.0N 'n $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) t#ere are
t#ree ty%es o* ni$itta) t#ree ty%es o* (on(entration
Bsa$<d#iC and t#ree ty%es o* $editation Bb#<3an<C. T#e
t#ree ty%es o* ni$itta areN t#e %arika$$a-ni$itta) t#e
ugga#a-ni$itta and t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$ittaQ t#e t#ree
ty%es o* (on(entration areN %re%aratory (on(entration
B%arika$$a-sa$<d#iC so$eti$es (alled $o$entary
(on(entration Bk#a@ika-sa$<d#iC) a((ess (on(entration B
u%a(<ra-sa$<d#iC) and absor%tion (on(entration
Ba%%an<-sa$<d#iCQ t#e t#ree ty%es o* $editation areN
%re%aratory $editation) a((ess $editation) and absor%tion
$editation.
T#e ob?e(t o* %re%aratory (on(entration (an be t#e
%arika$$a-ni$itta) t#e ugga#a-ni$itta) and o((asionally
t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. Pre%aratory $editation is
t#e sa$e as %re%aratory (on(entration.
Real a((ess (on(entration) and real a((ess $editation
are 3ery (lose to ?#<na (on(entration) absor%tion
(on(entration) t#is is w#y t#ey are (alled Oa((ess&. 4ut
so$eti$es dee% and strong (on(entration be*ore
absor%tion-?#<na Ba%%an<-?#<naC) wit# t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta as ob?e(t) is as a $eta%#or also (alled Oa((ess
(on(entration& or Oa((ess $editation&. W#en %re%aratory
(on(entration) or $o$entary (on(entration) is *ully de3elo%ed
it leads to a((ess (on(entration. W#en a((ess
(on(entration is *ully de3elo%ed) it leads to absor%tion
or ?#<na (on(entration.
We already dis(ussed t#e ni$itta in %re3ious talks.
T#ere are t#ree ty%es o* ni$ittaN t#e %arika$$a-ni$itta)
t#e ugga#a-ni$itta) and t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
B0C T#e %arika$$a-ni$ittaN T#e natural breat# is
a ni$itta. T#e tou(#ing %oint is also a ni$itta. 1ere t#e
ni$itta is t#e ob?e(t o* (on(entration. T#e -o$$entary
$entions t#at t#e nostril ni$itta Bn<sika-ni$ittaC) and
u%%er li% ni$itta B$uk#a-ni$ittaC are t#e %arika$$a-
ni$itta *or beginners. W#en (on(entration is a little
stronger) a s$oky grey usually a%%ears around t#e
nostrils. T#is s$oky grey is also (alled t#e %arika$$a-
ni$itta. T#e (on(entration is (alled %re%aratory (on(entration)
and t#e $editation too is (alled %re%aratory.
All t#e $editation and (on(entration u% to t#is stage) is
(alled O%re%aratory&. At t#is stage) t#e ni$itta $ay be
not only s$oky grey) but also ot#er (olours.
B!C T#e ugga#a-ni$ittaN W#en t#e %re3ious (on(entration
in(reases in strengt# and %ower) t#e s$oky
grey usually (#anges to w#ite) like (otton wool. 4ut it
$ay be(o$e anot#er (olour) owing to a (#ange in %er(e%tion.
W#en t#e %er(e%tion (#anges) t#e (olour and
s#a%e o* t#e ni$itta $ay also (#ange. '* t#e (olour and
s#a%e (#ange 3ery o*ten) t#e (on(entration will gradually
*all down. T#is is be(ause t#e $editator&s %er(e%tion
(#anges. W#ene3er it (#anges) #is ob?e(t t#ereby also
(#anges) and #e #as di**erent ob?e(ts. So t#e $editator
s#ould ignore t#e (olour and s#a%e o* t#e ni$itta. 1e
s#ould %ay attention to it as only an <n<%<na-ni$itta.
-on(entration on t#e ugga#a-ni$itta is also
(alled %re%aratory (on(entration) and t#e $editation
%re%aratory $editation.
B3C T#e %aSib#<ga-ni$ittaN W#en t#e (on(en-
tration #as be(o$e e3en stronger and $ore %ower*ul)
t#e ugga#a-ni$itta (#anges to t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
Esually t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta is (lear) brig#t and
radiant) like t#e $orning star. 'n t#is (ase too) i* t#e
%er(e%tion (#anges) t#e ni$itta $ay also (#ange. '*)
w#en t#e (on(entration is strong and %ower*ul) t#e
$editator wants t#e ni$itta to be long it will be(o$e
longQ i* #e wants it to be s#ort it will be(o$e s#ortQ i* #e
wants it to be ruby red it will be(o$e ruby red. T#is is
be(ause t#e $editator (#anges #is %er(e%tion) and t#is
t#e Visudd#i$agga says one s#ould not do. '* one does
so) t#en e3en t#oug# t#e (on(entration is dee%) it will
gradually de(rease. T#is is be(ause one #as di**erent
%er(e%tions) and t#ereby di**erent ob?e(ts. So a $editator
s#ould not %lay wit# t#e ni$itta. '* #e %lays wit# it
#e (annot attain ?#<na.
T#e beginning stage o* (on(entration on t#e
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta is also (alled %re%aratory (on(entration)
and t#e $editation %re%aratory $editation. 4ut
(lose to ?#<na t#ey are (alled a((ess (on(entration) and
a((ess $editation. W#en absor%tion arises) t#e ni$itta
is still t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) but t#e (on(entration is
now absor%tion (on(entration and t#e $editation
absor%tion $editation.
Question 3.!N W#at is t#e di**eren(e between a((ess
(on(entration and absor%tion (on(entration6
Answer 3.!N W#en t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta a%%ears)
(on(entration is %ower*ul. 4ut at t#is stage) w#i(# is
t#e stage o* a((ess (on(entration) t#e ?#<na *a(tors are
not *ully de3elo%ed) and b#a3aJga $ind states Bli*e-
(ontinuu$ (ons(iousnessC still o((urQ one *alls into b#a3aJga.
T#e $editator will say t#at e3eryt#ing sto%%ed)
or $ay t#ink it is ibb<na) and sayN O' knew not#ing
t#en.& '* #e %ra(tises in t#is way) #e (an e3entually stay
in b#a3aJga *or a long ti$e.
'n any kind o* %ra(ti(e) be it good or bad) one will
a(#ie3e one&s ai$) i* one tries again and again. OPra(ti(e
$akes %er*e(t.& 'n t#is (ase too) i* #e tries again and
again) in t#e sa$e way) #e $ay *all into b#a3aJga *or a
long ti$e. W#y does #e say #e knows not#ing6 4e(ause
t#e b#a3aJga takes t#e ob?e(t at t#e ti$e near deat#
in t#e %ast li*e. T#at ob?e(t $ay be ka$$a) a ka$$a
sign Bka$$a-ni$ittaC or a rebirt# sign Bgati-ni$ittaC. 4ut
a $editator (annot see t#is) be(ause #e #as not yet
dis(erned de%endent-origination. 't is only on(e t#ey
#a3e dis(erned de%endent-origination t#at $editators
see t#at t#e b#a3aJga takes one o* t#ese ob?e(ts.
'* a $editator t#inks it is ibb<na) t#is idea is a
3ery big Oro(k& blo(king t#e way to ibb<na. '* #e does
not re$o3e t#is big Oro(k&) #e (annot attain ibb<na.
W#y does t#is idea o((ur6 Many $editators t#ink t#at
a dis(i%le Bs<3akaC (annot know $entality-$ateriality as
taug#t by t#e 4udd#a. So t#ey do not t#ink it is ne(essary
to de3elo% su**i(iently dee% (on(entration in order
to dis(ern $entality-$ateriality) and t#eir (auses) as
taug#t by t#e 4udd#a. T#us t#eir (on(entration is only
weak) and b#a3aJga $ind states still o((ur) be(ause t#e
?#<na *a(tors too are weak. T#e (on(entration (annot be
$aintained *or a long ti$e. '* one %ur%osely %ra(tises
to *all into b#a3aJga) one will a(#ie3e one&s ai$) but
it is not ibb<na. To attain ibb<na we $ust %ra(tise
t#e se3en stages o* %uri*i(ation ste% by ste%. Wit#out
knowing ulti$ate $entality) ulti$ate $ateriality) and
t#eir (auses) one (annot attain ibb<na.
So) w#en t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta a%%ears)
t#e $editator&s $ind $ay *all into b#a3aJga) be(ause
t#e ?#<na *a(tors are not yet strong. ;ust like) w#en
learning to walk) a s$all (#ild w#o is too weak to
stand by #i$sel*) will *all down again and again. 'n t#e
sa$e way) at t#e a((ess (on(entration stage) t#e ?#<na
*a(tors are still not *ully de3elo%ed) and one $ay *all
into b#a3aJgaN it is not ibb<na.
To a3oid *alling into b#a3aJga) and to de3elo%
(on(entration *urt#er) you need t#e #el% o* t#e *i3e (ontrolling
*a(ultiesN *ait# Bsadd#<C) e**ort B3DriyaC) $ind*ulness
BsatiC) (on(entration Bsa$<d#iC) and wisdo$ B%aTT<C)
to %us# t#e $ind) and *iH it on t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
't takes e**ort to $ake t#e $ind know t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta again and again) $ind*ulness to not *orget it)
and wisdo$ to know it.
At t#e absor%tion-?#<na stage) t#e ?#<na *a(tors are
*ully de3elo%ed. ;ust like a strong and %ower*ul $an
(an stand u% straig#t t#e w#ole day) a $editator (an)
taking t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta as ob?e(t) stay in absor%tion
?#<na *or a long ti$e) wit#out *alling into b#a3aJga.
-o$%lete and uninterru%ted absor%tion $ay o((ur *or
one) two) t#ree #ours) or $ore. At t#at ti$e #e does not
#ear a sound. 1is $ind does not go to ot#er ob?e(ts.
A%art *ro$ t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) #e knows not#ing.
Question 3.3N Ender w#at (onditions) or in w#at state)
(an we say t#at a $editation eH%erien(e is a((ess (on(entration
or absor%tion (on(entration6
Answer 3.3N '* $any b#a3aJga states o((ur during (on(entration)
one (an say t#at it is a((ess (on(entration.
4ut t#e ni$itta $ust be t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. >nly i*
one is able to stay in (o$%lete absor%tion *or a long ti$e)
wit#out interru%tion) wit# also t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta
as ob?e(t) (an one say t#at it is absor%tion ?#<na) absor%tion
(on(entration.
1ow does a $editator know #is $ind is *alling
into b#a3aJga6 W#en #e noti(es t#at #e #as 3ery o*ten
been unaware o* t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) #e knows
t#ere were b#a3aJga states. 1is $ind $ay also *or
brie* $o$ents #a3e t#oug#t o* an ob?e(t ot#er t#an
t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. T#is does not #a%%en in absor%tion
?#<na. 'n absor%tion ?#<na t#ere is only (o$%lete
absor%tion wit#out interru%tion.
Question 3.5N 's t#ere a((ess (on(entration) as well
as absor%tion (on(entration at ea(# o* t#e *our ?#<nas6
W#at are t#eir (#ara(teristi(s6
Answer 3.5N Aet us take t#e eHa$%le o* t#e <n<%<na
?#<nas) w#i(# take t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta as
ob?e(t. T#ere are *our le3els o* a((ess (on(entration)
a((ess ?#<na) and *our le3els o* absor%tion (on(entration)
absor%tion ?#<na. At ea(# le3el t#ere is *irst a((ess
?#<na) and t#en absor%tion ?#<na. 4ot# take t#e sa$e
<n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta as ob?e(t. So it is t#e le3el
o* (on(entration w#i(# is di**erent.
'n t#e *irst) se(ond) and t#ird a((ess-?#<na) t#ere
are *i3e ?#<na *a(tors. 4ut in t#e *ourt# a((ess-?#<na)
t#ere is no bliss Bsuk#aC) only a%%lied t#oug#t B3itakkaC)
sustained t#oug#t B3i(<raC) eFuani$ity Bu%ekk#<C and
one-%ointedness Bekaggat<C. Alt#oug# t#ey take t#e
sa$e ni$itta as ob?e(t) t#e ?#<na *a(tors be(o$e in(reasingly
%ower*ul at ea(# a((ess-?#<na.
T#e ?#<na *a(tors at t#e *irst a((ess-?#<na su%%ress
%#ysi(al %ain Bk<yika-dukk#a-3edan<CQ at t#e
se(ond) $ental su**ering Bdo$anassa-3edan<CQ at t#e
t#ird) %#ysi(al %leasant *eeling Bk<yika-suk#a-3edan<CQ
and at t#e *ourt#) $ental %leasant *eeling or #a%%iness
Bso$anassa-3edan<C. T#is is #ow we distinguis#
between t#e di**erent le3els o* a((ess (on(entration)
es%e(ially t#e *ourt#. At t#at le3el) t#e breat# is t#e
subtlest) and #as nearly sto%%ed. 't sto%s (o$%letely
at t#e *ourt# absor%tion-?#<na.
We distinguis# between t#e absor%tion-?#<nas
also by looking at t#e ?#<na *a(tors. 'n t#e *irst absor%tion
?#<na) *i3e ?#<na *a(tors are %resentN a%%lied t#oug#t)
sustained t#oug#t) ?oy) bliss and one-%ointednessQ
in t#e se(ond) t#reeN ?oy) bliss and one-%ointednessQ in
t#e t#ird) twoN bliss and one-%ointednessQ and in t#e
*ourt#) also twoN eFuani$ity and one-%ointedness. 4y
looking at t#e ?#<na *a(tors) we (an say) OT#is is t#e *irst
absor%tion ?#<na&) OT#is is t#e se(ond absor%tion ?#<na&)
et(. Also) #ere t#e (on(entration in(reases le3el by le3el.
+ourt# ?#<na (on(entration is t#e #ig#est. 1ow is it
t#e #ig#est6 2ou s#ould try *or yoursel*. Many $editators
re%ort t#at t#e *ourt# ?#<na is t#e best and t#e
Fuietest.
Question 3.7N Ender w#at (onditions does a $editator
dro%) or regress *ro$ absor%tion to a((ess (on(entration6
Ender w#at (onditions does a $editator in a((ess
(on(entration attain absor%tion (on(entration6
Answer 3.7N '* t#e $editator does not res%e(t #is $editation)
but res%e(ts ob?e(ts ot#er t#an t#e %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta) $any #indran(es BnD3ara@aC will arise. Many
t#oug#ts o* sensual %leasure and #atred will arise.
T#ey are unwise attention Bayoniso-$anasik<raC. T#ose
ob?e(ts redu(e t#e (on(entration) be(ause w#oleso$e
d#a$$as and unw#oleso$e d#a$$as are always
in o%%osition. W#en w#oleso$e d#a$$as are strong
and %ower*ul) unw#oleso$e d#a$$as are *ar away)
and w#en) be(ause o* unwise attention) unw#oleso$e
d#a$$as are strong and %ower*ul) w#oleso$e d#a$$as
are *ar away. W#oleso$e and unw#oleso$ed#a$$as
(annot arise si$ultaneously in one $ind-
$o$ent or t#oug#t-%ro(ess.
1ere ' would like to eH%lain wise attention Byoniso-
$anasik<raC and unwise attention Bayoniso-$anasik<raC.
W#en a $editator %ra(tises $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing)
and (on(entrates on t#e natural breat#) #is attention is
wise attention. W#en t#e ugga#a-ni$itta or %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta a%%ears) and t#e $editator (on(entrates on
it #is attention is still wise attention. '*) in Vi%assan<
$editation) a $editator seesN Ot#is is $ateriality&) Ot#is is
$entality&) Ot#is is (ause&) Ot#is is e**e(t&) Ot#is is i$%er$anent&)
Ot#is is su**ering&) or Ot#is is non-sel*&) #is attention
is also wise attention.
4ut i* #e seesN Ot#is is a $an) a wo$an) a son)
a daug#ter) a *at#er) a $ot#er) a deity) a bra#$<) an
ani$al) et(.&Q Ot#is is gold) $oney) et(.& t#en #is attention
is unwise attention. Lenerally s%eaking) we (an say t#at
be(ause o* wise attention $any w#oleso$e d#a$$as
arise) and be(ause o* unwise attention $any unw#oleso$e
d#a$$as arise. '*) w#ile you are %ra(tising
$editation) unwise attention arises) t#en #indran(es
or de*ile$ents will (ertainly *ollowQ t#ey are unw#oleso$e
d#a$$as. T#ose unw#oleso$e d#a$$as redu(e
t#e (on(entration) or (ause it to regress and dro%.
'* you look at your $editation ob?e(t wit# wise
attention) again and again) t#en w#oleso$e d#a$$as
will arise and in(rease. ;#<na w#oleso$e d#a$$as) *or
eHa$%le) are a$ong t#ose w#oleso$e d#a$$as. So)
i* you (on(entrate on t#e ni$itta) su(# as t#e <n<%<na
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta) again and again) t#is is wise attention.
'* you de3elo% t#is wise attention to *ull strengt#)
t#en *ro$ a((ess (on(entration you will attain absor%tion
(on(entration.
Question 3.8N W#en a %erson dies) a ka$$a-ni$itta
$ay arise be(ause o* %ast w#oleso$e or unw#oleso$e
ka$$a. 's t#is %#eno$enon si$ilar to t#at w#i(#
o((urs during $editation) w#en i$ages o* %ast e3ents)
w#i(# t#e $editator #ad *orgotten) a%%ear6
Answer 3.8N T#ere $ay be so$e si$ilarity) but only in
so$e (ases. 't $ay be so$e si$ilarity to t#e arising
o* a ka$$a-ni$itta in t#ose w#ose deat# took %la(e
Fui(kly.
Question 3.:N W#ile $editating) i$ages o* e3ents *ro$
$ore t#an t#irty years ba(k) w#i(# t#e $editator #ad
*orgotten) a%%ear. 's t#is due to la(k o* $ind*ulness)
w#i(# lets t#e $ind lea3e t#e ob?e(t6
Answer 3.:N 't (ould be. 4ut it also (ould be be(ause
o* attention B$anasik<raC. Many $editators do not
know about attention. 't is only on(e t#ey #a3e %ra(tised
$editation on $entality t#at t#ey understand
it. T#oug#t-%ro(esses o((ur 3ery Fui(kly) so t#ey do
not understand t#at t#ese i$ages a%%ear be(ause o*
attention. A((ording to t#e 4udd#a Ab#id#a$$a) no
d#a$$a o((urs by itsel*) wit#out (ause. T#is is be(ause
all *or$ations are (onditioned.
Question 3..N '*) w#en dying) a %erson #as strong $ind*ulness)
(an #e %re3ent a ka$$a sign Bka$$a-ni$ittaC
o* %re3ious unw#oleso$e or w#oleso$e ka$$a *ro$
arising6
Answer 3..N Strong) %ower*ul $ind*ulness (an %re3ent
su(# ni$ittas *ro$ arisingQ but w#at is strong) %ower*ul
$ind*ulness6 '* a $editator enters ?#<na) and kee%s
it (o$%letely stable rig#t u% to t#e ti$e o* deat#) you
(an say t#at t#e $ind*ulness o* t#at ?#<na is strong and
%ower*ul. T#at ty%e o* $ind*ulness (an %re3ent an un
w#oleso$e sign or sensual-%lane w#oleso$e sign *ro$
arising. 't takes only t#e ?#<na ob?e(t) *or eHa$%le) an
<n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta or w#ite-kasi@a %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta.
Anot#er ty%e o* strong) %ower*ul $ind*ulness is
t#e $ind*ulness asso(iated wit# insig#t-knowledge.
'* a $editator&s insig#t-knowledge is t#e Knowledge
o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<-
T<@aC) t#en t#e $ind*ulness is strong and %ower*ul)
and t#e $editator&s sign is w#oleso$e. T#at ty%e o*
$ind*ulness (an also %re3ent unw#oleso$e signs
*ro$ a%%earing) as well as %re3ent ot#er w#oleso$e
signs *ro$ re%la(ing #is Vi%assan< sign. T#e Vi%assan<
sign is t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) or non-sel* nature
o* a (#osen *or$ation. 1e $ay die wit# t#at insig#t-
knowledge as t#e ob?e(t o* #is near-deat# i$%ulsion
B$ara@<sanna-?a3anaC. 't (an %rodu(e a de3a rebirt#-
linking (ons(iousness Bde3a-%aSisand#iC) so t#at #e is
s%ontaneously reborn as a de3a.
Re*erring to t#is ty%e o* $editator) in t#e Sotanugata
Sutta o* t#e AJguttara ik<ya -atukka i%<ta Bu$eri(al
,is(ourses) t#e 4ook on t#e +oursC) t#e 4udd#a saysN OSo
$uSS#assati k<laR kuru$<no aTTataraR de3anik<yaR u%a%a??ati.
Tassa tatt#a suk#ino d#a$$a%ad< %la3anti. ,and#o
b#ikk#a3e satu%%<do) at#a so satto k#i%%aRye3a 3isesag<$D
#oti.&Q O4#ikk#us) i* a worldling B%ut#u??anaC dies) #e $ay
be reborn in one o* t#e de3a real$s) w#ere all *or$ations
a%%ear (learly in #is $ind. 1e $ay be slow to re*le(t on
t#e ,#a$$a or to do Vi%assan<) but #e attains ibb<na
3ery Fui(kly.& W#y do *or$ations a%%ear (learly in #is
$ind6 4e(ause t#e near-deat# i$%ulsion (ons(iousness
o* t#e %re3ious li*e) and t#e b#a3aJga o* t#e *ollowing
de3a li*e take t#e sa$e ob?e(t) in t#is (ase t#e i$%er$anent)
su**ering) or non-sel* nature o* *or$ations. So
t#e #ost) b#a3aJga) already knows t#e Vi%assana ob?e(t.
A((ording to t#at Sutta) strong $ind*ulness asso(iated
wit# 'nsig#t-knowledge is (a%able o* %re3enting
unw#oleso$e signs *ro$ a%%earing) as well as t#e ot#er
w#oleso$e signs) w#i(# $ay re%la(e #is Vi%assan< sign.
2ou s#ould try to %ossess t#is ty%e o* $ind*ulness be*ore
deat# takes %la(e.
An eHa$%le o* t#is is t#e Sakka%aT#a Sutta BSakka&s
QuestionsC) about t#ree b#ikk#us w#o %ra(tised Sa$at#a
and Vi%assan<. T#ey #ad good (ondu(t and good (on(entration)
but t#eir $inds in(lined towards li*e as *e$ale
gand#abbas B$usi(ians and dan(ers in t#e de3a real$C.
W#en t#ey died t#ey went to t#e de3a real$. T#ey were
reborn as 3ery beauti*ul and s#iny gand#abbas) w#o
looked siHteen years old. ,uring t#eir li3es as b#ikk#us)
t#ere #ad also been a laywo$an. T#e t#ree b#ikk#us #ad
gone to #er #ouse e3ery day *or al$s*ood) and taug#t #er
,#a$$a. S#e #ad be(o$e a strea$-enterer) and w#en
s#e died) s#e was reborn as Lo%aka) t#e son o* Sakka.
T#e t#ree gand#abbas %er*or$ed *or t#e son o* Sakka)
and #e saw t#at t#ey were 3ery beauti*ul and s#iny. 1e
t#oug#tN OT#ey are 3ery beauti*ul and s#iny. W#at was
t#eir ka$$a6& 1e saw t#ey were t#e t#ree b#ikk#us
w#o #ad (o$e to #is #ouse w#en #e was a laywo$an.
1e knew t#at t#eir 3irtue) (on(entration and wisdo$
#ad been 3ery good. So #e re$inded t#e$ o* t#eir %ast
li3es. 1e saidN OW#en you listened to t#e tea(#ings and
%ra(tised t#e ,#a$$a) w#at were your eyes and ears
dire(ted at6& Two o* t#e gand#abbas re$e$bered t#eir
%ast li3es and were as#a$ed. T#ey de3elo%ed Sa$at#a
and Vi%assan< again) Fui(kly attained t#e non-returning
%at# and *ruition) and died. T#ey were reborn in t#e
%ure abodes) and attained ara#ants#i% t#ere. T#e t#ird
b#ikk#u was not as#a$ed) and re$ained a gand#abba.
So) it is not ne(essary to (onta(t a li*e insuran(e (o$%any.
T#is ty%e o* $ind*ulness is t#e best insuran(e.
Question 3.9N W#en %ra(tising t#e *our-ele$ents
$editation) and dis(erning t#e twel3e (#ara(teristi(s)
is it ne(essary to start wit# #ardness) roug#ness) and
#ea3iness in t#at seFuen(e6 -an one (#oose to start
wit# any one o* t#e (#ara(teristi(s6
Answer 3.9N 'n t#e beginning we (an start wit# a (#ara(teristi(
t#at is easy to dis(ern. 4ut on(e we (an dis(ern
all t#e (#ara(teristi(s easily and (learly) we $ust
*ollow t#e seFuen(e gi3en by t#e 4udd#aN eart#-ele$ent
B%aS#a3Dd#<tuC) water-ele$ent B<%od#<tuC) *ire-ele$ent
Bte?od#<tuC) and air-ele$ent B3<yod#<tuC. T#is is be(ause
t#at seFuen(e %rodu(es strong) %ower*ul (on(entration.
W#en we see t#e kal<%as) and are able to easily dis(ern
t#e *our ele$ents in ea(# one) t#e seFuen(e is not so
i$%ortantQ w#at is 3ery i$%ortant t#en is to dis(ern
t#e$ si$ultaneously.
W#y6 T#e li*e s%an o* kal<%as is 3ery s#ort. 't $ay
be less t#an a billiont# o* a se(ond. W#en dis(erning
t#e *our ele$ents in a kal<%a t#ere is not enoug# ti$e
to re(ite Oeart#) water) *ire) air&) so we $ust dis(ern t#e$
si$ultaneously and yet in seFuen(e.
Question 3.0"N Pra(tising t#e *our-ele$ents $editation
enables one to balan(e t#e *our ele$ents in t#e
body. >ne $ay at so$e ti$e get si(k be(ause t#e *our
ele$ents are out o* balan(e. W#en one is si(k) (an
one %ra(tise t#e *our-ele$ents $editation wit# strong
$ind*ulness to (ure t#e si(kness6
Answer 3.0"N T#ere are $any ty%es o* a**li(tion. So$e
a**li(tions are due to %re3ious ka$$a) su(# as t#e
4udd#a&s ba(k %ain. So$e a**li(tions are due to unbalan(ed
ele$ents. T#e a**li(tions %rodu(ed by %re3ious
ka$$a (annot be (ured by balan(ing t#e *our ele$ents.
4ut so$e o* t#e a**li(tions w#i(# o((ur be(ause o* unbalan(ed
ele$ents) $ay disa%%ear w#en t#e $editator
balan(es t#e$.
T#ere are also a**li(tions w#i(# o((ur be(ause o*
*ood) te$%erature ButuC or t#e $ind B(ittaC. '* an a**li(tion
arises be(ause o* t#e $ind) and we (an (ure t#e $ind)
t#e a**li(tion $ay disa%%earQ i* t#e a**li(tion arises
be(ause o* te$%erature) *ire-ele$ent) as wit# (an(er)
$alaria) et(.) it (an be (ured only by taking $edi(ine)
not by balan(ing t#e ele$ents. T#is is t#e sa$e *or a**li(tions
%rodu(ed by unsuitable *ood.
Question 3.00N 4e*ore we attain t#e *ourt# ?#<na) and
eradi(ate7 ignoran(e Ba3i??<C) $any unw#oleso$e
t#oug#ts still arise due to bad #abits. +or eHa$%le) in
our daily li*e Boutside a $editation retreatC we know
t#at greed or #atred arises. -an we use re%ulsi3eness-
7. T#e *ourt# ?#<na does not eradi(ate ignoran(eQ it only su%%resses
ignoran(e.
$editation Basub#aC) or lo3ingkindness-$editation
B$ett<-b#<3an<C to re$o3e t#e$6 >r s#ould we ignore
t#e$ and ?ust (on(entrate on our $editation sub?e(t)
and let t#e$ disa%%ear auto$ati(ally6
Answer 3.00N Enw#oleso$e ka$$a #as ignoran(e
Ba3i??<C as a latent (ause) and unwise attention as t#e
%roHi$ate (ause. Enwise attention is 3ery i$%ortant.
'* you are able to re%la(e unwise attention wit# wise
attention) t#e greed or #atred will disa%%ear *or a w#ile)
or $aybe *ore3er) i* t#e wise attention is 3ery strong
and %ower*ul. We already dis(ussed wise and unwise
attention in a %re3ious Fuestion.
2ou (an use re%ulsi3eness-$editation or lo3ing-
kindness-$editation to re$o3e t#e$. T#ey are also
wise attention. Vi%assan< is t#e best wea%on to destroy
de*ile$ents. 4ut Vi%assan< is t#e best wise attention.
Question 3.0!N 1ow does t#e b#a3aJga *un(tion in t#e
sensual real$s) *ine-$aterial real$s) i$$aterial real$s
and t#e su%ra$undane real$6 Would t#e Sayadaw
%lease eH%lain wit# eHa$%les6
Answer 3.0!N T#e *un(tion o* t#e b#a3aJga is t#e sa$e
in t#e *irst t#ree ty%es o* real$s. T#at is) it arises so t#e
$ind-$o$ents in a li*e do not sto%. T#is is be(ause t#e
ka$$a w#i(# %rodu(es t#is li*e is not yet eH#austed.
T#e ob?e(t o* t#e b#a3aJga $ay be a ka$$a) ka$$a
sign Bka$$a-ni$ittaC or rebirt# sign Bgati-ni$ittaC. 'n
t#e *ine-$aterial and i$$aterial real$s) t#ere are
usually only ka$$a or ka$$a signs) and no rebirt#
signs. +or eHa$%le) t#e ob?e(t o* one being&s b#a3aJga
$ay be t#e Kyaikt#iyo Pagoda) w#ile anot#er&s $ay be
t#e S#wedagon Pagoda. W#en we say Osu%ra$undane
real$& Blokuttara-b#G$iC Oreal$& is only a $eta%#or. 't is)
in *a(t) not a %la(e at all. 4y Osu%ra$undane real$& we
$ean only t#e *our %at#s) *our *ruitions) and ibb<naQ
not a %la(e.
T#e *our %at# and *our *ruition (ons(iousnesses
are not b#a3aJga. Sin(e t#ere is no $entality-$ateriality
Bn<$arG%aC in ibb<na) t#ere (annot be any b#a3aJga
t#ere eit#er.
T#e ob?e(t o* t#e b#a3aJga *or *ine-$aterial-
s%#ere resultant ?#<nas BrG%<3a(ara-3i%<ka-?#<naC like
an <n<%<na ?#<na) is t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
T#e b#a3aJga o* t#e base o* boundless-(ons(iousness
i$$aterial real$ B3iTT<@aT(<yatana-arG%<3a(araC #as as
ob?e(t t#e base o* boundless-s%a(e ?#<na (ons(iousness
B<k<sanaT(<yatana-?#<na-(ittaC. T#is is ka$$a. T#ere is
no rebirt# sign.
Question 3.03N W#at is t#e di**eren(e between $undane
?#<nas Blokiya-?#<naC and su%ra$undane ?#<nas
Blokuttara-?#<naC6
Answer 3.03N t#e $undane ?#<nas are t#e *our *ine-
$aterial-s%#ere ?#<nas and *our i$$aterial-s%#ere
?#<nas BarG%<3a(ara-?#<naC) t#at is) t#e eig#t attain$ents
Bsa$<%attiC. T#e su%ra$undane ?#<nas are t#e ?#<na *a(tors
asso(iated wit# t#e Pat# Knowledge and +ruition
Knowledge. W#en you dis(ern t#e $ental *or$ations
o*) *or eHa$%le) t#e $undane *ine-$aterial-s%#ere *irst
?#<na as i$%er$anent) su**ering or non-sel*) and i* you
see ibb<na) your Pat# Knowledge is t#e *irst ?#<na.
T#is is a su%ra$undane ?#<na.
W#y6 'n t#e $undane *ine-$aterial-s%#ere *irst
?#<na) w#i(# was t#e ob?e(t o* Vi%assan<) t#ere are t#e
*i3e ?#<na *a(torsN a%%lied t#oug#t) sustained t#oug#t)
?oy) bliss and one-%ointedness. 'n t#e su%ra$undane
*irst ?#<na t#ere are t#e sa$e *i3e. T#is is way t#e %at#
and *ruition are t#e *irst ?#<na %at#) and *irst ?#<na
*ruition. T#e ot#er ?#<nas (an in t#e sa$e way be(o$e
t#e ob?e(t *or %at# and *ruition.
Talk 5
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Materiality
'ntrodu(tion
Today) ' s#all eH%lain #ow to de3elo% Vi%assan< $edi-
tation) beginning wit# *our-ele$ents $editation) and
t#e analysis o* t#e 3arious kinds o* $ateriality. T#ere
are two %at#s to Vi%assan< $editation. >ne %art is to
*irst de3elo% a Sa$at#a sub?e(t o* $editation) su(#
as $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) u% to t#e attain$ent o*
?#<na) and to t#en de3elo% Vi%assan<. T#e ot#er is to
de3elo% *our ele$ents $editation) w#i(# leads to only
u% to a((ess (on(entration) and wit#out t#e attain$ent
o* ?#<na to t#en de3elo% Vi%assan<. 4ot# %at#s reFuire)
#owe3er) t#at t#e $editator de3elo%s *our-ele$ents
$editation %rior to Vi%assan<. ' tea(# bot# %at#s at
$y $editation (entres in Myan$ar.
1ow 2ou ,e3elo% +our-/le$ents Meditation
'n t#e P<Mi teHts) t#ere are two ways to de3elo% *our-
ele$ents $editationN in brie* and in detail. T#e brie* is
*or t#ose o* Fui(k understanding) and t#e detailed *or
t#ose w#o #a3e di**i(ulty wit# t#e brie* one. T#e 4udd#a
taug#t t#e brie* $et#od in t#e Ma#<sati%aSS#<na Sutta
BLreater ,is(ourse on +oundations o* Mind*ulnessCN
OA b#ikk#u re3iews t#is 3ery body) #owe3er it
be %ositioned or %la(ed) as (onsisting o* ?ust ele$ents)
t#us) UT#ere are in t#is body ?ust t#e eart#-
ele$ent) t#e water-ele$ent) t#e *ire-ele$ent) and
t#e air-ele$ent.V&
T#e Visudd#i$agga B-#.\') %ara.50-53C eH%lains *urt#erN
OSo *irstly) one o* Fui(k understanding w#o wants
to de3elo% t#is $editation s#ould go into solitary
retreat. T#en #e s#ould ad3ert to #is entire $aterial
body) and dis(ern t#e ele$ents in brie* in t#is
way) U'n t#is body w#at is #ard or roug# is t#e
eart#-ele$entQ w#at is *lowing or (o#esion is t#e
water-ele$entQ w#at is $aturing Bri%eningC or #eat
is t#e *ire-ele$entQ w#at is %us#ing or su%%orting
is t#e air-ele$ent)V and #e s#ould ad3ert and gi3e
attention to it) and re3iew it again and again as
Ueart#-ele$ent) water-ele$ent) *ire-ele$ent) air-
ele$ent)V t#at is to say) as $ere ele$ents) not a
being) and soulless. As #e $akes e**ort in t#is
way) it is not long be*ore (on(entration arises in
#i$) w#i(# is rein*or(ed by understanding t#at
illu$inates t#e (lassi*i(ation o* t#e ele$ents) and
w#i(# is only a((ess and does not rea(# absor%tion
be(ause it #as states wit# indi3idual essen(es
as its ob?e(t.
>r alternati3ely) t#ere are t#ese *our WbodilyX %arts
$entioned by t#e /lder S<ri%utta) *or t#e %ur%ose
o* s#owing t#e absen(e o* any li3ing being in t#e
*our great %ri$ary ele$ents t#usN UW#en a s%a(e
is en(losed wit# bones) sinews) *les#) and skin
t#ere (o$es to be t#e ter$ $aterial *or$ BrG%aCV.
And #e s#ould resol3e ea(# o* t#ese) se%arating
t#e$ out by t#e #and o* knowledge) and t#en
dis(ern in t#e way already stated t#us Babo3eCN
U'n t#ese w#at is #ard... as its ob?e(ts.V&
As taug#t at Pa-Auk Meditation -entre) dis(ern t#e *our
ele$ents in t#e w#ole body as twel3e (#ara(teristi(sN
/art#-ele$entN #ardness) roug#ness)
#ea3iness) so*tness) s$oot#ness) lig#tness.
Water-ele$entN *lowing) (o#esion.
+ire-ele$entN #eat) (oldness.
Air-ele$entN su%%orting) %us#ing.
To de3elo% t#is $editation) you $ust learn #ow to dis(ern
ea(# o* t#e twel3e (#ara(teristi(s) one at a ti$e.
Esually) t#e beginner is taug#t t#e (#ara(teristi(s easier
to dis(ern *irst) and t#e $ore di**i(ult ones later. T#ey
are usually taug#t in t#is orderN %us#ing) #ardness)
roug#ness) #ea3iness) su%%orting) so*tness) s$oot#ness)
lig#tness) #eat) (oldness) *lowing) (o#esion. /a(#
(#ara(teristi( $ust be dis(erned in *irst one %la(e in t#e
body) and t#en t#roug#out t#e body.
0. To dis(ern %us#ing) begin by being aware)
t#roug# t#e sense o* tou(#) o* %us#ing in t#e (entre o*
t#e #ead as you breat#e in and out. W#en you (an *eel
it) (on(entrate on it until it be(o$es (lear to your $ind.
T#en $o3e your awareness to a %art o* t#e body nearby)
and look *or %us#ing t#ere. T#is way you will slowly be
able to dis(ern %us#ing *irst in t#e #ead) t#en t#e ne(k)
t#e trunk o* t#e body) t#e ar$s) and t#e legs and *eet. ,o
it again and again) $any ti$es) until w#ere3er you %la(e
your awareness in t#e body you see %us#ing easily.
'* t#e %us#ing o* t#e breat# in t#e (entre o* t#e
#ead is not easy to dis(ern) t#en try to *eel t#e %us#ing
as t#e (#est eH%ands) or t#e abdo$en $o3es w#en
breat#ing. '* t#at is not (lear) try to *eel t#e %ulse) or
any ot#er ob3ious *or$ o* %us#ing. W#ere3er t#ere is
$o3e$ent) t#ere is %us#ing. W#ere3er you begin) you
$ust slowly de3elo% your understanding) so t#at you
dis(ern %us#ing t#roug#out t#e body) *ro$ #ead to *eet.
'n so$e %la(es it will be ob3ious) in ot#er %la(es subtle)
but it is %resent t#roug#out t#e body.
!. W#en you are satis*ied t#at you see t#is) look *or
#ardness. 4egin by being aware o* #ardness in t#e teet#.
4ite t#e$ toget#er) and *eel #ow #ard t#ey are. RelaH
your bite) and *eel t#eir #ardness. W#en you (an *eel t#is)
try to dis(ern #ardness t#roug#out t#e body syste$ati(-
ally *ro$ #ead to *eet) in t#e sa$e way as you did to
dis(ern %us#ing. ,o not deliberately tense t#e body.
W#en you (an dis(ern #ardness t#roug#out t#e
body) again look *or %us#ing t#roug#out t#e body.
Alternate between t#ese two) %us#ing and #ardness)
again and again) dis(erning %us#ing t#roug#out t#e
body) and t#en #ardness t#roug#out t#e body) *ro$
#ead to *eet. Re%eat t#is $any ti$es until you are satis*ied
t#at you (an do it.
3. T#en look *or roug#ness. Rub your tongue
o3er t#e edge o* your teet#) or brus# your #and o3er
t#e skin o* your ar$) and *eel roug#ness. ow try to
dis(ern roug#ness t#roug#out t#e body syste$ati(ally
as be*ore. '* you (annot *eel roug#ness) try looking at
%us#ing and #ardness again) and you $ay dis(ern it
wit# t#e$. W#en you (an dis(ern roug#ness) go ba(k
and t#en to dis(ern %us#ing) #ardness) roug#ness) one
at a ti$e) again and again) t#roug#out t#e body) until
you are satis*ied.
5. T#en look *or #ea3iness. Pla(e one #and on to%
o* t#e ot#er in your la%) and *eel t#e #ea3iness o* t#e to%
#and) or t#at o* t#e #ead by bending it *orward. Pra(tise
syste$ati(ally until you dis(ern #ea3iness t#roug#out
t#e body. T#en look *or t#e *ourN %us#ing) #ardness)
roug#ness) and #ea3iness) in turn) t#roug#out t#e body)
until you are satis*ied.
7. T#en look *or su%%orting. RelaH your ba(k) so
your body bends *orward. T#en straig#ten it) and kee%
it straig#t. T#e *or(e w#i(# kee%s t#e body straig#t is
su%%orting. Pra(tise syste$ati(ally until you dis(ern
su%%orting t#roug#out t#e body. '* it is not (lear) try
to dis(ern it toget#er wit# #ardness) as t#is (an $ake
it easier. T#en) w#en you (an dis(ern su%%orting easily)
look *or %us#ing) #ardness) roug#ness) #ea3iness) and
su%%orting t#roug#out t#e body.
8. W#en you (an dis(ern t#ose *i3e) look *or
so*tness by %ressing your tongue against t#e inside o*
your li% to *eel its so*tness. T#en relaH your body) and
%ra(tise syste$ati(ally until you (an dis(ern so*tness
easily t#roug#out t#e body. ow look *or %us#ing)
#ardness) roug#ness) #ea3iness) su%%orting) and so*tness
t#roug#out t#e body.
:. eHt look *or s$oot#ness by wetting your li%s
and rubbing your tongue o3er t#e$ *ro$ side to side.
Pra(tise until you (an dis(ern s$oot#ness t#roug#out
t#e body. T#en look *or t#e se3en (#ara(teristi(s
t#roug#out t#e body.
.. eHt look *or lig#tness by wagging a *inger u%
and down) and *eeling its lig#tness. Pra(tise until you
(an dis(ern lig#tness t#roug#out t#e body) and t#en
look *or t#e eig#t (#ara(teristi(s.
9. eHt look *or #eat Bor war$t#C t#roug#out t#e
body. T#is is usually 3ery easy to do.
0". eHt look *or (oldness by *eeling t#e (oldness
o* t#e breat# as it enters t#e nostrils) and t#en dis(ern
it syste$ati(ally t#roug#out t#e body. 2ou (an now
dis(ern ten (#ara(teristi(s.
oteN T#e abo3e ten (#ara(teristi(s are all known
dire(tly t#roug# t#e sense o* tou(#) but t#e last two
(#ara(teristi(s) *lowing and (o#esion) are in*erred *ro$
t#e ot#er ten (#ara(teristi(s. T#at is a good reason to
tea(# t#e$ last.
00. To dis(ern (o#esion) be aware o* #ow t#e body
is #eld toget#er by t#e skin) *les#) and sinews. T#e
blood is #eld inside by t#e skin) like water in a balloon.
Wit#out (o#esion t#e body would *all into se%arate
%ie(es and %arti(les. T#e *or(e o* gra3ity w#i(# kee%s
t#e body stu(k to t#e eart# is also (o#esion. '* t#is is not
(lear take all ten Fualities again and again) one at a ti$e
t#roug#out t#e body. W#en you #a3e be(o$e skilled
in t#is) you will *ind t#at t#e Fuality o* (o#esion also
be(o$es (lear. '* (o#esion is still not (lear) dis(ern ?ust
t#e Fualities o* %us#ing and #ardness again and again.
T#en you s#ould *eel as i* t#e w#ole body was wound
u% in ro%e. ,is(ern t#is as (o#esion) and de3elo% it as
you de3elo%ed t#e ot#er (#ara(teristi(s.
0!. To dis(ern *lowing be aware o* t#e sali3a
*lowing in t#e $out#) t#e blood *lowing t#roug# t#e
blood 3essels) t#e air *lowing into t#e lungs) or #eat
*lowing t#roug#out t#e body. '* t#is is not (lear) look
at it toget#er wit# (oldness) #eat) or %us#ing) and you
$ay dis(ern *lowing.
W#en you (an dis(ern all twel3e (#ara(teristi(s (learly
t#roug#out t#e body) *ro$ #ead to *eet) you s#ould
(ontinue to dis(ern t#e$ again and again in t#is sa$e
order. W#en you are satis*ied t#at you (an do t#is) you
s#ould rearrange t#e order to t#e one *irst gi3en abo3eN
#ardness) roug#ness) #ea3iness) so*tness) s$oot#ness)
lig#tness) *lowing) (o#esion) #eat) (oldness) su%%orting)
and %us#ing. 'n t#at order try to dis(ern ea(# (#ara(teristi()
one at a ti$e *ro$ #ead to *eet. 2ou s#ould try
to de3elo% t#is until you (an do it Fuite Fui(kly) at least
t#ree rounds a $inute.
W#ile %ra(tising t#is way) t#e ele$ents will *or
so$e $editators not be balan(ed) so$e ele$ents $ay
be(o$e eH(essi3e and unbearable. Parti(ularly #ardness)
#eat) and %us#ing (an be(o$e eH(essi3e. '* t#is
o((urs) you s#ould (on(entrate $ore on t#e o%%osite
Fuality) and (ontinue to de3elo% (on(entration in t#at
way. T#is $ay balan(e t#e ele$ents again) and it is *or
t#is reason twel3e (#ara(teristi(s were taug#t in t#e
*irst %la(e. W#en t#e ele$ents are balan(ed) it is easier
to attain (on(entration.
T#e o%%osites areN #ardness and so*tness) roug#-
ness and s$oot#ness) #ea3iness and lig#tness) *lowing
and (o#esion) #eat and (oldness) and su%%orting and
%us#ing.
'* a (#ara(teristi( is in eH(ess) balan(e it by (on(entrating
on its o%%osite. +or eHa$%le) i* *lowing is in
eH(ess (on(entrate $ore on (o#esion) or i* su%%orting
is in eH(ess (on(entrate $ore on %us#ing. T#e rest (an
be balan(ed in a si$ilar way.
1a3ing now be(o$e skilled in t#e dis(ern$ent o*
t#e twel3e (#ara(teristi(s in t#e w#ole body) and t#ose
(#ara(teristi(s #a3ing be(o$e (lear) you s#ould dis(ern
t#e *irst siH toget#er at one glan(e as t#e eart#-ele$ent)
t#e neHt two toget#er at one glan(e as t#e water-ele$ent)
t#e neHt two as t#e *ire-ele$ent) and t#e last two as t#e
air-ele$ent. 2ou s#ould t#us (ontinue to dis(ern eart#)
water) *ire) and air) in order to (al$ t#e $ind and attain
(on(entration. 2ou s#ould do t#is again and again #undreds)
t#ousands) or $illions o* ti$es.
At t#is %oint) a good $et#od to use is to take an
o3er3iew o* t#e body all at on(e) and to (ontinue to %er(ei3e
t#e *our ele$ents. 'n order to kee% t#e $ind (al$
and (on(entrated) you s#ould not $o3e t#e awareness
*ro$ one %art o* t#e body to anot#er as be*ore. 'nstead)
take an o3erall 3iew o* t#e body. 't is usually best to
take t#e o3er3iew as i* you were looking *ro$ be#ind
t#e s#oulders. 't (an also be done as i* looking *ro$
abo3e t#e #ead down) but t#is $ay lead to tension and
i$balan(e o* t#e ele$ents in so$e $editators.
T#e sub-(o$$entary to t#e Visudd#i$agga also
says to de3elo% (on(entration in ten waysN in seFuen(e)
not too *ast) not too slow) warding o** distra(tions)
going beyond (on(e%ts) dis(arding w#at is not (lear)
dis(erning t#e (#ara(teristi(s) and de3elo%ing a((ording
to t#e Ad#i(itta Sutta B,is(ourse on t#e 1ig#er
MindC) AnuttarasDtib#<3a Sutta) and 4o??#aJga Sutta
B,is(ourse on /nlig#ten$ent +a(torsC.
0. 'n seFuen(e Banu%ubbatoCN /art#) water) *ire) and
air) as gi3en by t#e 4udd#a.
!. ot too *ast Bn<tisDg#atoCN >t#erwise t#e *our
ele$ents will not be seen (learly.
3. ot too slow Bn<tisa@ikatoCN >t#erwise you will
not rea(# t#e end.
5. Warding o** distra(tions B3ikk#e%a%aSib<#anatoCN
Kee% t#e $ind wit# only t#e ob?e(t o* $editation) t#e
*our ele$ents) and do not let it wander.
7. Loing beyond (on(e%ts B%aTTattisa$atikka$anatoCN
,o not ?ust $entally note) Oeart#) water) *ire) air&) but be aware
o* t#e a(tual realities t#ey re%resentN #ardness) roug#ness)
#ea3iness) so*tness) s$oot#ness) lig#tness) *lowing) (o-
#esion) #eat) (oldness) su%%orting) and %us#ing.
8. ,is(arding w#at is un(lear Banu%aSS#<na$uT-
(anatoCN >n(e you (an dis(ern all twel3e (#ara(teristi(s)
you $ay te$%orarily lea3e out (#ara(teristi(s w#i(# are
un(lear) but not i* it leads to %ain or tension) be(ause
o* an i$balan(e in t#e ele$ents. 2ou need also kee% at
least one (#ara(teristi( *or ea(# o* t#e *our ele$ents. 2ou
(annot work on ?ust t#ree) two) or one ele$ent. 't is best
i* all twel3e (#ara(teristi(s are (lear) and none le*t out.
:. ,is(erning t#e (#ara(teristi(s Blakk#a@atoCN W#en
you begin to $editate) and t#e (#ara(teristi(s o* ea(# ele$ent
are not yet (lear) you (an also (on(entrate on t#eir
*un(tion. W#en t#e (on(entration gets better) #owe3er)
you s#ould (on(entrate on only t#e natural (#ara(teristi(s
Bsab#<3a-lakk#a@aCN t#e #ardness and roug#ness o*
t#e eart#-ele$ent) t#e *lowing and (o#esion o* t#e water-
ele$ent) t#e #eat and (oldness o* t#e *ire-ele$ent) and
t#e su%%orting o* t#e air-ele$ent. At t#is %oint you will
see only ele$ents) and not see t#e$ as a %erson or sel*.
.-9-0". T#e sub-(o$$entary *urt#er re(o$$ends
to de3elo% a((ording to t#e B.C Ad#i(itta Sutta B,is(ourse
on t#e 1ig#er MindC) B9C AnuttarasDtib#<3a Sutta) and
B0"C 4o??#aJga Sutta B,is(ourse on /nlig#ten$ent
+a(torsC. 'n t#ese t#ree suttas t#e 4udd#a ad3ises balan(ing
t#e *i3e *a(ulties BindriyaCN *ait#) e**ort) $ind*ulness)
(on(entration) and understandingQ and balan(ing
t#e se3en *a(tors o* enlig#ten$ent Bbo??#aJgaCN $ind*ulness)
in3estigation o* %#eno$ena) e**ort) ?oy) tranFuility)
(on(entration and eFuani$ity.
