Difference between revisions of "Seven Factors of Enlightenment"
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* '''[[Mindfulness]]''' (''[[mindfulness|sati]]'') i.e. to remember the [[Dhamma]]. | * '''[[Mindfulness]]''' (''[[mindfulness|sati]]'') i.e. to remember the [[Dhamma]]. | ||
| − | * '''Investigation''' (''[[Dhamma vicaya]]'') of the [[Dhamma]]. | + | * '''[[Investigation]]''' (''[[Dhamma vicaya]]'') of the [[Dhamma]]. |
* '''[[Energy]]''' (''[[Vīrya|viriya]]'') | * '''[[Energy]]''' (''[[Vīrya|viriya]]'') | ||
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* '''[[Relaxation]]''' or '''[[tranquility]]''' (''[[Passaddhi]]'') of both [[body]] and [[mind]] | * '''[[Relaxation]]''' or '''[[tranquility]]''' (''[[Passaddhi]]'') of both [[body]] and [[mind]] | ||
| − | * '''[[Concentration]]''' (''[[Samādhi]]'') a [[calm]], one-pointed state of [[concentration]] of [[mind]] | + | * '''[[Concentration]]''' (''[[Samādhi]]'') a [[calm]], one-pointed [[state]] of [[concentration]] of [[mind]] |
| − | * '''[[Equanimity]]''' (''[[Upekkha]]''), to be able to face [[life]] in all its vicissitudes with [[calm]] of [[mind]] and [[tranquility]], without disturbance, with dispassion and {{Wiki|detachment}}. | + | * '''[[Equanimity]]''' (''[[Upekkha]]''), to be [[able]] to face [[life]] in all its vicissitudes with [[calm]] of [[mind]] and [[tranquility]], without {{Wiki|disturbance}}, with [[dispassion]] and {{Wiki|detachment}}. |
This set of [[seven Enlightenment factors]] is one of the "Seven Sets" of "[[Enlightenment]]-related states" (''[[Bodhipakkhiyadhamma]]''). | This set of [[seven Enlightenment factors]] is one of the "Seven Sets" of "[[Enlightenment]]-related states" (''[[Bodhipakkhiyadhamma]]''). | ||
| − | The [[Pali]] word ''[[bojjhanga]]'' is a [[compound]] of ''[[Bodhi]]'' ("[[Enlightenment]]") and ''[[anga]]'' ("factor"). | + | The [[Pali]] [[word]] ''[[bojjhanga]]'' is a [[compound]] of ''[[Bodhi]]'' ("[[Enlightenment]]") and ''[[anga]]'' ("factor"). |
| − | ==[[Pali]] literature== | + | ==[[Pali]] {{Wiki|literature}}== |
| − | In the [[Sutta Pitaka]]'s [[Samyutta Nikaya]], the [[bojjhangas]] refer to [[wholesome]], [[mundane]] factors ''leading to'' [[Enlightenment]]. In the [[Abhidhamma]] and [[Pali literature|Pali commentaries]], the [[bojjhangas]] tend to refer to [[supramundane]] factors ''concurrent with'' [[Enlightenment]]. | + | In the [[Sutta Pitaka]]'[[s]] [[Samyutta Nikaya]], the [[bojjhangas]] refer to [[wholesome]], [[mundane]] factors ''leading to'' [[Enlightenment]]. In the [[Abhidhamma]] and [[Pali literature|Pali commentaries]], the [[bojjhangas]] tend to refer to [[supramundane]] factors ''concurrent with'' [[Enlightenment]]. |
===[[Sutta Pitaka]]=== | ===[[Sutta Pitaka]]=== | ||
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:[[Buddha]]: "They lead to [[Enlightenment]], [[Bhikkhu]], therefore they are called factors of [[Enlightenment]]...." | :[[Buddha]]: "They lead to [[Enlightenment]], [[Bhikkhu]], therefore they are called factors of [[Enlightenment]]...." | ||