As you (ontinue to de3elo% (on(entration on t#e *our
ele$ents) and a%%roa(# a((ess (on(entration Bu%a(<ra-
sa$<d#iC) you will see di**erent kinds o* lig#t. +or so$e
$editators t#e lig#t a%%ears as a s$oke-like grey. '* you
(ontinue to dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#is grey lig#t)
it will be(o$e w#iter like (otton wool) and t#en brig#t
w#ite) like (louds) and your w#ole body will a%%ear as
a w#ite *or$. -ontinue to dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents in
t#e w#ite *or$) and it will be(o$e trans%arent like a
blo(k o* i(e or glass.
T#is trans%arent $ateriality is t#e *i3e sensiti3i
ties B%as<daC) w#i(# we also (all t#e *i3e Otrans%arent-
ele$ents&N t#e body) eye) ear) nose) and tongue trans%arent-ele$ents.
T#ey are seen as one trans%arent *or$ or
blo(k) be(ause you #a3e not yet seen t#roug# $o3ed
t#e t#ree kinds o* (o$%a(tness Bg#anaCN (o$%a(tness o*
(ontinuity) grou% and *un(tion.
'* you (ontinue to dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#at
trans%arent *or$ or blo(k) it will s%arkle and e$it lig#t.
W#en you (an (on(entrate on t#is lig#t (ontinuously *or
at least #al* an #our) you #a3e rea(#ed a((ess (on(entration.
Wit# t#at lig#t) dis(ern t#e s%a(e-ele$ent in t#at
trans%arent *or$) by looking *or s$all s%a(es in it. 2ou
will *ind t#at t#e trans%arent *or$ breaks down into
s$all %arti(les) w#i(# are (alled rG%a kal<%as. 1a3ing
rea(#ed t#is stage) w#i(# is %uri*i(ation o* $ind B(itta-
3isudd#iC) you (an %ro(eed to de3elo% %uri*i(ation o*
3iew BdiSS#i-3isudd#iC) by analysing t#e rG%a kal<%as.
T#at is t#e beginning o* Vi%assan< $editation.
4e*ore eH%laining #ow to de3elo% Vi%assan<
$editation) ' s#ould like to say so$et#ing about a
%ra(ti(al bene*it o* bot# t#e a((ess (on(entration w#i(#
a %ure-insig#t $editator #as #ere rea(#ed) and t#e ?#<na
(on(entration o* a Sa$at#a $editator. T#ere is $u(# to
dis(ern in Vi%assan< $editation) and tiredness will usually
o((ur. W#en t#is #a%%ens) it is good to take a rest.
T#ere is a si$ile in t#e (o$$entary to t#e ,3ed#<3itakka
Sutta BTwo Kinds o* T#oug#tC o* t#e Ma??#i$a ik<ya
BMiddle Aengt# ,is(oursesC) w#i(# eH%lains #ow a
$editator (an rest in ?#<na. ,uring a battle) so$eti$es
t#e warriors *eel tired. T#e ene$y $ay be strong) and
$any arrows *lying. So t#e warriors retreat to t#eir *ort.
'nside t#e *ort t#ey are sa*e *ro$ t#e ene$y&s arrows)
and (an rest. T#en) w#en t#ey *eel strong and %ower*ul
again) t#ey lea3e t#e *ort and return to t#e battle-*ield.
;#<na is like a *ort) and (an be used as a %la(e to rest in
during Vi%assan< $editation. Pure-insig#t $editators)
w#o #a3e no ?#ana) and #a3e started dire(tly wit# *our-
ele$ents $editation) (an use t#eir a((ess (on(entration
as a *ort to rest in. 'n bot# (ases) t#e $editator (an t#en
return to t#e battle-*ield o* Vi%assan< (lear and re*res#ed.
T#ere is great bene*it in #a3ing a %la(e to rest in.
ow ' s#all eH%lain #ow to de3elo% Vi%assan<
$editation) starting wit# t#e analysis o* rG%a-kal<%as.
1ow 2ou Analyse RG%a Kal<%as
RG%a kal<%as *all into two grou%sN a trans%arent grou%
and an o%aFue grou%. RG%a kal<%as w#i(# (ontain one
o* t#e *i3e $aterial trans%arent-ele$ents B%as<da-rG%aC
are trans%arent. All ot#er rG%a kal<%as are o%aFue.
2ou s#ould *irst dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents) eart#)
water) *ire) and air) in indi3idual trans%arent and o%aFue
rG%a kal<%as. 2ou will *ind t#at t#e rG%a kal<%as arise
and %ass away 3ery) 3ery Fui(kly) and will be unable to
analyse t#e$) be(ause you still see t#e$ as s$all %arti(les
wit# siKe. Sin(e you #a3e not yet seen t#roug# t#e t#ree
kinds o* (o$%a(tnessN (o$%a(tness o* (ontinuity Bsantati-
g#anaC) o* grou% Bsa$G#a-g#anaC) and o* *un(tion Bki((a-
g#anaC) you are still in t#e real$ o* (on(e%ts B%aTTattiC)
and #a3e not arri3ed at ulti$ate reality B%ara$att#aC.
't is be(ause you #a3e not seen t#roug# t#e (on(e%t
o* grou% and s#a%e) t#at t#e %arti(les) s$all lu$%s)
re$ain. '* you do not go any *urt#er) and atte$%t to do
Vi%assan< by (onte$%lating t#e arising and %assing-
away o* t#e rG%a kal<%as) you would be trying to do
Vi%assan< on (on(e%ts. So you $ust analyse t#e rG%a
kal<%as *urt#er) until you (an see t#e ele$ents in single
onesN t#is is in order to rea(# ulti$ate reality.
'* you are unable to dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents in
single kal<%as) be(ause o* t#ey arise and %ass away
3ery) 3ery Fui(kly) t#en ignore t#eir arising and %assawayQ
?ust like %retending to not see) or noti(e
so$eone w#o$ you do not want to $eet) but #a3e $et
by a((ident. 'gnore t#e arising and %assing-away and
si$%ly (on(entrate on t#e *our ele$ents in single rG%a
kal<%as. T#e %ower o* your (on(entration will allow
you to ignore t#eir arising and %assing-away.
'* you are still unsu((ess*ul) you s#ould (on(entrate
on t#e eart#-ele$ent alternately in t#e w#ole body
at on(e) and t#en in a single kal<%a. T#en do t#e sa$e
wit# t#e water-ele$ent) t#e *ire-ele$ent) and t#e air-
ele$ent. T#is way) you will dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents
in bot# t#e trans%arent and o%aFue rG%a kal<%as.
W#en you #a3e su((eeded) dis(ern t#e *our ele-
$ents in bot# t#e trans%arent and o%aFue rG%a kal<%as
o* t#e siH sense-basesN t#e eye-base) ear-base) nose-base)
tongue-base) body-base) and #eart-base in turn.
A rG%a kal<%a (ontains at least eig#t ty%es o* $aterialityN
eart#) water) *ire) air) (olour) odour) *la3our) and
nutriti3e-essen(e. T#ere*ore) a*ter you #a3e dis(erned
t#e *our ele$ents in bot# t#e trans%arent and o%aFue
rG%a kal<%as o* t#e siH sense-bases) you s#ould also dis(ern
t#e re$aining ele$ents o* (olour) odour) *la3our)
and nutriti3e-essen(e.
-olour B3a@@aC is *ound in all rG%a kal<%as) and
is t#e ob?e(t o* sig#t BrG%<ra$$a@aC. 't is 3ery easy to
dis(ern.
>dour) or s$ell Bgand#aC is also *ound in all rG%a
kal<%as. 2ou s#ould begin by dis(erning bot# t#e nose
trans%arent-ele$ent and t#e b#a3aJga $ind. +irst dis(ern
t#e *our ele$ents in t#e nose to *ind t#e nose trans%arent-
ele$ent. T#e nose trans%arent-ele$ent $ustbe seen in t#e a%%ro%riate rG%a kal<%as in t#e nose.
'* you #a3e su((ess*ully dis(erned t#e *our ele$ents
in t#e trans%arent kal<%as and o%aFue kal<%as
o* t#e siH sense-bases) you will easily be able to dis(ern
t#e brig#t) lu$inous b#a3aJga $ind) t#e $ind-door
B$anod3<raC. 't is lo(ated in t#e #eart) and de%ends
on t#e #eart-base B#adaya3att#uC) w#i(# is $ade u% o*
o%aFue kal<%as (alled #eart-as-t#e-tent#-*a(tor kal<%as
or #eart-de(ad kal<%as B#adaya-dasaka-kal<%aC.
1a3ing t#us dis(erned t#e nose trans%arent-
ele$ent and b#a3aJga $ind) %ro(eed to dis(ern t#e
odour o* a rG%a kal<%a. >dour (an be known by eit#er
t#e nose or $ind (ons(iousness. T#e nose (ons(iousness
arises resting on t#e nose trans%arent-ele$ent. T#e
$ind (ons(iousness arises attra(ted by t#e b#a3aJga
$ind w#i(# itsel* rests u%on #eart-base $ateriality.
T#is is w#y w#en you wis# to dis(ern odour in rG%a
kal<%as) bot# t#e su%%orting trans%arent-ele$ents
$ust be dis(erned.
+la3our BrasaC is *ound in all rG%a kal<%a. 1a3ing
dis(erned bot# t#e tongue trans%arent-ele$ent and
b#a3aJga $ind) dis(ern t#e taste o* a rG%a kal<%a. 2ou
(an dis(ern t#e taste o* sali3a on t#e tongue. As wit#
odour) *la3our o* an ob?e(t (an be known by eit#er t#e
tongue or $ind (ons(iousness) and bot# t#eir su%%orting
ele$ents $ust be dis(erned.
T#e ,is%eller o* ,elusion) an Ab#id#a$$a (o$$entary)
saysN OSabbo%i %anesa %ab#edo $anod3<rika-
?a3aneye3a lab#ati.& T#is eH%lains t#at t#e (olour)
odour) and *la3our o* a rG%a kal<%a) (an be known
by t#e $ind (ons(iousness alone. 4e*ore your $editation
be(o$es strong) you use t#e nose and tongue
(ons(iousness to #el% you learn #ow taste and odour
is known by t#e $ind (ons(iousness. >n(e your
$editation is strong and %ower*ul) you (an know
*la3our and odour o* rG%a kal<%as wit# t#e $ind
(ons(iousness alone.
utriti3e-essen(e Bo?<C is *ound in all rG%a
kal<%as. 't is o* *our ty%esN nutriti3e-essen(e %rodu(ed
by ka$$a) by (ons(iousness B(ittaC) by te$%erature
ButuC) and by nutri$ent B<#<raC. Aook into any rG%a
kal<%a) and you will *ind nutriti3e-essen(e) *ro$
w#i(# rG%a kal<%as are seen to $ulti%ly *ort# again
and again.
A*ter #a3ing dis(erned t#e basi( eig#t ty%es o*
$ateriality in rG%a kal<%as) you s#ould try to dis(ern
t#e re$aining ty%es o* $ateriality in s%e(i*i( rG%a
kal<%as
T#e li*e-*a(ulty B?D3itaC is t#e $ateriality w#i(#
sustains t#e li*e o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$a. 't
is not *ound in rG%a kal<%as %rodu(ed by (ons(iousness)
te$%erature) or nutri$ent) but in t#ose %rodu(ed
by ka$$a) t#at is) t#e trans%arent rG%a kal<%as. 2ou
s#ould dis(ern t#e$) and t#en look *or t#e li*e-*a(ulty
in t#e$. T#e li*e-*a(ulty $ateriality sustains t#e li*e o*
ot#er $ateriality in its own kal<%a only) not in ot#er
kal<%as.
1a3ing dis(erned t#e li*e-*a(ulty in a trans%arent
rG%a kal<%a) you s#ould also try to dis(ern it in an
o%aFue rG%a kal<%a. T#ere are t#ree ty%es o* o%aFue
kal<%a in t#e body w#i(# (ontain li*e-*a(ulty. >ne ty%e)
#eart-de(ad kal<%as) or #eart-as-t#e-tent#-*a(tor kal<%as
B#adaya-dasaka-kal<%aC is *ound in only t#e #eart. T#e
ot#er two) seH-de(ad kal<%as or seH-as-t#e-tent#-*a(tor
kal<%as Bb#<3a-dasaka-kal<%aC) and li*e-nonad kal<%as
or li*e-*a(ulty-as-t#e-nint#-*a(tor kal<%as B?D3ita-na3aka-
kal<%aC) are *ound t#roug#out t#e body. T#ere*ore) i*
you dis(ern t#e li*e-*a(ulty in an o%aFue kal<%a in t#e
body so$ew#ere beside t#e #eart) you know it $ust be
eit#er a seH-de(ad kal<%a or li*e-nonad kal<%a. To tell
t#ese two a%art) you need to dis(ern seH-deter$ining-
$ateriality.
SeH-deter$ining-$ateriality Bb#<3a-rG%aC is *ound
in o%aFue kal<%as t#roug#out t#e body) in all siH
sense-bases. A*ter you #a3e dis(erned t#e li*e-*a(ulty
in bot# trans%arent and o%aFue kal<%as) you s#ould
look *or seH-deter$ining-$ateriality in t#e o%aFue
kal<%a w#ere you *ound t#e li*e-*a(ulty. '* t#ere is
seH-deter$ining-$ateriality) t#e kal<%a is a seH-de(ad
kal<%a Bb#<3a-dasaka-kal<%aC) and not a li*e-nonad kal<%a
B?D3ita-na3aka-kal<%aC. 'n a $ale t#ere is only $ale seH-
deter$ining-$ateriality) and in a *e$ale only *e$ale
seH-deter$ining-$ateriality. Male seH-deter$ining-
$ateriality is t#e Fuality by w#i(# you know) OT#is is a
$an.& +e$ale seH-deter$ining-$ateriality is t#e Fuality
by w#i(# you know) OT#is is a wo$an.& W#en you are
able to dis(ern seH-deter$ining-$ateriality) look *or it
in ea(# o* t#e siH basesN eye) ear) nose) tongue) body) and
#eart.
1eart-base $ateriality B#adaya3att#u-rG%aC is t#e
$ateriality w#i(# su%%orts all (ons(iousnesses arisen
in t#e $ind-doorQ t#is $eans eH(e%t t#ose (ons(iousnesses
arisen in t#e *i3e sense-doorsN eye) ear) nose)
tongue) and body.
To dis(ern #eart-base $ateriality) (on(entrate on
t#e b#a3aJga $ind. T#en dis(ern t#e rG%a kal<%as
w#i(# su%%ort t#e b#a3aJga $ind. 2ou will *ind t#ese
rG%a kal<%as in t#e lower %art o* t#e b#a3aJga $ind.
T#ey are o%aFue) #eart-de(ad kal<%as.
1ow 2ou Analyse Trans%arent-/le$ents Materiality
T#e organ o* t#e eye (ontains se3eral kinds o* rG%a
kal<%a) like ri(e *lour and w#eat *lour $iHed toget#er.
'n t#e eye t#ere are two kinds o* trans%arent-ele$ent
$iHed toget#er) t#e eye trans%arent-ele$ent and body
trans%arent-ele$ent. T#is $eans t#at t#e eye-de(adkal<%a
B(akk#u-dasaka-kal<%aC) and body-de(ad kal<%a
Bk<ya-dasaka-kal<%aC are $iHed. T#e body-de(ad kal<%as
(ontain t#e body trans%arent-ele$ent) and are s%read
t#roug#out t#e siH sense-bases. T#ey are $iHed wit# t#e
eye-de(ad kal<%as in t#e eye) wit# t#e ear-de(ad kal<%as
Bsota-dasaka-kal<%aC in t#e ear) wit# t#e nose-de(ad kal<%as
Bg#<na-dasaka-kal<%aC in t#e nose) wit# t#e tongue-de(ad
kal<%as B?i3#<-dasaka-kal<%aC in t#e tongue) and wit# t#e
#eart-de(ad kal<%as B#adaya-dasaka-kal<%aC in t#e #eart.
SeH-de(ad kal<%as too are s%read t#roug#out t#e siH
sense-bases) and also $iHed wit# t#e trans%arent kal<%as.
To see t#is) you need to analyse t#e $ateriality o*
t#e *i3e ty%es o* trans%arent kal<%as. T#ey areN
B0C T#e eye trans%arent-ele$ent B(akk#u-%as<daCN
't is sensiti3e to (olour) w#ereas t#e body trans%arent-
ele$ent is sensiti3e to tou(#) t#at is) tangible ob?e(ts.
T#is di**eren(e allows you to know w#i(# is w#i(#. +irst
dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#e eye) and a trans%arent
rG%a kal<%a. T#en look at t#e (olour o* a rG%a kal<%a
so$e distan(e away *ro$ t#e eye. '* t#e (olour i$%inges
on t#e trans%arent-ele$ent) it is an eye trans%arent-
ele$ent) and t#e rG%a kal<%a w#i(# (ontains it is an
eye-de(ad kal<%a B(akk#u-dasaka-kal<%aC. '* t#e (olour
does not do t#is) it is not an eye trans%arent-ele$ent)
but a body trans%arent-ele$ent) as t#ere are only two
ty%es o* trans%arent-ele$ent in t#e eye.
B!C T#e body trans%arent-ele$ent Bk<ya-%as<daCN 't
is sensiti3e to tangible ob?e(ts) w#i(# are t#e eart#-) *ire-)
and air-ele$ents. ,is(ern a trans%arent rG%a kal<%a.
T#en look at t#e eart#) *ire) or air-ele$ent o* a rG%a
kal<%a nearby. '* one o* t#e t#ree ele$ents i$%inges
on t#e trans%arent-ele$ent) it is a body trans%arent-
ele$ent) and t#e rG%a kal<%a w#i(# (ontains it is a
body-de(ad kal<%a Bk<ya-dasaka-kal<%aC. 'n t#e sa$e
way as you did in t#e eye) dis(ern t#e body-de(ad
kal<%as in t#e ear) nose) tongue) body) and #eart.
B3C T#e ear trans%arent-ele$ent Bsota-%as<daCN 't is
sensiti3e to sound. ,is(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#e ear
and dis(ern a trans%arent rG%a kal<%a. T#en listen to
a sound. '* it i$%inges on t#e trans%arent-ele$ent) it is
an ear trans%arent-ele$ent) and t#e rG%a kal<%a w#i(#
(ontains it is an ear-de(ad kal<%a Bsota-dasaka-kal<%aC.
T#e dis(ern$ent o* t#e body-de(ad kal<%a *ollows t#e
sa$e $et#od as *or t#e eye.
B5C T#e nose trans%arent-ele$ent Bg#<na-%as<daCN 't
is sensiti3e to odour. ,is(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#e
nose and dis(ern a trans%arent rG%a kal<%a. T#en s$ell
t#e odour o* a rG%a kal<%a nearby. '* it i$%inges on t#e
trans%arent-ele$ent) it is a nose trans%arent-ele$ent)
and t#e rG%a kal<%a w#i(# (ontains it is a nose-de(ad
kal<%a Bg#<na-dasaka-kal<%aC.
B7C T#e tongue trans%arent-ele$ent B?i3#<-%as<daCN
't is sensiti3e to taste. ,is(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#e
tongue and dis(ern a trans%arent-ele$ent. T#en taste
t#e *la3our o* a rG%a kal<%a nearby. '* it i$%inges on t#e
trans%arent-ele$ent) it is a tongue trans%arent-ele$ent)
and t#e rG%a kal<%a w#i(# (ontains it is a tongue-de(ad
kal<%a B?i3#<-dasaka-kal<%aC.
T#e body-de(ad kal<%a and seH-de(ad kal<%a are *ound
in all siH sense-bases) and $ust be seen in ea(# %la(e
in turn.
T#e +i*ty-+our Ty%es o* Materiality in t#e /ye
'* you analyse t#e $ateriality in t#e eye) you will *ind
t#ere are *i*ty-*our kinds o* $ateriality in siH ty%es o*
rG%a kal<%a. T#e siH ty%es o* rG%a kal<%a areN
0. T#e eye-de(ad kal<%a B(akk#u-dasaka-kal<%aC) w#i(#
is sensiti3e to t#e (olour) trans%arent) and %rodu(ed
by ka$$a.
!. T#e body-de(ad kal<%a Bk<ya-dasaka-kal<%aC) w#i(#
is sensiti3e to tangible ob?e(ts Beart#-) *ire-) and air-
ele$entsC) trans%arent) and %rodu(ed by ka$$a.
3. T#e seH-de(ad kal<%a Bb#<3a-dasaka-kal<%aC) w#i(#
is o%aFue and is %rodu(ed by ka$$a.
5. T#e nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%a %rodu(ed by
(ons(iousness B(itta?a-o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC.
7. T#e nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%a %rodu(ed by
te$%erature Butu?a-o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC.
8. T#e nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%a %rodu(ed by
nutri$ent B<#<ra?a-o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC.
' #a3e already eH%lained #ow to dis(ern t#e *irst t#ree
o* t#ese siH ty%es o* rG%a kal<%a. T#e last t#ree all (onsist
o* eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality. T#e only di**eren(e
between t#e$ is t#eir originN (ons(iousness) te$%erature)
or nutri$ent. So ' will now gi3e eHa$%les o* #ow
to dis(ern w#i(# is %rodu(ed by (ons(iousness) w#i(#
by te$%erature) and w#i(# by nutri$ent.
1ow 2ou See Materiality Produ(ed by -ons(iousness
All (ons(iousnesses de%endent on #eart-base $ateriality
t#at o((ur during one w#ole li*e %rodu(e (ons(iousness-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as
B(itta?a-o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC. /3ery single (ons(iousness
%rodu(es a great nu$ber o* t#ese nutriti3e-essen(e-
o(tad kal<%as) w#i(# s%read t#roug#out t#e body.
'* you (on(entrate on t#e b#a3aJga $ind) you will
see t#at $any (ons(iousnesses de%endent on #eart-base
$ateriality (ontinuously %rodu(e rG%a kal<%as. '* t#is
is not (lear) t#en #a3ing (on(entrated on t#e b#a3aJga
$ind) wiggle one o* your *ingers. 2ou will see a large
nu$ber o* rG%a kal<%as being %rodu(ed be(ause t#e
$ind wants to wiggle t#e *inger. 2ou will also see t#e$
s%read t#roug#out all siH sense-bases. T#ese are t#e
nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as) w#i(# are o%aFue and
%rodu(ed by (ons(iousness.
1ow 2ou See Materiality Produ(ed by Te$%erature
T#e *ire-ele$ent is (alled Ote$%erature& ButuC. 't is *ound in
all rG%a kal<%as. 't %rodu(es a *irst generation te$%erature-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as Butu?a-o?aSS#a$akal<%aC.
T#ey too (ontain t#e *ire-ele$ent) w#i(# also
re%rodu(es a se(ond generation o* te$%erature-%rodu(ed
nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as. T#e *ire-ele$ent in a
ka$$a-%rodu(ed kal<%a) su(# as t#e eye-de(ad kal<%a)
%rodu(es in t#e sa$e way *our or *i3e generations o*
te$%erature-%rodu(ed kal<%as. T#is #a%%ens only on(e
t#e te$%erature #as rea(#ed its standing %#ase BS#iti-k<laC.
't is a law o* $ateriality) t#at it #as strengt# only on(e it
#as rea(#ed its standing %#ase.
BSyN ka$$a?a 0st utu?a !nd 3rd 5t# 7t#.C
1ow 2ou See Materiality Produ(ed by utri$ent
+our %arts o* t#e body) na$ely) undigested *ood) *ae(es)
%us) and urine) (onsist o* only nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad
kal<%as %rodu(ed by te$%erature ButuC. Assisted by t#e
*ire-ele$ent in t#e li*e-nonad kal<%as B?D3ita-na3aka-kal<%aC)
w#i(# $ake u% t#e ka$$i(ally %rodu(ed digesti3e #eat)
t#e nutriti3e-essen(e Bo?<C in t#ese nutriti3e-essen(e-
o(tad kal<%as %rodu(es $any generations o* nutriti3e-
essen(e-o(tad kal<%as. T#ey are nutri$ent-%rodu(ed
kal<%as B<#<ra?a-kal<%aC) and s%read t#roug#out t#e
siH sense-bases. utri$ent taken in one day %rodu(es
nutri$ent-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as
B<#<ra?a-o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC *or u% to se3en days. ,i3ine
nutri$ent does t#is *or u% to one or two $ont#s. Assisted
by ka$$i(ally %rodu(ed digesti3e-#eat) t#e nutri$ent
taken in one day also su%%orts t#e nutriti3e-essen(e in
ka$$a-%rodu(ed) (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed) te$%erature-
%rodu(ed) and su((eeding nutri$ent-%rodu(ed kal<%as
*or u% to se3en days.
To see t#ese t#ings you (an $editate at t#e ti$e
o* eating) w#en t#e nutri$ent-%rodu(ed kal<%as (an be
seen to s%read t#roug#out t#e body) *ro$ t#e $out#)
to t#e t#roat) sto$a(#) and intestines. ,is(ern t#e *our
ele$ents in t#e newly eaten *ood in t#e $out#) t#roat)
sto$a(#) and intestines) and see t#e rG%a kal<%as t#ere.
-ontinue to look until you see t#at) assisted by t#e ka$$i(ally
%rodu(ed digesti3e #eat) t#e nutriti3e-essen(e
in t#e rG%a kal<%as in t#e *ood %rodu(es new rG%a
kal<%as) w#i(# s%read t#roug#out t#e body.
Alternati3ely) you (an see t#ese t#ings i* you $editate
a*ter #a3ing eaten. ,is(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#e
newly eaten *ood in t#e sto$a(#) or in t#e intestines.
-ontinue to look until you see t#at) assisted by ka$$i(ally
%rodu(ed digesti3e #eat) t#e nutriti3e-essen(e
in t#e rG%a kal<%as in t#e *ood %rodu(es new rG%a
kal<%as) w#i(# s%read t#roug#out t#e body. See t#at
t#ese kal<%as are o%aFue) analyse t#e$) and dis(ern
t#e eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality in ea(#.
,is(ern t#ese nutri$ent-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-
o(tad kal<%as s%reading out t#roug# t#e body) and rea(#ing
t#e eye. ,is(ern t#e eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality in t#ose
in t#e eye) and see t#at t#e nutriti3e-essen(e in t#ose
kal<%as is nutri$ent-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e B<#<ra?a-
o?<C. W#en t#is nutri$ent-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e
$eets wit# t#e nutriti3e-essen(e in t#e eye-de(ad kal<%as
B(akk#u-dasaka-kal<%aC) it #el%s t#e ka$$a-%rodu(ed
nutriti3e-essen(e in t#e eye-de(ad kal<%as to %rodu(e
*our or *i3e generations o* rG%a kal<%as. T#e nu$ber o*
generations de%ends on t#e strengt# o* assistan(e o* bot#
t#e ka$$a-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e and nutri$ent-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e. Again) in t#ose *our or *i3e
generations o* rG%a kal<%as) t#ere is *ire-ele$ent) te$%erature)
w#i(# at its standing %#ase) %rodu(es $any
generations o* te$%erature-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-
o(tad kal<%as. Try to dis(ern t#is #ere too.
Also try to dis(ern t#at) assisted by nutri$ent-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e B<#<ra?a-o?<C) t#e nutriti3e-
essen(e o* t#e body-de(ad kal<%as) and seH-de(ad
kal<%as) %rodu(e *our or *i3e generations o* nutri$ent-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as. T#e *ire-
ele$ent) te$%erature) in also t#ese $any generations)
again %rodu(es $any $ore generations o* te$%erature-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as.
'n e3ery (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-
o(tad kal<%a in t#e eye t#ere is nutriti3e-essen(e. W#en
assisted by t#e nutri$ent-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e)
t#is (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e B(itta?a-o?<C
%rodu(es two or t#ree generations o* nutri$ent-%rodu(ed
nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as. T#e *ire-ele$ent ButuC in
also t#ese %rodu(es $any generations o* te$%erature-
%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-o(tad kal<%as.
W#en a (ons(iousness is a Sa$at#a) Vi%assan<)
Pat#) or +ruition -ons(iousness) it %rodu(es $any generations
o* (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-essen(e-
o(tad kal<%as wit#in t#e body. T#e *ire-ele$ent ButuC in
t#ese kal<%as %rodu(es te$%erature-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-
essen(e-o(tad kal<%as bot# inside and outside t#e body.
Aig#t is t#e brillian(e o* t#e (olour-$ateriality in t#ose
(ons(iousness and te$%erature-%rodu(ed kal<%as.
2ou s#ould dis(ern all ty%es o* $ateriality in t#e
ot#er *i3e bases as you did in t#e (ase o* t#e eye-base.
Su$$ary
Today) ' #a3e gi3en a 3ery brie* outline o* #ow to analyse
rG%a kal<%as. T#e a(tual %ra(ti(e in3ol3es $u(#
$ore) w#i(# ' do not #a3e ti$e to des(ribe #ere. +or
eHa$%le) t#e detailed $et#od) w#i(# in3ol3es analysing
w#at are (alled t#e *orty-two %arts o* t#e bodyN
twenty eart#-ele$ent %arts) twel3e water-ele$ent %arts)
*our as%e(ts o* t#e *ire-ele$ent) and siH as%e(ts o* t#e
air-ele$ent. T#ey are $entioned in t#e ,#<tu3ib#aJga
Sutta BAnalysis on /le$entsC in t#e Ma??#i$a ik<ya
BMiddle Aengt# ,is(oursesC. '* you wis# to know #ow
to de3elo% t#is) you s#ould a%%roa(# a %ro%er tea(#er.
4y %ra(tising syste$ati(ally) you will gradually be(o$e
%ro*i(ient in t#e dis(ern$ent o* kal<%as %rodu(ed by
t#e *our (ausesN ka$$a) (ons(iousness) te$%erature)
and nutri$ent. To su$$ariseN
0. To see t#e rG%a kal<%as) you $ust de3elo%
(on(entration u% to a((ess (on(entration) by seeing t#e
*our ele$entsN eart#) water) *ire) and air.
!. W#en you (an see t#e rG%a kal<%as) analyse
t#e$ to see all t#e $ateriality in single kal<%as) *or
eHa$%leN in one kal<%a see eart#) water) *ire) air) (olour)
odour) taste) nutri$ent) li*e-*a(ulty) and eye trans%arent-
ele$ent.
3. +or t#e brie* $et#od) dis(ern all t#e ty%es o*
$ateriality in a single sense-base) and t#en in all siH
sense-bases. +or t#e detailed $et#od) dis(ern all t#e
ty%es o* $ateriality in all *orty-two %arts o* t#e body.
T#is (o$%letes $y talk on t#e dis(ern$ent o* $ateriality.
'n $y neHt talk ' s#all eH%lain #ow to dis(ern
$entality.
Questions = Answers 5
Question 5.0N 's a bod#isatta) in(luding Ari$etteyya
bod#isatta) a worldling B%ut#u??anaC6 '* Ari$etteyya
bod#isatta is a worldling like us) t#en at t#e ti$e *or
#i$ to (o$e down to be(o$e Metteyya 4udd#a) w#at
is t#e di**eren(e between t#e (onditions *or #i$ to
be(o$e a 4udd#a and *or us6
Answer 5.0N t#e di**eren(e is t#at #is %<ra$Ds #a3e
$atured) like *or our Sakya$uni 4udd#a as t#e
bod#isatta Prin(e Sidd#att#a. Su(# bod#isattas will
*or $any li3e #a3e been *ul*illing t#eir %<ra$Ds) su(#
as t#e %<ra$Ds o* generosity Bd<na-%<ra$DC) 3irtue BsDla-
%<ra$DC) lo3ingkindness B$ett<-%<ra$DC) and wisdo$
B%aTT<-%<ra$DC. Alt#oug# t#ey en?oy sensual %leasures)
t#eir $atured %<ra$Ds %us# t#e$ on to renoun(e t#e
world. 'n t#e last li*e o* e3ery bod#isatta) #e $arries
and #as a sonQ t#is is a law o* nature. ' *orget t#e na$es
o* Metteyya bod#isatta&s wi*e and son. A((ording to t#e
T#era3<da Ti%iSaka) no ara#ant in(luding t#e 4udd#a
is reborn a*ter #is Parinibb<na. Parinibb<na is t#e end
o* #is round o* rebirt#s. T#ey will not be reborn anyw#ere.
Take our Sakya$uni bod#isattaN in #is last li*e)
be*ore #is enlig#ten$ent) #e was a worldling. 1ow6
W#en #e was siHteen years old) #e be(a$e %rin(e
Sidd#att#a and $arried %rin(ess 2asod#ar<. T#ey
#ad a son. 1e en?oyed sensual %leasures *or $ore
t#an t#irteen years. 1e did not #a3e *i3e #undred
*e$ale deities on #is le*t) and *i3e #undred *e$ale
deities on #is rig#t) but was surrounded by twenty
t#ousand %rin(esses. T#is is k<$asuk#allikanuyogoN
en?oy$ent o* sensual %leasures) or indulgen(e in
sensual %leasures.
A*ter #e #ad renoun(ed t#ose sensual %leasures)
#e %ra(tised sel*-$orti*i(ations in t#e Eru3ela *orest.
A*ter siH years o* t#is *utile %ra(ti(e) #e abandoned it)
%ra(tised t#e $iddle way) and be*ore long) attained
enlig#ten$ent. A*ter #is enlig#ten$ent) in #is *irst
ser$on) t#e ,#a$$a(akka%a3attana Sutta BTurning
t#e W#eel o* ,#a$$aC) #e %ro(lai$edN OPk<$esu
k<$asuk#allikanuyogo #Dno) ga$$o) %ut#u??aniko) anariyo)
anatt#asaR#ito.&N Ot#is en?oy$ent o* sensual %leasures
is in*erior B#DnoC) t#e %ra(ti(e o* 3illagers Bga$$oC) t#e
%ra(ti(e o* worldlings B%ut#u??anikoCQ it is not t#e %ra(ti(e
o* t#e enlig#tened ones BanariyoCQ t#is %ra(ti(e (annot
%rodu(e any bene*it su(# as Pat#) +ruition) and ibb<na
Banatt#asaR#itoC.&
So) in #is *irst ser$on t#e 4udd#a %ro(lai$ed t#at
anyone w#o en?oys sensual %leasures is a worldling.
W#en #e was still a bod#isatta) #e too #ad en?oyed
sensual %leasures) t#at is) wit# 2asod#ar< in t#e %ala(e.
At t#at ti$e) #e too was a worldling) be(ause en?oy$ent
o* sensual %leasures is t#e %ra(ti(e o* a worldling.
T#is is not only *or our bod#isatta) but *or e3ery
bod#isatta. T#ere $ay be $any bod#isattas #ere
a$ong t#e %resent audien(e. 2ou s#ould (onsider
t#is (are*ullyN are t#ese bod#isattas #ere worldlings
or noble ones BariyaC6 ' t#ink you $ay know t#e
answer.
Question 5.!N A*ter *inis#ing t#e $editation (ourse)
(an a $editator attain Pat# and +uition Knowledges
B$agga-T<@a and %#ala-T<@aC6 '* not) w#y not6
Answer 5.!N Maybe #e (anQ it de%ends on #is %<ra$Ds.
Take) *or eHa$%le) t#e (ase o* 4<#iya ,<ru(iriya. 1e
%ra(tised Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<-T<@aC
in t#e ti$e o* Kassa%a 4udd#a&s dis%ensation. 1e #ad
about twenty t#ousand years o* %ra(ti(e) but #e did
not attain any Pat# and +uition Knowledges) be(ause
#e #ad re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ Padu$uttara
4udd#a) t#at #e was to be t#e k#i%%<b#iTTa) t#e Fui(kest
to attain ara#ants#i% in Sakya$uni&s dis%ensation.
'n t#e sa$e way) ot#er dis(i%les Bs<3akaC) w#o attained
t#e +our Analyti(al Knowledges B%aSisa$b#id<-T<@aC
in t#is Sakya$uni 4udd#a&s dis%ensation) #ad also
%ra(tised Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations in t#e dis%ensation
o* %re3ious 4udd#asQ t#is is a law o* nature. T#e *our
analyti(al knowledges areN
0. T#e analyti(al knowledge o* $eaning Batt#a-
%aSisa$b#id<-T<@aCN t#e insig#t-knowledge o*
e**e(t w#i(# is t#e oble Trut# o* Su**ering.
!. T#e analyti(al knowledge o* d#a$$a Bd#a$$a-
%aSisa$b#id<-T<@aCN t#e insig#t-knowledge o* (ause)
w#i(# is t#e oble Trut# o* t#e >rigin o* Su**ering.
3. T#e analyti(al knowledge o* enun(iation o* language
Bnirutti-%aSisa$b#id<-T<@aCN knowledge o*
gra$$ar) es%e(ially P<Mi gra$$ar.
5. T#e analyti(al knowledge o* t#e kinds o* knowledge
B%aSib#<na-%aSisa$b#id<-T<@aCN t#e insig#t-
knowledge w#i(# knows t#e abo3e t#ree analyti(al
knowledges.
T#ere are *i3e (auses *or attaining t#ese *our analyti(al
knowledgesN
0. A(#ie3e$ent Bad#iga$aCN t#is is t#e attain$ent o*
t#e Ara#ant Pat# and +ruition) or any ot#er Pat#
and +ruition.
!. Mastery o* s(ri%tures B%ariyattiCN learning t#e
,#a$$a s(ri%tures.
3. 1earing Bsa3anaCN listening to ,#a$$a eH%lanations
attenti3ely and res%e(t*ully.
5. 'nFuiry B%ari%u((#<CN dis(ussing t#e knotty %assages
and eH%lanations in t#e teHts and (o$$entaries.
7. Prior e**ort B%ubbayogaCN t#e %ra(ti(e o* Sa$at#a-
Vi%assan< u% to t#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity
Towards +or$ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<-T<@aC during
t#e dis%ensation o* *or$er 4udd#as.
'* t#ose w#o do not #a3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a
%re3ious 4udd#a %ra(tise in t#is dis%ensation) but do
not attain ibb<na) it is be(ause t#eir %<ra$Ds #a3e
not $atured enoug#. 't is also %ossible t#at t#ey did
in *a(t re(ei3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y) or $ade an as%iration
to es(a%e *ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s BsaRs<raC in
t#e *uture dis%ensation o* Ari$etteyya 4udd#a. +or
eHa$%le) t#ere were two t#ousand b#ikk#unDs w#o
attained Parinibb<na on t#e sa$e day as 2asod#ar<.
,uring ,D%aJkara 4udd#a&s ti$e) t#ey #ad $ade an
as%iration to es(a%e *ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s BsaRs<raC
in t#e dis%ensation o* Sakya$uni 4udd#a. ,ue to t#is)
t#ey re$ained in t#e round o* rebirt#s) *ro$ t#e ti$e
o* ,D%aJkara 4udd#a u% to t#e ti$e o* Sakya$uni
4udd#a. T#ey #ad not re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y)
but #ad $ade an as%iration only.
Question 5.3N A $editator w#o #as *inis#ed t#e $editation
(ourse) but not yet attained t#e Pat# Knowledge
B$aggaT<@aC and +ruition Knowledge B%#alaT<@aC) i* #is
(on(entration dro%s) will #is insig#t-knowledge also
dro%6 -an #e get reborn in a woe*ul state Ba%<yaC6
Answer 5.3N Maybe it will dro%) but it is 3ery rare. '* #e
does not %ra(tise *or a long ti$e) #is Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<
$ay slowly weaken. T#e *or(e o* ka$$a) #owe3er) re$ains
as latent energy.
Regarding t#is) t#ere was an o((asion in Sri Aanka
w#en siHty b#ikk#us and no3i(es Bs<$a@eraC were going
so$ew#ere. >n t#e way t#ey $et a lay$an) w#o was
(arrying (#ar(oal and #al*-burnt *irewood. 1is skin
was t#e (olour o* (#ar(oal. So$e o* t#e no3i(es ?oked
wit# ea(# ot#er) saying) OT#at is your *at#er&) OT#at is
your un(le&) et(.) and t#e lay$an got u%set. 1e %ut down
t#e (#ar(oal and #al*-burnt *irewood) and %aid res%e(t
to t#e Ma#<t#era in order to detain #i$ *or a w#ile.
1e t#en saidN O4#ante) you t#ink you are a b#ikk#u
?ust be(ause o* your robes. 2ou do not #a3e enoug#
(on(entration and insig#t. >n(e ' too was a b#ikk#u)
wit# strong and %ower*ul (on(entration) and strong
%ower*ul %sy(#i( %owers.&
T#en %ointing to a tree) #e said *urt#er) OSitting
under t#at tree ' (ould #old t#e sun and t#e $oon wit#
$y #and. ' used t#e sun and $oon to rub $y *oot. 4ut
be(ause ' negle(ted B%a$<daC Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< w#oleso$e
d#a$$as) $y ?#<na (on(entration dro%%ed.
,e*ile$ents o3erw#el$ed $y $ind. So now ' do
t#is work. Take $e as an eHa$%le) and do not negle(t
B%a$<daC Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< w#oleso$e d#a$$a.
Please try to not be(o$e like $e.&
T#en t#ose b#ikk#us *elt t#e sense o* urgen(y to
%ra(tise BsaR3egaC. Standing in t#at %la(e) t#ey %ra(tised
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< and attained ara#ants#i%. So
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< $ay dro% te$%orarily) be(ause o*
negligen(e B%a$<daC. 4ut t#e *or(e o* ka$$a re$ains
and does not %eris#.
T#ere are t#ree routes towards t#e li*e in w#i(#
one attains ibbana. ' s#all not dis(uss t#e (ase o*
Pa((ekabudd#as. T#e t#ree (ourses o* de3elo%$ent
are t#e (ourses o*N B0C a bod#isatta) B!C a (#ie* dis(i%le
Baggas<3akaC or great dis(i%le B$a#<s<3akaC and B3C an
ordinary dis(i%le B%akatis<3akaC.
B0C >ur bod#isatta #ad t#e eig#t attain$ents
Bsa$<%attiC and *i3e $undane %sy(#i( %owers during
,D%aJkara 4udd#a&s ti$e. 1e #ad also %ra(tised Vi%assan<
u% to t#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations.
At t#at ti$e) i* #e #ad really wanted to attain
ibb<na) #e (ould #a3e attained ara#ants#i% Fui(kly)
a*ter listening to a s#ort stanKa about t#e +our oble
Trut#s by ,D%aJkara 4udd#a. 4ut #e did not want to
only attain ibb<na) so #e $ade an as%iration to be
a 4udd#a in t#e *uture) and t#en re(ei3ed a de*inite
%ro%#e(y *ro$ ,D%aJkara 4udd#a.
,uring t#e *our in(al(ulables BasaJk#yeyyaC and one
#undred t#ousand aeons Bka%%aC w#i(# *ollowed) t#at
is *ro$ ,D%aJkara 4udd#a&s ti$e to Kassa%a 4udd#a&s
ti$e) our bod#isatta was ordained as a b#ikk#u in nine
li3es) under t#e guidan(e o* ot#er 4udd#as. 'n ea(# li*e
as a b#ikk#u) our bod#isatta&s training in(luded t#e
*ollowing se3en %ra(ti(esN
0. Study o* t#e T#ree PiSakas by re(itation)
!. Puri*i(ation o* t#e *our ty%es o* $oral (ondu(t)
3. T#e t#irteen as(eti( %ra(ti(es Bd#utaJgaC)
5. Always t#e *orest-dweller %ra(ti(e B<raTTakaJga-
d#utaJgaC)
7. T#e eig#t attain$ents Bsa$<%attiC)
8. T#e *i3e $undane %sy(#i( %owers)
:. Vi%assan< $editation u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations.
T#is is t#e nature o* bod#isattas. T#ese %<ra$Ds $ust be
*ul*illed *or t#e attain$ent o* >$nis(ient Knowledge
BsabbaTTuta-T<@aC. 4ut be*ore #is %<ra$Ds #ad $atured)
t#at is) *ro$ t#e ti$e o* #is de*inite %ro%#e(y till #is
birt# as Prin(e Sidd#att#a) our bod#isatta was so$eti$es
reborn in t#e ani$al kingdo$ be(ause o* %re3ious
unw#oleso$e ka$$a. T#e li3es as a b#ikk#u) and
t#e li3es as an ani$al were) #owe3er) 3ery *ar a%art.
T#is is t#e (ourse o* a bod#isatta.
B!C So$e (#ie* dis(i%le ara#ants) like Venerable
S<ri%utta and t#e Venerable Ma#<$oggall<na) #ad
also re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(yQ t#ey re(ei3ed it
*ro$ Ano$adassD 4udd#a. 4ut *ro$ t#en till t#e ti$e
o* our 4udd#a) t#ey too were so$eti$es reborn in t#e
ani$al kingdo$ be(ause o* unw#oleso$e ka$$a)
and so$eti$es toget#er wit# our bod#isatta. 'n our
4udd#a&s ti$e t#ey be(a$e ara#ants %ossessed o* t#e
+our Analyti(al Knowledges. T#is ty%e o* ara#ants
$ust #a3e been skil*ul in Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< u% to
t#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations)
in ti$es o* %re3ious 4udd#asQ t#is is a law o* nature.
4ut) alt#oug# t#ey #ad %ra(tised Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<
in $any %re3ious li3es) t#ey were so$eti$es reborn in
t#e ani$al kingdo$ toget#er wit# our bod#isatta. T#is
is t#e (ourse o* a (#ie* or great dis(i%le.
B3C As *or ordinary dis(i%lesQ i* t#ey #a3e %ra(tised
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< t#oroug#ly u% to t#e Knowledge
o* -ause and -ondition B%a((aya-%arigga#a-T<@aC or t#e
Knowledge o* Arising and Passing-Away Budayabbaya-
T<@aC) or t#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations)
t#ey will not be reborn on one o* t#e *our woe*ul
%lanes Ba%<yaC a*ter deat#) e3en t#oug# t#ey $ay not
#a3e attained Pat# and +ruition in t#is li*e. T#ey $ay)
#owe3er) be reborn in a de3a real$ like) *or eHa$%le)
Sa$a@a-de3a%utta.
Sa$a@a-de3a%utta was a b#ikk#u w#o %ra(tised
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< earnestly. 1e died w#ile %ra(tising)
and was reborn in t#e de3a real$. 1e did not know #e
#ad died) so #e (ontinued $editating in #is $ansion in
t#e de3a real$. W#en t#e *e$ale de3as in #is $ansion
saw #i$) t#ey realiKed #e $ust #a3e been a b#ikk#u
in #is %re3ious li*e) so t#ey %ut a $irror in *ront o* #i$)
and $ade a noise. 1e o%ened #is eyes) and saw #is
i$age in t#e $irror. 1e was 3ery disa%%ointed) be(ause
#e did not want to be a de3aQ #e wanted only ibb<na.
So i$$ediately #e went down to t#e 4udd#a
to listen to t#e ,#a$$a. T#e 4udd#a was tea(#ing
t#e ,#a$$a related to t#e +our oble Trut#s. A*ter
#a3ing listened to it) #e attained Strea$-/ntry Pat#
Knowledge Bsot<%atti-$aggaT<@aC and Strea$-/ntry
+ruition Knowledge Bsot<%atti-%#alaT<@aC. T#is is eH%lained
in t#e -o$$entary asN OPladd#ass<so ladd#a%atiSS#o
niyatagatiko (GMasot<%anno n<$a #oti&N #e #as *ound
relie*) #e #as *ound a se(ure %la(e) #e #as a sure) good
destination) so #e is (alled a Aesser Strea$-/nterer
B(GMasot<%annaC.&
+our t#ings (an #a%%en to one w#o #as be(o$e a
Aesser Strea$-/nterer w#ile in t#e #u$an real$.
'n t#e Sot<nugata Sutta) t#e 4udd#a taug#t w#i(# *ourN
0. As soon as #e attains rebirt# in t#e de3a real$)
i* #e re*le(ts on t#e ,#a$$a) t#en t#e ,#a$$a
will be (lear to #is insig#t-knowledge) and #e (an
attain ibb<na Fui(kly.
!. '* #e does not attain ibb<na by re*le(ting on t#e
,#a$$a wit# insig#t-knowledge) #e (an attain
ibb<na w#ile listening to t#e ,#a$$a in t#e
de3a real$ as taug#t by a b#ikk#u w#o #as %sy(#i(
%owers) and #as (o$e to t#e de3a real$ to
tea(# it.
3. '* #e does not get t#e (#an(e to listen to t#e
,#a$$a *ro$ a 4#ikk#u) #e $ay get t#e (#an(e
to listen to it *ro$ ,#a$$a-tea(#ing de3as
B,#a$$a-kat#ika-de3aC) like SanaJku$<ra 4ra#$<)
et(.) and attain ibb<na by listening to t#e$.
5. '* #e does not get t#e (#an(e to listen to t#e ,#a$$a
*ro$ ,#a$$a-tea(#ing de3as) #e $ay get t#e
(#an(e to $eet *riends w#o were *ellow $editators
in #is %ast #u$an li*e in a dis%ensation. T#ose
*ellow $editators $ay say) *or eHa$%leN O># *riend)
%lease re$e$ber t#is and t#at ,#a$$a w#i(# we
%ra(tised as b#ikk#us in t#e #u$an world.& 1e $ay
t#en re$e$ber t#e ,#a$$a) and i* #e %ra(tises
Vi%assan<) #e (an attain ibb<na 3ery Fui(kly.
So *or an ordinary dis(i%le) i* #e does not attain %at#
and *ruition in t#is li*e) #e will (ertainly attain ibb<na
in t#e *uture.
At t#e ti$e o* deat#) a $editator $ay not #a3e
strong Vi%assan< or Sa$at#a) but be(ause o* t#e %ower*ul
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< $editation w#oleso$e ka$$a)
a good ni$itta a%%ears at #is $ind door. ,eat# $ay
take %la(e wit# t#at good ni$itta as ob?e(t) and be(ause
o* t#is w#oleso$e ka$$a) #e will de*initely rea(# a
good %la(e) and (an in t#at li*e attain ibb<na.
1owe3er) i* #e %ra(tises Vi%assan< u% to t#e
$o$ents o* t#e near-deat# i$%ulsion B$ara@<sanna-
?a3anaC) #e will be o* t#e *irst ty%e o* %erson $entioned in
t#e Sot<nugata Sutta. >t#erwise #e $ay) as ' eH%lained
be*ore) be o* t#e se(ond) t#ird or *ourt# ty%e o* %erson
also $entioned in t#e Sot<nugata Sutta.
Question 5.5N -an a $editator w#o #as *inis#ed
t#e (ourse) but not yet attained ibb<na) attain t#e
Knowledge o* t#e Relations o* P#eno$ena Bd#a$$aSS#iti-
T<@aC6 '* so) (an it regress6
Answer 5.5N 2es) #e (an. OPubbe k#o SusD$a d#a$$aS-
S#itiT<@aR %a((#< nibb<ne T<@aR.&N OT#e Knowledge
o* t#e Relations o* P#eno$ena Bd#a$$aSS#iti-T<@aC
(o$es *irst) t#e Pat# Knowledge taking ibb<na as
ob?e(t (o$es neHt.& T#is was t#e 4udd#a&s instru(tion
to SusD$a. SusD$a was a wanderer B%aribb<?akaC) w#o
ordained to Osteal& t#e ,#a$$a. 4ut t#e 4udd#a saw
t#at #e would attain ibb<na wit#in a *ew days) so 1e
a((e%ted #i$.
SusD$a #ad #eard t#at $any ara#ants (a$e to t#e
4udd#a) and re%orted t#at t#ey #ad attained ara#ants#i%.
So SusD$a asked t#e$ w#et#er t#ey #ad t#e eig#t
attain$ents and *i3e %sy(#i( %owers. T#ey answered
Oo&. O'* you do not #a3e t#e eig#t attain$ents and *i3e
%sy(#i( %owers) #ow did you attain ara#ants#i%6& T#en
t#ey answered OPaTT<3i$utt< k#o $ayaR <3uso SusD$a&N
O>#) *riend SusD$a) we are *ree *ro$ de*ile$ents) and
attained ara#ants#i% by t#e %ure-insig#t 3e#i(le Bsudd#a-
3i%assan<-y<nikaC.& 1e did not understand so #e asked
t#e 4udd#a t#e sa$e Fuestion. T#e 4udd#a said) OPubbe
k#o SusD$a d#a$$aSS#itiT<@aR %a((#< nibb<ne T<@aR.&N
OT#e Knowledge o* t#e Relations o* P#eno$ena (o$es
*irst) t#e Pat# Knowledge taking ibb<na as ob?e(t
(o$es neHt.&
W#at does t#is $ean6 T#e Pat# Knowledge is
not t#e result o* t#e eig#t attain$ents and *i3e %sy(#i(
%owers) it is t#e result o* insig#t-knowledges. So t#e Pat#
Knowledge (an o((ur only a*ter insig#t-knowledges
#a3e o((urredQ not a*ter only t#e eig#t attain$ents
and *i3e %sy(#i( %owers. 'n t#is SusD$a Sutta) all
insig#t-knowledges are re*erred to as t#e Knowledge
o* t#e Relations o* P#eno$ena. T#e Knowledge o* t#e
Relations o* P#eno$ena is t#e insig#t-knowledge o*
t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering and non-sel* nature o*
all *or$ations) (onditioned t#ings BsaJk#<ra-d#a$$aC)
w#i(# are $entality) $ateriality) and t#eir (auses. T#is
is #ow t#e Knowledge o* t#e Relations o* P#eno$ena
is *irst) and t#e Pat# Knowledge w#i(# takes ibb<na
as ob?e(t is se(ond.
A*terwards) t#e 4udd#a ga3e a Tea(#ing on t#e
T#ree Rounds8 Bte%ari3aSSad#a$$a-desan<C w#i(# is
like t#e Anattalakk#a@a Sutta) t#e ,is(ourse on t#e
-#ara(teristi( o* on-sel*. W#en t#e dis(ourse was
*inis#ed SusD$a attained ara#ants#i%) e3en t#oug#
#e did not #a3e t#e eig#t attain$ents or *i3e %sy(#i(
%owers. 1e too be(a$e a %ure-insig#t 3e#i(le %erson.
At t#at ti$e #e understood (learly t#e $eaning o* t#e
4udd#a&s dis(ourse.
'* a $editator attains t#is knowledge) t#at is)
t#e Knowledge o* t#e Relations o* P#eno$ena) t#en
alt#oug# #e does not attain ibb<na in t#is li*e)
#is insig#t-knowledge will not de(rease. 1is latent
Vi%assan< ka$$i( *or(e is still %ower*ul. '* #e is an
ordinary dis(i%le) #e $ay attain ibb<na in #is (o$ing
*uture li*e.
8. T#e t#ree rounds re*er to t#e (#ara(teristi(s o* i$%er-
$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel*.
Question 5.7N -an one attain su%ra$undane states wit#
only a((ess (on(entration6
Answer 5.7N 2es) one (an. At a((ess (on(entration t#ere
is also brig#t) brilliant and radiant lig#t. Wit# t#at lig#t)
one (an dis(ern kal<%as) ulti$ate $ateriality) ulti$ate
$entality) and t#eir (auses. >ne (an t#en (ontinue wit#
Vi%assan< $editation stage by stage.
Question 5.8N -an one wit# only $o$entary (on(entration
Bk#a@ika-sa$<d#iC) %ra(tise $ind*ulness o* *eeling
B3edan<nu-%assan<-sati%aSS#<naC to attain su%ra$undane
states6
Answer 5.8N 1ere we need to de*ine $o$entary
(on(entration. W#at is $o$entary (on(entration6 T#ere
are two ty%es o* $o$entary (on(entrationN $o$entary
(on(entration in Sa$at#a $editation) and $o$entary (on-
(entration in Vi%assan< $editation. 'n Sa$at#a $editation
t#ere are t#ree ty%es o* (on(entrationN $o$entary
(on(entration Ba ty%e o* %re%aratory (on(entrationC)
a((ess (on(entration) and absor%tion (on(entration. T#e
$o$entary (on(entration re*ers in %arti(ular to t#e (on(entration
w#i(# takes a %aSib#<ga-ni$itta as ob?e(t) like
t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta. T#is is t#e (on(entration
be*ore a((ess (on(entration. T#is is *or a serenity 3e#i(le
%erson Bsa$at#a-y<nikaC.
T#ere is anot#er ty%e o* $o$entary (on(entration
*or a %ure-insig#t 3e#i(le %erson Bsudd#a-3i%assan<-
y<nikaC). A %ure-insig#t 3e#i(le %erson $ust begin usually
wit# t#e *our-ele$ents $editation to attain a((ess
(on(entration or $o$entary (on(entration) and see
t#e kal<%as) and t#e *our ele$ents in ea(# kal<%a. T#e
Visudd#i$agga says t#is is a((ess (on(entration. 4ut t#e
sub-(o$$entary to t#e Visudd#i$agga says it is not real
a((ess (on(entration) but only a $eta%#or) be(ause real
a((ess (on(entration is (lose to ?#<na (on(entration.
'* a $editator %ra(tises t#e *our-ele$ents $editation)
#e will not attain ?#<na) be(ause to see t#e *our ele$ents
in ea(# kal<%a is 3ery di**i(ult. >ne (annot (on(entrate
t#oroug#ly on t#e *our ele$ents in ea(# kal<%a)
be(ause t#e kal<%as %ass away as soon as t#ey arise. So
one (annot (on(entrate dee%ly. T#e *our ele$ents in
ea(# kal<%a are ulti$ate $ateriality B%ara$att#a-rG%aC.
't is dee% and %ro*ound and not easy to see t#e$ (learly
wit# insu**i(ient (on(entration. So t#e *our-ele$ents
$editation does not %rodu(e ?#<na. 4e(ause o* t#is) t#e
a((ess (on(entration w#i(# takes t#e *our ele$ents in
ea(# kal<%a as ob?e(t is not real a((ess (on(entration. 't
is in *a(t $o$entary (on(entration.
T#ere is also $o$entary (on(entration in
Vi%assan<. 't is dis(ussed in t#e se(tion on $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing o* t#e Visudd#i$agga. W#en #e wants to
%ra(tise Vi%assan<) a serenity 3e#i(le $editator w#o
#as attained <n<%<na ?#<na enters t#e *irst ?#<na. T#is
is Sa$at#a. 1e e$erges *ro$ it) and dis(erns t#e
t#irty-*our $ental *or$ations o* t#e *irst ?#<na) and
t#en i$%er$anen(e) su**ering or non-sel* by seeing
t#e arising and %assing-away nature o* t#ose ?#<na
*or$ations B?#<na-d#a$$aC. 1e does t#e sa$e wit# t#e
se(ond ?#<na) et(.
At t#e ti$e o* dis(erning t#ere is still (on(entration.
1e (on(entrates on t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) or
non-sel* nature o* t#ose ?#<na *or$ations. 1is (on(entration
is at t#at ti$e dee% and %ro*ound) and does not
go to ot#er ob?e(ts. T#is is $o$entary (on(entration)
be(ause t#e ob?e(t is $o$entaryQ as soon as it arises) it
%asses away.
'n t#e sa$e way) w#en a $editator is %ra(tising
Vi%assan< to see eit#er t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) or
non-sel* nature o* ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality and
t#eir (auses) t#en usually #is $ind does not lea3e t#e
ob?e(t. 1is $ind #as sunk into one o* t#e (#ara(teristi(s.
T#is is also (alled $o$entary (on(entration.
1ere you s#ould know t#at Vi%assan< $o$entary
(on(entration is seeing t#oroug#ly t#e i$%er$anent)
su**ering) and non-sel* nature o* ulti$ate $entality-
$ateriality and t#eir (auses. Wit#out seeing ulti$ate
$entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses) #ow (an t#ere
be Vi%assan< $o$entary (on(entration. 't is i$%ossible.
So) i* a $editator (an see ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality
and t#eir (auses t#oroug#ly and (learly) wit#out #a3ing
done any Sa$at#a $editation) it is o* (ourse not ne(essary
*or #i$ to %ra(tise Sa$at#a $editation. 4ut i*
#e (annot see ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality and t#eir
(auses) #e s#ould (ulti3ate one o* t#e Sa$at#a $editation
sub?e(ts) to de3elo% su**i(ient (on(entration to be
able to do so.
'n t#e K#and#a SaRyutta and Sa((a SaRyutta
t#e 4udd#a also saidN OSa$<d#iR b#ikk#a3e b#<3et#a)
sa$<#ito b#ikk#a3e b#ikk#u yat#<b#GtaR %a?<n<ti.&N
O4#ikk#us) you s#ould (ulti3ate (on(entration. Wit#
enoug# (on(entration) you will be able to see ulti$ate
$entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses as t#ey really
are.& T#en you will be able to see t#e *i3e aggregates
and t#eir (auses. 2ou will be able to see t#eir nature
o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel*. 2ou will be
able to see t#eir (essation at t#e ti$e o* t#e ara#ant %at#
and Parinibb<na.
So) to know t#e *i3e aggregates) t#eir (auses and
(essation) one s#ould (ulti3ate (on(entration. 'n t#e
sa$e way) to know t#e +our oble Trut#s one s#ould
(ulti3ate (on(entration. T#at is stated in t#e Sa((a
SaRyutta.
'* a $editator wants to dis(ern only *eeling) #e
s#ould be aware o* t#e *ollowing *a(tsN OSabbaR b#ikk#a3e
anab#i?<naR a%ari-?<naR a3ir<?ayaR a%%a?a#aR ab#abbo
dukk#akk#ay<ya PBPCP SabbaT(a k#o b#ikk#a3e ab#i?<naR
%ari?<naR 3ir<?ayaR %a?a#aR b#abbo dukk#akk#ay<ya.&N
O4#ikk#us) i* a b#ikk#u does not know all $entality)
$ateriality) and t#eir (auses wit# t#e t#ree ty%es o*
*ull-understanding B%ariTT<C) #e (annot attain ibb<na.
>nly t#ose w#o know t#e$ wit# t#e t#ree ty%es o*
*ull understanding (an attain ibb<na.& T#is is *ro$
t#e A%ari?<nana Sutta Bot +ully EnderstandC in t#e
SaM<yatana Vagga BSe(tion on t#e SiH Sense-4asesC o*
t#e SaRyutta ik<ya BKindred ,is(oursesC.
'n t#e sa$e way) it is taug#t in t#e KGt<g<ra
Sutta in t#e Sa((a Vagga t#at) wit#out knowing t#e
+our oble Trut#s wit# insig#t-knowledge and Pat#
Knowledge) one (annot rea(# t#e end o* t#e round
o* rebirt#s BsaRs<raC. So i* a $editator wants to attain
ibb<na) #e $ust try to know all $entality) $ateriality)
and t#eir (auses wit# t#e t#ree ty%es o* *ull-
understanding.
W#at are t#e t#ree ty%es o* *ull understanding6
T#ey areN
0. T#e +ull-Enderstanding as t#e Known BT<ta-
%ariTT<C) t#is is t#e Knowledge o* Analysing
Mentality-$ateriality Bn<$arG%a-%ari((#eda-T<@aC
and Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and -ondition
B%a((aya-%arigga#a-T<@aC. T#ey are t#e
insig#t-knowledges w#i(# know all ulti$ate
$entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses.
!. T#e +ull-Enderstanding as 'n3estigation BtDra@a-
%ariTT<C) t#is is t#e Knowledge o* -o$%re#ension
Bsa$$asana-T<@aC and Knowledge o* Arising
and Passing-Away Budayabbaya-T<@aC. T#ese
two 'nsig#t-knowledges (o$%re#end (learly t#e
i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel* nature o*
ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses.
3. T#e +ull-Enderstanding as Abandoning B%a#<na-
%ariTT<C) t#is is t#e u%%er insig#t-knowledges *ro$
t#e Knowledge o* ,issolution Bb#aJga-T<@aC to t#e
Pat# Knowledge.
T#e tea(#ing in t#ose two suttas) t#e A%ari?<nana Sutta
and KGt<g<ra Sutta) is 3ery i$%ortant. So) i* a $editator
wants to %ra(tise Vi%assan< beginning wit# $ind*ulness
o* *eeling) #e s#ould re$e$ber t#e *ollowingN 1e
$ust #a3e dis(erned ulti$ate $aterialityQ ,is(erning
*eeling alone is not enoug#. 1e $ust also dis(ern t#e
$ental *or$ations asso(iated wit# *eeling in t#e siH-
door t#oug#t-%ro(esses.
W#y6 T#e 4udd#a said t#at i* a b#ikk#u does not
know all $entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses wit#
t#e t#ree ty%es o* *ull-understanding) #e (annot attain
ibb<na. T#ere*ore) it is not enoug# i* a $editator
tries to dis(ern *eeling alone) su(# as un%leasant *eeling
wit#out dis(erning ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality
t#oroug#ly. 1ere Onot enoug#& $eans #e will not attain
ibb<na.
Question 5.:N T#e 4udd#a was a great ara#ant. W#at
was t#e di**eren(e between 1i$) and dis(i%les like t#e
Venerable S<ri%utta and t#e Venerable Ma#<$oggall<na
w#o were also ara#ants6
Answer 5.:N A 4udd#a&s Ara#ant Pat# is always asso(iated
wit# >$nis(ient Knowledge BsabbaTTuta-T<@aC) but
t#is is not t#e (ase wit# Ara#ant Pat# o* dis(i%les. T#at
is) t#e /nlig#ten$ent o* a -#ie* ,is(i%le Baggas<3aka-
bod#iC) t#e /nlig#ten$ent o* a Lreat ,is(i%le B$a#<s<3aka-
bod#iC) or t#e /nlig#ten$ent o* an >rdinary ,is(i%le
B%akatis<3aka-bod#iC. T#ey are so$eti$es asso(iated wit#
t#e +our Analyti(al Knowledges B%aSisa$b#id<-T<@aCQ
so$eti$es wit# t#e SiH ,ire(t Knowledges Bab#iTT<CQ
so$eti$es t#e t#ree ,ire(t KnowledgesQ or are so$eti$es
a %ure Ara#ant Pat#) but are not asso(iated wit#
>$nis(ient Knowledge BsabbaTTuta-T<@aC. +or eHa$%le)
Venerable S<ri%utta&s and Ma#<$oggall<na&s Ara#ant
Pat#s were not asso(iated wit# >$nis(ient Knowledge.
T#e 4udd#a&s Ara#ant Pat#) on t#e ot#er #and) is not
only asso(iated wit# >$nis(ient Knowledge) but also
all t#e ot#er knowledges as well as all t#e 4udd#a&s
Fualities.
Anot#er t#ing is t#at 4udd#as #a3e) be(ause o*
t#eir $atured %<ra$Ds) attained t#e Pat#) +ruition)
and >$nis(ient Knowledges by t#e$sel3es) wit#out
a tea(#er. 4ut a dis(i%le (an only attain t#e Pat# and
+ruition Knowledges by listening to ,#a$$a related
to t#e +our oble Trut#s *ro$ a 4udd#a) or a 4udd#a&s
dis(i%le. T#ey (annot %ra(tise by t#e$sel3es) wit#out
a tea(#er. T#ese are t#e di**eren(es.
Question 5..N W#at is t#e Ointer$ediate li*e& Bantara-
b#a3aC6
Answer 5..N A((ording to t#e T#era3<da PiSaka t#ere
is no su(# t#ing as an inter$ediate li*e Bantara-b#a3aC.
4etween a deat#-(ons(iousness B(uti-(ittaC and its subseFuent
rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness B%aSisand#i-(ittaC)
t#ere are no t#oug#t $o$ents) or anyt#ing rese$bling an
inter$ediate li*e. '* a %erson were to rea(# t#e de3a world
a*ter deat#) t#en between #is deat#-(ons(iousnessand
t#e de3a&s rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness)
t#ere would be no t#oug#t $o$ent or anyt#ing like
an inter$ediate li*e. As soon as deat# takes %la(e) t#e
de3a rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness o((urs. 'n t#e sa$e
way) i* a %erson were to rea(# #ell a*ter deat#) t#en between
#is deat#-(ons(iousness and t#e rebirt#-linking
(ons(iousness in #ell) t#ere would be no su(# t#ing as
an inter$ediate li*e. 1e would go to #ell dire(tly a*ter
deat#.
T#e idea o* an inter$ediate li*e usually arises
w#en so$eone dies) in#abits t#e %eta world *or a
s#ort ti$e) and is t#en reborn as a #u$an being again.
T#ey $ay t#ink t#eir %eta li*e was so$et#ing like an
inter$ediate li*e) e3en t#oug# it was) in *a(t) not#ing
like an inter$ediate li*e. W#at really #a%%ened is t#isN
a*ter t#e #u$an deat#-(ons(iousness) t#e %eta rebirt#-
linking (ons(iousness o((urredQ a*ter t#e %eta deat#-
(ons(iousness) a #u$an rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness
o((urred again. T#e %erson su**ered in t#e %eta world
*or only a s#ort ti$e) be(ause o* #is unw#oleso$e
ka$$a. W#en t#e ka$$i( *or(e o* t#at unw#oleso$e
ka$$a *inis#ed) #e took a #u$an rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness
again) be(ause o* w#oleso$e ka$$a w#i(#
$atured.
T#at s#ort li*e in t#e %eta world is $istaken *or an
inter$ediate li*e) by t#ose w#o (annot see t#e reality
o* t#e round o* rebirt#s or de%endent-origination. '*
t#ey (ould dis(ern de%endent-origination wit# insig#t-
knowledge) t#en t#is $isbelie* would disa%%ear. So
' would like to suggest t#at you dis(ern de%endent-
origination wit# your own insig#t-knowledge. T#en
t#e Fuestion about an inter$ediate li*e will disa%%ear
*ro$ your $ind.
Question 5.9N Are t#e $et#ods *or $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing and *our-ele$ents $editation t#e sa$e6 W#y
$ust we %ra(tise *our-ele$ents $editation only a*ter
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing6
Answer 5.9N o) t#e $et#ods are not t#e sa$e.
'* you want to %ra(tise Vi%assan<) you $ust *irst
dis(ern $ateriality and $entality. Se(ondly) you $ust
dis(ern t#eir (auses. To dis(ern $ateriality) you $ust
%ra(tise *our-ele$ents $editation. 'n Vi%assan< t#ere
are two ty%es o* $editationN dis(ern$ent o* $ateriality
and dis(ern$ent o* $entality.
W#en t#e 4udd#a taug#t dis(ern$ent o* $ateriality)
#e always taug#t *our-ele$ents $editation) eit#er in
brie* or in detail. So i* you want to dis(ern $ateriality)
you $ust %ra(tise a((ording to t#e 4udd#a&s instru(tions.
't is better to %ra(tise *our-ele$ents $editation
wit# dee% (on(entration like t#e *ourt# <n<%<na ?#<na)
be(ause it #el%s us see ulti$ate $ateriality) ulti$ate
$entality) and t#eir (auses (learly.
4ut i* you do not want to %ra(tise Sa$at#a $editation
like $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) you (an %ra(tise
t#e *our-ele$ents $editation dire(tlyQ no %roble$. We
dis(ussed t#is in a %re3ious Fuestion.
Question 5.0"N -ould t#e Sayadaw %lease eH%lain t#e
lig#t eH%erien(ed in $editation s(ienti*i(ally6
Answer 5.0"N W#at is t#e lig#t seen in $editation6 /3ery
(ons(iousness B(ittaC w#i(# arises de%endent u%on
t#e #eart-base B#adaya-3att#uC %rodu(es (ons(iousness-
%rodu(ed $ateriality B(itta?a-rG%aC) also (alled kal<%as. >ne
(ons(iousness %rodu(es $any (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed
kal<%as. >* t#e #eart-base-de%endent (ons(iousnesses)
Sa$at#a $editation-(ons(iousnesses Bsa$at#a-b#<3an<-
(ittaC and Vi%assan< $editation-(ons(iousnesses B3i%assan<-
b#<3an<-(ittaC are 3ery strong and %ower*ulQ t#ey %rodu(e
3ery $any kal<%as. W#en we analyse t#ose kal<%as) we
*ind t#ere are eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality. T#ey areN eart#-
ele$ent) water-ele$ent) *ire-ele$ent) air-ele$ent) (olour)
odour) *la3our) and nutriti3e-essen(e. T#e $ateriality o*
(olour is brig#t. '* t#e Sa$at#a and Vi%assan< $editation-
(ons(iousnesses are $ore %ower*ul t#e (olour is brig#ter.
4e(ause kal<%as arise si$ultaneously as well as su((es
si3ely) t#e (olour o* one kal<%a and t#e (olour o* anot#er
kal<%a arise (losely toget#er like in an ele(tri( bulb) w#i(#
is w#y lig#t a%%ears.
Again) in ea(# kal<%a %rodu(ed by t#e Sa$at#a
and Vi%assan< $editation-(ons(iousnesses t#ere is t#e
*ire-ele$ent) w#i(# also %rodu(es $any new kal<%as.
T#ey are (alled te$%erature-%rodu(ed $ateriality) be(ause
t#ey are %rodu(ed by t#e *ire-ele$ent) w#i(# is
te$%erature ButuC. T#is o((urs not only internally but
also eHternally. W#en we analyse t#ese kal<%as we
*ind t#ere are t#e sa$e eig#t ty%es o* $aterialityN t#e
eart#-ele$ent) water-ele$ent) *ire-ele$ent) air-ele$ent)
(olour) odour) *la3our) and nutriti3e-essen(e. -olour is
again one o* t#e$. 4e(ause o* t#e %ower o* t#e Sa$at#a
and Vi%assan< $editation-(ons(iousnesses) t#at (olour
is also brig#t. So t#e brig#tness o* one (olour) and t#e
brig#tness o* anot#er (olour arise (losely toget#er) like
in an ele(tri( bulb.
T#e lig#t o* (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed $ateriality
and te$%erature-%rodu(ed $ateriality a%%ear si$ultaneously.
-ons(iousness-%rodu(ed (olour-$ateriality
arises internally only) but te$%erature-%rodu(ed
(olour-$ateriality arises bot# internally and eHternally
and s%reads in all dire(tions u% to t#e w#ole world
syste$ or uni3erse B(akka3alaC or *art#er) de%ending on
t#e %ower o* t#e Sa$at#a and Vi%assan< $editation-
(ons(iousnesses. A 4udd#a&s Knowledge o* Analysing
Mentality-$ateriality %rodu(es lig#t in u% to ten
t#ousand world syste$s. T#e Venerable Anurudd#a&s
di3ine-eye (ons(iousness Bdibba-(akk#u-(ittaC %rodu(ed
lig#t in u% to one t#ousand world syste$s. >t#er dis(i
%les& insig#t-knowledge %rodu(es lig#t going u% to one
league Byo?anaC) two leagues) et(.) in e3ery dire(tion de%ending
on t#e %ower o* t#eir Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<
$editation-(ons(iousnesses.
Esually $any $editators realiKe t#at t#is lig#t
is a grou% o* kal<%as) w#en t#ey #a3e rea(#ed t#e
Knowledge o* Arising and Passing-Away. W#ile %ra(tising
Sa$at#a $editation) t#ey do not yet understand
t#at t#is lig#t is a grou% o* kal<%as) be(ause t#e kal<%as
are 3ery subtle. 't is not easy to understand) and see
t#e kal<%as w#en %ra(tising only Sa$at#a $editation.
'* you want to know wit# (ertainty you s#ould try to
a(Fuire t#e Knowledge o* Arising and Passing-Away.
T#at is t#e $ost s(ienti*i( way to understand t#e lig#t
eH%erien(ed in $editation.
Question 5.00N -an t#ose w#o #a3e dis(erned t#e t#irty-
two %arts o* t#e body see t#e internal %arts in so$eone
else) wit# t#eir eyes o%en6
Answer 5.00N 't de%ends. 4eginners (an wit# t#eir
eyes o%en only see t#e eHternal %arts. T#ey (an see t#e
internal %arts only wit# t#eir insig#t-knowledge eyes.
'* you want to know t#is s(ienti*i(ally) %lease try to see
it yoursel* wit# your insig#t-knowledge.
A Ma#<t#era) #owe3er) $ay be(ause o* %re3ious
%ra(ti(e) be able to see t#e skeleton wit# #is eyes o%en)
like t#e Venerable Ma#< Tissa) w#o was an eH%ert
in skeleton-$editation. 1e always %ra(tised internal
skeleton-$editation as re%ulsi3eness u% to t#e *irst
?#<na) and t#en Vi%assan<. 1e dis(erned $entality-
$ateriality) t#eir (auses) and nature o* i$%er$anen(e)
su**ering) and non-sel*. T#is was #is usual %ra(ti(e.
>ne day #e went *or al$s B%i@]a%<taC) *ro$
Anuradd#a%ura to Ma#<g<$a 3illage. >n t#e way) #e
$et a wo$an w#o tried to attra(t #is attention wit# loud
laug#ter. W#en #e #eard t#e sound #e looked #er way)
saw only #er teet#) and t#en used t#e$ *or skeleton-
$editation. 4e(ause o* #is %re3ious (onstant %ra(ti(e #e
saw #er as a skeleton) and not as a wo$an. 1e saw only
a skeleton. T#en #e (on(entrated on #is own skeleton)
attained t#e *irst ?#<na) and %ra(tised Vi%assan< Fui(kly.
1e attained t#e ara#ant %at# standing in t#e road.
T#e wo$an #ad Fuarrelled wit# #er #usband)
and le*t #o$e to go to #er %arents& #ouse. 1er #usband
*ollowed #er) and also $et Ma#< Tissa Ma#<t#era.
1e asked #i$) O4#ante) did you see a wo$an go t#is
way6& T#e Ma#<t#era answered) O>#) lay-su%%orter
Bd<yakaC) ' saw neit#er $an nor wo$an) ' saw only a
skeleton going t#is way.& T#is story is $entioned in t#e
Visudd#i$agga in t#e Virtue -#a%ter.
T#is is an eHa$%le o* #ow a b#ikk#u w#o #as) like
Ma#< Tissa Ma#<t#era) %ra(tised skeleton-$editation
t#oroug#ly $ay be able to see anot#er&s skeleton wit#
#is eyes o%en.
Talk 7
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Mentality
'ntrodu(tion
'n $y last talk) ' eH%lained #ow to de3elo% *our-
ele$ents $editation) and also #ow to analyse t#e %arti(les
o* $ateriality (alled OrG%a kal<%as&. 'n t#is talk)
' would like to eH%lain a little about #ow to dis(ern
$entality Bn<$a-ka$$aSS#<naC) w#i(# is t#e neHt stage
in Vi%assan< $editation.
Aet $e begin by eH%laining brie*ly t#e basi( *a(ts
o* Ab#id#a$$a ne(essary to understand t#e dis(ern$ent
o* $entality.
As eH%lained in t#e Ab#id#a$$a) t#e $ind (onsists
o* a (ons(iousness B(ittaC w#i(# knows its ob?e(t)
and $ental-(on(o$itants B(etasikaC w#i(# arise wit#
t#at (ons(iousness. T#ere are *i*ty-two su(# $ental-
(on(o$itants) *or eHa$%leN (onta(t B%#assaC) *eeling
B3edan<C) %er(e%tion BsaTT<C) intention B(etan<C) one-
%ointedness Bekaggat<C) li*e-*a(ulty B?D3itindriyaC) and
attention B$anasik<raC.
T#ere are a total o* eig#ty-nine ty%es o* (ons(iousness)
w#i(# (an be (lassi*ied a((ording to w#et#er t#ey
are w#oleso$e) unw#oleso$e) or indeter$inate) or
a((ording to t#eir %lane o* eHisten(e) t#e sensual %lane
Bk<$<3a(araC) *ine-$aterial %lane BrG%<3a(araC) i$$aterial
%lane BarG%<3a(araC) or su%ra$undane %lane Blokuttar<C.
We $ay) #owe3er) s%eak o* ?ust two basi( ty%es
o* (ons(iousnessN t#e (ons(iousness o* t#e t#oug#t-
%ro(ess B(itta3Dt#iC and) t#e (ons(iousness outside t#e
t#oug#t-%ro(ess B3Dt#i-$uttaC) as at rebirt#) b#a3aJga)
and deat#.
T#ere are siH ty%es o* t#oug#t-%ro(ess. T#e *irst
*i3e are t#e eye-door-) ear-door-) nose-door-) tongue-
door-) and body-door t#oug#t-%ro(esses) w#ose res%e(ti3e
ob?e(ts are 3isible *or$s) sounds) s$ells) tastes)
and tangibles. T#ey are toget#er (alled t#e O*i3e-door
t#oug#t-%ro(ess& B%aT(ad3<ra-3Dt#iC. T#e siHt# ty%e o*
t#oug#t-%ro(ess #as $ental ob?e(ts as its ob?e(ts and
is (alled t#e O$ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess& B$anod3<ra-
3Dt#iC. /a(# t#oug#t-%ro(ess (o$%rises a series o* di**erent
ty%es o* (ons(iousness. T#e (ons(iousnesses in
any one t#oug#t-%ro(ess o((ur in due order a((ording
to t#e Onatural order o* (ons(iousness& B(ittaniy<$aC. '*
you want to dis(ern $entality) you $ust see t#e$ as
t#ey o((ur in t#at natural order.
To do so) you $ust *irst #a3e de3elo%ed (on(entration
wit# eit#er $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) anot#er
Sa$at#a $editation sub?e(t) or t#e *our-ele$ents $editation.
2ou $ust also #a3e *inis#ed t#e dis(ern$ent o*
$ateriality BrG%a-ka$$aSS#<naC i* you are a %ure-insig#t
$editator. >nly t#en s#ould you atte$%t to dis(ern
$entality Bn<$a-ka$$aSS#<naC.
Mentality is dis(erned in *our stages. T#ey are to
dis(ernN
0. All t#e ty%es o* (ons(iousness t#at o((ur internally.
!. /a(# and e3ery $ental *or$ation in all t#e ty%es
o* (ons(iousness.
3. T#e seFuen(es o* (ons(iousnesses) t#at is) t#e
t#oug#t-%ro(esses B3Dt#iC) t#at o((ur at t#e siH
sense-doors.
5. /Hternal $entality.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern ;#<na T#oug#t-Pro(esses
'* you #a3e attained ?#<na wit#) *or eHa$%le) $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing) t#en t#e best %la(e to start to dis(ern $entality
is t#e (ons(iousness and $ental-(on(o$itants o*
t#at ?#<na.
T#ere are two reasons *or t#is. T#e *irst reason
is t#at w#en de3elo%ing ?#<na) you dis(erned t#e *i3e
?#<na *a(tors) w#i(# $eans you #a3e so$e eH%erien(e
in dis(erning t#ose $ental-(on(o$itants. T#e se(ond
reason is t#at t#e ?#<na i$%ulsion-(ons(iousnesses
B?#<na-?a3ana-(ittaC o((ur $any ti$es in su((ession) and
are t#ere*ore %ro$inent) and easy to dis(ern. T#is is
in (ontrast to a nor$al sensual %lane t#oug#t-%ro(ess
Bk<$<3a(ara-3Dt#iC) in w#i(# i$%ulsion B?a3anaC o((urs
only se3en ti$es be*ore a new t#oug#t-%ro(ess takes
its %la(e.
So re-establis# t#e *irst ?#<na wit#) *or eHa$%le)
<n<%<na. /$erge *ro$ it and dis(ern t#e b#a3aJga)
$ind-door) and <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta toget#er.
W#en t#e ni$itta a%%ears in t#e b#a3aJga) dis(ern
t#e *i3e ?#<na *a(tors.
0. A%%lied t#oug#t B3itakkaCN dire(ting and %la(ing
t#e $ind on t#e ob?e(t) t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta.
!. Sustained t#oug#t B3i(<raCN $aintaining t#e $ind
on t#e ob?e(t) t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
3. ;oy B%DtiCN liking *or t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
5. 4liss Bsuk#aCN #a%%iness about t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-
ni$itta.
7. >ne-%ointedness Bekaggat<CN one-%ointedness o*
$ind on t#e <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
Pra(tise until you (an dis(ern all *i3e at on(e in ea(#
*irst-?#<na i$%ulsion (ons(iousness B?a3ana-(ittaC. T#en
dis(ern ot#er $ental *or$ations) starting wit# eit#er
(ons(iousness B3iTT<@aC) (onta(t B%#assaC) or *eeling
B3edan<CQ w#i(#e3er is $ost %ro$inent. ,is(ern t#e
re$aining $ental *or$ations by adding one at a ti$eN
*irst one ty%e) t#en two) t#en t#ree) et(.) until e3entually
you see all t#irty-*our ty%es o* $ental *or$ation in ea(#
*irst-?#<na i$%ulsion (ons(iousness.
A*ter t#is) dis(ern all t#e ty%es o* $ental *or$ation
in ea(# and e3ery (ons(iousness) t#at o((urs in
a $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess B$anod3<ra-3Dt#iC) using
again t#e *irst ?#<na.
A $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess o* t#e *irst ?#<na
(onsists o* a seFuen(e o* siH ty%es o* (ons(iousnessN
T#e *irst is t#e $ind-door-ad3erting (ons(iousness
B$anod3<r<3a??anaC) wit# twel3e $ental *or$ations. T#e
re$aining *i3e) ea(# wit# t#irty-*our $ental *or$ations)
areN t#e %re%aratory (ons(iousness B%arika$$aCQ
t#e a((ess (ons(iousness Bu%a(<raCQ t#e (on*or$ity (ons(iousness
Banulo$aCQ t#e (#ange-o*-lineage (ons(iousness
Bgotrab#GCQ and *inally t#e uninterru%ted seFuen(e
o* ?#<na i$%ulsion (ons(iousnesses B?#<na-?a3ana-(ittaC.
To dis(ern t#ese) you $ust again re-establis# t#e
*irst ?#<na) su(# as t#e *irst <n<%<na-?#<na) e$erge
*ro$ it) and again dis(ern t#e b#a3aJga and <n<%<na
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta toget#er. W#en t#e ni$itta a%%ears
in t#e b#a3aJga) dis(ern t#e ?#<na $ind-door t#oug#t-
%ro(ess t#at ?ust o((ured. 2ou dis(errn ea(# o* t#e
di**erent (ons(iousnesses in t#e *irst-?#<na $ind-door
t#oug#t-%ro(ess) and t#eir twel3e or t#irty-*our ty%es
o* $ental *or$ation.
A*ter t#is) dis(ern t#e (#ara(teristi( (o$$on to
all $entality Bn<$aC) all t#irty-*our $ental *or$ations)
w#i(# is to bend towards and ad#ere to t#e ob?e(t.
2ou need to t#us dis(ern and analyse t#e $entality
o* also t#e se(ond) t#ird) and *ourt# <n<%<na-?#<nas)
as well as any ot#er ?#<na o* ot#er $editation sub?e(ts
w#i(# you are able to attain) *or eHa$%le) re%ulsi3eness)
w#ite kasi@a) and lo3ingkindness.
'*) #owe3er) you #a3e only a((ess (on(entration)
wit# *our-ele$ents $editation) you $ust begin your
dis(ern$ent o* $entality t#ereN you (annot dis(ern
t#e $entality o* a ?#<na (ons(iousness wit#out ?#<na.
'n t#at (ase) you $ust wit# *our-ele$ents $editation
re-establis# a((ess (on(entration) w#ere t#e trans%arent
*or$ o* your body s%arkles and e$its lig#t. A*ter
resting t#ere *or so$e ti$e) turn to Vi%assan<) wit# a
re*res#ed and (lear $ind and dis(ern t#e $entality o*
t#at (on(entration. 1a3ing now dis(erned t#e di**erent
t#oug#t-%ro(esses in all your %re3ious Sa$at#a %ra(ti(e)
be it a((ess or ?#ana (on(entration) you now $o3e on
to dis(ern t#e di**erent $ental *or$ations o* a t#oug#t-
%ro(ess o* t#e sensual %lane Bk<$<3a(ara-3Dt#iC.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Sensual Plane T#oug#t-Pro(esses
Wise and Enwise Attention
A t#oug#t-%ro(ess o* t#e sensual %lane is eit#er w#oleso$e
or unw#oleso$e. 't de%ends on wise attention
Byoniso-$anasik<raC or unwise attention Bayoniso-$anasik<raC.
Attention is t#e $ost i$%ortant *a(tor to deter$ine
w#et#er a sensual-%lane (ons(iousness is w#oleso$e or
unw#oleso$e.
'* you look at an ob?e(t and know it as $ateriality)
$entality) (ause or e**e(t) i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) non-
sel*) or re%ulsi3eness) t#en your attention is wise attention)
and t#e i$%ulsion (ons(iousness is w#oleso$e.
'* you look at an and see it as a (on(e%t) su(# as a
%erson) $an) wo$an) being) gold) sil3er) or %er$anen(e)
#a%%iness) or sel*) t#en your attention is unwise attention)
and t#e i$%ulsion (ons(iousness is unw#oleso$e.
'n eH(e%tional (ases) #owe3er) an i$%ulsion (ons(iousness
(onne(ted wit# a (on(e%t $ay be w#oleso$e)
*or eHa$%le) w#en %ra(tising lo3ingkindness and
$aking o**erings. 2ou will see t#e di**eren(e w#en you
dis(ern t#ose t#oug#t-%ro(esses.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern Mind-,oor T#oug#t-Pro(esses
To dis(ern sensual %lane t#oug#t-%ro(ess) you s#ould
start by dis(erning a $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess) be(ause
t#ere t#e ty%es o* (ons(iousness are *ewer.
To dis(ern t#e $entality asso(iated wit# a w#oleso$e
$ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess o* t#e sensual %lane
Bk<$<3a(ara-kusala-$anod3<ra-3Dt#iC you s#ould *irst
dis(ern t#e $ind-door) and look at t#e eye trans%arent-
ele$ent B(akk#u-%as<daC. W#en it a%%ears in t#e $ind-
door) a $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess #as taken %la(e.
A w#oleso$e $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess o* t#e
sensual %lane (onsists o* a seFuen(e o* t#ree ty%es o*
(ons(iousnesses. +irst) t#ere is a $ind-door-ad3erting
(ons(iousness B$anod3<r<3a??anaC) wit# twel3e $ental
*or$ationsQ t#en se3en i$%ulsion (ons(iousnesses B?a3ana-
(ittaC) wit# eit#er t#irty-*our) t#irty-t#ree) or t#irty-two
$ental *or$ationsQ and t#en two registration (ons(iousnesses
Btad<ra$$a@a-(ittaC) wit# t#irty-*our) t#irty-t#ree)
t#irty-two) twel3e) or ele3en $ental *or$ations.
2ou s#ould dis(ern re%eatedly t#e $ental *or$ations
in t#e (ons(iousness o* t#at $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess.
As you did t#e ?#<na $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess) begin
wit# eit#er (ons(iousness) *eeling) or (onta(t. ,is(ern t#e
$ental *or$ations by adding one at a ti$eN *irst one ty%e)
t#en two) t#en t#ree) et(.) until e3entually you are able to
see all t#e t#irty-*our) t#irty-t#ree or t#irty-two ty%es o*
$ental *or$ations in ea(# (ons(iousness o* a w#oleso$e
$ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess o* t#e sensual %lane.
2ou need to t#us dis(ern t#e $ind-door t#oug#t-
%ro(esses w#i(# take %la(e w#en you look at ea(# o*
t#e eig#teen ty%es o* real $ateriality) and ten ty%es
o* arti*i(ial $ateriality eHa$ined w#en you dis(erned
$ateriality BrG%a-ka$aSS#<naC.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern +i3e-,oor T#oug#t-Pro(esses
>n(e you #a3e *inis#ed dis(erning t#e $ind-door
t#oug#t-%ro(esses) you s#ould go on to dis(ern t#e
*i3e-door t#oug#t-%ro(esses) and start wit# t#e eye-
door t#oug#t-%ro(ess.
To dis(ern t#e $ental *or$ations o* ea(# (ons(iousness
in an eye-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess) you *irst
dis(ern t#e eye-door) t#en t#e $ind-door) and t#en
bot# at on(e.
T#en (on(entrate on t#e (olour o* a nearby grou%
o* kal<%as as it a%%ears in bot# doors. At t#is %oint you
will dis(ern *irst an eye-door-) and t#en a $ind-door
t#oug#t-%ro(ess) bot# wit# t#e sa$e ob?e(t.
T#e eye-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess (onsists o* a
seFuen(e o* se3en ty%es o* (ons(iousness.
0. A *i3e-door-ad3erting (ons(iousness B%aTT(ad3<r<-
3a??anaC wit# ele3en $ental *or$ations.
!. An eye (ons(iousness B(akk#u3iTT<@aC wit# eig#t
$ental *or$ations.
3. A re(ei3ing (ons(iousness Bsa$%aSi((#anaC wit#
ele3en $ental *or$ations.
5. An in3estigating (ons(iousness BsantDra@aC wit#
ele3en or twel3e $ental *or$ations.
7. A deter$ining (ons(iousness B3oSS#a%anaC wit#
twel3e $ental *or$ations.
8. Se3en i$%ulsion (ons(iousnesses B?a3ana-(ittaC
wit# t#irty-*our) t#irty-t#ree) or t#irty-two $ental
*or$ations.
:. Two registration (ons(iousnesses Btad<ra$$a@a-
(ittaC wit# t#irty-*our) t#irty-t#ree) t#irty-two)
twel3e) or ele3en $ental *or$ations.
A*ter t#is *ollows a seFuen(e o* b#a3aJga (on-
s(iousnesses) and t#en t#e t#ree ty%es o* (ons(iousness
o* t#e $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess) as des(ribed
be*oreN t#e $ind-door-ad3erting-) se3en i$%ulsion-)
and two registration (ons(iousnesses.
1a3ing dis(erned t#e abo3e two series) dis(ern
all t#e $ental *or$ations) beginning again wit# eit#er
(ons(iousness) (onta(t) or *eeling. Add one at a ti$e)
until you see all t#e $ental *or$ations in ea(# (ons(iousness.
2ou t#en dis(ern t#e t#oug#t-%ro(esses o* t#e
ot#er *our doorsN t#e ear) nose) tongue) and body.
4y t#is stage) you will #a3e de3elo%ed t#e ability
to dis(ern $entality asso(iated wit# w#oleso$e (on-
s(iousnesses) and now need to dis(ern it in unw#oleso$e
(ons(iousnesses. To do t#is) you si$%ly take t#e
sa$e ob?e(ts as you did *or t#e w#oleso$e (ons(iousnesses)
and instead %ay unwise attention to t#e$.
' do not #a3e ti$e to eH%lain t#is in detail) but
#o%e t#e eHa$%les gi3en #ere will be su**i(ient *or you
to at least understand w#at is in3ol3ed in dis(erning
$entality internally.
To su$$ariseQ you #a3e so *ar (o$%leted t#e *irst
t#ree stages o* dis(erning $entality) and #a3e t#us
dis(ernedN
0. All t#e ty%es o* (ons(iousness t#at o((ur internally.
!. /a(# and e3ery $ental *or$ation in all t#e ty%es
o* (ons(iousness.
3. T#e seFuen(es o* (ons(iousnesses) t#at is) t#e
t#oug#t-%ro(esses B3Dt#iC t#at o((ur at t#e siH
sense-doors.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern /Hternal Mentality
T#e *ourt# stage is to now dis(ern $entality also eHternally.
4egin by dis(erning t#e *our ele$ents internally)
and t#en eHternally) in t#e (lot#es you are wearing. 2ou
will see t#at your (lot#es break down into kal<%as) and
t#at you are able to dis(ern t#e eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality
in ea(#. T#ey are te$%erature-%rodu(ed nutriti3e-
essen(e-o(tad kal<%as Butu?a-o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC) and
t#e te$%erature t#ey arise *ro$ is t#e *ire-ele$ent in
ea(# eHternal kal<%a.
2ou s#ould alternate between t#e internal and
eHternal $ateriality t#ree or *our ti$es) and t#en wit#
t#e lig#t o* (on(entration) dis(ern t#e eHternal a little
*art#er away) su(# as t#e *loor. 2ou will also t#ere be
able to dis(ern t#e eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality in ea(#
kal<%a) and s#ould again alternate between t#e internal
and eHternal t#ree or *our ti$es.
Lradually eH%and your *ield o* dis(ern$ent to t#e
$ateriality in t#e building in w#i(# you are sitting) t#e
area around it) in(luding t#e trees) et(.) until you dis(ern
all inani$ate $ateriality eHternally.
2ou will see also trans%arent $ateriality in t#e
inani$ate ob?e(ts. 't is t#e inse(ts and ot#er s$all ani$als
in t#e trees) buildings) et(.
T#en you go on to dis(ern t#e eHternal $ateriality
o* ani$ate beingsN t#e $ateriality o* ot#er li3ing
beings.
2ou are t#us dis(erning only t#eir $ateriality) and
see t#at t#ey are not a $an) a wo$an) a %erson) or a
being) but only $ateriality. ,is(ern all eHternal $ateriality
at on(e) t#en all t#e di**erent ty%es o* $ateriality
bot# internally and eHternally.
To do t#is) you s#ould see t#e siH basi( ty%es
o* kal<%a in an eye) t#e eye-de(ad-) body-de(ad-) seH-
de(ad-) and t#ree nutriti3e-essen(e o(tad kala%as)
bot# internally and eHternally. As w#en you analysed
$ateriality) dis(ern t#e *i*ty-*our ty%es o* $ateriality)
but now bot# internally and eHternally. ,o t#e sa$e *or
t#e re$aining *i3e sense-bases) t#e re$aining ty%es o*
$ateriality.
1a3ing now dis(erned $ateriality (o$%letely) you
%ro(eed to dis(ern $entality internally and eHternally.
2ou dis(ern $entality internally by again starting
wit# t#e $ind-door) and t#en *i3e-door t#oug#t-
%ro(esses. ,is(ern all t#eir w#oleso$e and unw#oleso$e
$ental *or$ations.
To do t#is eHternally) you instead dis(ern anot#er
being&s eye- and $ind-door. T#en dis(ern t#e t#oug#t-
%ro(esses t#at o((ur at bot# doors w#en t#e (olour o* a
grou% o* kal<%as a%%ears in t#e$. ,o t#is $any ti$es)
internally and eHternally) and again *or ea(# o* t#e
ot#er *our sense-doors.
'* you are able to attain ?#<na) you s#ould also dis(ern
t#e eHternal ?#<na $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(esses.
T#us) you gradually eHtend your range o* dis(ern$ent)
until you (an see $ateriality t#roug#out t#e in*inite
uni3erse. 2ou s#ould dis(ern likewise $entality)
until you (an see it t#roug#out t#e in*inite uni3erse.
T#en you s#ould dis(ern t#e$ toget#er t#roug#out t#e
in*inite uni3erse.
Aastly) you de*ine all t#at $entality and $ateriality
wit# wisdo$) seeing no beings) $en) or wo$en)
only $entality and $ateriality t#roug#out t#e in*inite
uni3erse. T#is (on(ludes t#e dis(ern$ent o* $entality
Bn<$a-ka$$aSS#<naC.
1a3ing rea(#ed t#is stage in your $editation)
you will #a3e de3elo%ed (on(entration) and used it to
dis(ern all twenty-eig#t kinds o* $ateriality) and all
*i*ty-t#ree kinds o* $entality t#roug#out t#e in*inite
uni3erse. My neHt talk will be about t#e neHt stage
o* insig#t) w#i(# is t#e dis(ern$ent o* de%endent-
origination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC.
Questions = Answers 7
Question 7.0N T#e eig#t attain$ents Bsa$<%attiC $ake it
%ossible to attain t#e Knowledge o* Analysing Mentality-
$ateriality Bn<$arG%a-%ari((#eda-T<@aC) and to see
t#eir subtle arising and %assing-away) so as to be(o$e
disgusted wit# t#e$) and attain t#e Pat# Knowledge
B$aggaT<@aC. Are t#ere) a%art *ro$ t#is) ot#er bene*its
to t#e eig#t attain$ents6
Answer 7.0N T#ere are *i3e bene*its to ?#<na (on(entrationN
As a bliss*ul abiding #ere and now BdiSS#ad#a$$a-
suk#a-3i#<raCN /n?oying ?#<na #a%%iness in t#is 3ery
li*e. T#is re*ers es%e(ially to %ure Vi%assan< ara#ants
Bsudd#a-3i%assan<-y<nika-ara#antC. A b#ikk#u&s duty is
to learn t#e s(ri%tures B%ariyattiC) to %ra(tise Vi%assan<
$editation) and to attain t#e *our %at#s and *our *ruitions.
T#at is w#at t#ose %ure Vi%assan< ara#ants #a3e
done) so t#ere is no $ore work *or t#e$ to do. T#ey
%ra(tise ?#<na (on(entration *or no reason ot#er t#an
t#e en?oy$ent o* ?#<na bliss B?#<na-suk#aC in t#is 3ery
li*e. T#is is t#e *irst bene*it o* (on(entration.
'nsig#t B3i%assan<-nisaRsaCN ;#<na (on(entration is
a su%%ort *or insig#t-knowledge. Wit# it) one (an see
ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses (learly)
and dis(ern t#eir i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*
nature. T#is is t#e se(ond bene*it o* (on(entration.
Psy(#i( %owers Bab#iTT<-nisaRsaCN '* one wants to
$aster t#e $undane %sy(#i( %owers) like t#e re(olle(tion
o* %ast li3es B%ubbeni3<s<nussati-ab#iTT<C) t#e di3ine
eye Bdibba(akk#uC) t#e di3ine ear Bdibba-sotaC) knowing t#e
$ind o* ot#ers B%ara(itta-3i?<nanaC) and t#e su%ernor$al
%owers Bidd#i3id#aC) *lying) walking on water) et(.) one
$ust de3elo% t#e ten kasi@as and eig#t attain$ents
Bsa$<%attiC in *ourteen ways. T#is is t#e t#ird bene*it o*
(on(entration.
A s%e(i*i( eHisten(e Bb#a3a3isesa-3a#<nisaRsaCN '*
one wants rebirt# in a bra#$a real$ a*ter deat#) one
$ust de3elo% (on(entration su(# as t#e ten kasi@a)
<n<%<na) lo3ingkindness ?#<nas. To be sure o* rebirt#
in a bra#$a real$ $eans) #owe3er) t#at t#e ?#<na $ust
be $aintained u% to t#e $o$ent o* deat#. T#is is t#e
*ourt# bene*it o* (on(entration.
T#e bene*it o* (essation Bnirod#<nisaRsaCN T#e
attain$ent o* (essation Bnirod#a-sa$<%attiC) w#i(# is
t#e te$%orary (essation o* (ons(iousness B(ittaC) $ental-
(on(o$itants B(etasikaC and (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed
$ateriality B(itta?a-rG%aC. OTe$%orary& $eans *or a day
u% to se3en days) de%ending on one&s %rior deter$ination
Bad#iSS#<naC.