| − | During [[meditation]], one may [[contemplate]] the [[seven Factors of Enlightenment]] as well as on their {{Wiki|antithesis}}, the [[Five Hindrances]] (sensual [[pleasure]], [[ill-will]], sloth-torpor, restlessness-worry, [[doubt]]). In addition, one [[Samyutta Nikaya Sutta]] identifies developing each of the [[enlightenment]] factors accompanied by each of the four [[brahma viharas]] ([[loving kindness]], [[compassion]], [[sympathetic joy]], [[equanimity]]). | + | During [[meditation]], one may [[contemplate]] the [[seven Factors of Enlightenment]] as well as on their {{Wiki|antithesis}}, the [[Five Hindrances]] ({{Wiki|sensual}} [[pleasure]], [[ill-will]], sloth-torpor, restlessness-worry, [[doubt]]). In addition, one [[Samyutta Nikaya Sutta]] identifies developing each of the [[enlightenment]] factors accompanied by each of the four [[brahma viharas]] ([[loving kindness]], [[compassion]], [[sympathetic joy]], [[equanimity]]). |
| − | In the [[Samyutta Nikaya]]'s "[[Fire]] {{Wiki|Discourse}}," The [[Buddha]] identifies that [[Mindfulness]] is "[[always useful]]" ([[sabbatthika]]); while, when one's [[mind]] is sluggish, one should develop the [[enlightenment]] factors of investigation, [[energy]] and [[joy]]; and, when one's [[mind]] is excited, one should develop the [[enlightenment]] factors of [[tranquility]], {{Wiki|concentration}} and {{Wiki|equanimity}}. | + | In the [[Samyutta Nikaya]]'[[s]] "[[Fire]] {{Wiki|Discourse}}," The [[Buddha]] identifies that [[Mindfulness]] is "[[always useful]]" ([[sabbatthika]]); while, when one's [[mind]] is sluggish, one should develop the [[enlightenment]] factors of [[investigation]], [[energy]] and [[joy]]; and, when one's [[mind]] is excited, one should develop the [[enlightenment]] factors of [[tranquility]], {{Wiki|concentration}} and {{Wiki|equanimity}}. |
| − | Again according to the [[Samyutta Nikaya]], once when The [[Buddha]] was gravely ill he asked [[Venerable]] [[Mahacunda]] to recite the [[seven Factors of Enlightenment]] to him. In such a way The [[Buddha]] was cured of his illness. | + | Again according to the [[Samyutta Nikaya]], once when The [[Buddha]] was gravely ill he asked [[Venerable]] [[Mahacunda]] to recite the [[seven Factors of Enlightenment]] to him. In such a way The [[Buddha]] was cured of his {{Wiki|illness}}. |
| − | === [[Abhidhamma]] and commentarial {{Wiki|literature}} === | + | === [[Abhidhamma]] and {{Wiki|commentarial}} {{Wiki|literature}} === |
| − | In the [[Visuddhimagga]], in a section discussing skills needed for the [[attainment]] and maintenance of absorption ([[Jhana]]), [[Buddhaghosa]] identifies the [[bojjhangas]] in the following fashion: | + | In the [[Visuddhimagga]], in a section discussing skills needed for the [[attainment]] and maintenance of [[absorption]] ([[Jhana]]), [[Buddhaghosa]] identifies the [[bojjhangas]] in the following fashion: |
* "Strong [[Mindfulness]] ... is needed in all instances...." | * "Strong [[Mindfulness]] ... is needed in all instances...." | ||
| − | * "When his [[mind]] is slack with over-laxness of [[energy]], etc., then ... he should develop those [three [[enlightenment factors]] | + | * "When his [[mind]] is slack with over-laxness of [[energy]], etc., then ... he should develop those [three [[enlightenment factors]]) beginning with investigation-of-states..." (i.e., [[Dhamma vicaya]], [[Viriya]], [[piti]]). |
| − | * "When his [[mind]] is agitated through over-energeticness, etc., then ... he should develop those [three [[enlightenment factors]] | + | * "When his [[mind]] is agitated through over-energeticness, etc., then ... he should develop those [three [[enlightenment factors]]) beginning with {{Wiki|tranquility}}..." (i.e., [[Passaddhi]], [[Samadhi]], [[Upekkha]]). |
== [[Meditation]] == | == [[Meditation]] == | ||