>nly non-returners Ban<g<$iC and ara#ants (an
attain (essation. A%art *ro$ w#en t#ey are aslee%) non-
returners and ara#ants ne3er sto% seeing t#e arising
and %assing-away) or ?ust %assing-away o* $entality-
$ateriality and t#eir (ausesN all day) all nig#t) *or days)
$ont#s) and years. So$eti$es t#ey get disen(#anted
and bored) and ?ust do not want to see t#ose O%assing-
away %#eno$ena& Bb#aJga-d#a$$aC any$ore. 4ut it is
not ti$e *or t#eir Parinibb<na yet) be(ause t#eir li*e
s%an is not o3er. T#ere*ore) to sto% seeing t#ose %#eno$ena)
t#ey enter (essation.
W#y do t#ey ne3er sto% seeing t#ose %#eno$ena.
T#ey #a3e destroyed t#e #indran(es o%%osite t#e ?#<na
*a(tors) and #a3e su%erior (on(entration. T#e (on(entrated
$ind sees ulti$ate %#eno$ena B%ara$att#a-
d#a$$aC as t#ey really are) so it always sees ulti$ate
$entality-$ateriality as t#ey really are) w#i(# is t#e
O%assing-away %#eno$ena&. W#en one enters (essation)
let&s say *or se3en days) one does not see t#e %assing-
away %#eno$ena) be(ause t#e (ons(iousness and
$ental-(on(o$itants) w#i(# would #a3e known t#e
%assing-away %#eno$ena) #a3e now (eased.
To enter (essation) one $ust establis# t#e *irst
?#<na) e$erge *ro$ it) and dis(ern t#e *irst ?#<na
*or$ations as i$%er$anent) su**ering) or non-sel*.
>ne $ust do t#e sa$e %rogressi3ely u% to t#e base
o* boundless-(ons(iousness) t#e se(ond i$$aterial
?#<na B3iTT<@an(<yatana-?#<naC. T#en t#ey $ust enter
t#e base o* not#ingness) t#e t#ird i$$aterial ?#<na
B<kiT(aTT<yatana-?#<naC. T#en one e$erges *ro$ t#at
?#<na to $ake *our deter$inationsN
0. To e$erge *ro$ t#e attain$ent o* (essation a*ter
a *iHed ti$e) *or eHa$%le) se3en days.
!. To e$erge *ro$ t#e attain$ent o* (essation
s#ould one be wanted by a 4udd#a.
3. To e$erge *ro$ t#e attain$ent o* (essation
s#ould one be wanted by t#e SaJg#a.
5. T#at one&s reFuisites not be destroyed by) *or eHa$%le)
*ire.
A*ter t#is) one enters t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-
non-%er(e%tion) t#e *ourt# i$$aterial ?#<na Bne3asaTT<-
n<saTT<yatana-?#<naC. A*ter only one or two t#oug#t
$o$ents in t#at attain$ent) one enters (essation *or t#e
deter$ined %eriod) *or eHa$%le) se3en days. >ne does
not see anyt#ing w#ile in t#e attain$ent) be(ause all
(ons(iousness and $ental-(on(o$itants #a3e (eased.
T#is is t#e *i*t# bene*it o* (on(entration.
W#ile it is true t#at t#e (on(entration o* t#e
eig#t attain$ents is a su%%ort to dis(erning $entality-
$ateriality and t#eir (auses) t#ose eig#t attain$ents are
also t#e$sel3es $entality) in(luded under t#at se(tion.
So i* a $editator #as dis(erned $entality-$ateriality and
t#eir (auses) in(luding t#e eig#t attain$ents) as i$%er$anent)
su**ering) and non-sel*) u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<-T<@aC)
#e (an kee% #is dis(ern$ent o* t#e ?#<na *or$ations
to only one o* t#e eig#t attain$ents. T#is is yoking
Byuganadd#aC Sa$at#a and Vi%assan< toget#er) like two
bullo(ks %ulling one (art. 't is anot#er su%%ort *or t#e
attain$ent o* t#e Pat#) +ruition) and ibb<na.
Question 7.!N W#i(# is easier and Fui(ker *or t#e attain$ent
o* ibb<naN using t#eory to %er(ei3e i$%er$anen(e)
su**ering) and non-sel*) or using (on(entration
to dis(ern ulti$ate %#eno$ena B%ara$att#a-d#a$$aC6
Answer 7.!N W#at is i$%er$anen(e6 '$%er$anen(e
is t#e *i3e aggregates Bani((anti %aT(akk#an-d#<C. T#is
de*inition is $entioned in $any (o$$entaries. '*
a $editator sees t#e *i3e aggregates (learly) #e (an
%er(ei3e i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel*N no
%roble$. 4ut wit#out seeing t#e *i3e aggregates) #ow
(an #e %er(ei3e i$%er$anen(e) su**ering and non-sel*6
'* #e tries to do so wit#out seeing t#e *i3e aggregates)
#is Vi%assan< will be only re(iting Vi%assan<Q not true
Vi%assan<. >nly true Vi%assan< %rodu(es t#e Pat# and
+ruition Knowledges.
W#at are t#ose *i3e aggregates6 T#e $ateriality-
aggregate) t#e *eeling-aggregate) t#e %er(e%tion-aggregate)
t#e *or$ations-aggregate and t#e (ons(iousness-
aggregate. T#e $ateriality-aggregate is t#e twenty-eig#t
ty%es o* $ateriality BrG%aC. T#e *eeling) %er(e%tion
and *or$ations-aggregates are t#e *i*ty-two $ental-
(on(o$itants B(etasikaC. T#e (ons(iousness-aggregate
is t#e eig#ty-nine ty%es o* (ons(iousness B(ittaC. T#e
twenty-eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality are w#at is (alled
$ateriality) and t#e *i*ty-two $ental-(on(o$itants
and eig#ty-nine ty%es o* (ons(iousness are w#at is
(alled $entality. So) t#e *i3e aggregates and $entality-
$ateriality are t#en one and t#e sa$e t#ing.
T#ese are all ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality. '* a
$editator sees t#ose ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality) #e
(an %ra(tise to see t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) and
non-sel* nature o* t#ese $entality-$ateriality. 4ut i*
#e (annot dis(ern ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality) #ow
(an #e %ra(tise Vi%assan<) sin(e t#ey and t#eir (auses
are t#e ne(essary ob?e(ts o* insig#t-knowledge6 T#is is
true Vi%assan<. >nly true Vi%assan< %rodu(es t#e Pat#
and +ruition Knowledges.
'n t#e Ma#<sati%aSS#<na Sutta t#e 4udd#a taug#t
t#at to attain ibb<na t#ere is only one way Bek<yanaCN no
ot#er way. W#at is t#e way6 T#e 4udd#a said to %ra(tise
(on(entration *irst) be(ause a (on(entrated $ind (an
gi3e rise to t#e seeing o* ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality
and t#eir (auses. Again) a (on(entrated $ind (an gi3e
rise to t#e seeing o* i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-
sel* nature o* ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality and t#eir
(auses. 4ut we (annot say w#i(# is t#e easier way. To
attain ibb<na Fui(kly de%ends on %<ra$Ds.
+or eHa$%le) t#e Venerable S<ri%utta worked #ard
*or about two weeks to attain t#e ara#ant %at# and *ruition)
w#ereas t#e Venerable Ma#<$oggall<na worked
#ard *or only se3en days to attain t#e ara#ant %at# and
*ruition. Again) 4<#iya ,aru(iriya attained t#e ara#ant
%at# and *ruition by $erely listening to a 3ery s#ort
dis(ourse) O,iSS#e diSS#a$attaRP&N O'n t#e seeing t#ere is
only t#e seeingP& T#e s%eed wit# w#i(# t#ey attained
ara#ants#i% was be(ause o* t#eir %<ra$Ds. T#e Venerable
S<ri%utta and t#e Venerable Ma#<$oggall<na #ad
de3elo%ed t#eir %<ra$Ds *or one in(al(ulable BasaJk#yeyyaC
and a #undred t#ousand aeons Bka%%aC) and 4<#iya
,aru(iriya #ad *ul*illed #is %<ra$Ds *or about one
#undred t#ousand aeons. T#e Venerable S<ri%utta and
Ma#<$oggall<na&s ara#ant %at#s were asso(iated wit#
t#e Knowledge o* /nlig#ten$ent o* a -#ie* ,is(i%le
Baggas<3aka-bod#i-T<@aC) w#ereas 4<#iya ,aru(iriya&s
ara#ant %at# was asso(iated wit# only t#e Knowledge
o* /nlig#ten$ent o* a Lreat ,is(i%le B$a#<s<3aka-bod#i-
T<@aC. T#e Knowledge o* /nlig#ten$ent o* a -#ie* ,is(i%le
is #ig#er t#an t#e Knowledge o* /nlig#ten$ent o*
a Lreat ,is(i%le. T#e s%eed wit# w#i(# t#ey attained
ara#ants#i% did not de%end on t#eir as%irations) sin(e
t#ere is only one way to attain ibb<na.
Question 7.3N T#e round o* rebirt#s BsaRs<raC is wit#out
beginning or end. Ai3ing beings are also in*inite
in nu$ber) so t#ose w#o #a3e been our $ot#er are
in*inite too. 1ow (an we de3elo% lo3ingkindness by
(onte$%lating t#at all beings #a3e been our $ot#er6
-an we attain lo3ingkindness ?#<na B$ett<-?#<naC by
(onte$%lating t#at all beings #a3e been our $ot#er6
Answer 7.3N Ao3ingkindness $editation does not (on(ern
t#e %ast and *uture. 't (on(erns only t#e %resent.
So i* we eHtend lo3ingkindness to t#e dead) we (annot
attain ?#<na. 'n t#e endless round o* rebirt#s BsaRs<raC)
t#ere $ay 3ery well be no one w#o #as not been our
*at#er or $ot#er) but lo3ingkindness $editation is not
(on(erned wit# t#e endless round o* rebirt#s.
'n t#e Karaniya$ett< Sutta) t#e 4udd#a said)
OM<t< yat#< niyaR%utta$<yus< eka%utta$anurakk#eQ
e3a$%i sabbab#Gtesu) $<nasaR b#<3aye a%ari$<@aR&.
T#is $eans t#at ?ust as a $ot#er wit# an only son
would gi3e u% e3en #er li*e *or #i$) so a b#ikk#u
s#ould eHtend lo3ingkindness to all beings. T#is is t#e
4udd#a&s instru(tion. >nly an ob?e(t o* t#e %resent (an
%rodu(e lo3ingkindness ?#<na B$ett<-?#<naCQ not t#e
%ast or *uture. 't is not ne(essary to (onsider t#at t#is
was our $ot#er) t#is our *at#er. '* we eHtend lo3ing-
kindness wit# t#e t#oug#t) OMay t#is %erson be well
and #a%%y& it will %rodu(e ?#<na. T#e attitude o* a son
or $ot#er (annot alone lead to ?#<na.
Question 7.5N
BT#e *ollowing Fuestions are all (o3ered by t#e sa$e
answer.C
0. Was t#ere a bod#isatta during t#e 4udd#a&s ti$e6
'* so) did #e attain any %at# or was #e ?ust a worldling
B%ut#u??anaC6
!. W#y (an a noble one BariyaC not be(o$e a bod#isatta6
3. -an a dis(i%le Bs<3akaC (#ange to be(o$e a bod#i-
satta6 '* not) w#y not6
5. W#en by *ollowing t#e Sayadaw&s tea(#ing one is able
to attain t#e Pat# and +ruition Knowledges o* Strea$-
/ntry Bsot<%atti-$aggaT<@a and sot<%atti-%#alaT<@aC) (an
one (#oose to not do so) be(ause o* a desire and 3ow to
%ra(tise t#e bod#isatta %at#6
Answer 7.5N >ne (an (#ange one&s $ind be*ore attaining
a %at# or *ruition. >ne (annot (#ange one&s $ind
a*ter attaining a %at# or *ruition) be(ause as taug#t by
t#e 4udd#a in $any suttas t#e %at# is a law o* nature
Bsa$$atta-niy<$aC. T#e *iHed law saysN t#e Strea$-
/ntry Pat# Bsot<%atti-$aggaC %rodu(es t#e Strea$-/ntry
+ruition Bsot<%atti-%#alaCQ a*ter w#i(# one (an %rogress
to t#e on(e-returner stage Bsakad<g<$iC) but not regress
to t#e worldling stage B%ut#u??anaCQ on(e-returner (an
%rogress to t#e non-returner stage Ban<g<$iC) but not
regress to t#e strea$-enterer or worldling stageQ a
non-returner (an %rogress to t#e ara#ant stage) but not
regress to t#e on(e-returner) strea$-enterer or worldling
stageQ an ara#ant attains Parinibb<na at deat#)
and (annot regress to t#e lower noble stage) worldling
stage) or any ot#er stage. Ara#ants#i% is t#e end. T#is
is a law o* nature Bsa$$atta-niy<$aC. Re*erring to t#e
ara#ants#i%) t#e 4udd#a said $any ti$esN OAya$anti$<
?<ti natt#idani %una b#a3<ti&N OT#is is t#e last rebirt#) now
t#ere is no new rebirt#.&
T#is $eans t#at one (annot (#ange one&s $ind
and de(ide to be(o$e a bod#isatta a*ter #a3ing attained
a %at# or *ruition.
Moreo3er) one (annot (#ange one&s $ind a*ter
#a3ing re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a 4udd#a
or ara#ant. 4ut not a*ter re(ei3ing a de*inite %ro%#e(y
*ro$ a 4udd#a or ara#ant. T#e Visudd#i$agga gi3es an
eHa$%le o* a Ma#<t#era w#o (#anged #is $ind. 1e
was eH%ert in t#e *our *oundations o* $ind*ulness) #ad
%ra(tised Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations) and #ad ne3er %er*or$ed
bodily or 3erbal a(tion wit#out $ind*ulness.
At t#e ti$e near #is deat#) a large nu$ber o* %eo%le
gat#ered) be(ause t#ey t#oug#t #e was going to attain
Parinibb<na) but #e was in *a(t still a worldling. T#e
Ma#<t#era wanted to see Ari$etteyya 4udd#a) and
be(o$e an ara#ant in Ari$etteyya 4udd#a&s dis%ensation.
1e #ad de3elo%ed Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< %<ra$Ds u%
to t#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations.
T#en #is dis(i%le in*or$ed #i$ t#at $any %eo%le
#ad gat#ered) be(ause t#ey t#oug#t #e was going to
attain Parinibb<na. So t#e Ma#<t#era said) O>#) ' #ad
wanted to see Ari$etteyya 4udd#a. 4ut i* t#ere is a
large asse$bly) t#en let $e $editate.& So #e %ra(tised
Vi%assan<) and now t#at #e #ad (#anged #is $ind) #e
3ery soon attained ara#ants#i%.
,uring t#e 4udd#a&s ti$e t#ere was no $ention
o* a de*inite %ro%#e(y to a bod#isatta eH(e%t *or
Ari$etteyya bod#isatta) w#o was a b#ikk#u na$ed
A?ita. T#e Ti%iSaka does not say eit#er w#en t#e 4udd#a
w#o *ollows Ari$etteyya 4udd#a will arise) so we
(annot say #ow $any bod#isattas t#ere were during
t#e 4udd#a&s ti$e.
Question 7.7N 's it %ossible to %ra(tise t#e %at# to liberation
B3i$utti$aggaC and t#e %at# o* bod#isatta at t#e
sa$e ti$e6 '* so) w#at is t#e $et#od6
Answer 7.7N Aiberation B3i$uttiC $eans es(a%e *ro$ de*ile$ents
or t#e round o* rebirt#s. So w#en a bod#isatta
be(o$es a 4udd#a) #e es(a%es *ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s
at #is Parinibb<na. '* you try to attain ara#ants#i%
and su((eed) you will) as a dis(i%le Bs<3akaC) also es(a%e
*ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s at your Parinibb<na.
So a %erson (annot be(o$e a 4udd#a as well as
a dis(i%le. 1e $ust (#oose eit#er one or t#e ot#er) but
t#ey bot# es(a%e *ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s w#en t#ey
attain ara#ants#i%. T#e way to attain t#e ara#ant %at#
is t#e *inal %at# to liberation B3i$utti$aggaC.
Question 7.8N 's t#is $et#od Wo* $editationX *or liberation
only) or is it also *or t#e bod#isatta way6
Answer 7.8N 't is *or bot#. 'n a %re3ious talk) ' eH%lained
t#at Sakya$uni 4udd#a was a b#ikk#u in nine o* #is
%ast li3es. '* we look at #is %ra(ti(e in t#ose nine li3es) we
see t#e t#ree trainingsN 3irtuous (ondu(t BsDlaC) (on(entration
Bsa$<d#iC) and wisdo$ B%aTT<C. T#e bod#isatta
was able to %ra(tise t#e eig#t attain$ents) *i3e $undane
%sy(#i( %owers) and Vi%assan< u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations.
ow you are also de3elo%ing Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<
$editation based on 3irtuous (ondu(t. W#en you #a3e
%ra(tised t#e t#ree trainings u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations) you (an (#oose eit#er
way. '* you want liberation you (an (#oose to go to
ibb<naQ i* you want to be(o$e a bod#isatta you (an
(#oose t#e bod#isatta wayN o %roble$.
Question 7.:N ,o all t#e good and bad ka$$as o* an
ara#ant $ature %rior to #is Parinibb<na6
Answer 7.:N ot all. So$e good and bad ka$$a $ay
%rodu(e t#eir results w#en t#ey $ature. '* t#ey do not
$ature t#ey do not %rodu(e a result) and are la%sed
ka$$a Ba#osi-ka$$aC) ka$$a t#at no longer bear any
*ruit. +or eHa$%le) t#e unw#oleso$e ka$$a o* one o*
t#e Venerable Ma#<$oggall<na&s %ast li3es %rodu(ed
its results ?ust be*ore #is Parinibb<na. 'n one o* #is %ast
li3es #e #ad tried unsu((ess*ully to kill #is blind %arents.
,ue to t#at unw#oleso$e ka$$a) #e su**ered in
#ell *or $any t#ousands o* years) and w#en #e es(a%ed
*ro$ #ell) #e was killed in about two #undred li3es. 'n
ea(# o* t#ose li3es #is skull was (rus#ed. 'n #is last li*e
too) e3ery bone in #is body was (rus#ed) in(luding #is
skull. W#y6 T#e unw#oleso$e ka$$a #ad $atured.
Enless unw#oleso$e and w#oleso$e ka$$as #a3e
$atured) t#ey do not %rodu(e any result. T#ey are
ka$$a by na$e only.
Question 7..N A*ter #is enlig#ten$ent) did t#e 4udd#a
say) O>riginally all beings #a3e t#e Tat#<gata&s wisdo$
and ot#er Fualities&6
Answer 7..N ow you #a3e a((e%ted t#at Sakya$uni
4udd#a attained enlig#ten$ent. 2ou s#ould (onsider
w#et#er t#e Tat#<gata&s Fualities o* enlig#ten$ent are
%resent in all beings) es%e(ially in yoursel*. ,o you
%ossess any o* t#e Tat#<gata&s Fualities6
Question 7.9N 's t#e ara#ant&s %er(e%tion o* 3oidness
BsuTTataC in #is own *i3e aggregates t#e sa$e as #is
%er(e%tion o* 3oidness in outside inani$ate t#ings6 's
ibb<na t#e sa$e as entering 3oidness6
Answer 7.9N T#e %er(e%tion o* 3oidness in one&s *i3e
aggregates and in outside inani$ate t#ings is t#e
sa$e.
ibb<na was gi3en t#e na$e 3oidness BsuTTat<C
be(ause o* t#e %at#. W#en a $editator knows *or$ations
BsaJk#<ra-d#a$$aC as non-sel*) and i* at t#at ti$e
#e sees ibb<na) #is Pat# Knowledge is (alled t#e 3oid
liberation BsuTTat<-3i$okk#aC. ;ust like t#e %at# is (alled
t#e 3oid liberation) so t#e ob?e(t o* t#e %at#) w#i(# is
ibb<na) is also (alled 3oidness. 1ere t#e 3oid liberation
is to es(a%e *ro$ t#e de*ile$ents by seeing t#e non-
sel* nature o* *or$ations.
Question 7.0"N Are all suttas taug#t by t#e 4udd#a only6
Answer 7.0"N Most o* t#e suttas in t#e Ti%iSaka are
taug#t by t#e 4udd#a. A *ew suttas are said to be taug#t
by dis(i%les like t#e Venerable S<ri%utta) t#e Venerable
Ma#<ka((<yana) and t#e Venerable Ynanda. 4ut t#e
suttas taug#t by dis(i%les #a3e t#e sa$e $eaning as #ad
t#ey been taug#t by t#e 4udd#a. T#is is e3ident w#en
t#e 4udd#a in so$e o* t#e suttas gi3es #is a%%ro3al
by utteringN O't is good Bs<d#uCP&) *or eHa$%le) in t#e
Ma#<ka((<yana 4#addekaratta Sutta BMa#<ka((<yana
and >ne +ortunate ig#tC) o* t#e Ma??#i$a ik<ya
BMiddle Aengt# ,is(oursesC.
Question 7.00N Sin(e we (annot see t#e 4udd#a w#ile
in (on(entration) (an we see t#e 4udd#a by %sy(#i(
%owers to dis(uss ,#a$$a wit# #i$6
Answer 7.00N o) you (annot. >ne o* t#e %sy(#i( %owers
is (alled re(olle(tion o* %ast li3es B%ubbeni3asanussatiC.
'* a $editator %ossesses t#is %sy(#i( %ower) and $et a
4udd#a in one o* #is %ast li3es) #e (an see t#at as a %ast
eH%erien(e only) not as a new eH%erien(e. '* ,#a$$a
was dis(ussed) t#ere will be only old Fuestions and
answersQ t#ere (annot be new Fuestions and answers.
T#is is t#e %sy(#i( %ower o* re(olle(ting %ast li3es.
Talk 8
1ow 2ou See t#e Ainks o*
,e%endent->rigination
'ntrodu(tion
'n $y last talk) ' eH%lained #ow to dis(ern $entality
Bn<$aC) and in t#e talk be*ore t#at) #ow to dis(ern t#e
di**erent ty%es o* $ateriality BrG%aC. '* you are able to
dis(ern $entality and $ateriality in t#e way ' des(ribed)
you will also be able to dis(ern t#e (auses o* $entality
and $ateriality. T#is $eans dis(erning de%endent-
origination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC. ,e%endent-origination
is about #ow (auses and e**e(ts o%erate o3er t#e t#ree
%eriods o* %ast) %resent) and *uture.
T#e 4udd#a taug#t *our $et#ods to dis(ern
de%endent-origination) a((ording to t#e (#ara(ter o*
#is listeners) and t#ere is a *i*t# $et#od taug#t by t#e
Venerable S<ri%utta) and re(orded in t#e PaSisa$b#id<-
$agga BPat# o* ,is(ri$inationC. 't would take so$e ti$e to
eH%lain t#e $any $et#ods in detail) so ' s#all illustrate
only t#e two $et#ods ' tea(# $ost o*ten to $editators.
T#ey are t#e Venerable S<ri%utta&s *i*t# $et#od) and t#en
w#at is (alled t#e *irst $et#od) taug#t by t#e 4udd#a) in
*or eHa$%le) t#e Se(tion on -ausation Bid<na-VaggaC
in t#e Kindred Sayings BSaRyutta ik<yaC) and t#e
Lreater ,is(ourse on -ausation BMa#<nid<na SuttaC
in t#e Aong ,is(ourses B,Dg#a ik<yaC.
4ot# $et#ods in3ol3e dis(erning t#e *i3e aggregates
Bk#and#aC o* t#e %resent) o* t#e %ast) and o* t#e
*uture :) dis(erning w#i(# o* t#e$ is (ause and w#i(# is
e**e(t. W#en you (an do t#is) you (an also learn #ow to
dis(ern de%endent-origination in t#e ot#er ways taug#t
in t#e suttas and (o$$entaries.
T#e T#ree Rounds o* ,e%endent->rigination
T#e twel3e links o* de%endent-origination B%aSi((asa$u%-
%<daC (an be said to (o$%rise t#ree rounds B3aSSaCN
0. T#e round o* de*ile$ents Bkilesa3attaCN
^ ignoran(e Ba3i??<C
^ (ra3ing Bta@#<C
^ (linging Bu%<d<naC
!. T#e round o* ka$$a Bka$$a3aSSaCN
^ 3olitional *or$ations BsaJk#<r<C
^ ka$$a-%ro(ess be(o$ing Bka$$ab#a3aC
3. T#e round o* results B3i%<ka3aSSaCN
^ (ons(iousness B3iTT<@aC
^ $entality-$ateriality Bn<$arG%aC
^ siH sense-bases BsaM<yatanaC
^ (onta(t B%#assaC
^ *eeling B3edan<C
:. /ditorN T#e %sy(#i( %ower) Re(olle(tion o* Past Ai3es BPubbe-
ni3<s<nussati Ab#iTTaC enables you to seeN 0C Su%ra$undane
states Blokuttarad#a$$aC) t#e *our %at# (ons(iousnesses and
t#e *our *ruition (ons(iousnessesQ !C T#e *i3e aggregates o*
(linging B%aT(u%<d<nakk#and#<CQ 3C -lan) a%%earan(e) *ood)
%leasure and %ain et(.Q 5C -on(e%ts su(# as na$es and ra(e.
T#e Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw is not s%eaking #ere o* t#at
%sy(#i( %ower. 1e is s%eaking o* insig#t BVi%assan<C %ower)
w#i(# enables you to see only t#e *i3e aggregates o* (linging.
Bre*. K#and#a3agga ASS#akat#<) _:9C
BT#e Sayadaw says t#at Obirt#) and ageing and deat#&
are t#e sa$e as O(ons(iousness) $entality-$ateriality)
siH sense-bases) (onta(t and *eeling&.C T#e round o*
de*ile$ents is t#e (ause *or t#e round o* ka$$a)
w#i(# (auses t#e round o* results. T#e dis(ern$ent o*
de%endent-origination in3ol3es seeing t#is seFuen(e)
and starts wit# dis(ern$ent o* t#e %ast.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern t#e Past
To dis(ern t#e %ast) you begin by $aking an o**ering o*
eit#er (andles) *lowers) or in(ense at a %agoda) or to a
4udd#a i$age. 2ou s#ould $ake a wis# *or t#e rebirt#
you desire) *or eHa$%le) to be(o$e a $onk) nun) $an)
wo$an) or de3a.
A*terwards) you s#ould go and sit in $editation)
de3elo% (on(entration) and dis(ern in turn internal
and eHternal $entality and $ateriality. T#is is ne(essary)
be(ause i* you (annot dis(ern eHternal $entality
and $ateriality) you will #a3e great di**i(ulty dis(erning
%ast $entality and $ateriality. T#at is be(ause
t#e dis(ern$ent o* eHternal $entality and $ateriality
is si$ilar to t#e dis(ern$ent o* %ast $entality and
$ateriality.
T#en you s#ould dis(ern t#e $entality and
$ateriality t#at o((urred at t#e ti$e o* $aking t#e
o**ering at t#e %agoda or 4udd#a i$age) as i* t#ey
were an eHternal ob?e(t. W#en doing t#is) an i$age
o* yoursel* at t#e ti$e o* o**ering a%%ears. 2ou s#ould
dis(ern t#e *our ele$ents in t#at i$age.
W#en t#e i$age breaks into kal<%as) dis(ern all
t#e ty%es o* $ateriality in t#e siH doors) es%e(ially t#e
*i*ty-*our ty%es in t#e #eart-base. T#en you will be able
to dis(ern t#e b#a3aJga (ons(iousnesses) and t#e $ind-
door t#oug#t-%ro(esses t#at t#at arise in-between. 2ou
s#ould dis(ern t#ose $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(esses
ba(kwards and *orwards) and *ind t#e de*ile$ent-round
Bkilesa3aSSaC $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess wit# twenty
$ental *or$ations) and ka$$a-round Bka$$a3aSSaC
$ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess B$anod3<ra-3Dt#iC wit# t#irty-
*our $ental *or$ations.
Aet $e illustrate wit# a %ra(ti(al eHa$%leN t#e (ase
o* $aking an o**ering o* (andles) *lowers) or in(ense
to a 4udd#a i$age) and $aking a wis# to be reborn to
be(o$e a $onk.
'n t#is (ase) ignoran(e is to deludedly t#ink t#at
Oa $onk& is an ulti$ate realityQ (ra3ing is t#e desire and
longing *or li*e as a $onkQ and (linging is t#e atta(#$ent
to li*e as a $onk. T#ese t#ree) ignoran(e) (ra3ing)
and (linging) are all *ound in t#e (ons(iousness t#at
$akes u% t#e round o* de*ile$ents Bkilesa-3aSSaC.
'*) instead o* $aking a wis# to be reborn to be(o$e
a $onk) you #ad $ade a wis# to be reborn to be(o$e
a wo$an) t#en t#e ignoran(e would be to deludedly
t#ink t#at Oa wo$an& is an ulti$ate realityQ (ra3ing
would be t#e desire and longing *or li*e as a wo$anQ
and (linging t#e atta(#$ent to li*e as a wo$an.
'n t#e eHa$%les) 3olitional *or$ations BsaJk#<raC
are t#e w#oleso$e intentions Bkusala-(etan<C o* t#e
o**ering) and ka$$a is t#eir *or(e o* ka$$a. 4ot# are
*ound in t#e (ons(iousnesses t#at $ake u% t#e ka$$a
round o* de%endent-origination.
W#en you are t#us able to dis(ern t#e $entality
and $ateriality o* t#e de*ile$ent- and ka$$a-round o*
t#e re(ent %ast) you s#ould go ba(k to t#e $ore distant
%ast ti$e %re3ious to t#e o**ering) and in t#e sa$e way
dis(ern t#e $entality and $ateriality. T#en go ba(k a
little *urt#er again) and re%eat t#e %ro(ess. 'n t#is way)
you dis(ern t#e $entality and $ateriality o* one day ago)
one week ago) one $ont# ago) one year ago) two years
ago) t#ree years ago and so on. /3entually you will be
able to dis(ern rig#t ba(k to t#e $entality-$ateriality
o* t#e rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness B%aSisand#i-(ittaC
w#i(# arose at t#e (on(e%tion o* t#is li*e.
4y looking *or t#e (auses o* (on(e%tion) you
go ba(k e3en *urt#er) and see eit#er t#e $entality-
$ateriality o* t#e ti$e near deat# in t#e %re3ious li*e)
or t#e ob?e(t o* t#e near-deat# i$%ulsion-(ons(iousness
B$ara@<sanna-?a3ana-(ittaC.
T#ere are t#ree %ossible ob?e(ts *or t#e near deat#
i$%ulsionN
0. Ka$$aQ again #a3ing t#e t#oug#ts t#at %rodu(ed
a %arti(ular good or bad a(tion in t#e %ast)
*or eHa$%le) an o**ering.
!. Ka$$a sign Bka$$a-ni$ittaCQ *or eHa$%le) a
%agoda) a $onk) *lowers) or an ob?e(t o**ered.
3. Rebirt# sign Bgati-ni$ittaCQ t#e %la(e w#ere you
will be reborn. +or a #u$an rebirt# it is t#e *uture
$ot#er&s wo$b) and is usually red like a red
(ar%et.
'* you dis(ern t#e $entality-$ateriality near deat#) you
will also dis(ern t#e ob?e(t o* t#e near deat# i$%ulsion)
be it ka$$a) ka$$a sign) or rebirt# sign. T#is ob?e(t
a%%ears be(ause o* t#e *or(e o* ka$$a w#i(# %rodu(ed
t#e rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness B%aSisand#i-(ittaC. W#en
you dis(ern t#is) you are able to dis(ern also t#e 3olitional
*or$ations and ka$$a t#at %rodu(ed t#e resultant aggregates
o* t#is li*e) and t#e %re(eding ignoran(e) (ra3ing) and
(linging. A*ter t#at) you s#ould dis(ern t#e ot#er $ental
*or$ations o* t#at ka$$a- and de*ile$ent-round.
/Ha$%les
To $ake t#is (learer) let $e gi3e an eHa$%le o* w#at one
$editator was able to dis(ern. W#en s#e dis(erned t#e
$entality-$ateriality at t#e ti$e near deat#) s#e saw t#e
ka$$a o* a wo$an o**ering *ruit to a 4udd#ist $onk.
T#en) beginning wit# t#e *our ele$ents) s#e *urt#er
eHa$ined t#e $entality-$ateriality o* t#at wo$an) and
*ound t#at t#e wo$an was a 3ery %oor and unedu(ated
3illager) w#o #ad re*le(ted on #er state o* su**ering) and
#ad $ade an o**ering to t#e $onk) wit# t#e wis# *or
li*e as an edu(ated wo$an in a large town.
'n t#is (ase) ignoran(e Ba3i??<C is to deludedly t#ink
t#at Oan edu(ated wo$an in a large town& is an ulti$ate
realityQ t#e desire and longing *or li*e as an edu(ated
wo$an is (ra3ing Bta@#<CQ t#e atta(#$ent to li*e as an
edu(ated wo$an is (linging Bu%<d<naC. T#e w#oleso$e
intentions Bkusala-(etan<C to o**er *ruit to a 4udd#ist
$onk are t#e 3olitional *or$ations BsaJk#<raC) and t#e
ka$$a is t#eir *or(e o* ka$$a.
'n t#is li*e t#e $editator is an edu(ated wo$an
in a large town in Myan$ar. S#e was able to dire(tly
dis(ern wit# rig#t 3iew) #ow t#e ka$$i( *or(e o* o**ering
*ruit in #er %ast li*e %rodu(ed t#e resultant *i3e
aggregates o* t#is li*e.
T#e ability to dis(ern (auses and e**e(ts in t#is
way is (alled t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and
-ondition B%a((aya-%arigga#a-T<@aC.
1ere is a slig#tly di**erent eHa$%le. A $an dis(erned
t#at around t#e ti$e o* t#e near deat# i$%ulsion
B$ara@<sanna-?a3ana-(ittaC) t#ere were *our (o$%eting
ka$$as. >ne was t#e ka$$a o* tea(#ing 4udd#ist
teHts) anot#er tea(#ing d#a$$a) anot#er %ra(tising
$editation) and *inally one tea(#ing $editation. W#en
#e in3estigated w#i(# o* t#e *our ka$$as #ad (aused
t#e resultant *i3e aggregates o* t#is li*e) #e *ound t#at
it was t#e ka$$a o* %ra(tising $editation. W#en
#e *urt#er in3estigated) to dis(ern w#i(# $editation
sub?e(t #ad been %ra(tised) #e saw it was Vi%assan<
$editation) seeing t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s) i$%er$anen(e
Bani((aC) su**ering Bdukk#aC) and non-sel* BanattaC
in $entality-$ateriality. Wit# *urt#er in3estigations) #e
saw t#at be*ore and a*ter ea(# $editation sitting) #e
#ad $ade t#e wis# to be reborn as a #u$an $ale) to
be(o$e a $onk) and be a $onk w#o disse$inates t#e
4udd#a&s tea(#ings.
'n t#is (ase) ignoran(e is to deludedly t#ink t#at
Oa $an) a $onk&) or Oa $onk w#o disse$inates t#e
4udd#a&s tea(#ings& is an ulti$ate reality. -ra3ing is
t#e desire and longing *or it) and (linging is t#e atta(#$ent
to it. Volitional *or$ations are t#e a(ts o* %ra(tising
Vi%assan< $editation) and ka$$a is t#eir *or(e o*
ka$$a.
W#en you are able to dis(ern your i$$ediate %ast
li*e in t#is way) and are able to see t#e *i3e (auses in t#e
%ast li*e) ignoran(e) (ra3ing) (linging) 3olitional *or$ations)
and ka$$a) and t#eir *i3e results in t#e %resent
li*e) t#e rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness B%aSisand#i-(ittaC)
$entality-$ateriality) t#e siH sense-bases) (onta(t) and
*eeling) you need to in t#e sa$e way dis(ern %rogressi3ely
ba(k to t#e se(ond) t#ird) *ourt#) and as $any li3es
ba(k as you (an. S#ould you dis(ern a %ast-) or *uture li*e)
in t#e bra#$a real$) you will see only t#ree sense-bases)
eye) ear and $ind) in (ontrast to t#e siH sense-bases you
see in t#e #u$an-) and de3a real$s.
1ow 2ou ,is(ern t#e +uture
>n(e t#e %ower o* t#is insig#t-knowledge #as been de3elo%ed
by dis(erning t#e (auses and e**e(ts t#roug#
t#ose %ast li3es) you (an) in t#e sa$e way) dis(ern t#e
(auses and e**e(ts in *uture li3es. T#e *uture you will
see) and w#i(# $ay still (#ange) is t#e result o* bot#
%ast and %resent (auses) one o* w#i(# is t#e $editation
you are doing. To dis(ern t#e *uture) you begin
by dis(erning t#e %resent $ateriality-$entality) and
t#en look into t#e *uture until t#e ti$e o* deat# in t#is
li*e. T#en eit#er t#e ka$$a) ka$$a sign) or rebirt#
sign will a%%ear) be(ause o* t#e *or(e o* a %arti(ular
ka$$a you %er*or$ed in t#is li*e. 2ou will t#en be able
to dis(ern t#e rebirt#-linking $entality-$ateriality to
be %rodu(ed in t#e *uture li*e.
2ou $ust dis(ern as $any li3es into t#e *uture
as it takes till ignoran(e (eases wit#out re$ainder.
T#is #a%%ens wit# t#e attain$ent o* t#e ara#ant %at#
Bara#atta-$aggaC) t#at is) your own attain$ent o* ara#ants#i%.
2ou s#ould t#en (ontinue dis(erning into t#e
*uture) until you see t#at t#e *i3e aggregates) $entality-
$ateriality) (ease wit#out re$ainder) t#at is) at t#e end
o* t#e ara#ant li*e) at your own Parinibb<na. T#us you
will #a3e looked into t#e *uture) and seen t#e (o$%lete
(essation o* %#eno$ena Bd#a$$aC.
,is(erning t#e *i3e aggregates o* t#e %ast) %resent)
and *uture) and also dis(erning t#eir (ausal relation)
is w#at ' (all t#e *i*t# $et#od. 1a3ing (o$%leted t#e
*i*t# $et#od) you (an now learn w#at is (alled t#e *irst
$et#od) t#e one taug#t by t#e 4udd#a.
T#e *irst $et#od o* dis(erning de%endent-
origination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC goes o3er t#ree li3es) and
in *orward order. 't begins wit# t#e (auses in t#e %ast
li*e) t#at is) ignoran(e and 3olitional *or$ations. T#ey
(ause t#e results in t#e %resent li*eN t#e rebirt#-linking
(ons(iousness) $entality-$ateriality) t#e siH sense-
bases) (onta(t) and *eeling. T#ere are t#en t#e (auses
in t#is li*e) (ra3ing) (linging) and be(o$ing) w#i(#
(ause t#e results o* birt#) ageing) deat#) and all *or$s
o* su**ering in t#e *uture li*e.
2ou #a3e to look *or ignoran(e) (ra3ing and
(linging in t#e de*ile$ent round) see #ow it (auses
t#e ka$$a round) and #ow t#e ka$$i( *or(e o* t#e
ka$$a round in turn (auses t#e *i3e aggregates o*
(on(e%tion.
T#at (on(ludes $y brie* eH%lanation o* #ow to
dis(ern de%endent-origination a((ording to t#e *i*t#
and *irst $et#ods. T#ere are $any $ore details w#i(#
you (an learn by %ra(tising wit# a %ro%er tea(#er.
Questions = Answers 8
Question 8.0N 1ow s#ould a $editator w#o %ra(tises
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing B<n<%<nasatiC but (annot see
a ni$itta (#e(k #i$sel* %#ysi(ally and $entally) so t#at
#e (an i$%ro3e and enter ?#<na6 'n ot#er words) w#at
are t#e (onditions needed to #a3e a ni$itta6
Answer 8.0N -onstant %ra(ti(e is ne(essary in all ty%es
o* $editation. 'n $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing you s#ould
be $ind*ul o* t#e breat# in e3ery bodily %osture) and
be so wit# res%e(t. Walking) standing or sitting) take
no ob?e(ts a%art *ro$ t#e breat#Q t#at is) you s#ould
wat(# only t#e breat#. Try to sto% t#inkingQ try to sto%
talking. '* you try (ontinuously in t#is way) your (on(entration
will slowly i$%ro3e. >nly dee%) strong and
%ower*ul (on(entration (an %rodu(e a ni$itta. Wit#out
a ni$itta) es%e(ially t#e %aSib#<ga-ni$itta) one (annot
attain ?#<na) be(ause t#e <n<%<na ?#<na&s ob?e(t is t#e
<n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta.
Question 8.!N ,oes t#e sitting %osture a**e(t t#e ability
*or beginners to (on(entrate) and enter ?#<na6 T#ere are
$any $editators w#o sit on a s$all stool to $editateQ
(an t#ey enter ?#<na6
Answer 8.!N T#e sitting %osture is best *or beginners.
4ut t#ose w#o #a3e enoug# %<ra$Ds in $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing (an enter ?#<na in any %osture. A skilled
$editator (an also enter ?#<na in any %osture. So t#ey
(an go into ?#<na sitting on a stool or (#air.
T#e Venerable S<ri%utta and t#e Venerable Sub#Gti
are eHa$%les o* t#is. T#e Venerable S<ri%utta was eH%ert
in t#e attain$ent o* (essation Bnirod#a-sa$<%attiC. W#en
#e went *or al$s in t#e 3illage) #e always entered t#e
attain$ent o* (essation at e3ery #ouse) be*ore a((e%ting
t#eir o**erings. 1e a((e%ted t#e o**erings only a*ter
#a3ing e$erged *ro$ t#e attain$ent o* (essation. T#at
was #is nature.
T#e Venerable Sub#Gti was eH%ert in lo3ing-
kindness $editation. 1e entered t#e lo3ingkindness
?#<na also at e3ery #ouse be*ore a((e%ting t#e o**erings.
A*ter e$erging *ro$ t#e lo3ingkindness ?#<na
#e a((e%ted t#e o**erings. W#y did t#ey do t#is6 T#ey
wanted t#e donor to get $aHi$u$ bene*it. T#ey
knew t#at i* t#ey did t#is) i$$easurable and su%erior
w#oleso$e ka$$a would o((ur in t#e donor&s t#oug#t-
%ro(ess. T#ey #ad su(# lo3ingkindness *or t#e donors
to want to do t#is. T#us t#ey were able to enter an
attain$ent w#ile in t#e standing %osture.
Question 8.3N W#at is t#e ob?e(t o* t#e *ourt# <n<%<na
?#<na6 '* t#ere is no breat# in t#e *ourt# ?#<na) #ow (an
t#ere be a ni$itta6
Answer 8.3N T#ere is still a %aSib#<ga-ni$itta in t#e
*ourt# <n<%<na ?#<na) alt#oug# t#ere is no in-and-out-
breat#. T#at <n<%<na %aSib#<ga-ni$itta arose *ro$
t#e ordinary) natural breat#. T#is is w#y t#e ob?e(t
is still t#e in-and-out-breat# Bass<sa-%ass<saC. 't is eH%lained
in t#e PaSisa$b#id<$agga (o$$entary) and
Visudd#i$agga sub-(o$$entary.
Question 8.5N -an one enter an i$$aterial ?#<na attain$ent
BarG%a-?#<na-sa$<%attiC) or %ra(tise lo3ingkindness
$editation dire(tly *ro$ $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing6
Answer 8.5N >ne (annot enter an i$$aterial ?#<na attain$ent
dire(tly *ro$ t#e *ourt# <n<%<na ?#<na. W#y
not6 '$$aterial ?#<nas) es%e(ially t#e base o* boundless-
s%a(e ?#<na B<k<s<naT(<yatana-?#<naC) are attained
by re$o3ing a kasi@a ob?e(t. >ne (annot attain t#e
base o* boundless-s%a(e ?#<na wit#out re$o3ing a
kasi@a ob?e(t. A*ter re$o3ing t#e kasi@a ob?e(t and
(on(entrating on t#e s%a(e B<k<saC) t#e ob?e(t o* t#e
base o* boundless-s%a(e ?#<na will a%%ear. W#en one
sees t#e s%a(e) one $ust eHtend it gradually) and w#en
it eHtends in e3ery dire(tion) t#e kasi@a ob?e(t will
#a3e disa%%eared. >ne $ust eHtend t#e s%a(e *urt#er
out to t#e boundless uni3erse. T#at is t#e ob?e(t o* t#e
base o* boundless-s%a(e ?#<naQ w#i(# in its turn is t#e
ob?e(t o* t#e base o* boundless-(ons(iousness ?#<na
B3iTT<@aT(<yatana-?#<naCQ t#e absen(e o* t#e base o*
boundless-s%a(e ?#<na is t#e base o* not#ingness ?#<na
B<kiT(aTT<yatana-?#<naCQ w#i(# is *inally t#e ob?e(t o*
t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion ?#<na
Bne3asaTT<n<saTT<yatana-?#<naC. So t#e *our i$$aterial
?#<nas are based on a *ourt# kasi@a ?#<na) and its
ob?e(t. Wit#out re$o3ing t#e kasi@a one (annot go
to t#e i$$aterial ?#<nas. So i* a $editator %ra(tises
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing u% to t#e *ourt# ?#<na) and
t#en wants to go to i$$aterial ?#<nas) #e s#ould *irst
%ra(tise t#e ten kasi@as u% to t#e *ourt# ?#<na. >nly
t#en (an #e go on to t#e i$$aterial ?#<na.
'* #e wants to %ra(tise lo3ingkindness $editation
B$ett<-b#<3an<C *ro$ t#e *ourt# <n<%<na ?#<na #e (an
do soQ no %roble$. 1e $ust see t#e %erson w#o is t#e
ob?e(t o* lo3ingkindness wit# t#e lig#t o* t#e *ourt#
<n<%<na ?#<na. '* #is lig#t is not strong enoug# it $ay
be a little bit %roble$ati(. 4ut t#at is eH(e%tional. '*
a*ter t#e *ourt# kasi@a ?#<na) es%e(ially t#e *ourt#
w#ite kasi@a ?#<na) #e %ra(tises lo3ingkindness #e $ay
su((eed Fui(kly. T#at is w#y we tea(# w#ite kasi@a
$editation be*ore lo3ingkindness $editation.
Question 8.7N 1ow (an one de(ide onesel* w#en to die)
t#at is) (#oose t#e ti$e o* one&s deat#6
Answer 8.7N '* you #a3e %ra(tised $ind*ulness-o*-
breat#ing u% to t#e ara#ant %at#) you (an know t#e
eHa(t ti$e o* your Parinibb<na. T#e Visudd#i$agga
$entions a Ma#<t#era w#o attained Parinibb<na w#ile
walking. +irst #e drew a line on #is walking %at#) and
t#en told #is *ellow-$editators t#at #e would attain
Parinibb<na w#en rea(#ing t#at line) and it #a%%ened
eHa(tly as #e #ad said. +or t#ose w#o are not ara#ants)
i* t#ey #a3e %ra(tised de%endent-origination B%aSi(sa$u%%<daC)
t#e relations#i% between (auses and e**e(ts
o* t#e %ast) %resent and *uture) t#ey (an also know
t#eir li*e s%an) but not eHa(tly like t#e Ma#<t#era ' ?ust
$entioned. T#ey do not know t#e eHa(t ti$e) $aybe
only t#e %eriod in w#i(# t#ey will die.
4ut t#ese %eo%le die) and attain Parinibb<na) a((ording
to t#e law o* ka$$aQ not a((ording to t#eir own wis#.
T#ere is a stanKa uttered by t#e Venerable S<ri%uttaN
O<b#inand<$i ?D3itaR n<b#inand<$i $ara@aRQ
k<laT(a %aSikaJk#<$i) nibbisaR b#atako yat#<.&N O' do not
lo3e li*e) ' do not lo3e deat#) but await t#e ti$e o*
Parinibb<na) like a go3ern$ent ser3ant w#o waits *or
%ay-day.&
To die w#en one desired to do so is (alled Odeat#
by desire& Bad#i$utti-$ara@aC. T#is (an usually broug#t
about by $atured bod#isattas only. W#y t#ey do so6
W#en t#ey are reborn in t#e (elestial %lanes) w#ere
t#ere is no o%%ortunity to de3elo% t#eir %<ra$Ds) t#ey
do not want to waste ti$e) so so$eti$es t#ey de(ide
to die) and take rebirt# in t#e #u$an world) to de3elo%
t#eir %<ra$Ds.
Question 8.8N '* one day we were to die in an a((ident)
*or eHa$%le in an air (ras#) (ould our $ind at t#at ti$e
Olea3e& so t#at we would not #a3e any bodily %ain6 1ow6
-an one) de%ending on t#e %ower o* one&s $editation)
be wit#out *ear at t#at ti$e) and be liberated6 W#at
degree o* (on(entration is reFuired6
Answer 8.8N T#e degree o* (on(entration reFuired
is t#at o* t#e %sy(#i( %ower o* su%ernor$al %owers
Bidd#i3id#a-ab#iTT<C. Wit# t#ose %owers you (an es(a%e
*ro$ danger) but not i* you #a3e a $atured unw#oleso$e
ka$$a ready to %rodu(e its result. 2ou s#ould
re$e$ber t#e (ase o* Venerable Ma#<$oggall<na. 1e
was eH%ert in %sy(#i( %owers) but on t#e day w#en #is
unw#oleso$e ka$$a $atured #e (ould not enter ?#<na.
T#is was not be(ause o* de*ile$ents or #indran(es) it
was only be(ause o* #is $atured unw#oleso$e ka$$a.
T#at is w#y t#e bandits were able to (rus# #is bones
to t#e siKe o* ri(e grains. T#inking #e was dead) t#e
bandits le*t) and only t#en (ould #e enter ?#<na again)
and regain #is %sy(#i( %owers. 1e $ade a deter$ination
Bad#iSS#<naC t#at #is body s#ould be(o$e w#ole
again) and t#en went to reFuest t#e 4udd#a *or %er$ission
to attain Parinibb<na. T#en #e returned to #is
Kalasila Monastery) and attained it t#ere. 1is $atured
unw#oleso$e ka$$a #ad *irst %rodu(ed t#eir result)
a*ter w#i(# t#ey lost t#eir %ower) and only t#en (ould
#e regain #is %sy(#i( %owers.
T#us) i* you #a3e no unw#oleso$e ka$$a about
to $ature) and #a3e %sy(#i( %owers) you (an es(a%e
*ro$ an air (ras#. 4ut ordinary ?#<na (on(entration) and
insig#t-knowledge) (annot sa3e you *ro$ su(# danger.
We (an in *a(t say t#at t#e reason w#y one $eets wit#
t#is ty%e o* a((ident in t#e *irst %la(e $ay be t#at one&s
unw#oleso$e ka$$a is about to $ature.
T#e $ind (annot lea3e t#e body) be(ause t#e $ind
arises de%endent u%on one o* t#e siH bases. T#e siH bases
are t#e eye trans%arent-ele$ent) t#e eye-baseN t#e ear
trans%arent-ele$ent) t#e ear-baseQ t#e nose trans%arent-
ele$ent) t#e nose-baseQ t#e tongue trans%arent-ele$ent)
t#e tongue-baseQ t#e body trans%arent-ele$ent) t#e
body-baseQ and t#e b#a3aJga $ind door) t#e $ind-
base. T#ese siH bases are in your body. A $ind (annot
arise in t#is #u$an world wit#out a base. T#is is w#y
t#e $ind (annot lea3e t#e body.
We (an) #owe3er) suggest t#at i* you #a3e ?#<na)
you s#ould at t#e ti$e o* danger Fui(kly enter it. T#at
$eans you need to #a3e *ully de3elo%ed t#e $astery o*
entering ?#<na. '* you enter ?#<na at t#e ti$e o* danger)
t#en t#at w#oleso$e ka$$a $ay sa3e you) but we
(annot say *or sure. '* you die w#ile in ?#<na) i* you
are in ?#<na at t#e $o$ent o* deat#) you $ay go u% to
one o* t#e bra#$a real$s.
'* you are skilled at Vi%assan<) t#en you s#ould
%ra(tise it at t#e ti$e o* danger. 2ou s#ould dis(ern t#e
i$%er$anent Bani((aC) su**ering Bdukk#aC) and non-sel*
BanattaC nature o* *or$ations BsaJk#<ra-d#a$$aC. '* you
(an %ra(tise Vi%assan< t#oroug#ly be*ore deat# takes
%la(e) you $ay attain one o* t#e %at#s B$aggaC and
*ruitions B%#alaC) and rea(# a #a%%y %lane a*ter deat#.
4ut i* you attain ara#ants#i%) you attain Parinibb<na.
S#ould you) #owe3er) not #a3e %sy(#i( %owers) nor
?#<na) nor be able to %ra(tise Vi%assan<) you (an still
es(a%e) due to good ka$$a alone. '* you #a3e good
enoug# ka$$a) w#i(# ensures a long li*e) t#ere $ay
also be a (#an(e to es(a%e *ro$ t#is danger) ?ust like
Ma#<?anaka bod#isatta.
Question 8.:N A*ter attaining t#e %at# and *ruition) a
noble BariyaC does not regress to be a worldling B%ut#u??anaC)
t#is is a law o* nature Bsa$$atta-niy<$aC. Si$ilarly)
one w#o #as re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y (annot
abandon #is bod#isatta %ra(ti(e. T#is too is a law o*
nature. 4ut t#e 4udd#a %ro(lai$ed t#at e3eryt#ing is
i$%er$anent .. Are t#ese laws o* nature in a((ordan(e
wit# t#e law o* i$%er$anen(e6
.. /ditor&s noteN T#e 4udd#a did not sayN O/3eryt#ing is i$%er$anent&Q
t#e 4udd#a saidN OAll (onditioned t#ings are
i$%er$anent.& BT#e ,#a$$a%ada. 3erse !::C
Answer 8.:N 1ere you s#ould understand w#at is
*iHed and w#at is %er$anent. T#e law o* ka$$a says
unw#oleso$e ka$$as Bakusala-ka$$aC %rodu(e bad
results) and w#oleso$e ka$$as Bkusala-ka$$aC %rodu(e
good results. T#is is a *iHed law) an eternal law
o* nature. ,oes t#at $ean t#at t#e w#oleso$e ka$$a
and unw#oleso$e ka$$as are %er$anent Bni((aC6
Please t#ink about it.
'* t#e w#oleso$e ka$$as are %er$anent t#en
(onsider t#isN ow you are listening to ,#a$$a
(on(erning t#e 4udd#a Ab#id#a$$a. T#is is (alled
w#oleso$e ka$$a o* listening to ,#a$$a B,#a$$a-
s<3ana-kusala-ka$$aC. 's it %er$anent6 Please t#ink
about it.
'* it were %er$anent) t#en during your w#ole li*e
you would #a3e only t#is ka$$a) no ot#er. ,o you
understand6 W#oleso$e ka$$as %rodu(e good results
and unw#oleso$e ka$$as %rodu(e bad results. T#is is
a *iHed law) but it does not $ean t#at t#e ka$$as are
%er$anent. W#oleso$e intentions Bkusala-(etan<C and
unw#oleso$e intentions Bakusala-(etan<C are ka$$a.
As soon as t#ey arise t#ey %ass awayQ t#at is t#eir
i$%er$anent nature. T#at is t#eir nature. 4ut t#e *or(e
o* ka$$a) t#e (a%a(ity to %rodu(e t#e results o* ka$$as)
still eHists in t#e $entality-$ateriality %ro(ess.
Su%%ose t#ere is a $ango tree. ow t#ere is no
*ruit on t#e tree) but it is (ertain t#at one day it will bear
*ruit. T#is is a *iHed law) an eternal law o* nature. 2ou
(an say t#e (a%a(ity to %rodu(e *ruit eHists in t#e tree.
W#at is t#at (a%a(ity6 '* we study t#e lea3es) bran(#es)
bark and ste$s we (annot see it) but t#at does not $ean
it does not eHist) be(ause one day t#at tree will %rodu(e
*ruits. 'n t#e sa$e way we do not say w#oleso$e and
unw#oleso$e ka$$as are %er$anent. We say t#e *or(e
o* ka$$a eHists in t#e $entality-$ateriality %ro(ess
as a (a%a(ity) and t#at one day) w#en t#e *or(e #as
$atured) it will %rodu(e its result.
Aet us now dis(uss t#e *iHed law Bsa$$atta-niy<$aC.
We say %at# and *ruition d#a$$as are d#a$$as o* a
*iHed law) but we do not say t#ey are %er$anent Bni((aC.
T#ey are also i$%er$anent Bani((aC) but t#e *or(e o*
Pat# Knowledge eHists in t#e $entality-$ateriality
%ro(ess o* t#ose w#o #a3e attained a %at#) *ruition) and
ibb<na. T#e eHisten(e o* t#at *or(e is (alled a *iHed
law. T#at *or(e (an %rodu(e #ig#er and #ig#er *ruits)
but (annot %rodu(e lower *ruits. T#is is also a *iHed law.
1ere you s#ould t#ink about t#isN To attain ara#ants#i%
is not easy. 2ou #a3e to %ra(tise wit# great e**ortQ strong)
%ower*ul %erse3eran(e is ne(essary. +or eHa$%le) in #is
last li*e our Sakya$uni bod#isatta %ra(tised 3ery #ard)
*or o3er siH years to attain ara#ants#i% asso(iated wit#
>$nis(ient Knowledge BsabbaTTuta-T<@aC. 2ou (an
i$agine #ow #ard it was. So i* a*ter attaining ara#ants#i%
wit# enor$ous di**i(ulty) #e be(a$e a worldling
B%ut#u??anaC again) w#at would be t#e *ruit o* t#e %ra(ti(e6
2ou s#ould t#ink about t#is (are*ully.
'n t#is (onne(tion) ' would like to eH%lain w#en
a bod#isatta (an re(ei3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y.
OManussattaR liJgasa$%atti) #etu satt#<radassanaRQ
%abba??< gu@asa$%atti) ad#ik<ro (a (#andat<Q
ASS#ad#a$$asa$od#<n< ab#inD#<ro sa$i??#ati.&
1e (an re(ei3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y w#en t#e *ollowing
eig#t (onditions are *ul*illedN
0. ManussattaRN #e is a #u$an being.
!. AiJgasa$%attiN #e is a $ale.
3. 1etu B(ause or rootCN #e #as su**i(ient %<ra$Ds to
attain ara#ants#i% w#ile listening to a 4udd#a
utter a s#ort stanKa related to t#e +our oble
Trut#s. T#at $eans) #e $ust #a3e %ra(tised
Vi%assan< t#oroug#ly u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity o* +or$ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<-T<@aC.
5. Satt#<radassanaR Bsig#t o* t#e MasterCN #e $eets a
4udd#a
7. Pabba??< Bgoing *ort#CN #e #as gone *ort# as a
#er$it or a b#ikk#u.
8. Lu@asa$%atti B%ossession o* FualitiesCN #e #as
a(Fuired t#e eig#t attain$ents Bsa$<%attiC and
*i3e $undane %sy(#i( %owers Bab#iTT<@aC.
:. Ad#ik<ro BeHtre$e dedi(ationCN #e #as su**i(ient
%<ra$Ds to re(ei3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a
4udd#a. T#at $eans #e $ust in %re3ious li3es
#a3e %ra(tised t#e %<ra$Ds ne(essary *or attaining
>$nis(ient Knowledge BsabbaTTuta-T<@aC. 'n ot#er
words) #e $ust #a3e sowed t#e seeds o* knowledge
B3i??<C and (ondu(t B(ara@aC *or >$nis(ient
Knowledge in a %re3ious 4udd#a&s dis%ensation.
A((ording to t#e 2asod#ar< A%ad<na) t#e *uture
%rin(e Sidd#att#a #ad $ade t#e wis# to attain)
and t#e *uture %rin(ess 2asod#ar< #ad $ade t#e
wis# to #el% #i$ attain) >$nis(ient Knowledge in
t#e %resen(e o* $any billions o* 4udd#as) and #ad
de3elo%ed all t#e %<ra$Ds under t#eir guidan(e.
.. -#andat< Bstrong desireCN #e #as a su**i(iently
strong desire to attain >$nis(ient Knowledge.
1ow strong is t#at desire6 Su%%ose t#e w#ole
world were burning (#ar(oal. '* so$eone told
#i$ t#at #e would attain >$nis(ient Knowledge
by (rossing t#e burning (#ar(oal *ro$ one end to
t#e ot#er) #e would go a(ross t#e burning (#ar(oal
wit#out #esitation. 1ere ' ask youN Would you go
a(ross t#at burning (#ar(oal6 '* not t#e w#ole
world) t#en i* ?ust *ro$ Taiwan to Pa-Auk it were
all burning (#ar(oal) would you go a(ross it6 '*
it were (ertain t#at one (ould attain >$nis(ient
Knowledge t#at way) t#e bod#isatta would go
a(ross t#at burning (#ar(oal. T#at is t#e strengt#
o* #is desire *or >$nis(ient Knowledge.
'* t#ese eig#t *a(tors are %resent in a bod#isatta #e will
(ertainly re(ei3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a 4udd#a.
T#ey were %resent in our Sakya$uni bod#isatta) w#en
#e was t#e #er$it Su$ed#a) at t#e ti$e o* ,D%aJkara
4udd#a. T#at is w#y #e re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y
*ro$ ,D%aJkara 4udd#a wit# t#e wordsN O2ou s#all
attain >$nis(ient Knowledge a*ter *our in(al(ulables
BasaJk#yeyyaC and a #undred t#ousand aeons Bka%%aC)
and s#all bear t#e na$e o* Lota$a.&
ow) w#at does it $ean t#at t#e %ro%#e(y is Ode*inite&6
't is de*inite be(ause it (annot be (#anged. T#at
does not $ean it is %er$anent. ,D%aJkara 4udd#a&s
$entality-$ateriality were i$%er$anent. Su$ed#a&s
$entality-$ateriality were also i$%er$anent. T#is is
a *a(t) but t#e *or(e o* ka$$a) es%e(ially t#e ka$$i(
*or(e o* #is %<ra$Ds) (ould not %eris# so long as #e
#as not attained >$nis(ient Knowledge. ,D%aJkara
4udd#a&s words) t#at is t#e de*inite %ro%#e(y) also
(ould not be (#anged) and (ould not be *alse. '* t#ose
words were (#anged so t#at t#e de*inite %ro%#e(y was
not true) t#en t#ere would be anot#er %roble$) na$ely
t#at a 4udd#a would #a3e uttered *alse s%ee(#. A
4udd#a gi3es a de*inite %ro%#e(y only w#en #e sees
t#at t#e abo3e eig#t (onditions #a3e been *ul*illed. +or
eHa$%le) i* a %erson skilled in agri(ulture saw a banana
tree under t#e rig#t (onditions) #e would be able to tell
you t#at t#e tree was going to bear *ruit in *our $ont#s.
W#y6 4e(ause #e was skilled in agri(ulture) and #e saw
*lowers and s$all lea3es growing out *ro$ t#e tree. 'n
t#e sa$e way) w#en so$eone #as *ul*illed t#e eig#t
(onditions) a 4udd#a (an see t#at #e will attain t#e *ruit
o* >$nis(ient Knowledge) t#at is w#y #e (an $ake a
de*inite %ro%#e(y.
At t#e ti$e o* ,D%aJkara 4udd#a) our Sakya$uni
bod#isatta was t#e #er$it Su$ed#a) and a worldling
B%ut#u??anaC. As Prin(e Sidd#att#a) be*ore attaining
enlig#ten$ent #e was still a worldling. >nly a*ter #is
enlig#ten$ent did #e be(o$e Sakya$uni 4udd#a. A*ter
attaining t#e ara#ant %at# asso(iated wit# >$nis(ient
Knowledge) #e (ould not (#ange #is ara#ant %at#Q t#is
is a law o* nature Bsa$$atta-niy<$aC. 1ere t#e law o*
nature $eans t#at t#e result o* t#at ara#ant %at# (annot
(#ange. T#is does not $ean t#at t#e ara#ant %at# is %er
$anent. 't $eans t#at its result (o$es be(ause o* a *or(e
o* ka$$a w#i(# (annot (#ange. W#at does t#is $ean
eHa(tly6 't $eans t#at it is (ertain t#e ara#ant %at# will
%rodu(e ara#ant *ruition) and (ertain t#at it will destroy
all t#e de*ile$ents) all t#e unw#oleso$e ka$$a and
all t#e w#oleso$e ka$$a) w#i(# would ot#erwise
#a3e %rodu(ed t#eir result a*ter t#e Parinibb<na. T#is
law o* ka$$a is (alled a law o* nature and (annot be
(#anged. So a law o* nature and a de*inite %ro%#e(y are
not (ontrary to t#e law o* i$%er$anen(e.
1ere again) ' wis# to $ake a *urt#er (o$$ent.
Making an as%iration or wis# alone is not enoug#
to attain >$nis(ient Knowledge. W#en bod#isattas
re(ei3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y) t#e eig#t (onditions $ust
already be *ul*illed. Moreo3er) a de*inite %ro%#e(y
alone (annot %rodu(e 4udd#a#ood. /3en a*ter t#e
de*inite %ro%#e(y) t#ey $ust (ontinue to %er*e(t t#e
ten %<ra$Ds on t#e t#ree le3elsN as ten basi( %<ra$Ds
B%<ra$DC) gi3ing u% sons) daug#ters) wi3es and eHternal
%ro%ertyQ as ten $ediu$ %<ra$Ds Bu%a%<ra$DC) gi3ing
u% t#eir li$bs and organs) su(# as eyes and #andsQ and
as ten su%erior %<ra$Ds B%ara$att#a-%<ra$DC) gi3ing u%
t#eir li3esN altoget#er t#ere are t#irty %<ra$Ds. '* we
su$$arise t#e$ we #a3e ?ustN gi3ing Bd<naC) 3irtuous
(ondu(t BsDlaC) and $ental (ulti3ation Bb#<3an<C t#roug#
Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<. T#ey are su%erior w#oleso$e
ka$$as. 4od#isattas $ust %er*e(t t#e$ by gi3ing u%
ani$ate and inani$ate %ro%erty) t#eir li$bs) and t#eir
li3es. '* you belie3e you are a bod#isatta) (an you and
will you %er*e(t t#ese %<ra$Ds6 '* you (an) and i* you
also #a3e re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a 4udd#a)
e(y. So you s#ould re$e$berN $aking an as%iration or
wis# alone) is not enoug# to be(o$e a 4udd#a.
t#en you s#all one day attain >$nis(ient Knowledge.
4ut a((ording to t#e T#era3<da tea(#ings) only one
4udd#a (an a%%ear at one gi3en ti$e. And *or #ow long
$ust t#ey %er*e(t t#eir %<ra$Ds6 A*ter #e #ad re(ei3ed
#is de*inite %ro%#e(y) our Sakya$uni bod#isatta *ul*illed
t#e %<ra$Ds *or *our in(al(ulables and a #undred
t#ousand aeons. T#is is t#e s#ortest ti$e. 4ut we (annot
say eHa(tly #ow long it takes %rior to t#e de*inite %ro%#
Question 8..N W#en an ordinary dis(i%le #as %ra(tised
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< u% to t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning
-ause and -ondition) t#e Knowledge o* Arising
and Passing-Away) or t#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity
Towards +or$ations) #e will not be reborn on any o*
t#e *our woe*ul %lanes. /3en i* #e loses #is Sa$at#a-
Vi%assan< due to negligen(e) t#e ka$$a o* #a3ing
%ra(tised Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< still eHists. T#e Sot<nugata
Sutta says also t#at #e will attain ibb<na Fui(kly.
So) w#y did t#e Sayadaw) in t#e Question-and-Answer
session o* ;une !nd) say t#at a bod#isatta w#o #as
re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a 4udd#a (an) e3en
i* #e #as %ra(tised $editation u% to t#e Knowledge o*
/Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations) be reborn in a woe*ul
state6 'n w#i(# sutta is t#is $entioned6
Answer 8..N T#is is be(ause t#e bod#isatta way) and
ordinary dis(i%le way are not t#e sa$e. 2ou (an *ind
t#is in t#e 4udd#a3aRsa and -ariya%iSaka P<Mi TeHts.
1ow are t#e two ways di**erent6 Alt#oug# a bod#i-
satta #as re(ei3ed a de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ a 4udd#a)
#is %<ra$Ds #a3e at t#at ti$e not yet $atured enoug#
*or #i$ to attain >$nis(ient Knowledge. 1e $ust (ulti3ate
#is %<ra$Ds *urt#er. 'n t#e (ase o*) *or eHa$%le)
our Sakya$uni bod#isatta) #e #ad to) a*ter re(ei3ing
t#e de*inite %ro%#e(y *ro$ ,D%aJkara 4udd#a) (ontinue
(ulti3ating #is %<ra$Ds *or *our in(al(ulables and
a #undred t#ousand aeons be*ore $atured. 4etween
t#e de*inite %ro%#e(y and t#e %enulti$ate li*e) a bod#i-
satta is so$eti$es reborn in t#e ani$al kingdo$) be(ause
o* %re3ious unw#oleso$e ka$$a. At t#is ti$e
#e is still unable to totally destroy t#at unw#oleso$e
*or(e o* ka$$a. So w#en t#ose unw#oleso$e ka$$as
$ature) #e (annot a3oid t#eir results. T#is is an eternal
law.
4ut ordinary dis(i%les) w#o #a3e attained t#e
Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and -ondition) t#e
Knowledge o* Arising and Passing-Away) or t#e Know-
ledge o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$ations) #a3e %<ra$Ds
$ature enoug# to attain t#e Pat# Knowledge and
+ruition Knowledge. +or t#is reason) t#ey attain %at#
and *ruition) t#at is) see ibb<na) in t#is li*e or in t#eir
subseFuent *uture li*e. T#is is also an eternal law.
Question 8.9N An ara#ant (an also gi3e a de*inite %ro%#e(yQ
w#at is t#e de*inition o* de*inite %ro%#e(y #ere6
'n w#i(# sutta or ot#er sour(e (an t#is in*or$ation be
*ound6
Answer 8.9N +or t#at %lease re*er to t#e 4udd#a3aRsa
P<Mi B-#roni(le o* 4udd#asC and A%ad<na P<Mi. 4ut only
ara#ants w#o %ossess %arti(ularly t#e Knowledge o*
,is(erning t#e +uture Ban<gataRsa-T<@aC w#i(# is a
%ower se(ondary to t#e di3ine eye %sy(#i( %ower Bdibba-
(akk#u-ab#iTT<C) (an gi3e a de*inite %ro%#e(y. T#ey (an
see only a li$ited nu$ber o* li3es into t#e *uture) and
not $any in(al(ulables BasaJk#yeyyaC) or aeons Bka%%aC)
as (an a 4udd#a.
Question 8.0"N -an one %ra(tise Vi%assan< w#ile in t#e
base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion attain$ent
Bne3asaTT<-n<saTT<yatana-sa$<%attiC6 'n w#i(#
sutta or ot#er sour(e (an t#e answer be *ound6
Answer 8.0"N >ne (annot %ra(tise Vi%assan< w#ile in
any ?#<na attain$ent) and t#e base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-
nor-non-%er(e%tion is a ?#<na. >nly a*ter #a3ing
e$erged *ro$ t#e ?#<na (an one %ra(tise Vi%assan<
$editation on) *or eHa$%le) t#e ?#<na-(ons(iousness
and its $ental-(on(o$itants) in t#is (ase t#e t#irty-
one $ental *or$ations. 't is $entioned in t#e Anu%ada
Sutta B>ne by >ne as T#ey >((urredC in t#e Ma??#i$a
ik<ya BMiddle Aengt# ,is(oursesC. T#ere t#e 4udd#a
des(ribes in detail t#e Venerable S<ri%utta&s $editation
in t#e *i*teen days a*ter #e #ad attained strea$-entry.
T#e Venerable S<ri%utta entered) *or eHa$%le)
t#e *irst ?#<na. 1e e$erged *ro$ it) and dis(erned t#e
t#irty-*our *irst-?#<na $ental *or$ations) one by one) as
i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*) by seeing t#eir
arising-) stati(- and %assing-away stages. 1e dis(erned
in t#is $anner u% to t#e base o* not#ingness ?#<na. T#is
is Vi%assan< o* 'ndi3idual ,#a$$as Banu%adad#a$$a-
3i%assan<C) in w#i(# t#e $ental *or$ations are dis(erned
one by one. 4ut w#en #e rea(#ed t#e base o* neit#er-
%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion) #e (ould only dis(ern
t#e $ental *or$ations as a grou%. T#is is Vi%assana o*
-o$%re#ension in Lrou%s Bkal<%a-sa$$asana-3i%assan<C.
>nly a 4udd#a (an dis(ern t#e ?#<na d#a$$as o* t#e
base o* neit#er-%er(e%tion-nor-non-%er(e%tion one by
one. 4e(ause t#ose $ental *or$ations are eHtre$ely
subtleN a dis(i%le) like t#e Venerable S<ri%utta) (annot
dis(ern t#e$ one by one) only a 4udd#a (an.
Question 8.00N -an a %erson w#o is $entally abnor$al)
#ears 3oi(es) #as s(#iKo%#renia) a brain disease) stroke
or $al*un(tion o* t#e brain and ner3es) %ra(tise t#is
ty%e o* $editation6 '* #e (an) w#at kinds o* %re(aution
s#ould #e take6
Answer 8.00N Su(# %eo%le (an %ra(tise t#is ty%e o*
$editation) but usually t#ey do not su((eed) be(ause
t#ey (annot (on(entrate long enoug#. 4y Olong enoug#&
' $ean t#at w#en (on(entration is strong and %ower*ul)
it $ust be $aintained *or $any #ours) and $any sittings.
Esually) su(# %eo%le&s (on(entration is in(onstant.
T#is is a %roble$. T#ey $ay su((eed) i* t#ey (an $aintain
t#eir (on(entration o3er $any su((essi3e sittings)
o3er $any days or $any $ont#s.
T#ere is one *a$ous eHa$%le) t#e (ase o* PaS<(<r<.
1er #usband) two (#ildren) %arents) and brot#ers all
died on t#e sa$e day. S#e went $ad wit# grie*) and
wandered about wit# no (lot#es on. >ne day s#e (a$e
to t#e ;eta3ana $onastery in S<3att#i w#ere t#e 4udd#a
was tea(#ing ,#a$$a. 1er %<ra$Ds o* %re3ious li3es
were ready to $ature. ,ue to t#is) as well as to t#e
lo3ingkindness and (o$%assion o* t#e 4udd#a) s#e was
able to listen to t#e ,#a$$a wit# res%e(t.
Slowly #er $ind be(a$e Fuiet) and s#e understood
t#e ,#a$$a. Very soon s#e be(a$e a strea$-enterer
Bsot<%annaC. S#e ordained as a b#ikk#unD) and (ontinued
#er $editation. S#e (ould $aintain #er (on(entration
and insig#t-knowledge) and one day #er $editation
$atured. S#e be(a$e an ara#ant wit# t#e *i3e $undane
%sy(#i( %owers) and +our Analyti(al Knowledges. >*
t#e b#ikk#unDs w#o were eH%ert in t#e $onasti( rule)
s#e was *irst. S#e obser3ed t#e rule 3ery stri(tly and
learnt it by #eart) in(luding t#e (o$$entaries.
S#e #ad been de3elo%ing #er %<ra$Ds *ro$ Pad-
u$uttara 4udd#a&s dis%ensation till Kassa%a 4udd#a&s dis-
%ensation) and %arti(ularly during Kassa%a 4udd#a&s
dis%ensation. At t#at ti$e s#e was t#e daug#ter o* a
King KikD. S#e %ra(tised ko$<ri-bra#$a(ariya *or twenty
t#ousand years. Ko$<ri-bra#$a(ariya is to obser3e t#e
*i3e %re(e%ts) but in %la(e o* t#e ordinary %re(e%t o* abstinen(e
*ro$ seHual $is(ondu(t) abstinen(e *ro$ any
w#atsoe3er seHual a(ti3ity is obser3ed. S#e (ulti3ated
t#e t#ree trainings) 3irtuous (ondu(t BsDlaC) (on(entration
Bsa$<d#iC) and wisdo$ B%aTT<C) as a lay de3otee) *or
twenty-t#ousand years. T#ose %<ra$Ds $atured in t#is
Lota$a 4udd#a&s dis%ensation. So) alt#oug# s#e #ad
gone $ad) s#e was able to %ra(tise t#e t#ree trainings
well) and be(a$e an ara#ant.
W#en t#ey %ra(tise $editation) su(# %eo%le need
kaly<na-$itta) w#i(# is good tea(#ers) good *riends) and
s%iritual *riends. Pro%er $edi(ine and %ro%er *ood also
#el%s. +ro$ $y eH%erien(e) ' know t#at $ost o* t#e$
(annot $aintain t#eir (on(entration *or a long ti$e.
Esually t#ey do not su((eed.
Question 8.0!N '* a %erson) w#o does not #a3e good
#u$an relations) su((eeds in attaining t#e *ourt# ?#<na)
will t#is i$%ro3e #is skill in (o$$uni(ating wit#
ot#ers6 -an attaining ?#<na (orre(t su(# %roble$s6
Answer 8.0!N T#ese %roble$s o((ur usually be(ause o*
#atred BdosaC. T#is is one o* t#e #indran(es. As long as a
%erson is unable to re$o3e t#is attitude) #e (annot attain
?#<na. 4ut i* #e (an re$o3e t#is attitude) #e (an not only
attain ?#<na) but also t#e %at#s and *ruitions u% to ara#ants#i%.
A *a$ous eHa$%le is t#e Venerable -#anna
T#era. 1e was born on t#e sa$e day as our bod#isatta)
in t#e %ala(e o* King Sudd#odana in Ka%ila3att#u. 1e
was t#e son o* one o* King Sudd#odana&s *e$ale sla3es.
1e be(a$e one o* t#e bod#isatta %rin(e Sidd#att#a&s
%lay$ate) w#en t#ey were young. T#is ga3e later rise
to $u(# (on(eit in #i$. 1e t#oug#t t#ings likeN OT#is is
$y KingQ t#e 4udd#a was $y %lay$ateQ t#e ,#a$$a is
our ,#a$$aQ w#en #e renoun(ed t#e world) ' *ollowed
#i$ u% to t#e bank o* t#e Ano$< Ri3er. o one else
did. S<ri%utta and Ma#<$oggall<na et(.) are *lowers
t#at blosso$ed later) et(.& 4e(ause o* t#is) #e always
used #ars# language. 1e did not s#ow res%e(t to
Ma#<t#eras like t#e Venerable S<ri%utta) t#e Venerable
Ma#<$oggall<na and ot#ers. So no one #ad *riendly
relations wit# #i$. 1e (ould not attain ?#<na or %at#
and *ruition in t#e 4udd#a&s li*eti$e) be(ause #e was
unable to re$o3e #is (on(eit and #atred.
>n t#e nig#t o* t#e Parinibb<na) t#e 4udd#a told
t#e Venerable Ynanda to $ete out t#e noble %unis#$ent
Bbra#$ada@]aC on t#e Venerable -#anna. 't $eans
t#at no one was to talk to t#e Venerable -#anna) e3en
i* #e wanted to talk. W#en nobody talked wit# t#e
Venerable -#anna) #is (on(eit and #atred disa%%eared.
T#is a(t o* t#e SaJg#a BsaJg#a-ka$$aC took %la(e in t#e
L#osit<r<$a $onastery in Kosa$bD) *i3e $ont#s a*ter
t#e 4udd#a&s Parinibb<na.
T#e Venerable -#anna le*t L#osit<r<$a) and went
to t#e 'si%atana $onastery in t#e deer %ark near 4enares.
1e worked #ard on $editation but was) in s%ite o* great
e**ort) not su((ess*ul. So one day) #e went to t#e Venerable
Ynanda and asked #i$ to #el% #i$. W#y was #e not
su((ess*ul6 1e dis(erned t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering)
and non-sel* nature o* t#e *i3e aggregates) but did not
dis(ern de%endent-origination B%aSi((asa$u%%<daC. So t#e
Venerable Ynanda taug#t #i$ #ow to dis(ern de%endent-
origination) and taug#t #i$ t#e Ka((anagotta Sutta.
A*ter listening to t#e Venerable Ynanda&s d#a$$a talk)
#e attained strea$-entry. 1e (ontinued #is %ra(ti(e and
3ery soon be(a$e an ara#ant. So i* a %erson (an (#ange
#is bad (#ara(ter) and %ra(tise Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< in t#e
rig#t way) #e (an attain ?#<na) %at# and *ruition.
Talk :
1ow 2ou ,e3elo%
t#e 'nsig#t-Knowledges
to See ibb<na
'ntrodu(tion
'n $y last talk) ' eH%lained brie*ly #ow to dis(ern
de%endent-origination a((ording to t#e *i*t# and *irst
$et#ods. Today) ' would like to eH%lain brie*ly #ow to
de3elo% insig#t-knowledges to see ibb<na.
T#ere are siHteen insig#t-knowledges BT<@aC w#i(#
need to be de3elo%ed %rogressi3ely in order to see
ibb<na.
T#e *irst insig#t-knowledge is t#e Knowledge o*
Analysing Mentality-Materiality Bn<$arG%a-%ari((#eda-T<@aC.
' eH%lained t#is knowledge in $y %re3ious talks w#en
' eH%lained #ow to dis(ern $entality and $ateriality.
T#e se(ond insig#t-knowledge is t#e Knowledge
o* ,is(erning -ause and -ondition B%a((aya-%arigga#a-
T<@aC. ' eH%lained t#is knowledge in $y last talk) w#en
' eH%lained #ow to dis(ern $entality-$ateriality and
t#eir (auses in t#e %ast) %resent) and *uture) and #ow
to dis(ern de%endent-origination.
A*ter you #a3e de3elo%ed t#ose two knowledges)
you need to (o$%lete t#e$) by again dis(erning all $entality)
all $ateriality) and all t#e *a(tors o* de%endent-
origination) a((ording to t#eir indi3idual (#ara(teristi()
*un(tion) $ani*estation) and %roHi$ate (ause. 't is not
really %ossible to eH%lain t#is in a brie* way) so i* you
wis# to know t#e details) it is best to learn t#e$ at t#e
ti$e o* a(tually %ra(tising.
ow ' would like to eH%lain brie*ly t#e re$aining
knowledges.
T#e Knowledge o* -o$%re#ension BSa$$asana-I<@aC
T#e t#ird insig#t-knowledge is t#e Knowledge o* -o$-
%re#ension Bsa$$asana-T<@aC w#i(# (o$%re#ends
*or$ations by (ategories. To de3elo% it you di3ide
*or$ations into (ategoriesN two (ategories) as $entality
and $aterialityQ *i3e (ategories) as t#e *i3e aggregatesQ
twel3e (ategories) as t#e twel3e bases or t#e twel3e *a(tors
o* de%endent-originationQ and eig#teen (ategories)
as t#e eig#teen ele$ents. 2ou take t#ose (ategories) and
see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s) i$%er$anen(e Bani((aC)
su**ering Bdukk#aC) and non-sel* BanattaC in ea(# one.
+or eHa$%le) in t#e Anattalakk#a@a Sutta) t#e
4udd#a tea(#es to dis(ern wit# rig#t understanding
t#e *i3e aggregatesQ to dis(ern all $ateriality) *eeling)
%er(e%tion) *or$ations) and (ons(iousness as Onot $e&
Bani((aC) Onot $ine& Bdukk#aC) and Onot $ysel*& BanattaC. 1e
eH%lains) Oall& as O%ast) *uture) and %resentQ internal and
eHternalQ gross and subtleQ in*erior and su%eriorQ *ar and
near.&
2ou s#ould begin by re-establis#ing t#e *ourt#
?#<na. '* you) as a %ure-insig#t indi3idual) #a3e de3elo%ed
only t#e *our-ele$ents $editation) you s#ould
re-establis# (on(entration until t#e lig#t is brig#t and
strong. T#en dis(ern t#e real $ateriality BOreal& is $entioned
be(ause arti*i(ial $ateriality is not t#e ob?e(t o*
3i%assana $editationC o* ea(# o* t#e siH sense-doors.
2ou take t#at $ateriality as a grou% Bt#e Sayadaw
usually tea(#es $editators to dis(ern t#e (ategories o*
$entality-$ateriality) *i3e aggregates and twel3e *a(tors
o* de%endent-origination) again and again) *or $any
ti$es.C) see its arising and %assing-away) and know it
as i$%er$anent Bani((aC. 2ou need to do t#is internally
and eHternally) alternately) again and again. W#ile doing
t#is eHternally) you s#ould gradually eHtend your range
o* %er(e%tion *ro$ near to *ar) to t#e in*inite uni3erse.
T#en) *ollowing t#e sa$e %ro(edure) see t#e %ain
and su**ering one #as to (onstantly eH%erien(e be(ause
o* t#at $ateriality&s arising and %assing-away) and
know it as su**ering Bdukk#aC.
Aastly) see t#e $ateriality as de3oid o* a %er$anent
sel*) and know it as non-sel* BanattaC.
2ou need to see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in also
$entality. +irst dis(ern all t#e $entality at t#e siH sense-
doors. T#is in(ludes t#e (ons(iousness and $ental-
(on(o$itants in ea(# $ind-$o$ent o* ea(# sense-door
t#oug#t-%ro(ess B3Dt#iC) and t#e b#a3aJga (ons(iousnesses
t#at o((ur between t#e$. T#e %ro(edure is t#e
sa$e as wit# $ateriality.
2ou take $entality as a (ategory) see its arising
and %assing-away) and know it as i$%er$anent Bani((aC.
2ou do t#is internally and eHternally) alternately) again
and again) and w#ile doing it eHternally) you gradually
eHtend your range o* %er(e%tion *ro$ near to *ar) to t#e
in*inite uni3erse. T#en you see t#e $entality as su**ering
Bdukk#aC) and as non-sel* BanattaC.
1a3ing seen t#e $ateriality and $entality o* t#e
siH sense-doors) you now need to see t#e t#ree (#ara(
teristi(s in t#e $ateriality and $entality o* t#is entire
li*e) *ro$ t#e rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness u% to t#e
deat#-(ons(iousness. 1ere again) you see t#e t#ree
(#ara(teristi(s one at a ti$e) re%eatedly) bot# internally
and eHternally.
A*ter doing t#is li*e) you need to do t#e %ast)
Bagain t#e %resent W*ro$ t#e %ast to t#e *utureXC) and
*uture li3es t#at you #a3e dis(erned. 1ere too) you see
t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s one at a ti$e) re%eatedly) bot#
internally and eHternally) in all $ateriality and $entality
o* t#e %ast) B%resent)C and *uture.
W#ile doing t#is) you $ay *ind t#at you de3elo%
t#e #ig#er insig#t-knowledges Fui(kly) stage by stage)
u% to t#e attain$ent o* ara#ants#i%. '* not) t#ere are
se3eral eHer(ises to %ro$ote your insig#t.
T#e +orty Per(e%tions B-att<rDs<k<raanu%assan<C
T#e *irst eHer(ise is to see t#e i$%er$anen(e) su**ering)
and non-sel* o* $entality and $ateriality) internally
and eHternally) in t#e %ast) %resent) and *uture a((ording
to *orty di**erent %er(e%tions. 'n P<Mi t#ey all end
wit# t#e su**iH Oto&) so we (all t#e$ t#e *orty Oto&.
T#ere are ten %er(e%tions o* i$%er$anen(eN
0. '$%er$anent ani((ato
!. ,isintegrating %alokato
3. +i(kle (alato
5. Peris#able %ab#aJguto
7. Enenduring add#u3ato
8. Sub?e(t to (#ange 3i%ari@<$ad#a$$ato
:. 1a3ing no (ore as<rakato
.. Sub?e(t to anni#ilation 3ib#a3ato
9. Sub?e(t to deat# $ara@ad#a$$ato
0". +or$ed saJk#atato
T#ere are twenty-*i3e %er(e%tions o* su**eringN
0. Su**ering dukk#ato
!. A disease rogato
3. A (ala$ity ag#ato
5. A boil ga@]ato
7. A dart sallato
8. An a**li(tion <b<d#ato
:. A disaster u%adda3ato
.. A terror b#ayato
9. A %lague Dtito
0". A $ena(e u%asaggato
00. o %rote(tion at<@ato
0!. o s#elter ale@ato
03. o re*uge asara@ato
05. Murderous 3ad#akato
07. T#e root o* (ala$ity ag#a$Glato
08. A danger <dDna3ato
0:. Sub?e(t to taints s<sa3ato
0.. M<ra&s bait $<r<$isato
09. Sub?e(t to birt# ?<tid#a$$ato
!". Sub?e(t to ageing ?ar<d#a$$ato
!0. Sub?e(t to illness by<d#id#a$$ato
!!. -ause o* sorrow sokad#a$$ato
!3. -ause o* la$entation %aride3ad#a$$ato
!5. -ause o* des%air u%<y<sad#a$$ato
!7. Sub?e(t to de*ile$ent saRkilesikad#a$$ato
T#ere are *i3e %er(e%tions o* non-sel*N
0. on-sel* anattato
!. Void suTTato
3. 'nde%endent %arato
5. /$%ty rittato
7. Vain tu((#ato
W#ile a%%lying t#e *orty Oto& to $entality and $ateriality)
internally and eHternally) in t#e %ast) %resent) and
*uture) so$e %eo%le&s insig#t %rogresses to t#e attain$ent
o* ara#ants#i%.
'* not) t#ere are t#e eHer(ises (alled t#e se3en ways
*or $ateriality) and t#e se3en ways *or $entality.
T#e Se3en Ways *or Materiality BRG%a-SattakaC
T#e se3en ways *or $ateriality areN
0. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality
o* t#is entire li*eti$e) *ro$ rebirt#-linking to deat#)
bot# internally and eHternally.
!. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality o*
di**erent %eriods in t#is li*eti$e) bot# internally and eHternally.
2ou (onsider t#is li*eti$e to be a #undred years) and
di3ide it into t#ree %eriods o* Ba%%roHi$atelyC t#irty-t#ree
years. T#en see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in ea(# %eriod) by
seeing t#at t#e $ateriality in one %eriod arises and (eases
t#ere) and does not %ass on to t#e neHt %eriod.
2ou t#en di3ide t#is li*eti$e into %rogressi3ely
s$aller %eriods) and do t#e sa$e. ,i3ide t#e #undred-
year o* t#is li*eti$e intoN ten %eriods o* ten years) twenty
%eriods o* *i3e years) twenty-*i3e %eriods o* *our years)
t#irty-t#ree %eriods o* t#ree years) *i*ty %eriods o* two
years) and one #undred %eriods o* one yearQ t#ree #un-
dred %eriods o* *our $ont#s) siH #undred %eriods o* two
$ont#s) and two t#ousand *our #undred %eriods o* #al*-
a-$ont#Q ea(# day into two %eriods) and t#en siH %eriods.
'n ea(# (ase see t#at t#e $ateriality in one %eriod arises
and (eases t#ere) does not %ass on to t#e neHt %eriod) and
so is i$%er$anent) su**ering and non-sel*.
2ou redu(e t#e %eriods *urt#er to t#e duration
o* ea(# $o3e$ent o* t#e bodyN t#e %eriods o* going
*ort# and going ba(k) looking a#ead and looking away)
bending a li$b and stret(#ing a li$b) and you di3ide
ea(# *ootste% into siH %eriodsN li*ting) raising) $o3ing
*orward) lowering) %la(ing and %ressing. Again see t#e
t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in ea(# %eriod e3ery day in t#is
#undred-year li*eti$e.
3. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality
%rodu(ed by nutri$ent. T#at is) at t#e ti$es w#en
#ungry) and w#en satis*ied) e3ery day in t#is #undred-
year li*eti$e.
5. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality
%rodu(ed by te$%erature. T#at is) at t#e ti$es w#en
#ot) and w#en (old) e3ery day in t#is #undred-year
li*eti$e.
7. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality
%rodu(ed by ka$$a. T#at is) e3ery day in t#is
#undred-year li*eti$e) in t#e siH sense-doors. 2ou know
t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s by seeing t#at t#e $ateriality
in one door arises and (eases t#ere) and does not %ass
on to anot#er door.
8. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality
%rodu(ed by (ons(iousness. T#at is) at t#e ti$es w#en
#a%%y and %leased) and w#en un#a%%y and sad) e3ery
day in t#is #undred-year li*eti$e.
:. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in %resent inani$ate
$ateriality. T#at is t#e $ateriality wit# none o*
t#e siH internal sense bases) su(# as %lasti() steel) iron)
(o%%er) gold) sil3er) %earls) ge$stones) s#ells) $arble)
(oral) rubies) soil) ro(ks) and %lants. T#at ty%e o* $ateriality
is *ound only eHternally.
T#ese are t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality.
T#e Se3en Ways *or Mentality BArG%a-SattakaC
'n t#e se3en ways *or $entality) you see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s
in t#e insig#t-$inds) t#e $entality) w#i(#
#a3e seen t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e se3en ways
*or $ateriality. T#is $eans) your ob?e(t is in ea(# (ase
an insig#t-$ind. 2ou see it wit# a subseFuent insig#t-
$ind. T#e se3en ways *or $entality areN
0. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $ateriality
o* t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality) but to see t#at $ateriality
as a grou%. 2ou t#en see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in
t#e $entality w#i(# saw t#is. T#at $eans) you see t#e
grou%ed $ateriality as i$%er$anent) and t#en see t#e
t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#at insig#t-$ind itsel* wit# in ea(#
(ase a subseFuent insig#t-$ind. 2ou do t#e sa$e wit# t#e
grou%ed $ateriality seen as su**ering and non-sel*.
!. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e $entality
*or ea(# o* t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality. T#at $eans)
you see t#e $ateriality in ea(# o* t#e se3en ways *or
$ateriality as i$%er$anent) and t#e see t#e t#ree
(#ara(teristi(s in t#at insig#t-$ind itsel* wit# in ea(#
(ase a subseFuent insig#t-$ind. 2ou do t#e sa$e wit#
t#e $ateriality seen as su**ering and non-sel*) and do
it wit# ea(# o* t#e insig#t-$inds *or t#e gi3en %eriods
in ea(# day o* t#is #undred-year li*eti$e.
3. To again see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in t#e
$entality *or ea(# o* t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality)
but to do so *our ti$es in su((ession. T#at $eans) you
see again t#e $ateriality in ea(# o* t#e se3en ways *or
$ateriality as i$%er$anent) and t#en see t#e t#ree
(#ara(teristi(s in t#at *irst insig#t-$ind wit# a se(ond
insig#t-$ind) and t#e se(ond wit# a t#ird et(.) until you
wit# a *i*t# insig#t-$ind see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in
t#e *ourt# insig#t-$ind.
5. To do as be*ore) but to (ontinue until you wit#
an ele3ent# insig#t-$ind see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s
in t#e tent# insig#t-$ind.
7. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in $entality *or
t#e re$o3al o* 3iews. 1ere again) you see t#e insig#t-
$inds t#at #a3e seen t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality) but
intensi*y t#e %er(e%tion o* non-sel*) so as to o3er(o$e
3iews) es%e(ially t#e 3iew o* sel*.
8. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in $entality *or
t#e re$o3al o* (on(eit. Again you see t#e insig#t-$inds
t#at #a3e seen t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality) but intensi*y
t#e %er(e%tion o* i$%er$anen(e) so as to o3er(o$e
(on(eit.
:. To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in $entality *or
t#e ending o* atta(#$ent. Again you see t#e insig#t-
$inds t#at #a3e seen t#e se3en ways *or $ateriality) but
intensi*y t#e %er(e%tion o* su**ering) so as to o3er(o$e
atta(#$ent.
't is best to #a3e done t#ese eHer(ises *or t#e $ateriality
and $entality o* t#e %resent Wnot o* t#e %ast and
*utureX) internally and eHternally. Wit# t#e eHer(ises
(o$%leted) $ateriality and $entality will #a3e be(o$e
3ery (lear to you.
' #a3e now eH%lained #ow to de3elo% t#e knowledge
o* *or$ations in (ategories. ow ' would like to
eH%lain #ow to de3elo% t#e knowledge o* arising and
%assing-away o* *or$ations.
T#e Knowledge o* Arising and Passing-Away
BEdayabbaya-I<@aC
T#e Knowledge o* Arising and Passing-Away o* *or$-
ations (onsists o* twoN t#e (ausal B%a((ayatoC and t#e
$o$entary Bk#a@atoC arising and %assing-away o*
*or$ations. T#at is) o* $entality-$ateriality) t#e *i3e
aggregates) t#e twel3e bases) t#e eig#teen ele$ents) t#e
+our oble Trut#s) de%endent origination) internally
and eHternally) in t#e %resent) %ast and *uture.
To see t#e (ausal is) *or eHa$%le) to see it a((ording
to t#e *i*t# $et#od o* de%endent origination) as
des(ribed in $y %re3ious talk. 't is to see t#e *i3e (auses
in your %ast li*e) as *or eHa$%le ignoran(e) w#i(# %rodu(ed
t#e arising o* t#e *i3e aggregates in t#is li*e. 't is
also to see t#e (essation o* t#ose (auses in t#e *uture)
w#en you attain ara#ants#i%) and to see t#e *inal (es
sation o* t#e *i3e aggregates at your Parinibb<na.
To see t#e $o$entary nature o* *or$ations is
to see #ow t#e *i3e aggregates arise and %ass away in
e3ery $ind-$o$ent W*ro$ t#e %aSisand#i (itta $o$ent
to t#e (uti (itta $o$entX. 't is to see t#e *i3e aggregates
w#i(# were %resent at t#e ti$e o* t#e arising
and %assing-away o* t#e rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness
B%aSisand#i (ittaC) b#a3aJga (ons(iousness and deat#
(ons(iousness B(uti (ittaC) all o* w#i(# are %ro(ess-*reed
(ons(iousnesses B3Dt#i-$utta-(ittaC. T#e $o$entary is
also t#e *i3e aggregates at ea(# $ind-$o$ent in any
o* t#e siH sense-door t#oug#t-%ro(esses B3Dt#iC.
T#ere are two $et#ods *or de3elo%ing t#is knowledge)
t#e brie* and t#e detailed $et#ods.
4rie* Met#od
To de3elo% t#e brie* $et#od) you s#ould see only t#e
$o$entary nature o* *or$ations. T#at is) $entality-
$ateriality) t#e *i3e aggregates) t#e twel3e bases) t#e
eig#teen ele$ents) t#e +our oble Trut#s) and de%endent-
origination) internally and eHternally) in t#e %ast)
%resent) and *uture. 2ou see t#eir $o$entary arising
and %assing-away) and t#en see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s
in t#e$.
,etailed Met#od
T#e detailed $et#od is de3elo%ed in t#ree stages. +irst
you eHa$ine only t#e arising o* *or$ations) (ausal and
$o$entary) t#en only t#e %assing-away) and t#en bot#
t#eir arising and %assing-away.
T#e >bser3ation o* t#e ature o* Arising
BSa$udayad#a$$<nu%assDC
To begin t#e detailed $et#od you s#ould see again and
again only t#e $o$entary arising o* *or$ations) and
t#e (ause *or t#eir arising.
+or eHa$%le) in t#e (ase o* $ateriality) you dis(ern
t#e (ausal arising o* $ateriality a((ording to t#e
*i*t# $et#od o* de%endent-origination) as des(ribed
in $y %re3ious talk. T#is $eans you look ba(k again
to t#e near deat# $o$ents o* your %ast li*e) to see t#e
*i3e %ast (auses) w#i(# (aused t#e arising in t#is li*e o*
$ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$a. >ne by one) you see
t#at t#e arising o* ignoran(e) o* (ra3ing) o* (linging) o*
3olitional *or$ations) and o* ka$$a) ea(# (ause t#e
arising o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$a.
T#en you dis(ern only t#e $o$entary arising o*
$ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$a.
2ou t#en need to) one a*ter t#e ot#er) see bot# t#e
(ausal and $o$entary arising o* $ateriality %rodu(ed
by $ind) by te$%erature) and by nutri$ent. 2ou see
t#atN $ind (auses t#e arising o* $ateriality %rodu(ed
by $ind) te$%erature (auses t#e arising o* $ateriality
%rodu(ed by te$%erature) and nutri$ent (auses t#e
arising o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by nutri$ent. 'n ea(#
(ase) you dis(ern also t#e $o$entary arising o* t#at
%arti(ular ty%e o* $ateriality.
A*ter t#is you #a3e to in t#e sa$e way see t#e
(ausal and $o$entary arising o* $entality. 't would)
#owe3er) take so$e ti$e to list t#e details) so ' s#all
%ass t#e$ o3er) and in ea(# instan(e eH%lain t#e details
*or only $ateriality.
T#e >bser3ation o* t#e ature o* Passing-Away
BVayad#a$$<nu%assDC
A*ter dis(erning t#e (ausal and $o$entary arising o*
$ateriality and $entality) you now see again and again
only t#eir %assing-away.
'n t#e (ase o* $ateriality) you dis(ern t#e (ausal
(essation o* $ateriality again a((ording to t#e *i*t#
$et#od o* de%endent-origination. T#is $eans) you look
*orward to t#e *uture li*e in w#i(# you be(o$e an ara#ant)
to see t#at w#en you attain t#e Ara#ant Pat# and
+ruition Bara#atta$agga and ara#atta%#alaC) all de*ile$ents
(ease W#ere t#e de*ile$ents do not arise and %ass awayX)
and t#at at t#e end o* t#at li*e all *or$ations (ease W#ere
t#e *or$ations too do not arise and %ass awayXN t#is is
dire(tly seeing your Parinibb<na) a*ter w#i(# no new
$ateriality or $entality arises. >ne by one) you see t#at
t#e (essation o* ignoran(e) o* (ra3ing) o* (linging) o*
3olitional *or$ations) and o* ka$$a res%e(ti3ely) ea(#
(ause t#e (essation o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$a.
1a3ing in t#at way seen t#e (ausal (essation o*
$ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$a) you now see only its
$o$entary %assing-away.
2ou need to see) one a*ter t#e ot#er) bot# t#e
(ausal and $o$entary %assing-away o* $ateriality
%rodu(ed by $ind) by te$%erature) and by nutri$ent.