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<td style="border:1px solid black; border-bottom:1px dashed black"> | <td style="border:1px solid black; border-bottom:1px dashed black"> | ||
* [[Joy]] or [[rapture]] (''pīti'') | * [[Joy]] or [[rapture]] (''pīti'') | ||
| − | * Investigation (''[[Dhamma vicaya]]'') | + | * [[Investigation]] (''[[Dhamma vicaya]]'') |
* [[Energy]] (''[[Viriya]]'') | * [[Energy]] (''[[Viriya]]'') | ||
</td> | </td> | ||
<td style="border:1pt solid black; border-left:0; border-bottom:1px dashed black; font-family:'Times New Roman',serif;text-align:center"> | <td style="border:1pt solid black; border-left:0; border-bottom:1px dashed black; font-family:'Times New Roman',serif;text-align:center"> | ||
| − | to be used when experiencing<br />[[sloth]] & torpor (''[[Thīna-middha]]'')<br />to regain [[Mindfulness]] | + | to be used when experiencing<br />[[sloth]] & {{Wiki|torpor}} (''[[Thīna-middha]]'')<br />to regain [[Mindfulness]] |
</td> | </td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
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In [[Meditation]] everyone most likely [[experiences]] two of the [[five hindrances]] ([[Pāli]]: [[pañca nīvaraṇāni]]). They are [[sloth and torpor]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Thīna-middha]]), which is half-hearted [[action]] with little or no collectedness and [[restlessness]] and {{Wiki|worry}} ([[Uddhacca-Kukkucca]]), which is the inability to [[calm]] the [[mind]]. | In [[Meditation]] everyone most likely [[experiences]] two of the [[five hindrances]] ([[Pāli]]: [[pañca nīvaraṇāni]]). They are [[sloth and torpor]] ([[Pāli]]: [[Thīna-middha]]), which is half-hearted [[action]] with little or no collectedness and [[restlessness]] and {{Wiki|worry}} ([[Uddhacca-Kukkucca]]), which is the inability to [[calm]] the [[mind]]. | ||
| − | As indicated above, in the "[[Fire]] {{Wiki|Discourse}}" (SN 46.53), it is recommended that [[joy]] or [[rapture]], investigation, and [[energy]] are to be developed when experiencing [[sloth and torpor]]. {{Wiki|Relaxation}}, {{Wiki|concentration}}, and {{Wiki|equanimity}} are to be developed when experiencing [[restlessness]] or {{Wiki|worry}}. [[Mindfulness]] should be constantly present to remain aware of [[physical]] change as well as [[mental]] change in either [[skillful]] or unskillful [[direction]]. | + | As indicated above, in the "[[Fire]] {{Wiki|Discourse}}" (SN 46.53), it is recommended that [[joy]] or [[rapture]], [[investigation]], and [[energy]] are to be developed when experiencing [[sloth and torpor]]. {{Wiki|Relaxation}}, {{Wiki|concentration}}, and {{Wiki|equanimity}} are to be developed when experiencing [[restlessness]] or {{Wiki|worry}}. [[Mindfulness]] should be constantly {{Wiki|present}} to remain {{Wiki|aware}} of [[physical]] change as well as [[mental]] change in either [[skillful]] or [[unskillful]] [[direction]]. |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
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[[Category:Buddhist philosophical concepts]] | [[Category:Buddhist philosophical concepts]] | ||
| − | [[Category:Enlightenment]] | + | [[Category:Enlightenment]]{{BuddhismbyNumber}} |
Latest revision as of 21:19, 4 April 2016
In Buddhism, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Pali: satta bojjhaṅgā or satta sambojjhaṅgā; Skt.: Sapta bodhyanga) are:
- Mindfulness (sati) i.e. to remember the Dhamma.