2ou see t#atN t#e (essation o* $ind (auses t#e (essation
o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by $ind) t#e (essation o* te$%erature
(auses t#e (essation o* $ateriality %rodu(ed
by te$%erature) and t#e (essation o* nutri$ent (auses
t#e (essation o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by nutri$ent Wt#is
#a%%ens a*ter %arinibbanaX. 'n ea(# (ase you dis(ern
also t#e $o$entary (essation Wt#is #a%%ens be*ore
%arinibbanaX o* t#at %arti(ular ty%e o* $ateriality.
A*ter t#is you #a3e to see t#e (ausal and $o$entary
(essation o* $entality.
T#e >bser3ation o* t#e ature o* Arising And
Passing-Away BSa$udaya3ayad#a$$<nu%assDC
>n(e you #a3e seen bot# t#e (ausal and $o$entary
(essation o* $ateriality and $entality) you now see
again and again bot# t#eir arising and %assing-away.
T#is in3ol3es seeing *irst t#eir (ausal arising and
%assing-away) and t#en t#eir $o$entary arising
and %assing-away. 2ou see ea(# one in t#ree ways
su((essi3elyN t#e arising o* t#e (ause and its resultQ
t#eir (essationQ and t#e i$%er$anent nature o* bot#.
'n t#e (ase o* $ateriality you see one by one t#atN
t#e arising o* ea(# (ause) i.e. o* ignoran(e) o* (ra3ing) o*
(linging) o* 3olitional *or$ations) and o* ka$$a) (auses
t#e arising o* $ateriality %rodu(ed by ka$$aQ t#e
(essation o* ea(# sa$e (ause) (auses t#e (essation
o* t#e arisen $ateriality Bt#e Sayadaw says t#at it is
not t#e (essation o* t#e Oarisen& $ateriality) be(ause
a*ter Parinibbana t#ere is no $ateriality %rodu(ed by
ka$$a at allCQ and t#at ea(# (ause) as well as t#e arisen
$ateriality are i$%er$anent.
Aikewise) t#e (auses $ind) te$%erature and nutri$ent
ea(# (ause t#e arising o* $ateriality) t#e (essation
o* t#e (auses (ause t#e (essation o* t#e arisen $ateriality)
and bot# t#e (auses and t#e $ateriality %rodu(ed
by t#e$ are i$%er$anent.
T#is is #ow you see bot# t#e (ausal and $o$entary
arising and %assing-away o* $ateriality.
A*ter t#at) you #a3e to see t#e (ausal and $o$entary
arising and %assing-away o* $entality.
So in t#e way ' #a3e ?ust outlined) you dis(ern
t#e (ausal and $o$entary arising and %assing-away
o* t#e *i3e aggregates) and see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s
o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel* in t#e$. 2ou
s#ould do t#is *or t#e *i3e internal aggregates) t#e *i3e
eHternal aggregates) and t#e *i3e aggregates o* t#e %ast)
%resent) and *uture.
1a3ing done t#is *or t#e *i3e aggregates) you need
to de3elo% t#is insig#t) wit# also t#e *irst $et#od o*
de%endent-origination. 'n w#i(# (ase) w#en you dis(ern
t#e (asual arising o* *or$ations) you dis(ern ea(# *a(tor
o* de%endent-origination in *orward order) to see t#atN
O'gnoran(e (auses 3olitional *or$ations) 3olitional
*or$ations (ause (ons(iousness) (ons(iousness
(auses $entality-$ateriality) $entality-$ateriality
(ause t#e siH sense-bases) t#e siH sense-bases (ause
(onta(t) (onta(t (auses *eeling) *eeling (auses
(ra3ing) (ra3ing (auses (linging) (linging (auses
be(o$ing) be(o$ing (auses birt#) birt# (auses
ageing) deat#) sorrow) la$entation) %#ysi(al %ain)
$ental %ain) and des%air.&
BMiddle Aengt# ,is(ourses) 3.C
To dis(ern t#e (ausal (essation o* *or$ations at ara#ants#i%)
and t#e resultant Parinibb<na) you dis(ern ea(#
*a(tor o* de%endent-origination in *orward order) to see
t#atN
OWit# t#e re$ainderless *ading away and (essation
o* ignoran(e 3olitional *or$ations (ease) wit#
t#e (essation o* 3olitional *or$ations (ons(iousness
(eases) wit# t#e (essation o* (ons(iousness
$entality-$ateriality (ease) wit# t#e (essation
o* $entality-$ateriality t#e siH sense-bases (ease)
wit# t#e (essation o* t#e siH sense-bases (onta(t
(eases) wit# t#e (essation o* (onta(t *eeling (eases)
wit# t#e (essation o* *eeling (ra3ing (eases) wit#
t#e (essation o* (ra3ing (linging (eases) wit# t#e
(essation o* (linging be(o$ing (eases) wit#
t#e (essation o* be(o$ing birt# (eases) wit# t#e
(essation o* birt#) ageing) deat#) sorrow) la$entation)
%#ysi(al %ain) $ental %ain) and des%air (ease.
't is in t#is way t#at all *or$s o* su**ering (ease.&
BMiddle Aengt# ,is(ourses) 3.C
As be*ore) you dis(ern t#e (ausal and $o$entary
arising and %assing-away o* *or$ations. 2ou t#en
(o$bine t#ese two $et#ods. +or eHa$%le) wit# ignoran(e
you would see t#atN ignoran(e (auses 3olitional
*or$ationsQ wit# t#e re$ainderless *ading away and
(essation o* ignoran(e) 3olitional *or$ations (easeQ
ignoran(e is i$%er$anent) 3olitional *or$ations are
i$%er$anent.
T#e ot#er *a(tors o* de%endent-origination are dis-
(erned in t#e sa$e way. 2ou need to dis(ern de%endent-origination
in t#is way) internally and eHternally) in
t#e %ast) %resent) and *uture.
T#is is a 3ery brie* outline o* t#e de3elo%$ent o* t#e
knowledge o* arising and %assing-away o* *or$ations.
T#e Ten '$%er*e(tions o* 'nsig#t B,asa-E%akkilesaC
't is at t#is stage t#at) as you a%%ly t#ese $et#ods) and
your insig#t be(o$es stronger) t#e ten i$%er*e(tions o*
insig#t (an arise.
T#e ten i$%er*e(tions areN lig#t Bob#<saC) insig#t
BT<@aC) ?oy B%DtiC) tranFuillity B%assadd#iC) bliss Bsuk#aC)
(on*iden(e Bad#i$okk#aC) e**ort B%agga#aC) $ind*ulness
Bu%aSS#<naC) eFuani$ity Bu%ekk#<C) and atta(#$ent
BnikantiC. >* t#ese ten i$%er*e(tions) only lig#t Wlig#t
(annot be unw#oleso$eX and atta(#$ent are not
w#oleso$e $ental states. W#ereas t#e re$aining
eig#t are w#oleso$e $ental states) not in t#e$sel3es
i$%er*e(tions. T#ey (an) #owe3er) be(o$e t#e ob?e(ts
o* unw#oleso$e states) i* you be(o$e atta(#ed to t#e$.
S#ould you eH%erien(e any o* t#e ten i$%er*e(tions o*
insig#t) you need to see ea(# o* t#e$ as i$%er$anent)
su**ering) and non-sel*) so t#at you are able to o3er(o$e
t#e atta(#$ent and desire t#at $ay arise wit# t#ose
states) and t#us (ontinue to $ake %rogress.
T#e Knowledge o* ,issolution B4#aJga-I<@aC
A*ter you #a3e de3elo%ed t#e Knowledge o* Arising
and Passing-Away o* *or$ations) your insig#t (on(erning
*or$ations is stead*ast and %ure. T#en you #a3e to
de3elo% t#e Knowledge o* ,issolution o* +or$ations
Bb#aJga-T<@aC. To do t#is) you ignore t#e arising o*
*or$ations) and (on(entrate on only t#eir $o$entary
(essation and dissolution Bk#a@ika nirod#aC. 2ou see
neit#er t#e arising-%#ase Bu%%<daC o* *or$ations) nor
t#e standing-%#ase Bt#itiC o* *or$ations) nor t#e signs
Bni$ittaC o* indi3idual *or$ations) nor t#e o((urren(e
B%a3attaC o* t#e origination o* *or$ations. ,ue to t#e
%ower o* your insig#t-knowledge) you see only t#e dissolution
o* *or$ations.
To see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s) you see t#e
destru(tion) *all) and dissolution o* *or$ations) to see
*irst i$%er$anen(eQ t#en see t#e in(essant dissolution
o* *or$ations as *ear*ul) to see su**eringQ and *inally see
t#e absen(e o* any %er$anent essen(e) to see non-sel*.
2ou #a3e to see t#e t#ree (#ara(teristi(s in not
only t#e dissolution o* $entality-$ateriality) but also
in t#e dissolution o* t#e insig#t-$inds t#e$sel3es. T#at
$eans) you see t#e dissolution o* $ateriality and know
it is i$%er$anent. T#en) wit# a se(ond insig#t-$ind
you see t#e dissolution o* t#e *irst insig#t-$ind) and
know it too is i$%er$anent. 2ou do t#is *or $entality
too) and likewise see t#e dissolution o* $ateriality
and $entality to know t#e$ as su**ering and non-sel*.
2ou re%eat t#ese eHer(ises again and again) alternating
between internal and eHternal) $ateriality and $entality)
(ausal *or$ations and resultant *or$ations) %ast)
%resent and *uture.
T#e Re$aining Knowledges
As you (ontinue to dis(ern t#e %assing-away and (easing
o* *or$ations in t#is way) your strong and %ower*ul
insig#t will %rogress t#roug# t#e re$aining insig#t-
knowledges. T#at isN
T#e Knowledge o* Terror Bb#ayaT<@aCQ
T#e Knowledge o* ,anger B<dDna3aT<@aCQ
T#e Knowledge o* ,isen(#ant$ent Bnibbid<T<@aCQ
T#e Knowledge o* ,esire *or ,eli3eran(e
B$uT(ituka$yat<T<@aCQ
T#e Knowledge o* Re*le(tion) B%aSisank#<T<@aCQ and
T#e Knowledge o* /Fuani$ity Towards +or$-
ations BsaJk#<ru%ekk#<T<@aC.
Sin(e you #a3e de3elo%ed t#e *irst *i3e insig#t-knowledges
t#oroug#ly) t#ese last insig#t-knowledges de3elo%
Fui(kly. T#ere are a *ew instru(tions *or t#e$) but ' do
not #a3e ti$e to eH%lain.
A*ter t#ese insig#t-knowledges) as you (ontinue to
dis(ern t#e %assing-away and 3anis#ing o* ea(# *or$ation)
wit# a wis# *or release *ro$ t#e$) you will *ind
t#at e3entually all *or$ations (ease. 2our $ind sees
dire(tly) and is *ully aware o* t#e un*or$ed ibb<na
as ob?e(t.
T#en you will #a3e attained true knowledge o* t#e
+our oble Trut#s) and will *or yoursel* #a3e realised
ibb<na. Wit# t#is realisation) your $ind will #a3e
be(o$e %uri*ied and *ree *ro$ wrong 3iews. '* you
(ontinue t#is way) you will be able to attain ara#ants#i%
and Parinibb<na.
T#ere are $any $ore details about t#is de3elo%$ent
o* insig#t) but ' #a3e #ad to lea3e t#e$ out) so as
to $ake t#is eH%lanation as brie* as %ossible. T#e best
way to learn about t#is %ra(ti(e is by undertaking a
$editation (ourse wit# a (o$%etent tea(#er) be(ause
t#en you (an learn in a syste$ati( way) ste% by ste%.9
9. +or (entres tea(#ing t#e Pa-Auk syste$) %lease re*er to A%%endiH !
Questions = Answers :
Question :.0N W#at is t#e di**eren(e between %er(e%tion
BsaTT<C and t#e %er(e%tion-aggregate BsaTT<-k#and#aC)
and between *eeling B3edan<C and t#e *eeling-aggregate
B3edan<-k#and#aC6
Answer :.0N T#e ele3en ty%es o* %er(e%tion BsaTT<C
toget#er are (alled t#e %er(e%tion-aggregate BsaTT<-
k#and#aC. T#e ele3en ty%es o* *eeling B3edan<C toget#er
are (alled t#e *eeling-aggregate B3edan<-k#and#aC. W#at
are t#e ele3en6 Past) %resent) *uture) internal) eHternal)
gross) subtle) in*erior) su%erior) near) and *ar. All *i3e
aggregates s#ould be understood in t#e sa$e way.
Please re*er to t#e K#and#a Sutta o* t#e K#and#a
Vagga in t#e SaRyutta ik<ya *or t#e eH%lanation.
Question :.!N To w#i(# $ental-(on(o$itants do
$e$ory) in*eren(e and (reati3ity belong6 T#ey are
%art o* t#e *i3e aggregates) but #ow do t#ey be(o$e
su**ering Bdukk#aC6
Answer :.!N W#at is $e$ory6 '* you re$e$ber) or (an
dis(ern %ast) %resent) and *uture ulti$ate $entality-
$ateriality B%ara$att#a-n<$arG%aC and t#eir (auses)
and dis(ern t#e$ as i$%er$anent Bani((aC) su**ering
Bdukk#aC) and non-sel* BanattaC) t#is is rig#t $ind*ulness
Bsa$$<-satiCQ t#e $ind*ulness asso(iated wit# insig#t-
knowledge. T#is $ind*ulness is asso(iated wit# t#irty-
t#ree $ental *or$ations) w#i(# toget#er are t#e *our
$entality aggregates Bn<$a-k#and#aC. Re$e$bering
t#e 4udd#a) t#e ,#a$$a) t#e SaJg#a) and o**erings
$ade in t#e %ast is also rig#t $ind*ulness Bsa$$<-satiC.
W#en t#e re$e$bering o* a(tions %rodu(es w#oleso$e
d#a$$as Bkusala-d#a$$<C) it is also rig#t $ind*ulness)
but not w#en it %rodu(es unw#oleso$e d#a$$as
Bakusala-d#a$$<C. T#is is unw#oleso$e %er(e%tions
Bakusala-saTT<C) %er(e%tions asso(iated wit# unw#oleso$e
d#a$$asQ t#ey are also t#e *our $entality
aggregates.
T#e w#oleso$e and unw#oleso$e $entality
aggregates are i$%er$anent. As soon as t#ey arise)
t#ey %ass awayQ t#ey are sub?e(t to (onstant arising and
%assing-away) w#i(# is w#y t#ey are su**ering.
Question :.3N W#i(# $ental-(on(o$itant does OTaking
an ob?e(t& in3ol3e6
Answer :.3N All (ons(iousnesses B(ittaC and $ental-
(on(o$itants B(etasikaC take an ob?e(t. Wit#out an
ob?e(t t#ey (annot o((ur. -ons(iousness and $ental-
(on(o$itants are t#e sub?e(t. T#e sub?e(t) <ra$$a@ika-
d#a$$a) (annot arise wit#out an ob?e(t B<ra$$a@aC.
Yra$$a@ika is t#e d#a$$a or %#eno$enon w#i(# takes
an ob?e(t. 'n ot#er words) t#e d#a$$a w#i(# knows an
ob?e(t. '* t#ere is no ob?e(t to be known) t#en t#ere is no
d#a$$a w#i(# knows. ,i**erent grou%s o* (ons(iousness
and $ental-(on(o$itants take di**erent ob?e(ts.
T#ere are eig#ty-nine ty%es o* (ons(iousness B(ittaC) and
*i*ty-two ty%es o* $ental-(on(o$itant B(etasikaCQ t#ey
all take t#eir res%e(ti3e ob?e(t. +or eHa$%le) t#e %at#
and *ruition (ons(iousnesses and $ental-(on(o$itants
B$agga-(itta-(etasika and %#ala-(itta-(etasikaC take one
ob?e(t) ibb<naQ an <n<%<na ?#<na (ons(iousness) and
$ental-(on(o$itants take one ob?e(t) t#e <n<%<na
%aSib#<ga-ni$ittaQ t#e eart#-kasi@a ?#<na takes t#e
eart#-kasi@a %aSib#<ga-ni$itta as ob?e(t. 4ut a sensual-
%lane (ons(iousness Bk<$<3a(ara-(ittaC takes $any
ob?e(ts) good or bad. '* you want to know in detail)
you s#ould study t#e Ab#id#a$$aQ $ore eHa(tly t#e
Yra$$a@a se(tion o* t#e Ab#id#a$$att#a-Sanga#a.
Question :.5N ,oes work *or t#e SaJg#a a**e(t one&s
$editation6 ,oes it de%end on t#e indi3idual) or (an
one a(#ie3e a (ertain degree o* (on(entration) a*ter
w#i(# work #as no e**e(t6
Answer :.5N 'n $any suttas t#e 4udd#a (riti(iKes
b#ikk#us w#o %ra(tise t#e *ollowingN
0. Ka$$<r<$at<N %leasure in working.
!. 4#ass<r<$at<N %leasure in talking.
3. idd<r<$at<N %leasure in slee%ing.
5. SaJg#anik<r<$at<N %leasure in (o$%any.
7. 'ndriyesu aguttad3<rat<N not (ontrolling t#e *a(ulties.
8. 4#o?ane a$attaTTut<N not knowing t#e %ro%er a$ount
o* *ood to take.
:. ;<gariye ananuyutt<N not trying to %ra(tise Sa$at#a-
Vi%assan< wit# $oderate slee%.
.. Kusita or kosa??aN laKiness in Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<
%ra(ti(e.
So i* t#ere is any work you #a3e to do *or t#e SaJg#a
or yoursel*) try to do it as Fui(kly as %ossible) and t#en
return to your $editation) wit# a %ea(e*ul $ind. 4ut
i* you en?oy working too $u(#) it is a #indran(e to
$editation. T#at en?oy$ent (annot %rodu(e good (on(entration)
be(ause strong and %ower*ul $ind*ulness
on t#e $editation ob?e(t (annot be attained wit# su(#
en?oy$ent.
Question :.7N Are t#ere any bene*its to attaining ?#<nas
*or a %erson w#o #arbours e3il intentions in attain
t#e$6 >r *or a %erson w#o #as) *or eHa$%le) s%ent t#e
$oney o* a SaJg#a0" *or #is %ersonal use) and does not
t#ink it is wrong. W#en su(# a %erson attains ?#<na u%
to t#e *ourt# ?#<na) does #is $ind or 3iew (#ange6
Answer :.7N 'n t#is (ase you s#ould distinguis# between
a lay$an and a b#ikk#u. '* a b#ikk#u #as (o$$itted
an o**en(e B<%attiC) it is a #indran(e to attain ?#<na. +or
eHa$%le) i* #e #as s%ent t#e $oney o* a SaJg#a *or
#is %ersonal use) it is not easy *or #i$ to attain ?#<na)
unless #e (orre(ts t#at o**en(e B<%attiC. T#at $eans #e
$ust %ay it ba(k wit# reFuisites eFual to t#e a$ount
o* $oney s%ent. T#en #e s#ould (on*ess #is o**en(e in
*ront o* t#e SaJg#a) or to anot#er b#ikk#u. T#at $eans
#e s#ould do a (on*ession o* o**en(e B<%attidesan<C. A*ter
(orre(ting #is *ault) i* #e %ra(tises Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<)
0". /ditor&s noteN T#e 4udd#a $ade it an o**en(e against a $onk&s
3ows to re(ei3e) %ossess) or #andle $oney. T#is %ro#ibition is
obser3ed by only a 3ery s$all $inority in t#e SaJg#a worldwideQ
t#e Pa-Auk Sayadaw belongs to t#at $inority.
#e (an attain ?#<na) %at#) and *ruition. '*) wit#out (orre(ting
#is *ault #e really did attain ?#<na) t#en $aybe
#e is not a real b#ikk#u) and so t#e o**en(e was in *a(t
not an o**en(e.
'* t#e %erson is a lay$an t#e (ase is di**erent. +or
lay-%eo%le) %uri*i(ation o* (ondu(t is needed w#en t#ey
$editate. W#ile t#ey are $editating i* t#eir (ondu(t
is %ure t#ey (an attain ?#<na) alt#oug# t#ey were e3il
be*ore $editation. +or eHa$%le) in t#e ,#a$$a%ada
-o$$entary) t#ere is a story about t#e ser3ant K#u??uttar<.
S#e was a ser3ant *or King Edena&s wi*e Queen
S<$<3atD. /3ery day King Edena ga3e #er eig#t (oins
to buy *lowers *or t#e Fueen. /3ery day K#u??uttar< %ut
*our o* t#e (oins into #er %o(ket) and boug#t *lowers
wit# t#e ot#er *our. >ne day) t#e 4udd#a (a$e wit# t#e
SaJg#a *or al$s*ood at t#e *lorist&s #ouse. K#u??uttar<
#el%ed t#e *lorist gi3e t#e al$s*ood. A*ter t#e $eal t#e
4udd#a ga3e a ,#a$$a-talk) and K#u??uttar< be(a$e
a strea$-enterer Bsot<%annaC. >n t#at day s#e did not
%ut *our (oins in #er %o(ket) but boug#t *lowers *or all
eig#t (oins. W#en s#e ga3e t#e *lowers to Queen S<$<3atD)
t#e Fueen was sur%rised be(ause t#ere were $ore
*lowers t#an usual. T#en K#u??uttar< (on*essed.
Also (onsider t#e (ase o* t#e Venerable AJguli$<la.
1e was a *a$ous $urderer. 4ut as a b#ikk#u) #e %uri*ied
#is 3irtue and stro3e #ard in $editation. So #e
attained ara#ants#i%. -onsider also t#is *a(tN 'n t#e
round o* rebirt#s e3erybody #as done good and bad
a(tions. T#ere is no one w#o is *ree *ro$ bad a(tions.
4ut i* t#ey %uri*y t#eir (ondu(t %rior to $editating)
t#en %re3ious bad a(tions (annot %re3ent t#e$ *ro$
attaining ?#<na. T#at is) #owe3er) only as long as t#ose
%ast a(tions are not any o* t#e *i3e i$$ediate ka$$as
Banantariya-ka$$aC00.
T#e *i3e i$$ediate ka$$as areN
0. Killing one&s $ot#er)
!. Killing one&s *at#er)
3. Killing an ara#ant)
5. S#edding wit# e3il intention t#e blood o* a
4udd#a)
7. -ausing a s(#is$ in t#e SaJg#a.
'* any o* t#ese e3il a(tions #a3e been done one (annot
attain any ?#<na) %at#) and *ruition) ?ust like King
A?<tasattu. King A?<tasattu #ad enoug# %<ra$Ds to
be(o$e a strea$-enterer Bsot<%annaC a*ter listening
to t#e S<$aTTa%#ala Sutta B,is(ourse on t#e +ruit
o* Re(luses#i%C. 4ut #e #ad killed #is *at#er) King
4i$bis<ra. T#is e3il a(tion %re3ented #i$ *ro$ attaining
a noble BariyaC state.
2ou asked w#et#er a*ter attaining ?#<na) su(#
%eo%le&s $ind or (on(e%t (#anges. ;#<na (an re$o3e
t#e #indran(es *or a long ti$e. 4y a long ti$e ' $ean)
i* t#ey enter ?#<na *or about an #our) t#en wit#in t#at
#our t#e #indran(es do not o((ur. W#en t#ey e$erge
*ro$ ?#<na) t#e #indran(es $ay re(ur be(ause o*
unwise attention. So we (annot say *or (ertain w#et#er
w#en su(# a %erson attains ?#<na) #is $ind will (#ange
00. T#ese *i3e ka$$as are (alled Oi$$ediate&) be(ause t#ey
will de*initely ri%en in t#e %resent li*e) and gi3e rise to t#e
rebirt# in A3i(i 1ell.
or not. We (an say only t#at w#en #e is in ?#<na) t#e
#indran(es (annot o((ur.
T#ere are eH(e%tions) as *or eHa$%le) wit# t#e
Ma#<n<ga Ma#<t#era. 1e was t#e tea(#er o* an ara#ant
(alled ,#a$$adinna) %ra(tised Sa$at#a and
Vi%assan< $editation *or $ore t#an siHty years) but was
still a worldling B%ut#u??anaC. Alt#oug# #e was still a
worldling) no de*ile$ents a%%eared in t#ose siHty years)
be(ause o* strong) %ower*ul Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<
%ra(ti(es. ,ue to t#is) #e t#oug#t #e was an ara#ant.
4ut #is dis(i%le ,#a$$adinna ara#ant knew #e was
still a worldling) so ,#a$$adinna $ade #i$ realise in-
dire(tly) t#at #e was still a worldling. W#en Ma#<n<ga
Ma#<t#era dis(o3ered t#at #e was still a worldling) #e
%ra(tised Vi%assan<) and wit#in a *ew $inutes attained
ara#ants#i%. 4ut t#is is a $ost eH(e%tional (ase.
2ou s#ould re$e$ber anot#er t#ing tooN #e was
eH%ert in t#e s(ri%tures B%ariyattiC as well as %ra(ti(e
B%ati%attiC. 1e was also a $editation tea(#er Bka$$aS-
S#<n<(ariyaC) and t#ere were $any ara#ants w#o) like
,#a$$adinna) were #is dis(i%les. Alt#oug# #e
was eH%ert in Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<) so$eti$es
$isunder-standings o((ured in #is $ind) be(ause o*
a si$ilarity in eH%erien(es. So i* you t#ink to yoursel*)
O' #a3e attained t#e *irst ?#<na) et(.&) you s#ould eHa$ine
your eH%erien(e t#oroug#ly o3er $any days) and $any
$ont#s. W#y6 '* it is real ?#<na and real Vi%assan<) t#en
t#ey are bene*i(ial to you) as t#ey (an #el% you attain
real ibb<na) w#i(# is t#e OPureland& o* T#era3<da
4udd#is$. 4ut arti*i(ial ?#<na and arti*i(ial Vi%assan<
(annot gi3e rise to t#is bene*it. ,o you want t#e real
bene*it or t#e arti*i(ial bene*it6 2ou s#ould ask yoursel*
t#is Fuestion.
So ' s#ould like to suggest) t#at you do not say
to ot#ers) O' #a3e attained t#e *irst ?#<na) et(.& too soon)
be(ause t#ere $ay be so$eone w#o does not belie3e
you. 't (ould be t#at your eH%erien(e is genuine) but it
(ould also be *alse like wit# Ma#<n<ga Ma#<t#era. 2ou
s#ould be aware o* t#is %roble$.
Question :.8N W#at is t#e di**eren(e between kal<%as
and ulti$ate $ateriality B%ara$att#a-rG%aC6
Answer :.8N Kal<%as are s$all %arti(les. W#en a $editator
analyses t#ose kal<%as) #e sees ulti$ate $ateriality
B%ara$att#a-rG%aC. 'n a kal<%a) t#ere are at least eig#t
ty%es o* $ateriality) t#e ele$ent o*N eart#) water) *ire)
air) (olour) odour) *la3our) and nutriti3e-essen(e. T#ese
eig#t ele$ents are ulti$ate $ateriality. 'n so$e kal<%as
t#ere is a nint# ele$ent tooN li*e-*a(ulty $ateriality
B?D3ita-rG%aC. 'n ot#er kal<%as t#ere is e3en a tent#N seH-
deter$ining $ateriality Bb#<3a-rG%aC or trans%arent-
ele$ent $ateriality B%as<da-rG%aC. T#ese eig#t) nine or
ten ele$ents are all ulti$ate $ateriality.
Question :.:N W#en a $editator is able to dis(ern kal<%as
or ulti$ate $ateriality) will #is $ind B(ittaC and 3iews
BdiSS#iC (#ange6
Answer :.:N W#en #e wit# insig#t-knowledge sees
ulti$ate $ateriality in ea(# kal<%a) #is $ind and
3iews (#ange) but only te$%orarily) be(ause insig#t-
knowledge re$o3es wrong 3iews and ot#er de*ile$ents
only te$%orarily. 't is t#e noble %at# Bariya$aggaC w#i(#
stage by stage destroys wrong 3iews and ot#er de*ile$ents
totally.
Question :..N 1ow does (on(entration %uri*y t#e $ind
B(itta-3isudd#iC6 W#at kinds o* de*ile$ents are re$o3ed
by (on(entration6
Answer :..N -on(entration %ra(ti(e is dire(tly o%%osite
t#e *i3e #indran(es. A((ess- and *irst ?#<na (on(entration
re$o3e t#e *i3e #indran(es *or a long ti$e. Se(ond
?#<na (on(entration re$o3es a%%lied t#oug#t B3itakkaC
and sustained t#oug#t B3i(<raC. T#ird ?#<na (on(entration
re$o3es ?oy B%DtiC. +ourt# ?#<na (on(entration
re$o3es bliss Bsuk#aC. 'n t#is way) t#e $ind is %uri*ied
by (on(entration and t#at is (alled %uri*i(ation o* $ind
B(itta-3isudd#iC.
Question :.9N 1ow does Vi%assan< %uri*y 3iews BdiSS#i-
3isudd#iC6 W#at kinds o* de*ile$ents are re$o3ed by
Vi%assan<6
Answer :.9N 4e*ore seeing ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality)
t#eir (auses) and nature o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering)
and non-sel*) a $editator $ay #a3e wrong 3iews or
wrong %er(e%tions) su(# as) Ot#is is a $an) a wo$an)
a $ot#er) a *at#er) a sel*) et(.& 4ut w#en #e #as seen
ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality) t#eir (auses) and nature
o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and non-sel* (learly) t#is
wrong 3iew is re$o3ed te$%orarily. W#y only te$%orarily6
1e sees t#at t#ere are only ulti$ate $entality-
$ateriality and t#eir (auses. 1e sees also t#at as soon
as t#ey arise) t#ey %ass away) w#i(# is t#eir nature o*
i$%er$anen(e. T#ey are always sub?e(t to arising and
%assing-away) w#i(# is t#eir nature o* su**ering. T#ere is
no sel* in t#ese $entality-$ateriality and (auses) w#i(#
is t#eir nature o* non-sel*. T#is is insig#t-knowledge
B3i%assan<-T<@aC. 't is rig#t 3iew Bsa$$<-diSS#iC) and re$o3es
wrong 3iews B$i((#<-diSS#iC. 'nsig#t-knowledge
also re$o3es de*ile$ents su(# as atta(#$ent and
(on(eit) w#i(# are O%artners& to wrong 3iew. So w#ile a
$editator is %ra(tising Vi%assan<) rig#t 3iew is %resent.
4ut w#en #e sto%s $editating) wrong 3iew re(urs
be(ause o* unwise attention Bayoniso-$anasik<raC. 1e
again %er(ei3esN Ot#is is a $an) a wo$an) a $ot#er) a
*at#er) a sel*) et(.)& and t#e asso(iated de*ile$ents su(#
as atta(#$ent) (on(eit) and anger) will also re(ur. 4ut)
w#en #e goes ba(k to Vi%assan< $editation) t#is wrong
3iew again disa%%ears. So insig#t-knowledge re$o3es
wrong 3iews and ot#er de*ile$ents only te$%orarily.
W#en #e rea(#es t#e %at# and *ruition) #owe3er)
#is Pat# Knowledge B$agga-T<@aC will destroy t#ose
wrong 3iews and ot#er de*ile$ents (o$%letely) stage
by stage.
Question :.0"N W#at is t#e di**eren(e between (itta and
diSS#i6
Answer :.0"N -itta $eans $ind) but in (itta-3isudd#i
B%uri*i(ation o* $indC) it re*ers es%e(ially to (ons(iousnessN
an a((ess-(on(entration (ons(iousness Bu%a(<ra-sa$<d#i-
(ittaC or absor%tion-?#<na (ons(iousness Ba%%an<-?#<na-(ittaC.
,iSS#i $eans wrong 3iew) and is a $ental-(on(o$itant
B(etasikaC. 't arises toget#er wit# t#e *our (ons(iousnesses
rooted in greed and asso(iated wit# wrong 3iew BdiSS#i-
sa$%ayutta-lob#a$Gla-(ittaC.
>ne wrong 3iew is t#e %er(e%tion o* sel* Batta-
saTT<C. T#ere are two ty%es o* %er(e%tion o* sel*. >ne
is t#e %er(e%tion t#at t#ere is a $an) wo$an) *at#er)
$ot#er) et(. T#is is wrong 3iew as a (onseFuen(e o*
(on3ention. We (all t#is Ot#e world&s general %er(e%tion
o* sel*& Bloka sa$aTTa atta3<daC. T#e ot#er %er(e%tion o*
sel* is o* an indestru(tible sel* BattaC. We (all t#is Owrong
3iew o* sel*& Batta-diSS#iC. T#ere is also t#e %er(e%tion t#at
t#e indestru(tible sel* is (reated by a (reator B%ara$a-attaC)
w#i(# is also (alled Owrong 3iew o* sel*& Batta-diSS#iC.
'n t#e t#irty-one real$s t#ere is no sel*) only
$entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses. T#ey are always
i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*. >utside t#e
t#irty-one real$s t#ere is no sel* eit#er. T#is insig#t-
knowledge is Vi%assan< rig#t 3iew B3i%assan<-sa$$<-
diSS#iC. 't destroys wrong 3iew B$i((#<-diSS#iC te$%orarily)
in(luding wrong 3iew o* sel*. 4ut t#e Pat# Knowledge
B$agga-T<@aC) w#i(# is %at# rig#t 3iew B$agga-sa$$<-
diSS#iC) destroys wrong 3iew (o$%letely. So w#at we
#a3e is in *a(t t#ree ty%es o* 3iewN wrong 3iew B$i((#<-
diSS#iC) Vi%assan< rig#t 3iew B3i%assan<-sa$$<-diSS#iC
w#i(# is $undane BlokiyaC) and %at# rig#t 3iew B$agga-
sa$$<-diSS#iC w#i(# is su%ra$undane BlokuttaraC.
'n t#e 4ra#$a?<la Sutta) all siHty-two ty%es o*
wrong 3iew are dis(ussed. T#ey all go under wrong 3iew
o* sel*. T#is wrong 3iew o* sel* is also (alled O%ersonality
wrong 3iew& Bsakk<ya-diSS#iC. Personality Bsakk<yaC is t#e
*i3e aggregates) so wrong 3iew o* %ersonality is to see
t#e *i3e aggregates as sel*. T#ere are also $any ty%es
o* rig#t 3iew) su(# as O?#<na rig#t 3iew& B?#<na-sa$$<-
diSS#iC) w#i(# is ?#<na wisdo$ asso(iated wit# ?#<na
*a(torsQ Odis(ern$ent-o*-$entality-$ateriality rig#t 3iew&
Bn<$arG%a-%arigga#a-sa$$<-diSS#iC) w#i(# is t#e insig#t-
knowledge o* ulti$ate $entality-$aterialityQ Oka$$a
and ka$$a-result rig#t 3iew& Bka$$asakat<-sa$$<-
diSS#iC) w#i(# is t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and
-onditionQ OVi%assan< rig#t 3iew& B3i%assan<-sa$$<-diSS#iC)
w#i(# is t#e insig#t-knowledge o* t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering)
and non-sel* nature o* $entality-$ateriality and
t#eir (ausesQ O%at# rig#t 3iew& B$agga-sa$$<-diSS#iC and
O*ruition rig#t 3iew& B%#ala-sa$$<-diSS#iC) w#i(# know
ibb<na. All t#ese rig#t 3iews are (alled ORig#t Views
About t#e +our oble Trut#s& B(atusa((a-sa$$<-diSS#iC.
Question :.00N 1ow s#ould a $editator %ra(tise wise
attention Byoniso-$anasik<raC in #is daily li*e) and #ow
in #is Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< %ra(ti(e6
Answer :.00N T#e best wise attention is Vi%assan<. '*
you %ra(tise u% to t#e Vi%assan< le3el) you will #a3e t#e
truly best wise attention. '* you t#en %ra(tise Vi%assan<
in your daily li*e) it will %rodu(e good results) su(# as
%at# and *ruition w#i(# see ibb<na. 4ut i* you (annot
%ra(tise u% to t#e Vi%assan< le3el) you s#ould (onsider
t#e *a(t t#at all (onditioned t#ings are i$%er$anent
Bsabbe saJk#<r< ani((<C. T#is is also wise attention) but
3ery weak) and only se(ond-#and.
2ou (an also %ra(tise t#e *our subli$e abidings
Bbra#$a-3i#<raC) and es%e(ially t#e subli$e abiding o*
eFuani$ity Bu%ekk#<-bra#$a3i#<raC. T#at is su%erior
wise attention) be(ause to %ra(tise t#e subli$e abiding
o* eFuani$ity is to see t#e law o* ka$$a in Osabbe satt<
ka$$asak<&N OAll beings are t#e owners o* t#eir ka$$a&.
2ou (an also so$eti$es re*le(t on t#e e**e(ts o* unwise
attention. Enwise attention (auses $any unw#ole-
so$e ka$$as to (o$e one by one. T#ese unw#oleso$e
ka$$as will %rodu(e $any su**erings in t#e *our
woe*ul %lanes Ba%<yaC. To know t#is is wise attention.
2ou s#ould %ra(tise it in your daily li*e.
Question :.0!N W#at is t#e di**eren(e between attention
B$anasik<raC and %ra(tising t#e se3en enlig#ten$ent
*a(tors Bbo??#aJgaC6
Answer :.0!N T#e se3en enlig#ten$ent *a(tors are
usually at t#e #ead o* t#irty-*our $ental *or$ations
wit# attention as one o* t#e$. So$eti$es t#e t#irty-
*our $ental *or$ations are (alled Oinsig#t-knowledge&)
be(ause t#e t#irty-*ourt# $ental-*or$ation) wisdo$
B%aTT<C is t#e $ain *a(tor.
'n t#is (onne(tion) you s#ould know t#e t#ree
ty%es o* attentionN
0. Attention as t#e basi( (ause *or t#e ob?e(t
B<ra$$a@a-%aSi%<daka-$anasik<raC
!. Attention as t#e basi( (ause *or t#e t#oug#t-
%ro(ess B3Dt#i-%aSi%<daka-$anasik<raC
3. Attention as t#e basi( (ause *or t#e i$%ulsion
B?a3ana-%aSi%<daka-$anasik<raC
B0C Attention as t#e basi( (ause *or t#e ob?e(t is t#e
$ental-(on(o$itant o* attention. 'ts *un(tion is to $ake
t#e ob?e(t (lear to t#e $editator&s $ind.
B!C Attention as t#e basi( (ause *or t#e t#oug#t-
%ro(ess is t#e *i3e-door-ad3erting (ons(iousness
B%aT(ad3<r<3a??anaC in t#e *i3e-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess
B%aT(ad3<ra-3Dt#iC. 'ts *un(tion is to enable all *i3e-door
t#oug#t-%ro(esses to take t#eir res%e(ti3e ob?e(t.
B3C Attention as t#e basi( (ause *or t#e i$%ulsion is
t#e $ind-door-ad3erting (ons(iousness B$anod3<r<3a??anaC
in t#e $ind-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess B$anod3<ra-
3Dt#iC) and deter$ining (ons(iousness B3oSS#a%anaC in
t#e *i3e-door t#oug#t-%ro(ess. 't is eit#er wise attention
or unwise attention. 'ts *un(tion is to $ake t#e i$%ulsion
B?a3anaC o((ur. '* it is wise attention) t#e i$%ulsionB
?a3anaC is *or worldlings B%ut#u??anaC and learners
Bsekk#aC w#oleso$e) and *or ara#ants only *un(tional
BkiriyaC. W#en it is unwise attention) t#e i$%ulsion is
always unw#oleso$e) and (annot o((ur in ara#ants.
Question :.03N -ould t#e Sayadaw %lease eH%lain t#e
diagra$6 's it ne(essary) in t#is syste$ o* $editation) to
%ra(tise t#e $ore t#an t#irty ty%es o* $editation sub?e(t
Bka$$aSS#<naC6 W#at are t#e bene*its in doing so6
Answer :.03N ' a$ not interested in diagra$s. 't is based
on a diagra$ drawn by a s(#ool tea(#er) w#o is 3ery
interested in diagra$s. ' tea(# $any ty%es o* Sa$at#a
$editation to t#ose w#o want to %ra(tise t#e$. '* t#ey
do not want to %ra(tise all o* t#e$) but only one) su(#
as $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing B<n<%<nasatiC) t#en ' tea(#
only t#at Sa$at#a $editation. W#en t#ey #a3e ?#<na)
' take t#e$ straig#t to Vi%assan<) syste$ati(ally) stage
by stage. W#ile %ra(tising Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<) t#ere
$ay so$eti$es be #indran(es su(# as lust Br<gaC) anger
BdosaC) and dis(ursi3e t#oug#t B3itakkaC) w#i(# will disturb
t#eir (on(entration and Vi%assan< $editation. T#e
*ollowing $editation sub?e(ts are t#e best wea%ons to
re$o3e t#ese #indran(es.
T#e 4udd#a gi3es t#e$ in t#e Meg#iya Sutta
B,is(ourse to Meg#iyaCN
0. Asub#< b#<3etabb< r<gassa %a#<n<yaN you s#ould
%ra(tise re%ulsi3eness-$editation Basub#a-
b#<3an<C to re$o3e lust Br<gaC.
!. Mett< b#<3etabb< by<%<dassa %a#<n<yaN you s#ould
%ra(tise lo3ingkindness-$editation B$ett<-
b#<3an<C to re$o3e #atred or anger BdosaC.
3. Yn<%<nasati b#<3etabb< 3itakku%a((#ed<yaN you
s#ould %ra(tise $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing
B<n<%<nasatiC to re$o3e dis(ursi3e t#oug#t
B3itakkaC.
+urt#er$ore) a (on(entrated $ind (an see ulti$ate
d#a$$as B%ara$att#a-d#a$$aC as t#ey really are. >*
t#e (on(entration %ra(ti(es) t#e eig#t attain$ents
Bsa$<%attiC are 3ery #ig# and %ower*ulQ so to t#ose w#o
want to %ra(tise t#e eig#t attain$ents t#oroug#ly) we
tea(# kasi@a $editation too. '* you want to understand
t#e diagra$ t#oroug#ly) you need to %ra(tise Sa$at#a-
Vi%assan< u% to t#e Pat# and +ruition Knowledges.
>nly t#en will you *ully understand t#e diagra$.
W#y a$ ' not interested in diagra$s6 4e(ause it
is not enoug# to s#ow t#e w#ole syste$ on one %age.
' #a3e eH%lained t#e w#ole syste$ in $ore t#an t#ree
t#ousand siH #undred %ages in 4ur$eseN one %age is
not enoug#.
Question :.05N -an a #ating $ind %rodu(e $any generations
o* te$%erature-%rodu(ed o(tad kal<%as Butu?a-
o?aSS#a$aka-kal<%aC) and $ake t#e eyes *las#6
Answer :.05N To say Oa (ons(iousness %rodu(es lig#t&
is only a $eta%#or) be(ause in *a(t) a%art *ro$ t#e
rebirt#-linking (ons(iousness B%aSisand#i-(ittaC) all (ons(iousnesses
w#i(# arise de%endent u%on t#e #eart-base
B#adaya-3att#uC %rodu(e (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed kal<%as
B(itta?a-kal<%aC. A$ong t#ese kal<%as t#ere is always
(olour B3a@@aC. 't is brig#ter i* t#e (ons(iousness is a
Sa$at#a) or Vi%assan< (ons(iousness. T#is is dis(ussed
in t#e P<Mi TeHts) -o$$entaries) and Sub-(o$$entaries.
4ut it does not say t#at (ons(iousness-%rodu(ed $ateriality
%rodu(ed by a #ating $ind also %rodu(es lig#t.
Question :.07N 's t#e dis(erning $ind w#i(# dis(erns
$entality-$ateriality itsel* in(luded in $entality-
$ateriality6 's it in(luded in wisdo$6
Answer :.07N 2ou (an dis(ern t#e dis(erning $ind at
all t#e stages o* Vi%assan<) es%e(ially at t#e stage o*
Knowledge o* ,issolution Bb#aJga-T<@aC. 't is $entioned
in t#e Visudd#i$agga) O<taT(a T<@aT(a ub#o%i 3i%assati&N
OWe $ust %ra(tise Vi%assan< on bot# t#e known
Bn<taC and knowledge BT<@aC.& OT#e known& $eans t#e
*i3e aggregates and t#eir (auses) w#i(# s#ould be
known wit# insig#t-knowledge. OKnowledge& $eans
t#e insig#t-knowledge w#i(# knows t#e i$%er$anent)
su**ering) and non-sel* nature o* t#e *i3e aggregates
and t#eir (auses) w#i(# are all (onditioned t#ings
BsaJk#<ra-d#a$$aC. T#e insig#t-knowledge is wisdo$)
Vi%assan< rig#t 3iew. Esually) Vi%assan< rig#t 3iew
arises toget#er wit# t#irty-t#ree or t#irty-two $ental
*or$ations) so we #a3e a total o* t#irty-*our or t#irty-
t#ree $ental *or$ations res%e(ti3ely. T#ey are (alled
Oinsig#t-knowledge&. T#ey are $entality d#a$$as)
be(ause t#ey in(line towards t#e ob?e(t o* t#e i$%er$anent)
su**ering or non-sel* nature o* *or$ations.
W#y do you need to dis(ern t#e insig#t-knowledge
itsel* as i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*6 4e(ause
so$e $editators $ay ask) or t#ink about w#et#er
insig#t-knowledge itsel* is %er$anent or i$%er$anent)
#a%%iness or su**ering) sel* or non-sel*. To answer t#is
Fuestion) you need to dis(ern t#e Vi%assan< t#oug#t-
%ro(ess itsel* as i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*)
and es%e(ially t#e t#irty-*our $ental *or$ations in ea(#
i$%ulsion $o$ent) #eaded by t#at insig#t-knowledge.
+urt#er$ore) so$e $editators $ay be atta(#ed to t#eir
insig#t-knowledge. T#ey $ay be(o$e %roud) be(ause
t#ey (an %ra(tise Vi%assan< well and su((ess*ully. 't is
also to re$o3e and %re3ent t#ese de*ile$ents t#at you
need to dis(ern t#e insig#t-knowledge or Vi%assan<
t#oug#t-%ro(ess itsel* as i$%er$anent) su**ering) and
non-sel*.
Question :.08N 1ow to o3er(o$e t#e uninterested and
bored $ind state w#i(# o((urs during long %eriods o*
$editation) or staying alone in t#e *orest6 's t#is kind
o* $ind state an unw#oleso$e d#a$$a6
Answer :.08N T#is ty%e o* $ind state is (alled indolen(e
Bkosa??aC) and is usually a weak unw#oleso$e d#a$$a
asso(iated wit# greed or #atred) et(. T#is ty%e o* $ind
state o((urs be(ause o* unwise attention. '* a %erson&s
unwise attention is (#anged to and re%la(ed wit# wise
attention) t#en #e $ay su((eed in #is $editation. To
o3er(o$e t#is $ind state you s#ould so$eti$es re(all
t#at our Sakya$uni bod#isatta&s su((ess was due to #is
%erse3eran(e. 2ou s#ould also re(all t#e stories o* ara#ants
w#o #ad stri3en #ard) and wit# great di**i(ulty)
to su((eed in t#eir $editation) to e3entually attain ara#ants#i%.
o one (an #a3e great su((ess wit#out stri3ing.
't is ne(essary es%e(ially in $editation to %erse3ere.
Wise attention too is 3ery i$%ortant. 2ou s#ould try to
%ay attention to t#e nature o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering)
and non-sel* in (onditioned t#ings. '* you do t#is) you
$ay one day su((eed.
Question :.0:N -ould t#e Sayadaw %lease gi3e an eHa$%le
o* a wis# w#i(# is not asso(iated wit# ignoran(e
Ba3i??<C) (ra3ing Bta@#<C and (linging Bu%<d<naC6
Answer :.0:N '* you %ra(tise Vi%assan< w#en %er-
*or$ing w#oleso$e ka$$as) and i* you also dis(ern
t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) or non-sel* nature o* t#ose
w#oleso$e ka$$as) t#en ignoran(e Ba3i??<C) (ra3ing
Bta@#<C and (linging Bu%<d<naC do not arise. '* you (annot
%ra(tise Vi%assan<) t#en $ake t#e *ollowing wis#N
O'daR $e %uTTaR nibb<nassa %a((ayo #otu&N OMay t#is $erit
be a su%%orting (ause *or t#e realisation o* ibb<na.&
Question :.0.N '* t#e *i3e aggregates are non-sel*) t#en
w#o) Sayadaw) is gi3ing a ,#a$$a talk6 'n ot#er words)
i* t#e *i3e aggregates are non-sel*) no Sayadaw is gi3ing
a ,#a$$a talk. So is t#ere a relations#i% between t#e
*i3e aggregates and t#e sel*6
Answer :.0.N T#ere are two ty%es o* trut#N (on3entional
trut# Bsa$$uti-sa((aC and ulti$ate trut# B%ara$att#a-
sa((aC.
2ou s#ould di**erentiate (learly between t#ese
two ty%es o* trut#. A((ording to (on3entional trut#
t#ere is a 4udd#a) a Sayadaw) a *at#er) a $ot#er) et(.
4ut a((ording to ulti$ate trut#) t#ere is no 4udd#a) no
Sayadaw) no *at#er) no $ot#er) et(. T#is you (an see
i* you #a3e strong enoug# insig#t-knowledge. '* you
look at t#e 4udd#a wit# insig#t-knowledge) you see
ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality) w#i(# are t#e *i3e aggregates.
T#ey are i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*.
T#ere is no sel*. 'n t#e sa$e way i* you look at $e) or at
*at#er) or at $ot#er et(.) wit# insig#t-knowledge) you see
only ulti$ate $entality-$ateriality) t#e *i3e aggregates)
w#i(# are i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel*. T#ere
is no sel*. 'n ot#er words) t#ere is no 4udd#a) Sayadaw)
*at#er) $ot#er) et(. T#e *i3e aggregates and t#eir (auses
are (alled O(onditioned t#ings&. So) (onditioned t#ings
are talking about (onditioned t#ings) so$eti$es about
ibb<na. T#ere is no sel* at all. So #ow (an we s%eak
o* a relations#i%6
+or eHa$%le) i* so$eone were to ask you) OAre
rabbit #orns long or s#ort6&) #ow s#ould you answer6
>r t#en asked) O's t#e body #air on a tortoise bla(k or
w#ite6&) #ow s#ould you answer6 '* t#e sel* does not
eHist at all) we (annot s%eak o* a relations#i% between
it and t#e *i3e aggregates. /3en t#e 4udd#a did not
answer t#is ty%e o* Fuestion. W#y6 Su%%ose you said
rabbit #orns are longQ t#at would $ean you a((e%t t#at
rabbits #a3e #orns. And i* you said rabbit #orns are
s#ortQ t#at too would $ean you a((e%t t#at t#ey #a3e
#orns. Again) i* you said a tortoise #as bla(k body #air)
t#at would $ean you a((e%t t#at a tortoise #as #air. '*
you said tortoise #air is w#ite) t#at too would $ean you
a((e%t t#at it #as #air. 'n t#e sa$e way) i* t#e 4udd#a
said t#e *i3e aggregates and t#e sel* are related) it
would $ean #e a((e%ted t#at t#ere is a sel*. And i* #e
said t#e *i3e aggregates and t#e sel* are not related) it
would also $ean #e a((e%ted t#at t#ere is a sel*. T#at
is w#y t#e 4udd#a did not answer t#is ty%e o* Fuestion.
So ' would like to suggest t#at you try to %ra(tise
$editation u% to t#e Vi%assan< le3el. >nly t#en (an you
re$o3e t#is 3iew o* sel*.
Question :.09N T#e 4udd#a taug#t t#e Snake Mantra to
b#ikk#us. 's (#anting t#e Snake Mantra t#e sa$e as
lo3ing-kindness6 's (#anting a $antra a 4ra#$anist
tradition broug#t into 4udd#is$6
Answer :.09N W#at is a $antra6 W#at is t#e Snake
Mantra6 ' do not know w#et#er $antras #a3e been
#anded down *ro$ 1induis$. 4ut in t#e T#era3<da
ti3e sutta $any ti$es) and w#en t#e 3i(ti$s drink
t#e %rote(ti3e water) t#e 3eno$ slowly de(reases in
t#e$. Esually t#ey re(o3er. 4ut t#e e**e(t is not t#e
sa$e in e3ery (ase. T#e 4udd#a taug#t t#is %rote(TeHts t#ere is a %rote(ti3e sutta B%aritta-suttaC (alled
t#e K#and#a Paritta BLrou% Prote(tion6C. T#e 4udd#a
taug#t t#is %rote(ti3e sutta *or b#ikk#us to re(ite
e3ery day. T#ere is a dis(i%linary rule B3inayaC) w#i(#
states t#at i* a b#ikk#u or b#ikk#unD does not re(ite
t#is %rote(ti3e sutta at least on(e a day) #e or s#e will
#a3e (o$$itted an o**en(e. >n(e) in t#e 4udd#a&s
ti$e) a b#ikk#u was dwelling in t#e *orest w#en a
3eno$ous snake bit #i$. 1e died. 4e(ause o* t#is)
t#e 4udd#a taug#t t#e K#and#a Paritta. T#e %ur%ose
o* t#is %rote(ti3e sutta is si$ilar to lo3ingkindness
$editation. 'n t#at sutta t#ere are di**erent ways o*
sending lo3ingkindness to di**erent ty%es o* snake or
ser%ent. T#ere is also an assertion o* trut# (on(erning
t#e Tri%le Le$) and t#e Fualities o* t#e 4udd#a and
ara#ants. ' s#all re(ite t#is %rote(ti3e sutta tonig#t.
't is 3ery %ower*ul. 2ou $ay (all it a Snake Mantra.
T#e na$e is not i$%ortant. 2ou (an (all it w#ate3er
you like. So$e b#ikk#us in 4ur$a use t#is %rote(ti3e
sutta *or t#ose w#o #a3e been bitten by a 3eno$ous
snake. 't is e**e(ti3e. W#en t#ey (#ant t#is %rote(ti3e
sutta to %re3ent b#ikk#us *ro$ being bitten by
3eno$ous snakes. '* a b#ikk#u re(ites t#is %rote(ti3e
sutta wit# res%e(t) and sends lo3ingkindness to all
beings) in(luding snakes) t#ere will be no danger to
#i$. Esually) i* #e also obser3es t#e $onasti( (ode)
t#ere will be no #ar$.
Talk .
T#e 4udd#a&s Wis#es *or 1is
,is(i%les and 1is Tea(#ings
BTalk gi3en on Ves<k#a ,ayC
T#e 4udd#a s%ent #is last rains B3assaC in t#e 3illage
o* 4elu3a. At t#at ti$e t#ere arose in #i$ a se3ere
a**li(tion. >n t#e *ull-$oon day o* Vassa) a s#ar% and
deadly ba(k %ain (a$e u%on #i$) be(ause o* %re3ious
ka$$a.
'n one o* #is %ast li3es) t#e bod#isatta) w#o was
to be(o$e Sakya$uni 4udd#a) was a wrestler. >n(e
#e t#rew down an o%%onent and broke t#e o%%onent&s
ba(k. W#en $ature) t#at unw#oleso$e ka$$a
Bakusala-ka$$aC %rodu(ed its result) w#i(# was ten
$ont#s be*ore t#e 4udd#a&s Parinibb<na. T#e e**e(t o*
t#at ka$$a was so %ower*ul t#at it would last until
deat#. T#at ty%e o* a**li(tion is (alled O*eeling ending
wit# deat#& B$ara@antika-3edan<C. 't (eases only w#en
deat# o((urs.
T#e 4udd#a %re3ented t#at a**li(tion *ro$
arising t#roug# deter$ination Bad#iSS#<naC. T#is was
no ordinary deter$ination. +irst t#e 4udd#a entered
t#e Ara#ant +ruition Attain$ent Bara#atta%#ala-
sa$<%attiC based on t#e Se3en Ways *or Materiality
BrG%a-sattaka-3i%assan<C and Se3en Ways *or Mentality
BarG%a-sattaka-3i%assan<C. Ara#ant *ruition attain$ent
$eans t#at t#e ara#ant *ruition (ons(iousness) wit#
ibb<na as ob?e(t) o((urs su((essi3ely *or a long
ti$e. A*ter t#ose Vi%assan< %ra(ti(es #e entered t#e
ara#ant *ruition attain$ent. 4e(ause t#e Vi%assan<
%ra(ti(es were strong and %ower*ul) t#e ara#ant *ruition
attain$ent too was strong and %ower*ul. A*ter
e$erging *ro$ it) t#e 4udd#a deter$ined) O+ro$
today until Parinibb<na day) $ay t#is a**li(tion not
o((ur.& 4e(ause o* t#e %ower o* t#e ka$$a) #owe3er)
#e #ad to $ake t#is deter$ination e3ery day.
T#is ty%e o* *ruition attain$ent is (alled
<yusaJk#<ra-%#ala-sa$<%atti) <yu%<laka-%#ala-sa$<%atti)
or ?D3itasaJk#<ra-%#ala-sa$<%atti. YyusaJk#<ra-%#ala-
sa$<%atti is t#e li*e-s%an-$aintenan(e *ruition
attain$ent. Yyu%<laka-%#ala-sa$<%atti is t#e li*e-s%an-
%rote(tion *ruition attain$ent. ;D3itasaJk#<ra-%#ala-
sa$<%atti is t#e li*e-*a(ulty-$aintenan(e *ruition
attain$ent. T#e 4udd#a did t#is e3ery day.
A*ter t#e 3assa) #e wandered about *ro$ %la(e
to %la(e) and e3entually rea(#ed Ves<lD. T#ree $ont#s
be*ore Ves<k#a *ull $oon day) t#at is on t#e *ull $oon
day o* +ebruary) at t#e %la(e o* t#e -<%<la -etiya)
t#e 4udd#a de(ided to relinFuis# t#e will to li3e
B<yusaJk#<ra-ossa??anaC. W#at does t#at $ean6 >n t#at
day #e de(idedN O+ro$ today until t#e *ull $oon day o*
Ves<k#a ' s#all %ra(tise t#is *ruition attain$ent. T#en
' s#all no longer %ra(tise it.& T#is de(ision is (alled
OrelinFuis#ing t#e will to li3e&.
So) on t#at day) in *ront o* t#e asse$bled 4#ikk#u
SaJg#a) in t#e asse$bly #all o* t#e Ma#<3ana $onastery)
t#e 4udd#a de(lared #e #ad relinFuis#ed t#e
will to li3e. 1e de(laredN OTas$<ti#a b#ikk#a3e ye te $ay<
d#a$$< ab#iTT< desit<) te 3o s<d#ukaR ugga#et3a <se3i
tabb< b#<3etabb< ba#ulDk<tabb<&N O4#ikk#us) you) to w#o$
' #a3e $ade known t#e Trut#s about w#i(# ' #a3e
dire(t knowledge) #a3ing t#oroug#ly learnt t#e$)
s#ould (ulti3ate t#e$) de3elo% t#e$) and *reFuently
%ra(tise t#e$.& T#e 4udd#a taug#t only t#e ,#a$$a
about w#i(# #e #ad dire(t eH%erien(e. 1ere t#e 4udd#a
de(lared #is wis#es *or #is tea(#ings and SaJg#a as
*ollowsN
0. T#ey s#ould learn t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings B,#a$$aC
t#oroug#ly by #eart) but learning by #eart alone is
not enoug#. T#is was t#e 4udd#a&s *irst wis#.
!. 1e instru(ted t#e$ to (ulti3ate t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings
B,#a$$aC. 'n P<Mi it is (alled <se3itabb<) and
$eans t#at we $ust try to know t#is ,#a$$a in
%ra(ti(e again and again. 't is translated as (ulti3ation.
T#is was t#e 4udd#a&s se(ond wis#.
3. +inally) #e instru(ted t#e$ to de3elo% Bb#<3etabb<C
t#e trut#s. W#en we (ulti3ate) growt# and
%rogress are ne(essary. W#at does t#at $ean6
W#en we %ra(tise t#e ,#a$$a) only w#oleso$e
d#a$$a Bkusala-d#a$$aC $ust o((ur in
our t#oug#t-%ro(esses. T#at is) w#oleso$e (ondu(t
d#a$$as BsDla-kusala-d#a$$aC) w#oleso$e
(on(entration d#a$$as Bsa$<d#i-kusala-d#a$$aC
and w#oleso$e wisdo$ d#a$$as B%aTT<-kusala-
d#a$$aC. T#ese w#oleso$e d#a$$as $ust o((ur
su((essi3ely wit#out a break until ara#ants#i%. '*
a dis(i%le Bs<3akaC o* t#e 4udd#a attains ara#ants#i%)
#is %ra(ti(e Bb#<3an<C is o3er. So a dis(i%le
o* t#e 4udd#a $ust %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#
ings until #e attains t#at goal) and t#e (ulti3ation
$ust be de3elo%ed until ara#ants#i%. To rea(#
ara#ants#i% we $ust %ra(tise again and again.
+or t#at reason t#e 4udd#a ga3e t#e instru(tion
o* ba#ulDk<tabb<) w#i(# $eans we $ust %ra(tise
*reFuently. T#is was t#e 4udd#a&s t#ird wis#.
T#ese wis#es o((ured in t#e 4udd#a&s t#oug#t-%ro(ess.
W#y6 O2at#ayidaR bra#$a(ariyaR add#aniyaR assa (iraS-
S#itikaR&N OSo t#at t#e %ure tea(#ing $ay be establis#ed
and last long.& T#at is) to $aintain t#e %ure tea(#ing so
t#at it (an last *or a long ti$e. 't is 3ery i$%ortant t#at
e3ery 4udd#ist $aintains t#e %ure tea(#ing) so t#at
it is not lost. We $ust try. W#at s#ould we try to do6
' re%eatN
0. We s#ould try to learn t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings
B,#a$$aC t#oroug#ly by #eart.
!. We s#ould try to %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings
so as to know t#e$ t#roug# %ersonal eH%erien(e.
3. We s#ould try to %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings
until ara#ants#i%.
T#ese are t#e duties o* all 4udd#ists. '* one is a 4udd#ist
one $ust *ollow t#ese t#ree instru(tions. '* one does
not *ollow t#e$ t#en one is a 4udd#ist in na$e only.
ot a real 4udd#ist. '* one *ollows t#ese t#ree instru(tions
t#oroug#ly) t#en one is a real 4udd#ist. So you
(an today deter$ineN
0. We will try to learn t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings t#oroug#ly
by #eart.
!. We will try to %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings so
as to know t#e$ t#roug# %ersonal eH%erien(e.
3. We will try to %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings
until ara#ants#i%.
'* we do t#at) it (an be said t#at we breat#e a((ording
to t#e 4udd#a&s instru(tions. W#y s#ould we do t#at6
OTadassa ba#u?ana#it<ya ba#u?anasuk#<ya lok<nuka$%<ya
att#<ya #it<ya suk#<ya de3a$anuss<naR&N O+or t#e wel*are
and #a%%iness o* t#e $ultitude) out o* (o$%assion *or
t#e world) *or t#e wel*are and #a%%iness o* de3as and
#u$ans.& '* we %ra(tise a((ording to t#e 4udd#a&s
instru(tions) we will be able to gi3e t#e ,#a$$a to
*uture generations as an in#eritan(e. We will be able to
tea(# de3as and #u$ans t#e *ollowingN
0. To try to learn t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings t#oroug#ly
by #eart.
!. To %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings) so as to know
t#e$ t#roug# %ersonal eH%erien(e.
3. To %ra(tise t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings until ara#ants#i%.
4y doing t#at) t#ose de3as and #u$ans will re(ei3e
bene*its and #a%%iness in t#is world) u% to t#e attain$ent
o* ibb<na. 4ut i* we do not learn t#e tea(#ings by
#eart) and do not %ra(tise t#ose tea(#ings) #ow (an we
tea(# de3as and #u$ans to learn t#e tea(#ings o* t#e
4udd#a) and tea(# t#e$ #ow to %ra(tise t#ose tea(#ings)
sin(e we #a3e no knowledge o* t#e$. So) i* we
#a3e strong enoug# *ait# Bsadd#<C in t#e tea(#ings o* t#e
4udd#a) we 4udd#ists s#ould try to learn t#ose tea(#ings
by #eart) (ulti3ate t#e$ in %ra(ti(e) and de3elo%
t#e$ until t#e ara#ant stage.
,o you #a3e strong enoug# *ait# in t#e tea(#ings
o* t#e 4udd#a6
T#ere is a state$ent in t#e Sa$aTTa%#ala Sutta
(o$$entaryN OPasanno (a %asann<k<raR k<tuR sakk#issati&N
OReal de3otees o* t#e Tri%le Le$ (an s#ow t#eir de3otion
t#roug# %ra(ti(e.& '* a $an or wo$an (annot s#ow
de3otion t#en we (annot say t#at #e or s#e is a real
de3otee. '* you #a3e real *ait# in t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ings)
you s#ould learn t#ose tea(#ings t#oroug#ly) %ra(tise
t#e$) and not sto% be*ore attaining ara#ants#i%. T#ese
are i$%ortant words o* t#e 4udd#a be*ore #e %assed
away. '* we #a3e *ait# in t#e 4udd#a we s#ould obey
t#ose words. '* we #a3e *ait# in our %arents we s#ould
obey t#eir instru(tions. 'n t#e sa$e way we s#ould
obey our +at#er&s words) t#at is Aord 4udd#a. So) w#at
are t#ose tea(#ings6 T#ey areN
0. T#e +our +oundations o* Mind*ulness B(att<ro
sati%aSS#<n<C
!. T#e +our Rig#t /**orts B(att<ro sa$$a%%ad#<n<C
3. T#e +our 4ases o* Su((ess B(att<ro idd#i%<d<C
5. T#e +i3e -ontrolling +a(ulties B%aT(indriy<niC
7. T#e +i3e Powers B%aT(a bal<niC
8. T#e Se3en +a(tors o* /nlig#ten$ent Bsatta bo??#aJg<C
:. T#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#. Bariyo aSS#aJgiko $aggoC
T#ere are altoget#er T#irty-Se3en ReFuisites o* /nlig#ten$ent
Bbod#i%akk#iyad#a$$aC. ' would like to brie*ly
eH%lain t#e$. 'n t#e P<Mi -anon) t#e 4udd#a taug#t t#e
T#irty-Se3en ReFuisites o* /nlig#ten$ent in di**erent
ways) a((ording to t#e in(lination o* #is listeners. T#e
tea(#ings in t#e P<Mi -anon (an be redu(ed to only t#e
T#irty-Se3en ReFuisites o* /nlig#ten$ent. '* again) t#ey
are (ondensed) t#ere is only t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#.
'* it is (ondensed) t#ere are only t#e t#ree trainingsN
3irtuous (ondu(t) (on(entration) and wisdo$.
We $ust *irst learn t#e training o* 3irtuous (ondu(t
to %ra(tise. '* we do not know t#e training o* 3irtuous
(ondu(t) we (annot %uri*y our (ondu(t. We $ust learn
Sa$at#a $editation to (ontrol and (on(entrate our $ind.
'* we do not know about Sa$at#a $editation) #ow (an
we (ulti3ate (on(entration6 '* we do not %ra(tise (on(entration)
#ow (an we (ontrol our $ind6 T#en we $ust
learn #ow to (ulti3ate wisdo$. '* we do not know t#e
training o* wisdo$) #ow (an we (ulti3ate wisdo$6
So) to %uri*y our (ondu(t) to (ontrol our $ind)
and to de3elo% our wisdo$) we $ust *irst learn t#e
,#a$$a by #eart. Se(ondly) we $ust (ulti3ate and
de3elo% it u% to ara#ants#i%.
T#ere*ore) in t#e Ma#< Parinibb<na Sutta) t#e
4udd#a urged #is dis(i%les $any ti$esN
O'ti sDlaR) iti sa$<d#i iti %aTT<) sDla%arib#<3ito sa$<d#i
$a#a%%#alo #oti $a#<nisaRso) sa$<d#i%arib#<3it<
%aTT< $a#a%%#al< #oti $a#<nisaRs<) %aTT<%arib#<-
3itaR (ittaR sa$$ade3a <sa3e#i 3i$u((ati) seyyat#idaR
k<$<sa3< b#a3<sa3< diSS#<sa3< a3i??<sa3<.&N
OSu(# is 3irtueQ su(# is (on(entrationQ su(# is
wisdo$. Lreat is t#e result) great is t#e gain o*
(on(entration w#en it is *ully de3elo%ed based on
3irtuous (ondu(tQ great is t#e result) great is t#e
gain o* wisdo$ w#en it is *ully de3elo%ed based
on (on(entrationQ t#e $ind t#at is *ully de3elo%ed
in wisdo$) is utterly *ree *ro$ t#e taints o* lust)
be(o$ing) wrong 3iews and ignoran(e.&
We all #a3e a $ind. '* we (an) based on 3irtue) (ontrol
our $ind) t#en t#e %ower o* t#at (on(entrated $ind
is wonder*ul. T#at $ind (an %enetrate into ulti$ate
$ateriality. Materiality arises as kal<%as. T#e kal<%as are
s$aller t#an ato$s. >ur body is $ade o* t#ose kal<%as.
T#e (on(entrated $ind (an analyse t#ose kal<%as. T#e
(on(entrated $ind (an %enetrate into t#e ulti$ate reality
o* $entality. T#e (on(entrated $ind (an %enetrate into
t#eir (auses. T#e (on(entrated $ind (an %enetrate into t#e
nature o* arising and %assing-away o* t#ose $entality)
$ateriality) and t#eir (auses. T#is insig#t-knowledge is
(alled wisdo$. T#is wisdo$ %rogresses be(ause o* (on(entration
based on 3irtue. T#e (on(entrated $ind and
wisdo$ are will-%ower. T#is will-%ower (an lead to t#e
attain$ent o* ibb<na) t#e destru(tion o* all atta(#$ent)
all de*ile$ents and all su**erings.
/3erybody #as a $ind. W#en t#e $ind is *ully
de3elo%ed t#roug# (on(entration based on 3irtue) t#e
insig#t-knowledge) or wisdo$ (an *ree one *ro$ t#e
taints o* lust and t#e round o* rebirt#s (o$%letely. 4ut
t#at (on(entration $ust be based on 3irtue. +or lay-
%eo%le) t#e *i3e %re(e%ts are ne(essary. T#ey areN
0. To abstain *ro$ killing any beings)
!. To abstain *ro$ stealing)
3. To abstain *ro$ seHual $is(ondu(t)
5. To abstain *ro$ telling lies)
7. To abstain *ro$ taking intoHi(ants.
T#ese *i3e %re(e%ts are ne(essary *or all lay-4udd#ists.
'* one breaks any o* t#ese *i3e %re(e%ts) one is auto$ati(-
ally not a real lay-4udd#ist Bu%<sakaC. >ne&s re*uge in
t#e Tri%le Le$ #as been $ade in3alid. 4udd#ists $ust
also abstain *ro$ wrong li3eli#ood. T#ey $ust not use
%ossessions a(Fuired by killing) t#e*t) seHual $is(ondu(t)
lies) slander) #ars# s%ee(#) and *ri3olous s%ee(#.
T#ey $ust not engage in t#e *i3e ty%es o* wrong tradeN
trading in wea%ons) #u$ans) ani$als *or slaug#ter)
intoHi(ants) and %oisons.
So 3irtue is 3ery i$%ortant *or all 4udd#ists) not
only to attain ibb<na) but also to rea(# a #a%%y state
a*ter deat#. '* one&s (ondu(t is not %uri*ied) it is not easy
to rea(# a #a%%y state a*ter deat#) be(ause at t#e ti$e
o* deat#) t#ose $isdeeds usually sti(k to one&s $indQ
a%%ear in one&s $ind. 4y taking one o* t#ose $isdeeds
as t#e ob?e(t o* t#e $ind) usually one goes to one o* t#e
*our woe*ul %lanes a*ter deat#.
Virtuous (ondu(t is also i$%ortant in t#e %resent
li*e to *ind #a%%iness and %ea(e. Wit#out %uri*i(ation
o* (ondu(t) one (annot *ind #a%%iness or %ea(e.
So$eone wit# a bad (#ara(ter is naturally surrounded
by ene$ies. >ne w#o #as $any ene$ies (annnot get
any #a%%iness.
So t#e 4udd#a taug#t t#e *ollowingN
yo (a 3assasataR ?D3e) dussDlo asa$<#itoQ
ek<#aR ?D3itaR seyyo) sDla3antassa ?#<yino.
OT#oug# one s#ould li3e a #undred years wit#out 3irtue
and wit#out (on(entration) one&s li*e is not wort#y o*
%raiseQ it is better to li3e a single day wit# t#e %ra(ti(e
o* 3irtue and (on(entration.&
W#y6 4e(ause t#e $ind w#i(# is *ully de3elo%ed
t#roug# (on(entration (an %rodu(e great wisdo$)
w#i(# (an see ibb<na) t#e end o* t#e round o* rebirt#s)
and (an destroy all de*ile$ents and su**ering.
So we $ust %ra(tise Sa$at#a and Vi%assan<
$editation based on 3irtue. W#en we %ra(tise Sa$at#a
and Vi%assan< $editation) we $ust %ra(tise t#e +our
+oundations o* Mind*ulnessN
0. Mind*ulness o* body Bk<y<nu%assan<-sati%aSS#<naC
!. Mind*ulness o* *eeling B3edan<nu%assan<-
sati%aSS#<naC
3. Mind*ulness o* (ons(iousness B(itt<nu%assan<-
sati%aSS#<naC
5. Mind*ulness o* d#a$$as Bd#a$$<nu%assan<-
sati%aSS#<naC
W#at is Obody& Bk<yaC6 T#ere are two ty%es o* body in
Vi%assan<Q t#ey are t#e $ateriality body BrG%a-k<yaC
and t#e $entality body Bn<$a-k<yaC. T#e $ateriality
body is a grou% o* twenty-eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality.
T#e $entality body is a grou% o* a (ons(iousness and
its $ental-(on(o$itants. 'n ot#er words) t#ese are t#e
*i3e aggregates Bk#and#aCN $ateriality) *eeling) %er(e%tion)
*or$ations) and (ons(iousness.
4ut Sa$at#a $editation ob?e(ts su(# as $ind*ulness-
o*-breat#ing) t#irty-two %arts o* t#e body) re%ulsi3eness-
$editation and *our-ele$ents $editation) are
also (alled body. W#y6 T#ey are also (o$%a(tness o*
$ateriality. +or eHa$%le) breat# is a grou% o* kal<%as
%rodu(ed by (ons(iousness. '* we analyse t#ose kal<%as)
we see t#at t#ere are nine ty%es o* $ateriality in
ea(# kal<%a. T#ey areN eart#-ele$ent) water-ele$ent)
*ire-ele$ent) air-ele$ent) (olour) s$ell) taste) nutriti3e-
essen(e) and sound. A skeleton is in t#e sa$e way
(o$%a(tness o* kal<%as. '* a skeleton is ani$ate)
t#ere are a total o* *i3e ty%es o* kal<%a. '* we analyse
t#ose kal<%as we see t#at t#ere are *orty-*our ty%es o*
$ateriality.
Ender t#e se(tion o* $ind*ulness o* body) t#e
4udd#a taug#t two ty%es o* $editationN Sa$at#a and
Vi%assan<. 'n $ind*ul-ness o* body) t#e 4udd#a $entioned
$ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) t#irty-two %arts o*
t#e body) re%ulsi3eness-$editation) et(. So) i* you are
%ra(tising $ind*ulness-o*-breat#ing) you are %ra(tising
$ind*ulness o* body. All t#ose Sa$at#a %ra(ti(es
go under t#e se(tion o* $ind*ulness o* body. A*ter a
$editator is su((ess*ul in Sa$at#a %ra(ti(e) #e (#anges
to Vi%assan< $editation) and dis(erns t#e twenty-eig#t
ty%es o* $ateriality. T#at is also %ra(tising $ind*ulness
o* body. At t#e ti$e o* %ra(tising dis(ern$ent o* $entality
Bn<$a-ka$$aSS#<naC) w#en #e dis(erns *eeling it is
$ind*ulness o* *eelingQ w#en #e dis(erns (ons(iousness
it is $ind*ulness o* (ons(iousnessQ w#en #e dis(erns
(onta(t it is $ind*ulness o* d#a$$as. 4ut dis(erning
only *eeling) (ons(iousness) and (onta(t is not enoug#
to attain insig#t-knowledges. So we $ust dis(ern t#e
re$aining asso(iated $ental *or$ations. A*ter #a3ing
dis(erned $entality and $ateriality) we $ust dis(ern
t#eir (auses in t#e %ast) %resent) and *uture. T#is is
t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and -ondition
B%a((aya-%arigga#a-T<@aC. A*ter t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning
-ause and -ondition) w#en you #a3e rea(#ed
Vi%assan<) you (an e$%#asiKe eit#er $ateriality) *eeling)
(ons(iousness or (onta(t. O/$%#asiKe& does not $ean
you s#ould dis(ern one state only. 2ou (an e$%#asiKe
$ateriality) but you $ust dis(ern also $entality. T#at is)
you $ust dis(ern *eeling) (ons(iousness) and d#a$$as
too.
2ou $ay e$%#asiKe *eeling instead. 4ut *eeling
alone is not enoug#. 2ou $ust also dis(ern its asso(iated
$ental *or$ations) its sense-base) and ob?e(t. T#e
sense-base and ob?e(t are $ateriality. 't is t#e sa$e *or
(ons(iousness and d#a$$as.
So #ere) Vi%assan< is (onte$%lating t#e i$%er-
$anent) su**ering) and non-sel* nature o* t#ose $entality-
$ateriality and t#eir (auses. T#ose d#a$$as %ass away
as soon as t#ey arise) so t#ey are i$%er$anent. T#ey
are o%%ressed by (onstant arising and %assing-away)
so t#ey are su**ering. 'n t#ose d#a$$as t#ere is no
soul) not#ingis stable) %er$anent and i$$ortal) so t#ey
are non-sel*. ,is(ern$ent o* t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering)
and non-sel* nature o* $entality-$ateriality) and
t#eir (auses and e**e(ts) is (alled Vi%assan< $editation.
W#en you %ra(tise Sa$at#a and Vi%assan< $editation)
we (an say you are %ra(tising t#e +our +oundations o*
Mind*ulness.
W#en you %ra(tise t#e +our +oundations o*
Mind*ulness you $ust #a3e enoug# o* t#e +our Rig#t
/**orts. T#ey areN
0. T#e e**ort to %re3ent unw#oleso$e states *ro$
arising)
!. T#e e**ort to eradi(ate unw#oleso$e states
w#i(# #a3e arisen)
3. T#e e**ort to %rodu(e w#oleso$e states w#i(#
#a3e not yet arisen B(on(entration w#oleso$e-
d#a$$as) Vi%assan< w#oleso$e-d#a$$as)
%at# w#oleso$e-d#a$$as) et(.C)
5. T#e e**ort to de3elo% t#ose w#oleso$e states u%
to ara#ants#i%.
1ow s#ould you %ra(tise6 2ou $ust %ra(tise t#e
+our +oundations o* Mind*ulness. W#en %ra(tising
you $ust #a3e enoug# o* t#e *our ty%es o* e**ort ?ust
$entioned. O/3en i* $y *les# and blood were to dry u%)
lea3ing bones and sinews only) ' will not gi3e u% $y
$editation.&
W#en you %ra(tise t#ose t#ings you s#ould #a3e
t#e +our 4ases o* Su((ess. T#ey areN
0. ,esire B(#and<CN strong and %ower*ul desire to
rea(# ibb<na)
!. /**ort B3DriyaCN strong and %ower*ul e**ort to
rea(# ibb<na)
3. -ons(iousness B(ittaCN strong and %ower*ul (ons(iousness
to rea(# ibb<na)
5. 'n3estigation B3D$aRsaCN strong and %ower*ul
insig#t-knowledges to rea(# ibb<na.
'* we #a3e strong enoug# desire we will attain our goal.
T#ere is not#ing we (annot a(#ie3e i* we #a3e enoug#
desire. '* we $ake strong enoug# e**ort we will attain
our goal. T#ere is not#ing we (annot a(#ie3e i* we $ake
enoug# e**ort. '* we #a3e strong enoug# (ons(iousness
we will attain our goal. T#ere is not#ing we (annot
a(#ie3e i* we #a3e a strong and %ower*ul $ind. '* we
#a3e strong enoug# insig#t-knowledge we will attain
our goal. T#ere is not#ing we (annot a(#ie3e i* we #a3e
enoug# wisdo$.
W#en we %ra(tise Sa$at#a and Vi%assan< based
on 3irtuous (ondu(t) we s#ould also %ossess t#e +i3e
-ontrolling +a(ulties. T#ey areN
0. +ait# Bsadd#<CN we $ust #a3e strong enoug# *ait#
in t#e 4udd#a and #is tea(#ings.
!. /**ort B3DriyaCN we $ust $ake strong enoug#
e**ort.
3. Mind*ulness BsatiCN we $ust #a3e strong enoug#
$ind*ulness on t#e $editation ob?e(t.
5. -on(entration Bsa$<d#iCN we $ust #a3e strong
enoug# (on(entration on t#e Sa$at#a and
Vi%assan< ob?e(ts. '* it is a Sa$at#a ob?e(t) it
$ust be an ob?e(t like t#e <n<%<na-ni$itta or
kasi@a-ni$itta. '* it is a Vi%assan< ob?e(t) it $ust
be $entality) $ateriality) and t#eir (auses.
7. Wisdo$ B%aTT<CN we $ust #a3e enoug# understanding
about Sa$at#a and Vi%assan< ob?e(ts.
T#ese *i3e (ontrolling *a(ulties (ontrol t#e $editator&s
$ind) so it does not go away *ro$ t#e oble /ig#t*old
Pat#) w#i(# leads to ibb<na. '* you do not #a3e any o*
t#ese (ontrolling *a(ulties) you (annot rea(# your goal.
2ou (annot (ontrol your $ind. T#ese (ontrolling *a(ulties
#a3e t#e %ower to (ontrol your $ind) so t#at it does
not go away *ro$ your $editation ob?e(t. T#is %ower
is also (alled will-%ower BbalaC. W#en we e$%#asiKe
t#is will-%ower) t#ose *i3e *a(ulties are (alled t#e *i3e
%owers.
As well as t#e +our +oundations o* Mind*ulness)
t#ere are t#e Se3en +a(tors o* /nlig#ten$ent w#i(# are
also 3ery i$%ortant. T#ey areN
0. Mind*ulness BsatiC
!. 'n3estigation o* P#eno$ena Bd#a$$a3i(ayaCN
T#is is insig#t-knowledge.
3. /**ort B3DriyaC
5. ;oy B%DtiC
7. TranFuility B%assadd#iC
8. -on(entration Bsa$<d#iC
:. /Fuani$ity Bu%ekk#<C
T#ere is also t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#. 't isN
0. Rig#t View Bsa$$<-diSS#iC
!. Rig#t T#oug#t Bsa$$<-saJka%%aC
3. Rig#t S%ee(# Bsa$$<-3<(<C
5. Rig#t A(tion Bsa$$<-ka$$antaC
7. Rig#t Ai3eli#ood Bsa$$<-<?D3aC
8. Rig#t /**ort Bsa$$<-3<y<$aC
:. Rig#t Mind*ulness Bsa$$<-satiC
.. Rig#t -on(entration Bsa$$<-sa$<d#iC
't is) in ot#er words) 3irtuous (ondu(t BsDlaC) (on(entration
Bsa$<d#iC) and wisdo$ B%aTT<CN t#e t#ree trainings.
We $ust %ra(tise t#ese t#ree trainings syste$ati(ally.
Altoget#er) t#ere are T#irty-Se3en ReFuisites o*
/nlig#ten$ent Bbod#i%akk#iyad#a$$aC.
't was t#e 4udd#a&s wis# t#at #is dis(i%les learn
t#ese T#irty-Se3en ReFuisites o* /nlig#ten$ent by
#eart) and %ra(tise t#e$ until ara#ants#i%. '* we do t#at)
we (an gi3e t#is in#eritan(e to *uture generations. '* so)
we) as well as *uture generations) will re(ei3e bene*its
and #a%%iness in t#is world) u% to t#e attain$ent o*
ibb<na.
T#e 4udd#a said *urt#erN O1anda d<ni b#ikk#a3e
<$antay<$i 3o) 3ayad#a$$< saJk#<r< a%%a$<dena sa$%<det#a.&
All $entality-$ateriality and t#eir (auses are
(alled (o$%ounded t#ings BsaJk#<raC) be(ause t#ey
are %rodu(ed by t#eir res%e(ti3e (auses. T#ese (o$%ounded
t#ings are always i$%er$anent.
2ou s#ould not *orget about t#e nature o* i$%er$anen(e.
't is be(ause you *orget about t#e nature o*
i$%er$anen(e) t#at you as%ire *or yoursel*) *or sons)
daug#ters) *a$ily) et(. '* you know anyt#ing o* t#e
nature o* i$%er$anen(e) t#en t#roug#out your li*e you
will try to es(a%e *ro$ it. So you s#ould not *orget #ow
t#e 4udd#a eH#orted usN O4#ikk#us) all (o$%ounded
t#ings are sub?e(t to dissolutionQ t#ere*ore stri3e wit#
diligen(e.&
T#e 4udd#a t#en said) Oa (iraR Tat#<gatassa
%arinibb<naR b#a3issati. 'to tinnaR $<s<naR a((ayena
Tat#<gato %arinibb<-yissati&N OT#e ti$e o* t#e Tat#<gata&s
Parinibb<na is near. T#ree $ont#s *ro$ now t#e
Tat#<gata will attain Parinibb<na.& T#at $eans #e
would %ass away (o$%letely. T#ose words were really
sad words to #ear.
T#e 4udd#a also saidN OPari%akko 3ayo $ay#aR)
%arittaR $a$a ?D3itaR&N OMy years are now *ull ri%eQ
t#e li*e s%an le*t is s#ort)& and t#e 4udd#a des(ribed
#is old age to t#e Venerable YnandaN Oow ' a$ *rail)
Ynanda) old) aged) *ar gone in years. T#is is $y eig#tiet#
year) and $y li*e is s%ent. /3en as an old (art) Ynanda)
is #eld toget#er wit# $u(# di**i(ulty) so t#e body o*
t#e Tat#<gata is ke%t going only wit# su%%orts. 't is)
Ynanda) only w#en t#e Tat#<gata) disregarding eHternal
ob?e(ts) wit# t#e (essation o* (ertain *eelings) attains
to and abides in t#e signless (on(entration o* $ind) t#at
#is body is (o$*ortable.&
T#e 4udd#a said *urt#erN OPa#<ya 3o ga$iss<$i)
kataR $e sara@a$attano&N O,e%arting) ' go *ro$ you)
relying on $ysel* alone.& T#at $eans #e would attain
Parinibb<na) and de%art *ro$ t#e$. 1e #ad $ade
#is own re*uge u% to t#e ara#ant stage. T#at is w#y
t#e 4udd#a also saidN OT#ere*ore) Ynanda) be islands
unto yoursel3es) re*uges unto yoursel3es) seeking no
eHternal re*ugeQ wit# t#e ,#a$$a as your island) t#e
,#a$$a as your re*uge) seeking no ot#er re*uge. And
#ow) Ynanda) is a b#ikk#u an island unto #i$sel*) a
re*uge unto #i$sel*) seeking no eHternal re*uge) wit#
t#e ,#a$$a as #is island) t#e ,#a$$a as #is re*uge)
seeking no ot#er re*uge6&
T#e answer is as *ollowsN OA%%a$att< satD$anto
susDl< #ot#a b#ikk#a3o. Susa$<#itasaJka%%< sa(itta$anurak-
k#at#a&N O4e diligent) t#en) > b#ikk#us) be $ind*ul and
o* 3irtue %ure. Wit# *ir$ resol3e) guard your own
$inds.& So we $ust be $ind*ul and diligent. Mind*ul o*
w#at6 Mind*ul o* t#e +our +oundations o* Mind*ulness)
or $entality-$ateriality) or in ot#er words) $ind*ul o*
(o$%ounded t#ings. OSusDl< #ot#a b#ik-k#a3o&) $eans)
O4#ikk#us) you s#ould try to %uri*y your (ondu(t. 2ou
s#ould try to be a b#ikk#u w#o #as (o$%lete %uri*i(ation
o* (ondu(t.& T#is $eans we $ust (ulti3ate t#e
training o* 3irtuous (ondu(t) t#at is) rig#t s%ee(#) rig#t
a(tion and rig#t li3eli#ood.
T#e 4udd#a also saidN OSusa$<#itasaJka%%<.&
OSusa$<#ita& $eans we $ust %ra(tise t#e training o*
(on(entration) t#at is rig#t e**ort) rig#t $ind*ulness
and rig#t (on(entration. OSaJka%%<& $eans t#e training
o* wisdo$) t#at is rig#t t#oug#t and rig#t 3iew.
T#en) Oa%%a$att<& $eans to see wit# insig#t-
knowledge t#e nature o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering)
and non-sel* in (o$%ounded t#ings. OSati$anto& $eans
t#at w#en we %ra(tise t#e t#ree trainings o* 3irtuous
(ondu(t) (on(entration) and wisdo$) we $ust #a3e
enoug# $ind*ulness.
+inally) t#e 4udd#a saidN O2o i$as$iR d#a$$a-
3inaye a%%a$atto 3i#essati. Pa#<ya ?<ti-saRs<raR dukk#as-
santaR karissati&N OW#oe3er earnestly %ursues t#e
,#a$$a and t#e ,is(i%line s#all go beyond t#e round
o* birt#s) and $ake an end o* su**ering.& So) i* we want
to rea(# t#e end o* t#e round o* rebirt#s) we $ust *ollow
t#e 4udd#a&s tea(#ingsQ t#at is) t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#.
Aet us stri3e wit# e**ort be*ore deat# takes %la(e.
May all beings be #a%%y.
Talk 9
T#e Most Su%erior Ty%e o* >**ering
BTraditional /nd-o*-Retreat Talk to ,onors)
>rganiKers and 1el%ersC
T#ere are two ty%es o* o**eringN
0. T#e o**ering w#i(# %rodu(es *ull *ruition) and
!. T#e o**ering w#i(# %rodu(es no *ruition.
W#i(# ty%e o* o**ering do you %re*er6 Please answer.
' would like to eH%lain t#e 4udd#a&s wis#es *or
#is dis(i%les Bs<3akaC) regarding o**ering in t#is dis%ensation.
2our wis# and t#e 4udd#a&s wis# $ay be t#e
sa$e or di**erent. Aet us look at t#e ,akk#i@<3ib#aJga
SuttaN
O>n one o((asion t#e 4udd#a was li3ing in t#e
Sakyan (ountry) at Ka%ila3att#u in igrod#a&s Park.
T#en Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D went to t#e 4udd#a wit# a
new %air o* (lot#s) w#i(# s#e #ad #ad $ade by skilled
wea3ers. A*ter %aying #o$age to t#e 4udd#a) s#e sat
down at one side) and said to t#e 4udd#aN U4#ante) t#is
new %air o* (lot#s #as been s%un by $e) and wo3en by
$e) s%e(ially *or t#e 4udd#a. 4#ante) let t#e 4udd#a
out o* (o$%assion a((e%t it *ro$ $e.V
T#e 4udd#a t#en saidN ULi3e it to t#e SaJg#a)
Lota$D. W#en you gi3e it to t#e SaJg#a) t#e o**ering
will be $ade bot# to $e and to t#e SaJg#a.V
S#e asked t#e 4udd#a in t#e sa$e way t#ree
ti$es) and t#e 4udd#a answered in t#e sa$e way
t#ree ti$es. T#en Venerable Ynanda said to t#e
4udd#aN U4#ante) %lease a((e%t t#e new %air o* robes
*ro$ Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D. Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D #as
been 3ery #el%*ul to t#e 4udd#a. Alt#oug# s#e was
your $ot#er&s sister) s#e was your nurse) your *oster
$ot#er) and t#e one w#o ga3e you $ilk. S#e su(kled
t#e 4udd#a w#en t#e 4udd#a&s own $ot#er died.
T#e 4udd#a #as been 3ery #el%*ul towards Ma#<-
%a?<%atigota$D. 't is owing to t#e 4udd#a t#at
Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D #as gone *or re*uge to t#e
4udd#a) t#e ,#a$$a) and t#e SaJg#a. 't is owing to
t#e 4udd#a t#at Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D abstains *ro$
killing li3ing beings) *ro$ taking w#at is not gi3en)
*ro$ $is(ondu(t in sensual %leasures) *ro$ *alse
s%ee(#) and *ro$ wine) liFuor and intoHi(ants w#i(#
are t#e basis o* negligen(e. 't is owing to t#e 4udd#a
t#at Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D %ossesses %er*e(t (on*iden(e
in t#e 4udd#a) t#e ,#a$$a and t#e SaJg#a) and t#at
s#e %ossesses t#e 3irtue lo3ed by noble ones BariyaC.
't is owing to t#e 4udd#a t#at Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D
is *ree *ro$ doubt about t#e oble Trut# o* Su**ering
Bdukk#a-sa((aC) about t#e oble Trut# o* t#e >rigin o*
Su**ering Bsa$udaya-sa((aC) about t#e oble Trut# o*
t#e -essation o* Su**ering Bnirod#a-sa((aC) and about
t#e oble Trut# o* t#e Way Aeading to t#e -essation
o* Su**ering B$agga-sa((aC. So t#e 4udd#a too #as
been 3ery #el%*ul towards Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D.V
T#en t#e 4udd#a re%lied as *ollows) UT#at is
so) Ynanda) t#at is so. B/3a$etaR YnandaQ e3a$etaR
Ynanda.C W#en a dis(i%le) owing to a tea(#er) #as gone
*or re*uge to t#e 4udd#a) t#e ,#a$$a and t#e SaJg#a)
' say t#at it is not easy *or t#at dis(i%le to re%ay t#e
tea(#er by %aying #o$age to #i$) rising u% *or #i$)
a((ording #i$ re3erential salutation and %olite ser3i(es)
and by %ro3iding t#e *our reFuisites.
W#en a dis(i%le) owing to t#e tea(#er) #as (o$e to
abstain *ro$ killing li3ing beings) *ro$ taking w#at is
not gi3en) *ro$ $is(ondu(t in sensual %leasures) *ro$
*alse s%ee(#) and *ro$ wine) liFuor and intoHi(ants
w#i(# are t#e basis o* negligen(e) ' say t#at it is not easy
*or t#at dis(i%le to re%ay t#e tea(#er by %aying #o$age
to #i$) rising u% *or #i$) a((ording #i$ re3erential
salutation and %olite ser3i(es) and by %ro3iding t#e
*our reFuisites.
W#en a dis(i%le) owing to t#e tea(#er) #as (o$e to
%ossess %er*e(t (on*iden(e in t#e 4udd#a) t#e ,#a$$a
and t#e SaJg#a) and to %ossess t#e 3irtue lo3ed by noble
ones BariyaC) ' say t#at it is not easy *or t#at dis(i%le to
re%ay t#e tea(#er by %aying #o$age to #i$) rising u%
*or #i$) a((ording #i$ re3erential salutation and %olite
ser3i(es) and by %ro3iding t#e *our reFuisites.
W#en a dis(i%le) owing to t#e tea(#er) #as be(o$e
*ree *ro$ doubt about t#e oble Trut# o* Su**ering
Bdukk#a-sa((aC) about t#e oble Trut# o* t#e >rigin o*
Su**ering Bsa$udaya-sa((aC) about t#e oble Trut# o*
t#e -essation o* Su**ering Bnirod#a-sa((aC) and about
t#e oble Trut# o* t#e Way Aeading to t#e -essation
o* Su**ering B$agga-sa((aC) ' say t#at it is not easy *or
t#at dis(i%le to re%ay t#e tea(#er by %aying #o$age
to #i$) rising u% *or #i$) a((ording #i$ re3erential
salutation and %olite ser3i(es) and by %ro3iding t#e
*our reFuisites.V&
1ere) ' would like to eH%lain *urt#er. '* a dis(i%le
knows t#e +our oble Trut#s t#roug# t#e guidan(e
o* a tea(#er) #is insig#t-knowledge o* t#e +our oble
Trut#s is (o$%arati3ely $ore bene*i(ial t#an #is a(ts
o* res%e(t) and %ro3iding o* t#e *our reFuisites to t#e
tea(#er. '* #e knows t#e +our oble Trut#s t#roug#
Strea$-/ntry Pat# Knowledge Bsot<%atti-$aggaT<@aC) and
Strea$-/ntry +ruition Knowledge Bsot<%atti-%#alaT<@aC)
t#en t#at insig#t-knowledge will #el% #i$ es(a%e *ro$
t#e *our woe*ul %lanes Ba%<yaC. T#is result is wonder*ul.
T#ose w#o negle(t to %er*or$ w#oleso$e deeds) usually
wander t#e *our woe*ul %lanes. T#e *our woe*ul
%lanes are like t#eir #o$eN OPa$attassa (a n<$a (att<ro
a%<y< sakage#asadis<.& T#ey #a3e only so$eti$es 3isited
good %lanes. So it is a great o%%ortunity to be able to
es(a%e *ro$ t#e *our woe*ul %lanes. 't (annot be (o$%ared
to t#e dis(i%le&s a(ts o* res%e(t) and %ro3iding o*
*our reFuisites to t#e tea(#er. Again) i* a dis(i%le knows
t#e t#e +our oble Trut#s t#roug# >n(e-Returner Pat#
Knowledge Bsakad<g<$i-$aggaT<@aC and >n(e-Returner
+ruition Knowledge Bsakad<g<$i-%#alaT<@aC) #e will (o$e
ba(k to t#is #u$an world on(e only. 4ut i* #e knows t#e
+our oble Trut#s t#roug# on-Returner Pat# Knowledge
Ban<g<$i-$aggaT<@aC) and on-Returner +ruition
Knowledge Ban<g<$i-%#alaT<@aC) #is insig#t-knowledge
will #el% #i$ es(a%e *ro$ t#e ele3en sensual real$s. 1e
will de*initely be reborn in a bra#$a real$. 1e will ne3er
return to t#is sensual real$. 4ra#$a bliss is *ar su%erior
to sensual %leasure. 'n t#e bra#$a real$ t#ere is no $an)
*ood. T#eir li*es%an is 3ery long. T#ere is no one w#o
(an s%oil t#eir #a%%iness. T#ey are *ree *ro$ all dangers.
4ut t#ey are sub?e(t to de(ayQ sub?e(t to deat#Q sub?e(t to
rebirt# again i* t#ey do not attain ara#ants#i%.
no wo$an) no son) no daug#ter) no *a$ily. T#ere is no
*ig#ting and Fuarrelling. 't is not ne(essary to take any
Again) i* a dis(i%le knows t#e +our oble Trut#s
t#roug# t#e Ara#ant Pat# Bara#atta-$aggaC and Ara#ant
+ruition Bara#atta-%#alaC) #is insig#t-knowledge will
lead to #is es(a%e *ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s. A*ter
#is Parinibb<na #e will de*initely attain ibb<na) and
#e will #a3e no $ore su**ering at all) no $ore rebirt#)
de(ay) disease) deat#) et(P. So t#ese bene*its are $ore
3aluable t#an t#e dis(i%le&s a(ts o* res%e(t) and %ro3iding
t#e *our reFuisites to t#e tea(#er. /3en i* a dis(i%le
o**ers a %lieo* reFuisites as #ig# as Mount Meru) t#at
o**ering is not enoug# to re%ay #is debt) be(ause t#e
es(a%e *ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s) or t#e es(a%e *ro$
rebirt#) de(ay) disease) and deat# is $ore 3aluable.
W#at are t#e +our oble Trut#s6
0. T#e oble Trut# o* Su**ering Bdukk#a-sa((aCN t#is is
t#e *i3e aggregates. '* a dis(i%le knows t#e oble
Trut# o* Su**ering) de%endent u%on a tea(#er) t#is
insig#t-knowledge is $ore 3aluable t#an a(ts o*
res%e(t) and %ro3iding t#e *our reFuisites to t#e
tea(#er.
!. T#e oble Trut# o* t#e >rigin o* Su**ering
Bsa$udaya-sa((aCN t#is is de%endent-origination.
'* a dis(i%le knows de%endent-origination de%en-
dent u%on a tea(#er) t#is insig#t-knowledge is
also $ore 3aluable t#an a(ts o* res%e(t) and %ro3iding
t#e *our reFuisites to t#e tea(#er.
3. T#e oble Trut# o* t#e -essation o* Su**ering
Bnirod#a-sa((aCN t#is is ibb<na. '* a dis(i%le knows
ibb<na de%endent u%on a tea(#er) t#is insig#t-
knowledge is also $ore 3aluable t#an a(ts o*
res%e(t) and %ro3iding t#e *our reFuisites to t#e
tea(#er.
5. T#e oble Trut# o* t#e Way Aeading to t#e -essation
o* Su**ering B$agga-sa((aCN t#is is t#e oble
/ig#t*old Pat#. 'n ot#er words) t#is is insig#t-
knowledge B3i%assan<-T<@aC and Pat# Knowledge
B$aggaT<@aC.
'* a dis(i%le %ossesses insig#t-knowledge and Pat#
Knowledge de%endent u%on a tea(#er) t#ese insig#t-
knowledges are $ore 3aluable t#an a(ts o* res%e(t) and
%ro3iding t#e *our reFuisites to t#e tea(#er) be(ause
t#ese insig#t-knowledges lead to one&s es(a%e *ro$ t#e
round o* rebirt#s) w#ereas a(ts o* res%e(t) and %ro3iding
t#e *our reFuisites) (annot be a dire(t (ause *or es(a%e
*ro$ t#e round o* rebirt#s. 'ndire(tly) #owe3er) t#e
*our reFuisites (an be a su%%orting (ause *or one w#o
is %ra(tising Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< to rea(# ibb<na.