- Investigation (Dhamma vicaya) of the Dhamma.
- Energy (viriya)
- Relaxation or tranquility (Passaddhi) of both body and mind
- Concentration (Samādhi) a calm, one-pointed state of concentration of mind
- Equanimity (Upekkha), to be able to face life in all its vicissitudes with calm of mind and tranquility, without disturbance, with dispassion and detachment.
This set of seven Enlightenment factors is one of the "Seven Sets" of "Enlightenment-related states" (Bodhipakkhiyadhamma).
The Pali word bojjhanga is a compound of Bodhi ("Enlightenment") and anga ("factor").
Pali literature
In the Sutta Pitaka's Samyutta Nikaya, the bojjhangas refer to wholesome, mundane factors leading to Enlightenment. In the Abhidhamma and Pali commentaries, the bojjhangas tend to refer to supramundane factors concurrent with Enlightenment.
Sutta Pitaka
According to one discourse in the Samyutta Nikaya entitled "Bhikkhu Sutta" (SN 46.5):
- Bhikkhu: "Venerable sir, it is said, 'factors of Enlightenment, factors of Enlightenment.' In what sense are they called factors of Enlightenment?"
- Buddha: "They lead to Enlightenment, Bhikkhu, therefore they are called factors of Enlightenment...."
During meditation, one may contemplate the seven Factors of Enlightenment as well as on their antithesis, the Five Hindrances (sensual pleasure, ill-will, sloth-torpor, restlessness-worry, doubt). In addition, one Samyutta Nikaya Sutta identifies developing each of the enlightenment factors accompanied by each of the four brahma viharas (loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity).
In the Samyutta Nikaya's "Fire Discourse," The Buddha identifies that Mindfulness is "always useful" (sabbatthika); while, when one's mind is sluggish, one should develop the enlightenment factors of investigation, energy and joy; and, when one's mind is excited, one should develop the enlightenment factors of tranquility, concentration and equanimity.
Again according to the Samyutta Nikaya, once when The Buddha was gravely ill he asked Venerable Mahacunda to recite the seven Factors of Enlightenment to him. In such a way The Buddha was cured of his illness.
Abhidhamma and commentarial literature
In the Visuddhimagga, in a section discussing skills needed for the attainment and maintenance of absorption (Jhana), Buddhaghosa identifies the bojjhangas in the following fashion:
- "Strong Mindfulness ... is needed in all instances...."
- "When his mind is slack with over-laxness of energy, etc., then ... he should develop those [three enlightenment factors) beginning with investigation-of-states..." (i.e., Dhamma vicaya, Viriya, piti).
- "When his mind is agitated through over-energeticness, etc., then ... he should develop those [three enlightenment factors) beginning with tranquility..." (i.e., Passaddhi, Samadhi, Upekkha).
Meditation
| Balancing Enlightenment factors & hindrances | |
|
to be used when experiencing |
|
the balancing factor |
|
|
to be used when experiencing |
In Meditation everyone most likely experiences two of the five hindrances (Pāli: pañca nīvaraṇāni). They are sloth and torpor (Pāli: Thīna-middha), which is half-hearted action with little or no collectedness and restlessness and worry (Uddhacca-Kukkucca), which is the inability to calm the mind.
As indicated above, in the "Fire Discourse" (SN 46.53), it is recommended that joy or rapture, investigation, and energy are to be developed when experiencing sloth and torpor. Relaxation, concentration, and equanimity are to be developed when experiencing restlessness or worry. Mindfulness should be constantly present to remain aware of physical change as well as mental change in either skillful or unskillful direction.