1ere again ' would like to eH%lain *urt#er. T#e
*i3e aggregates are t#e oble Trut# o* Su**ering. 'n t#e
*i3e aggregates is in(luded t#e $ateriality-aggregate
BrG%a-k#and#aC. Materiality BrG%aC arises as kal<%as Bs$all
%arti(lesC. W#en t#ey are analysed) one sees t#at t#ere
are generally twenty-eig#t ty%es o* $ateriality. Please
(onsider t#is %roble$. >utside t#e 4udd#a&s dis%ensation)
t#ere is no tea(#er w#o (an tea(# about t#ese ty%es
o* $ateriality) and #ow to (lassi*y t#e$. >nly a 4udd#a
and #is dis(i%les (an dis(ern t#ese ty%es o* $ateriality)
and tea(# #ow to (lassi*y t#e$. Again) in t#e *i3e aggregates
are in(luded also t#e *our $entality-aggregates
Bn<$a-k#and#aC. A%art *ro$ b#a3aJga) t#ese $ental
*or$ations arise a((ording to t#oug#t-%ro(esses. T#e
4udd#a taug#t eHa(tly #ow $any $ental-(on(o$itants
B(etasikaC are asso(iated wit# one (ons(iousness B(ittaC
in a $ind-$o$ent) and #e taug#t #ow to dis(ern and
(lassi*y t#e$. T#ere is no tea(#er outside t#e 4udd#a&s
dis%ensation w#o (an s#ow and tea(# t#ese $ental *or$ations
(learly) be(ause t#ere is no ot#er tea(#er w#o
*ully understands. 4ut i* a dis(i%le o* t#is Sakya$uni
4udd#a %ra(tises #ard and syste$ati(ally) a((ording
to t#e instru(tions o* t#e 4udd#a) #e (an dis(ern t#ese
$ental *or$ations (learly. T#is is a uniFue o%%ortunity
*or 4udd#ists. 2ou s#ould not $iss t#is o%%ortunity.
Again) de%endent-origination is t#e oble Trut#
o* t#e >rigin o* Su**ering. T#e 4udd#a also taug#t #is
dis(i%les #ow to dis(ern de%endent-origination. W#en a
dis(i%le o* t#e 4udd#a dis(erns de%endent-origination
a((ording to t#e instru(tions o* t#e 4udd#a) #e *ully
understands t#e relations#i% between (ause and e**e(t.
1e (an gain t#e insig#t-knowledge w#i(# knows t#at
t#e %ast (ause %rodu(es t#e %resent e**e(t) and t#at t#e
%resent (ause %rodu(es t#e *uture e**e(t. 1e knows t#at
wit#in t#e t#ree %eriods) %ast) %resent and *uture) t#ere
is no (reator to (reate an e**e(t) and t#at t#ere is not#ing
w#i(# o((urs wit#out a (ause. T#is knowledge (an
also be gained only in t#e 4udd#a&s dis%ensation. 2ou
s#ould not $iss t#is o%%ortunity eit#er.
Again) w#en a dis(i%le dis(erns de%endent-
origination) #e sees %ast li3es and *uture li3es. '* you
dis(ern $any %ast li3es) you gain t#e insig#t-knowledge
o* knowing w#i(# ty%e o* unw#oleso$e ka$$a %rodu(es
rebirt# in t#e woe*ul %lanes) and w#i(# ty%e o*
w#oleso$e ka$$a %rodu(es rebirt# in good %lanes.
Knowledge o* t#e t#irty-one %lanes) and t#e Aaw o*
Ka$$a) (an be *ound in t#e tea(#ings o* only t#e
4udd#a. >utside t#e 4udd#a&s dis%ensation) t#ere is
no one w#o (an (o$e to know t#e t#irty-one %lanes)
and t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a) t#at %rodu(es rebirt# in ea(#
%lane. 2ou s#ould not $iss t#is o%%ortunity eit#er.
Again) i* a dis(i%le dis(erns (ause and e**e(t in *uture
li3es) #e also sees t#e (essation o* $entality-$ateriality.
1e knows *ully w#en #is $entality-$ateriality will
(ease. T#is is t#e oble Trut# o* -essation o* Su**ering.
T#is knowledge (an be gained only in t#e 4udd#a&s dis%ensation.
2ou s#ould not $iss t#is o%%ortunity eit#er.
Again) t#e 4udd#a also taug#t t#e way) t#at
is Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<) to rea(# t#at state o* (essation.
Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< $eans t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#.
T#e Knowledge o* Analysing Mentality-$ateriality
and t#e Knowledge o* ,is(erning -ause and -ondition
is rig#t 3iew Bsa$$<-diSS#iC. T#e Knowledge o* t#e
-essation o* Mentality-$ateriality is also rig#t 3iew. T#e
Knowledge o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat# is also rig#t 3iew.
A%%li(ation o* $ind to t#e +our oble Trut#s is rig#t
t#oug#t Bsa$$<-saJka%%aC. T#ese two are Vi%assan<. To
%ra(tise Vi%assan< we $ust #a3e Sa$at#a (on(entration)
t#e 4udd#a&s dis%ensation. 2ou s#ould not $iss t#is
o%%ortunity eit#er. W#y6 'nsig#t-knowledge o* t#e +our
oble Trut#s leads to a dis(i%le&s es(a%e *ro$ t#e round
o* rebirt#s.
w#i(# is rig#t e**ort Bsa$$<-3<y<$aC) rig#t $ind*ulness
Bsa$$<-satiC) and rig#t (on(entration Bsa$$<-sa$<d#iC.
W#en we (ulti3ate Sa$at#a-Vi%assan<) we s#ould #a3e
%uri*i(ation o* (ondu(t) t#at is rig#t s%ee(# Bsa$$<-3<(<C)
rig#t a(tion Bsa$$<-ka$$antaC) and rig#t li3eli#ood
Bsa$$<-<?D3aC. -ulti3ating Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< based on
3irtuous (ondu(t BsDlaC is to (ulti3ate t#e oble /ig#t*old
Pat#. T#is oble /ig#t*old Pat# (an be seen only in
'n t#e ,akk#i@<3ib#aJga Sutta) $entioned in t#e
beginning o* t#is talk) t#e 4udd#a eH%lains t#e *ourteen
ty%es o* %ersonal o**erings B%<Si%uggalika-dakk#i@aC.
OYnanda) t#ere are *ourteen ty%es o* %ersonal o**eringsN
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a 4udd#aQ t#is is t#e
*irst ty%e o* %ersonal o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a Pa((ekabudd#aQ t#is
is t#e se(ond ty%e o* %ersonal o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to an ara#ant) a dis(i%le
o* t#e 4udd#aQ t#is is t#e t#ird ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to one w#o #as entered
u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e *ruit o* a
ara#ants#i%Q t#is is t#e *ourt# ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a non-returner Ban<g<$iCQ
t#is is t#e *i*t# ty%e o* %ersonal o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to one w#o #as entered
u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e *ruit o*
non-returnQ t#is is t#e siHt# ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a on(e-returner
Bsakad<-g<$iCQ t#is is t#e se3ent# ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to one w#o #as entered
u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e *ruit o*
on(e-returnQ t#is is t#e eig#t# ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a strea$-enterer Bsot<%annaCQ
t#is is t#e nint# ty%e o* %ersonal o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to one w#o #as entered
u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e *ruit o*
strea$-entryQ t#is is t#e tent# ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to one outside t#e dis%ensation
w#o is *ree *ro$ lust *or sensual
%leasures due to attain$ent o* ?#<naQ t#is is t#e
ele3ent# ty%e o* %ersonal o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a 3irtuous ordinary
%erson B%ut#u??anaCQ t#is is t#e twel*t# ty%e o*
%ersonal o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to an i$$oral ordinary
%ersonQ t#is is t#e t#irteent# ty%e o* %ersonal
o**ering.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to an ani$alQ t#is is t#e
*ourteent# ty%e o* %ersonal o**ering.&
T#e 4udd#a t#en eH%lained t#e bene*its o* t#ese *ourteen
ty%es o* o**eringsN O4y $aking an o**ering to an ani$al)
wit# a %ure $ind) t#e o**ering $ay be eH%e(ted to re%ay
a #undred*old.& T#at $eans it (an %rodu(e its result in a
#undred li3es. 1ere O%ure $ind& $eans o**ering wit#out
eH%e(ting anyt#ing in return) or #el% *ro$ t#e re(ei3er.
>ne $akes t#e $erit to a((u$ulate w#ole-so$e ka$$a
only) wit# strong enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a.
Su%%ose so$eone *eeds a dog wit# t#e t#oug#tN OT#is
is $y dog&Q t#at is not a %ure $ind state. 4ut i* so$eone
gi3es *ood to t#e birds) su(# as %igeons) t#en t#e o**ering
is %ure) be(ause #e does not eH%e(t anyt#ing *ro$
t#e birds. T#is a%%lies also to t#e instan(es $entioned
later. +or eHa$%le) i* a %erson o**ers reFuisites to a
b#ikk#u) wit# t#e t#oug#t t#at it will bring about su((ess
in #is business) or ot#er (o$$er(ial a(ti3ities) t#is
is not o**ering wit# a %ure $ind. T#is ty%e o* o**ering
does not %rodu(e su%erior bene*its.
T#e 4udd#a eH%lained *urt#erN O4y $aking an
o**ering wit# a %ure $ind to an i$$oral ordinary
%erson) t#e o**ering $ay be eH%e(ted to re%ay a t#ou*old.
4y $aking an o**ering to a 3irtuous ordinary%erson)
t#e o**ering $ay be eH%e(ted to re%ay a
#undred-t#ousand*old. 4y $aking an o**ering to one
outside t#e dis%ensation w#o is *ree *ro$ lust *or sensual
%leasures due to attain$ent o* ?#<na) t#e o**ering
$ay be eH%e(ted to re%ay a #undred-t#ousand ti$es a
#undred-t#ousand*old. 4y $aking an o**ering to one
w#o #as entered u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e
*ruit o* strea$-entry) t#e o**ering $ay be eH%e(ted to
re%ay in(al(ulably) i$$easurably. W#at t#en s#ould be
said about $aking an o**ering to a strea$-enterer) or to
one w#o #as entered u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o*
t#e *ruit o* on(e-return) or to a on(e-returner) or to one
w#o #as entered u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e
*ruit o* non-return) or to a non-returner) or to one w#o
#as entered u%on t#e way to t#e realisation o* t#e *ruit
o* ara#ants#i%) or to an ara#ant) or to a Pa((ekabudd#a)
or to a 4udd#a) +ully /nlig#tened >ne6&
1ere) an o**ering $eans one o**ers *ood enoug#
*or on(e only. '* a gi3er o**ers $any ti$es) su(# as)
o3er $any days or $any $ont#s) t#ere are no words
to des(ribe t#e bene*its o* t#ose o**erings. T#ese are
t#e di**erent ty%es o* %ersonal o**erings B%<Si%uggalika-
dakk#i@aC.
>**erings to t#e SaJg#a BSaJg#ika-,<naC
T#e 4udd#a t#en eH%lained to t#e Venerable YnandaN
OT#ere are se3en kinds o* o**erings $ade to t#e SaJg#a)
Ynanda.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a SaJg#a o* bot#
b#ikk#us and b#ikk#unDs #eaded by t#e 4udd#aQ
t#is is t#e *irst kind o* o**ering $ade to t#e
SaJg#a.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a SaJg#a o* bot#
b#ikk#us and b#ikk#unDs a*ter t#e 4udd#a #as
attained Parinib-b<naQ t#is is t#e se(ond kind o*
o**ering $ade to t#e SaJg#a.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a SaJg#a o* b#ikk#usQ
t#is is t#e t#ird kind o* o**ering $ade to t#e
SaJg#a.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering to a SaJg#a o* b#ikk#unDsQ
t#is is t#e *ourt# kind o* o**ering $ade to
t#e SaJg#a.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering) sayingN UA%%oint so
$any b#ikk#us and b#ikk#unDs to $e *ro$ t#e
SaJg#aVQ t#is is t#e *i*t# kind o* o**ering $ade to
t#e SaJg#a.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering) sayingN UA%%oint so $any
b#ikk#us to $e *ro$ t#e SaJg#aVQ t#is is t#e siHt#
kind o* o**ering $ade to t#e SaJg#a.
^ >ne $akes an o**ering) sayingN UA%%oint so $any
b#ikk#unDs to $e *ro$ t#e SaJg#aVQ t#is is t#e
se3ent# kind o* o**ering $ade to t#e SaJg#a.&
T#ese are t#e se3en ty%es o* o**ering to t#e SaJg#a. T#e
4udd#a t#en (o$%ared %ersonal o**erings to o**erings
to t#e SaJg#aN
O'n *uture ti$es) Ynanda) t#ere will be $e$bers
o* t#e (lan w#o are Uyellow-ne(ksV) i$$oral) o* e3il
(#ara(ter. Peo%le will $ake o**erings to t#ose i$$oral
%ersons on be#al* o* t#e SaJg#a. /3en t#en) ' say) an
o**ering $ade to t#e SaJg#a is in(al(ulable) i$$easurable.
And ' say t#at in no way does an o**ering to
a %erson indi3idually) e3er #a3e greater *ruit t#an an
o**ering $ade to t#e SaJg#a.& T#is $eans t#at o**erings
$ade to t#e SaJg#a BsaJg#ika-d<naC are $ore bene*i(ial
t#an %ersonal o**erings B%<Si%uggalika-dakk#i@aC. '*
Ma#<%a?<%atigota$D o**ered t#e robes to t#e SaJg#a
#eaded by t#e 4udd#a it would be *ar $ore bene*i(ial.
T#e result would be in(al(ulable and i$$easurable. So
t#e 4udd#a urged #er to o**er t#e$ to t#e SaJg#a too.
T#e 4udd#a also eH%lained t#e *our kinds o*
%uri*i(ation o* o**eringN
OT#ere are *our kinds o* %uri*i(ation o* o**ering. W#at
are t#e *our6 T#ey areN
0. T#ere is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by t#e gi3er)
but not t#e re(ei3er.
!. T#ere is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by t#e re(ei3er)
but not t#e gi3er.
3. T#ere is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by neit#er
t#e gi3er nor t#e re(ei3er.
5. T#ere is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by bot# t#e
gi3er and t#e re(ei3er.
B0C W#at is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by t#e gi3er)
but not t#e re(ei3er6 1ere t#e gi3er is 3irtuous) o* good
(#ara(ter) and t#e re(ei3er is i$$oral) o* e3il (#ara(ter.
T#us) t#e o**ering is %uri*ied by t#e gi3er) but not t#e
re(ei3er.
B!C W#at is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by t#e
re(ei3er) but not t#e gi3er6 1ere t#e gi3er is i$$oral)
o* e3il (#ara(ter) and t#e re(ei3er is 3irtuous) o* good
(#ara(ter. T#us) t#e o**ering is %uri*ied by t#e re(ei3er)
but not t#e gi3er.
B3C W#at is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by neit#er
t#e gi3er nor t#e re(ei3er6 1ere t#e gi3er is i$$oral)
o* e3il (#ara(ter) and t#e re(ei3er is i$$oral) o* e3il
(#ara(ter. T#us) t#e o**ering is %uri*ied by neit#er t#e
gi3er nor t#e re(ei3er.
B5C W#at is t#e o**ering t#at is %uri*ied by bot#
t#e gi3er and t#e re(ei3er6 1ere t#e gi3er is 3irtuous)
o* good (#ara(ter) and t#e re(ei3er is 3irtuous) o*
good (#ara(ter. T#us) t#e o**ering is %uri*ied by bot#
t#e gi3er and t#e re(ei3er. T#ese are t#e *our kinds o*
%uri*i(ation o* o**ering.&
T#e 4udd#a eH%lained *urt#erN
B0C An o**ering is %uri*ied by t#e gi3er&s 3irtue) but not
t#e re(ei3er w#enN
BaC T#e gi3er is 3irtuous.
BbC W#at is o**ered #as been rig#teously obtained.
B(C T#e gi3er #as at t#e ti$e o* o**ering a (lear and
taintless $ind. 1e s#ould #a3e no atta(#$ent)
anger) et(.
BdC T#e gi3er #as strong enoug# *ait# in t#at t#e
*ruit o* t#at ka$$a is great)
but t#e re(ei3er is i$$oral. '* t#e gi3er wants su%erior
bene*its) t#ere s#ould be t#ese *our *a(tors. 'n t#is (ase)
alt#oug# t#e re(ei3er is an i$$oral %erson) t#e o**ering
is %uri*ied by t#e gi3er. T#e (o$$entary $entions
t#e (ase o* Vessantara. >ur bod#isatta in a %ast li*e as
Vessantara) o**ered #is son and daug#ter Bt#e *uture
R<#ula and E%%ala3a@@<C to ;G?aka 4r<#$a@a) w#o
was i$$oral) o* e3il (#ara(ter. T#at o**ering was t#e
*inal generosity %<ra$D *or Vessantara. A*ter *ul*illing
t#is last %<ra$D) #e was ready to attain enlig#ten$entQ
#e #ad only to wait *or t#e ti$e to $ature. 4e(ause o*
t#is generosity %<ra$D) and ot#er %re3ious %<ra$Ds)
#e was (ertain to attain >$nis(ient Knowledge
BsabbaTTuta-T<@aC. So we (an say t#at t#is o**ering
was a su%%ort *or #is attaining enlig#ten$ent. 't was
%uri*ied by Vessantara. At t#at ti$e Vessantara was
3irtuous) o* good (#ara(ter. W#at #e o**ered was also
rig#tly obtained. 1e #ad a (lear and taintless $ind be(ause
#e #ad only one desireN to attain enlig#ten$ent.
1e #ad strong enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a and
its results. So t#e o**ering was %uri*ied by t#e gi3er.
B!C An o**ering is %uri*ied by t#e re(ei3er) w#en
an i$$oral %erson) wit# an un(lear $ind *ull o*
atta(#$ent) #atred) et(.) wit#out *ait# in t#e Aaw o*
Ka$$a) $akes an o**ering o* w#at is unrig#teously
obtained to a 3irtuous %erson. T#e (o$$entary $entions
t#e (ase o* a *is#er$an. A *is#er$an li3ing near
t#e $out# o* t#e Kaly<@D Ri3er in Sri Aanka) #ad t#ree
ti$es o**ered al$s*ood to a Ma#<t#era w#o was an
ara#ant. At t#e ti$e near deat#) t#e *is#er$an re$e$bered
#is o**ering to t#at Ma#<t#era. Lood signs o* a
de3a %lane a%%eared in #is $ind) so be*ore #e died
#e said to #is relati3es) OT#at Ma#<t#era sa3ed $e.&
A*ter deat# #e went to a de3a %lane. 'n t#is (ase t#e
*is#er$an was i$$oral and o* bad (#ara(ter) but t#e
re(ei3er was 3irtuous. So t#at o**ering was %uri*ied
by t#e re(ei3er.
B3C An o**ering is %uri*ied by neit#er t#e gi3er
nor t#e re(ei3er) w#en an i$$oral %erson) wit# an
un(lear $ind *ull o* atta(#$ent) #atred) et(.) wit#out
*ait# in t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a) $akes an o**ering o* w#at
is unrig#teously obtained to an i$$oral %erson. T#e
(o$$entary $entions t#e (ase o* #unter. W#en t#at
#unter died) #e went to t#e %eta real$. T#en #is wi*e
o**ered al$s*ood on #is be#al*) to a b#ikk#u w#o was
i$$oral) o* bad (#ara(terQ so t#e %eta (ould not (all
out) O't is rig#t Bs<d#uC&. W#y6 T#e gi3er too was i$$oral)
and not 3irtuous) be(ause s#e) as t#e wi*e o* a #unter)
#ad a((o$%anied #i$ w#en #e killed ani$als. Also)
w#at s#e o**ered was unrig#teously obtained) as it was
a(Fuired t#roug# killing ani$als. S#e #ad an un(lear
$ind) be(ause #ad s#e #ad a (lear understanding $ind)
s#e would not #a3e a((o$%anied #er #usband. S#e did
not #a3e enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a and its
results. 1ad s#e #ad enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a)
s#e would ne3er #a3e killed li3ing beings. Sin(e t#e
re(ei3er too was i$$oral) o* bad (#ara(ter) t#e o**ering
(ould be %uri*ied by neit#er gi3er nor re(ei3er. S#e
o**ered al$s*ood in t#e sa$e way t#ree ti$es) and no
good result o((uredQ so t#e %eta s#outed) OAn i$$oral
%erson #as t#ree ti$es stolen $y wealt#.& T#en s#e
o**ered al$s*ood to a 3irtuous b#ikk#u. At t#at ti$e
t#e %eta (ould (all out O't is good&) and es(a%e *ro$ t#e
%eta real$.
1ere ' would like to say to t#e audien(eQ i* you
want good results *ro$ o**ering you s#ould *ul*il t#e
*ollowing *our *a(torsN
BaC 2ou $ust be 3irtuous)
BbC W#at you o**er $ust be rig#teously obtained)
B(C 2ou $ust #a3e a (lear and taintless $ind)
BdC 2ou $ust #a3e strong enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw
o* Ka$$a and its results.
+urt#er$ore) i* you are t#e re(ei3er) and #a3e strong
enoug# lo3ing-kindness and (o$%assion *or t#e gi3er)
you s#ould also be 3irtuous. '* your 3irtue is a((o$%anied
by ?#<na and insig#t-knowledge) it is $u(# better.
W#y6 T#is ty%e o* o**ering (an %rodu(e good results
*or t#e gi3er. Please note t#e neHt ty%e o* o**ering) t#e
*ourt# kind o* %uri*i(ation o* an o**ering.
B5C An o**ering is %uri*ied by bot# t#e gi3er and
t#e re(ei3er) w#en t#e gi3er #as t#e *our *a(torsN
BaC 1e is 3irtuous)
BbC W#at #e o**ers is rig#teously obtained)
B(C 1is $ind is (lear and taintless)
BdC 1e #as strong enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o*
Ka$$a and its results)
and t#e re(ei3er too is 3irtuous. As *or t#is ty%e o*
o**ering) t#e 4udd#a saidN OPYnanda) ' say) t#is ty%e
o* o**ering will (o$e to *ull *ruition.& T#is o**ering
(an %rodu(e in(al(ulable) i$$easurable results. '*
t#e re(ei3er&s 3irtue is a((o$%anied by ?#<na) insig#t-
knowledge) or Pat# and +ruition Knowledges) t#en t#at
3irtue is su%erior.
1ere ' would like to relate anot#er sutta. T#is is
t#e anda$<t< Sutta in t#e AJguttara ik<ya) -#akka
i%<ta. >n(e t#e 4udd#a was li3ing near S<3att#i) at
;eta3ana in An<t#a%i@]ika&s Park. T#en anda&s $ot#er)
a lay dis(i%le o* t#e 4udd#a) w#o li3ed in Velukandaka)
o**ered al$s*ood. 1er o**ering was endowed wit# siH
*a(tors) and t#e re(ei3er was t#e 4#ikk#u SaJg#a)
#eaded by t#e Venerable S<ri%utta and t#e Venerable
Ma#<$oggall<na. T#e 4udd#a saw t#e o**ering wit# #is
di3ine eye) and addressed t#e $onks t#usN O4#ikk#us)
t#e lay dis(i%le o* Velukandaka #as %re%ared an o**ering
endowed wit# siH *a(tors to t#e SaJg#a) #eaded by
S<ri%utta and Ma#<$oggall<na. 1ow) b#ikk#us) is an
o**ering endowed wit# siH *a(tors6 4#ikk#us) t#e gi3er
s#ould be endowed wit# t#ree *a(tors) and t#e re(ei3er
also s#ould be endowed wit# t#ree *a(tors.
W#at are t#e gi3er&s t#ree *a(tors6 4#ikk#us)
^ 1e is glad at #eart be*ore gi3ing)
^ 1is #eart is satis*ied in gi3ing)
^ 1e is ?oy*ul w#en #e #as gi3en.
T#ese are t#e t#ree *a(tors o* t#e gi3er. W#at are t#e
t#ree *a(tors o* t#e re(ei3er6 4#ikk#us)
^ T#e re(ei3er is *ree *ro$ atta(#$ent or trying to
destroy atta(#$ent)
^ T#e re(ei3er is *ree *ro$ anger or trying to destroy
anger)
^ T#e re(ei3er is *ree *ro$ delusion or trying to destroy
delusion.
T#ese are t#e t#ree *a(tors o* t#e re(ei3er.&
Altoget#er t#ere are siH *a(tors. '* t#e o**ering is
endowed wit# t#ese siH *a(tors) it %rodu(es i$$easurable
and noble results.
T#e 4udd#a eH%lained *urt#erN O4#ikk#us) it
is not easy to gras% t#e $easure o* $erit o* su(# an
o**ering by sayingN UT#is $u(# is t#e yield in $erit)
t#e yield in goodliness) a((u$ulated *or w#oleso$e
ka$$a #erea*ter) ri%ening to #a%%iness) leading to
#ea3en) leading to #a%%iness) longed *or and lo3ed.V
Verily t#e great $ass o* $erit) w#oleso$e ka$$a) is
?ust re(koned unre(konable) i$$easurable. 4#ikk#us)
?ust as it is not easy to gras% t#e $easure o* water in
t#e great o(ean) and to sayN UT#ere are so $any %ail*uls)
so $any #undreds o* %ail*uls) so $any t#ousands o*
%ail*uls) so $any #undreds o* t#ousands o* %ail*ulsVQ
*or t#at great $ass o* water is re(koned unre(konable)
i$$easurableQ e3en so b#ikk#us) it is not easy to gras%
t#e $easure o* $erit in an o**ering endowed wit# t#e
siH *a(tors. Verily t#e great $ass o* $erit is re(koned
unre(konable) i$$easurable.&
W#y6 T#e gi3er was endowed wit# t#e *our *a(tors
o* t#e ,akk#i@<3ib#aJga Sutta. T#ey areN
BaC S#e was 3irtuous)
BbC 1er o**ering #ad been rig#teously obtained)
B(C 1er $ind was (lear and taintless)
BdC S#e #ad strong enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o*
Ka$$a and its results.
T#e t#ree *a(tors $entioned in t#e anda$<t< Sutta
were also *ul*illed. T#ey areN
^ S#e was glad at #eart be*ore gi3ing)
^ 1er #eart was satis*ied in gi3ing)
^ S#e was ?oy*ul w#en s#e #ad gi3en.
T#ese *a(tors are 3ery i$%ortant *or a gi3er) w#et#er
$ale or *e$ale. '* #e or s#e eH%e(ts in(al(ulable and i$$easurable
good results) #e or s#e s#ould try to *ul*il
t#ose *a(tors. 4ut a((ord-ing to t#e ,akk#i@<3ib#aJga
Sutta) t#e re(ei3er too $ust be 3irtuous. A((ording to
t#e anda$<t< Sutta) it s#ould be a b#ikk#u or b#ikk#unD
w#o #as (ulti3ated Sa$at#a-Vi%assan< $editation
u% to t#e ara#ant stage) or w#o is (ulti3ating Sa$at#a-
Vi%assan< $editation to destroy atta(#$ent Br<gaC)
anger BdosaC) and delusion B$o#aC.
ow in 2i-Tung Te$%le) t#ere are $any b#ikk#us
and b#ikk#unDs w#o are %ra(tising Sa$at#a and
Vi%assan< $editation to destroy atta(#$ent) anger) and
delusion totally. T#ey are also 3irtuous. So we $ay say
t#at now t#ere are wort#y re(ei3ers #ere. T#e gi3ers
too $ay be 3irtuous. T#eir $inds $ay be (lear and
taintless. W#at t#ey #a3e o**ered #as been rig#teously
obtained. T#ey $ay #a3e strong enoug# *ait# in t#e
Tri%le Le$) and t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a and its results.
T#ey were glad be*ore gi3ing) and were satis*ied in
gi3ing. T#ey were ?oy*ul a*ter #a3ing gi3en. So we (an
say t#at t#e o**erings $ade in t#ese two $ont#s #a3e
been in a((ordan(e wit# t#e 4udd#a&s wis#es. T#ey are
noble o**erings. '* t#e gi3ers eH%e(t good results in t#e
*uture) (ertainly t#is w#oleso$e ka$$a will *ul*il t#eir
desire. W#y6 T#e 4udd#a said in t#e SaJk#<ru%a%atti
SuttaN O'??#ati b#ikk#a3e sDla3ato (eto%a@id#i 3isudd#att<&N
O4#ikk#us) a 3irtuous %erson&s wis# will (ertainly be
*ul*illed by %uri*i(ation o* (ondu(t.& So) a 3irtuous
%erson&s w#oleso$e ka$$a (an %rodu(e t#e result o*
#is desireN
^ '* #e wants to be(o$e a 4udd#a #e (an be(o$e a
4udd#a)
^ '* #e wants to be(o$e a Pa((ekabudd#a #e (an
be(o$e a Pa((ekabudd#a)
^ '* #e wants to be(o$e a -#ie* ,is(i%le Baggas<3akaC
#e (an be(o$e a -#ie* ,is(i%le)
^ '* #e wants to be(o$e a Lreat ,is(i%le B$a#<s<3akaC
#e (an be(o$e a Lreat ,is(i%le)
^ '* #e wants to be(o$e an >rdinary ,is(i%le B%akati-
s<3akaC #e (an be(o$e a >rdinary ,is(i%le.
T#is is only w#en #is %<ra$Ds #a3e $atured. Wis#ing
alone is not enoug# to attain one o* t#ose ty%es o* enlig#ten$ent
Bbod#iC. AgainN
^ '* #e wants #u$an #a%%iness a*ter deat#) #e (an
get #u$an #a%%iness in t#e #u$an real$.
^ '* #e wants to go to t#e de3a real$) #e (an go to
t#e de3a real$.
^ '* #e wants to go to t#e bra#$a real$ a*ter deat#)
t#is w#oleso$e ka$$a (an be a su%%ort *or #i$
to go to t#e bra#$a real$.
1ow6 '* #is o**ering *ul*ils t#e %re3iously $entioned
*a(tors) t#e re(ei3er is #is $ind&s ob?e(t. 1e #as strong
enoug# lo3ing-kindness and (o$%assion *or t#e re(ei3er.
'* #e at t#at ti$e %ra(tises lo3ingkindness $editation
B$ett<-b#<3an<C) #is lo3ing-kindness ?#<na will take
#i$ to t#e bra#$a real$ a*ter deat#. 'n t#is way #is
o**ering is a su%%ort *or #i$ to go to t#e bra#$a real$.
So) i* t#e gi3er wants to go to t#e bra#$a real$ a*ter
deat#) #e s#ould %ra(tise lo3ingkindness $editation u%
to t#e lo3ingkindness ?#<na stage. '* #e #as %ra(tised
lo3ingkindness ?#<na) and o**ers al$s*ood) #is w#oleso$e
ka$$a is a 3ery su%erior and %ower*ul su%%ort
*or #i$ to go to t#e bra#$a real$. So) i* you want good
results in t#e *uture) you s#ould also %ra(tise lo3ing-
kindness $editation u% to t#e lo3ingkindness ?#<na
stage. A$ong t#e t#ree ty%es o* #a%%inessQ #u$an
#a%%iness) de3a #a%%iness) and bra#$a #a%%iness)
bra#$a #a%%iness is t#e #ig#est. T#ere is no $undane
#a%%iness #ig#er t#an bra#$a #a%%iness. 't is t#e $ost
su%erior #a%%iness in t#e t#irty-one %lanes.
T#is is t#e *irst ty%e o* o**ering $entioned in
t#e beginning o* t#is talk) na$ely) t#e o**ering w#i(#
%rodu(es *ull *ruition. ,o you %re*er t#is ty%e o* o**ering6
'* you do) t#en %lease listen to t#e *ollowing stanKa
*ro$ t#e ,akk#i@<3ib#aJga SuttaN
O2o 3Dtar<go 3Dtar<gesu dad<ti d<naR
,#a$$ena ladd#aR su%asanna(itto
Ab#isadda#aR ka$$a%#alaR uM#<raR
TaR 3e d<naR <$isad<nana$agganti&
O4#ikk#us) ' say t#at w#en an ara#ant) wit# (lear and
taintless $ind) %la(ing *ait# in t#at t#e *ruit o* ka$$a
is great) o**ers to an ara#ant w#at is rig#teously obtained)
t#en t#at o**ering indeed is t#e $ost su%erior
o* all worldly o**erings.&
'n t#is (ase) t#e *our *a(tors %resent in t#e gi3er
areN
0. T#e gi3er is an ara#ant)
!. W#at is o**ered is rig#teously obtained)
3. 1e #as a (lear and taintless $ind)
5. 1e #as strong enoug# *ait# in t#e Aaw o* Ka$$a
and its results.
>ne $ore *a(tor is ne(essary) na$elyN
7. T#e re(ei3er also $ust be an ara#ant.
T#e 4udd#a taug#t t#at t#is ty%e o* o**ering is t#e $ost
su%erior ty%e o* worldly o**ering. 1e %raised t#is ty%e
o* o**ering as t#e $ost su%erior. W#y6 T#is o**ering
%rodu(es no result. W#y6 T#e gi3er #as destroyed delusion
and all atta(#$ent to any li*e. 'gnoran(e Ba3i??<C and
(ra3ing Bta@#<C) are t#e $ain (auses *or ka$$a) t#at is
3olitional-*or$ations BsaJk#<raC. 'n t#is (ase) 3olitional-
*or$ations $eans good a(tions like $aking an o**ering
to t#e re(ei3er. 4ut t#is ka$$a (annot %rodu(e any
result) be(ause t#ere are no su%%orting (ausesQ t#ere is
no ignoran(e Ba3i??<C) and no (ra3ing Bta@#<C. '* t#e root
o* a tree is totally destroyed t#e tree (annot %rodu(e
any *ruit. 'n t#e sa$e way) an ara#ant&s o**ering (annot
%rodu(e any result) be(ause #e #as totally destroyed
t#ose rootsQ ignoran(e and (ra3ing. 1e #as no eH%e(tation
o* a *uture li*e. 'n t#e Ratana Sutta t#e 4udd#a
taug#t t#e *ollowing stanKaN
OK#DnaR %ur<@aR na3a natt#i sa$b#a3aR
3iratta(itt<&yatike b#a3as$iR
te k#D@abD?< a3irGM#i(#and<
nibbanti d#Dr< yat#<yaR %adD%o
ida$%i sang#e ratanaR %a@DtaR
etena sa((ena su3att#i #otu.&
OAra#ants #a3e eH#austed all old w#oleso$e and un-
w#oleso$e ka$$a. ew w#oleso$e and unw#oleso$e
ka$$a do not o((ur in t#e$. T#ey #a3e eH#austed t#e
seeds o* rebirt#) t#at is) ignoran(e) (ra3ing) and *or(e o*
ka$$a. T#ey #a3e no eH%e(tation o* a *uture li*e. All
t#eir $entality-$ateriality will (ease like a lig#ted oil
la$%) w#en t#e oil and wi(k are eH#austed. 4y t#is trut#
$ay all beings be #a%%y and *ree *ro$ all dangers.&
T#is is an assertion o* trut#. 4y t#e assertion o*
t#is trut# all t#e %eo%le in Ves<li be(a$e *ree *ro$
dangers. Ves<li was a (ity 3isited by droug#t) *a$ine)
e3il yakk#as Blower de3asC) and e%ide$i( diseases. T#e
%eo%le o* Ves<li asked t#e 4udd#a to #el% t#e$) and #e
taug#t t#e$ t#e Ratana Sutta as a way to be(o$e *ree
*ro$ dangers.
An ara#ant&s o**ering is t#e $ost su%erior be(ause
it %rodu(es no result in t#e *uture. '* t#ere is no *uture
li*e) t#ere will be no rebirt#) de(ay) disease and deat#.
T#is is t#e $ost su%erior. T#is is t#e se(ond ty%e o*
o**ering $entioned at t#e beginning o* t#is ,#a$$a
talkN an o**ering w#i(# %rodu(es no *ruition.
>n t#e ot#er #and) i* due to an o**ering t#ere is a
good result) su(# as #a%%iness in t#e #u$an real$) #a%%iness
in t#e de3a real$) or #a%%iness in t#e bra#$a
real$) t#en t#ere is still su**ering. T#e 3ery least is t#at
t#ey are still sub?e(t to rebirt#) sub?e(t to disease) sub?e(t
to de(ay) and sub?e(t to deat#. '* t#e gi3er still #as
atta(#$ent to sensual ob?e(ts) ani$ate and inani$ate)
t#en w#en t#ose ob?e(ts are destroyed or #a3e died)
t#ere will be in #i$ sorrow) la$entation) %#ysi(al su**ering)
$ental su**ering) and des%air.
Please (onsider t#is FuestionN -an we say t#at
an o**ering is su%erior w#en it %rodu(es rebirt#) de(ay)
disease) deat#) sorrow) la$entation) %#ysi(al su**ering)
$ental su**ering) and des%air6 Please (onsider also t#is
FuestionN -an we say t#at an o**ering is su%erior w#en
it %rodu(es no resultN no rebirt#) no de(ay) no disease)
no deat#) no sorrow) no la$entation) no %#ysi(al su**ering)
no $ental su**ering) and no des%air6 T#is is w#y
t#e 4udd#a %raised t#e se(ond ty%e o* o**ering as t#e
$ost su%erior. ow you $ay understand t#e $eaning
o* t#is ,#a$$a talk. At t#e beginning o* t#is ,#a$$a
talk ' $entioned two ty%es o* o**eringN
0. T#e o**ering w#i(# %rodu(es *ull *ruition)
!. T#e o**ering %rodu(es no *ruition.
W#i(# ty%e o* o**ering do you %re*er6 ow you know
t#e answer.
4ut i* t#e gi3er is not an ara#ant) #ow (an #e t#en
$ake t#e se(ond ty%e o* o**ering6 'n t#e anda$<t<
Sutta $entioned be*ore) t#e 4udd#a taug#t t#at t#ere
are two ways #e (an do t#isN w#en t#e re(ei3er is *ree
*ro$ atta(#$ent) anger) and delusion) or w#en #e is
trying to destroy atta(#$ent) anger) and delusion. 2ou
(an say t#at t#e o**ering is also $ost su%erior) i* t#e
gi3er too is trying to destroy atta(#$ent) anger) and delusionQ
i* #e at t#e ti$e o* o**ering %ra(tises Vi%assan<)
t#at is) i*N
^ 1e dis(erns #is own $entality-$ateriality) and
dis(erns t#eir i$%er$anent Bani((aC) su**ering
Bdukk#aC) and non-sel* BanattaC natureQ
^ 1e dis(erns t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) and
non-sel* nature o* eHternal $entality-$ateriality)
es%e(ially t#e re(ei3er&s $entality-$ateriality.
^ 1e dis(erns t#e ulti$ate $ateriality B%ara$att#a-
rG%aC o* t#e o**erings.
W#en #e looks at t#e *our ele$ents in t#e o**erings)
#e sees t#e kal<%as easily. T#en w#en #e analyses t#e
kal<%as) #e dis(erns eig#t ty%es o* $aterialityN eart#-
ele$ent) water-ele$ent) *ire-ele$ent) air-ele$ent) (olour)
s$ell) taste and nutriti3e-essen(e. T#ey are $ateriality
%rodu(ed by te$%erature Butu?a-rG%aC. T#ey are %rodu(ed
by t#e *ire-ele$ent in ea(# kal<%a. T#ey are t#e
generations o* t#e *ire-ele$ent. +urt#er$ore) #e dis(erns
t#e i$%er$anent) su**ering) and non-sel* nature o* t#e
$ateriality %rodu(ed by te$%erature Butu?a-rG%aC. '* #e is
able to do t#is ty%e o* Vi%assan<) #is atta(#$ent) anger
and delusion are su%%ressed at t#e ti$e o* o**ering) and
also) #is o**ering will usually %rodu(e any result) and
so we (an say t#at t#is ty%e o* o**ering also is t#e $ost
su%erior.
1e (an do t#is ty%e o* Vi%assan< be*ore) a*ter) or
w#ile o**ering. 4ut #is Vi%assan< $ust be strong and
%ower*ul. 1e $ust #a3e %ra(tised u% to t#e stage o*
at least Knowledge o* ,issolution Bb#aJga-T<@aC. >nly
t#en (an #e %ra(tise t#is ty%e o* Vi%assan<. We s#ould
not $iss t#is o%%ortunity eit#er. T#is o%%ortunity
eHists only in t#is dis%ensation. 4ut you $ay ask) #ow
(an we $ake t#is ty%e o* o**ering i* we #a3e no insig#t-
knowledge6 ' would like to suggest t#at you t#en $ake
your o**ering wit# t#e *ollowing t#oug#tN OMay t#is
o**ering be t#e su%%orting (ause to rea(# ibb<na.&
T#is is be(ause t#e 4udd#a $any ti$es taug#t to $ake
o**erings wit# t#e wis# *or ibb<na.
' would like to (on(lude $y ,#a$$a talk by
re%eating t#e stanKa *ro$ t#e Ratana SuttaN
OK#DnaR %ur<@aR na3a natt#i sa$b#a3aR
3iratta(itt<&yatike b#a3as$iR
te k#D@abD?< a3irGM#i(#and<
nibbanti d#Dr< yat#<yaR %adD%o
ida$%i sang#e ratanaR %a@DtaR
etena sa((ena su3att#i #otu.&
OAra#ants #a3e eH#austed all old w#oleso$e and un-
w#oleso$e ka$$a. ew w#oleso$e and unw#oleso$e
ka$$a do not o((ur in t#e$. T#ey #a3e eH#austed t#e
seeds o* rebirt#) t#at is) ignoran(e) (ra3ing) and *or(e o*
ka$$a. T#ey #a3e no eH%e(tation o* a *uture li*e. All
t#eir $entality-$ateriality will (ease like a lig#ted oil
la$%) w#en t#e oil and wi(k are eH#austed. 4y t#is trut#
$ay all beings be #a%%y and *ree *ro$ all dangers.&
May all beings be well and #a%%y.
A%%endiH 0
Llossary o* Entranslated P<Mi Ter$s
T#is glossary (ontains t#e P<Mi ter$s le*t untranslated
in t#e teHt. T#ey #a3e been le*t untranslated be(ause
t#e /nglis# translation #as) in so$e way or ot#er) been
(onsidered awkward or inadeFuate) i* not $isleading.
T#e de*initions #a3e been ke%t as (on(ise as at all %ossible)
and re*er to t#e $eaning o* t#e ter$s as t#ey are
used in t#e teHt o* t#is bookN a((ording to t#e T#era3<da
tradition. +or $ore eHtensi3e eH%lanations) t#e reader
is re*erred to t#e teHt itsel*) w#ere $ost o* t#e ter$s are)
at so$e ti$e or ot#er) dis(ussed. BAn asterisk indi(ates
w#i(# o* t#e ter$s are dis(ussed.C
So$e o* t#e ter$s in t#is glossary do #a3e an
adeFuate translation) but #a3e been retained in t#e
P<Mi w#en in (o$%ounds) as in *or eHa$%le) O<n<%<na-
?#<na&) rat#er t#an Oin-and-out-breat# ?#<na&) *or ob3ious
reasons.
Ab#id#a$$a t#e t#ird o* w#at are (alled t#e T#ree
4askets BTi%iSakaC o* t#e T#era3<da -anonQ tea(#ings
o* t#e 4udd#a on a *ar dee%er le3el t#an in
t#e suttasQ deals wit# only ulti$ate realityQ seen
in Vi%assan< $editation. B(*. suttaC
<n<%<na` in-and-out-breat#Q sub?e(t *or Sa$at#a $editation
and later Vi%assan<. B(*. Sa$at#aC
ara#ant` %erson w#o #as attained ulti$ate in $editation)
i.e. eradi(ated all de*ile$ents) at #is or #er deat#
BParinibb<naC t#ere is no rebirt#. B(*. ka$$aC
4#ante Venerable Sir.
b#a3aJga` (ontinuity o* identi(al (ons(iousnesses)
broken only w#en t#oug#t-%ro(esses o((ur) t#e
ob?e(t is t#at o* near deat# (ons(iousness in %ast-
li*e. B(*. Ab#id#a$$aC
b#ikk#u a b#ikk#unD 4udd#ist $onk a nunQ b#ikk#u
wit# two #undred and twenty-se3en $ain %re(e%ts)
and #undreds o* lesser %re(e%ts to obser3eQ
in T#era3<da b#ikk#unD lineage no longer eHtant.
bod#isatta` a %erson w#o #as 3owed to be(o$e a 4udd#aQ
t#e ideal in Ma#<y<na traditionQ #e is a bod#isatta
*or innu$erable li3es %rior to #is enlig#ten$ent)
a*ter w#i(# #e is a 4udd#a. B(*. 4udd#aC
bra#$<` in#abitant o* one o* twenty in t#irty-one
real$s des(ribed in 4udd#ist (os$ology) in3is-
ible to #u$an eye) 3isible in lig#t o* (on(entrationQ
t#e real$s are 3ery $u(# #ig#er t#an
#u$an real$. B(*. de3a) %etaC
4udd#a` a %erson *ully enlig#tened wit#out a tea(#er)
w#o #as by #i$sel* dis(o3ered and tea(#es t#e +our
oble Trut#s. B(*. bod#isatta) Pa((ekabudd#aC
de3a in#abitant o* real$ ?ust abo3e #u$an real$Q in3isible
to #u$an-eye) 3isible in lig#t o* (on(entration.
B(*. bra#$<) %etaC
,#a$$a` B(a%italiKedC t#e Tea(#ings o* t#e 4udd#aQ
t#e noble trut#.
d#a$$a` Bun(a%italiKedC %#eno$enonQ stateQ $ind-
ob?e(t.
?#<na` eig#t in(reasingly ad3an(ed and subtle states
o* (on(entration on a s%e(i*i( ob?e(t) wit# $ind
aware and in(reasingly %ure. B(*. Sa$at#aC
kal<%a` s$all %arti(leQ t#e s$allest unit o* $ateriality
seen in (on3entional realityQ in3isible to #u$an
eye) 3isible in lig#t o* (on(entration.
ka$$a` BSanskritN kar$aC a(tionQ *or(e *ro$ 3olition
w#i(# $akes good a(tions %rodu(e good results)
and bad a(tions %rodu(e bad results.
kasi@a` $editation ob?e(t w#i(# re%resents a Fuality in
(on3entional reality) e.g. eart#) (olour) s%a(e and
lig#tQ used *or Sa$at#a $editation. B(*. Sa$at#aC
Ma#<y<na 4udd#ist tradition %re3alent in -#ina) Taiwan)
Korea) ;a%an) Mongolia) e%al) and 4#utan) and
t#e Tibetan tradition. BT#e $a?ority o* t#e listeners
at t#ese talks were Ma#<y<na $onks and nuns.C
B(*. T#era3<daC
Ma#<t#era 4udd#ist $onk o* twenty years standing
or $ore.
ibb<na` BSanskritN ir3anaC *inal enlig#ten$entQ t#e
(essation ele$entQ an ulti$ate reality) attained
a*ter dis(erning and sur%assing t#e ulti$ate
realities o* $entality-$aterialityQ it is seen a*ter
t#e insig#t knowledges #a3e been $aturedQ it
is non-sel* and uniFuely %er$anent and %ea(e*ulN
not a %la(e. BAanguage is at a loss to des(ribe
ibb<na) be(ause ibb<na is beyond t#e range o*
(on(e%ts u%on w#i(# language relies.C
ni$itta` signQ i$age u%on w#i(# $editator (on(entratesQ
%rodu(t o* t#e $ind) w#i(# de%ends on %er(e%tion
and le3el o* (on(entration. B(*. kasi@aC
%arika$$a-ni$itta %re%aratory sign in $editation.
ugga#a-ni$itta taken-u% sign) i$age w#i(# is eHa(t
$ental re%li(a o* ob?e(t o* $editation.
%aSib#<ga-ni$itta %uri*ied and (lear 3ersion o*
ugga#a-ni$itta) a%%ears at stable %er(e%tion and
(on(entration.
Pa((ekabudd#a %erson enlig#tened wit#out a tea(#er)
w#o #as by #i$sel* dis(o3ered t#e +our oble
Trut#s) but does not tea(#. B(*. 4udd#aC
P<Mi an(ient 'ndian language s%oken by t#e 4udd#aQ
all T#era3<da teHts are in P<Mi) language is ot#erwise
not eHtant.
%<ra$D ten %<ra$DsN generosity) 3irtue) renun(iation)
wisdo$) energy) %atien(e) trut#*ulness) deter$ination)
lo3ing-kindness) and eFuani$ityQ Fualities
de3elo%ed always *or t#e bene*it o* ot#ers.
Parinibb<na deat# o* a 4udd#a) a Pa((ekabudd#a) and
all ot#er Ara#ants) a*ter w#i(# no $ore rebirt#)
no $ore $ateriality or $entality. B(*. ara#ant)
ibb<naC
%eta in#abitant o* real$ lower t#an #u$an real$) but
#ig#er t#an ani$als) in3isible to #u$an eye) 3isible
in lig#t o* (on(entration.
rG%a a arG%a` $aterialitya i$$ateriality.
Sa$at#a` serenityQ %ra(ti(e o* (on(entrating t#e $ind
on an ob?e(t) to de3elo% #ig#er and #ig#er states
o* (on(entration) w#ereby t#e $ind be(o$es in(reasingly
serene. B(*. ?#<na) Vi%assan<C
saJg#a $ultitude) asse$blyQ b#ikk#us o* %ast)
%resent and *uture) worldwide) as a grou%Q se%arate
grou% o* b#ikk#us) e.g. b#ikk#us in one
$onastery. B(*. b#ikk#uC
sDla $oral *a(tors o* t#e oble /ig#t*old Pat#N rig#t
s%ee(#) rig#t a(tion) rig#t li3eli#oodQ to be obser3ed
and (ulti3ated by all 4udd#ists to 3arying
degrees. B(*. b#ikk#uC
sutta single dis(ourse in t#e se(ond basket o* w#at is
(alled t#e T#ree 4askets BTi%iSakaC o* P<Mi -anonQ
tea(#ings o* t#e 4udd#a on a %ra(ti(al le3elQ deals
wit# only (on3entional trut#. B(*. Ab#id#a$$aC
Tat#<gata one w#o #as gone t#usQ t#e e%it#et used by
t#e 4udd#a w#en re*erring to #i$sel*.
T#era3<da 4udd#ist tradition %re3alent in Sri-Aanka)
T#ailand) Myan$ar B4ur$aC) Aaos) -a$bodia.
BT#e Pa-Auk Sayadaw is a T#era3<da $onk.C
B(*. Ma#<y<naC
Vi%assan< insig#t) dis(ern$ent o* s%e(i*i( (#ara(teristi(s
o* $ateriality and $entality) (auses and
results) in ulti$ate reality) and t#eir general
(#ara(teristi(s o* i$%er$anen(e) su**ering) and
non-sel*. B(*. Ab#id#a$$a) ara#ant) ibb<naC
Visudd#i$agga BT#e Pat# o* Puri*i(ationC aut#oritati3e
and eHtensi3e treatise on 4udd#ist $editation)
(o$%iled *ro$ an(ient) ort#odoH teHts) by 'ndian
s(#olar $onk) Venerable 4udd#g#osa.
A%%endiH !
+or 'n*or$ation Regarding
-entres Tea(#ing t#e Pa-Auk Syste$
M2AMAR
-onta(tN
T#e Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw)
Pa-Auk Meditation -entre)
(ao Ma?or Kan Saing BRtdC)
873) Aower Main Road)
Mawla$yine) Mon State.
Myan$ar.
SR' AAKA
-onta(tN
T#e Venerable . Ariyad#a$$a Ma#<t#era)
Sri Lunawardana 2ogasra$aya)
Lalduwa) Ka#awa) ."30!
Sri Aanka.
MAAA2S'A
-onta(tN
T#e Venerable Va?irad#a$$a)
4#addekaratta 1er$itage)
(ao 53) ;alan 4a#agia Satu)
Ta$an 4a#agia) .3""" 4atu Pa#at)
;o#or) Malaysia.