Difference between revisions of "Noble Eightfold Path of The Buddha"
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− | + | ;1. [[Noble]] [[Truth]] of Path leading to Cessation of [[Suffering]] | |
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− | 1. [[Noble]] [[Truth]] of Path leading to Cessation of [[Suffering]] | ||
“There are two extremes namely: Indulgence in Sensual Pleasure which is base, common, vulgar, unholy and unprofitable; or Self- mortification which is painful, unholy and unprofitable. Both these two extremes, the Perfect One has avoided, and has found out the Middle Path, which makes one both to see and to know, which leads to peace, to discernment, to [[Enlightenment]], to [[Nibbana]]. It is the [[Noble]] Eightfold Path, the way that leads to the cessation of [[Suffering]], namely:” | “There are two extremes namely: Indulgence in Sensual Pleasure which is base, common, vulgar, unholy and unprofitable; or Self- mortification which is painful, unholy and unprofitable. Both these two extremes, the Perfect One has avoided, and has found out the Middle Path, which makes one both to see and to know, which leads to peace, to discernment, to [[Enlightenment]], to [[Nibbana]]. It is the [[Noble]] Eightfold Path, the way that leads to the cessation of [[Suffering]], namely:” | ||
− | + | {| | |
− | (a) [[Right View]] Samma- | + | |- |
− | + | |(a) [[Right View]]|| Samma-Ditthi || [[Wisdom]] | |
− | 2. [[Right View]] | + | |- |
+ | |(b) Right [[Thought]]|| Samma-sankappa || [[Wisdom]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |(c) Right Speech|| Samma-vaca || [[Morality]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |(d) [[Right Action]]|| Samma-kammanta || [[Morality]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |(e) [[Right livelihood]]|| Samma-Ajiva || [[Morality]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |(f) [[Right effort]]|| Samma-vayama || [[Concentration]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |(g) Right [[Mindfulness]]|| Samma-Sati || [[Concentration]] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |(h) [[Right concentration]]|| Samma-Samadhi || [[Concentration]] | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | ;2. [[Right View]] | ||
a) [[Right understanding]] of the Ten Subjects (dasavatthu) as taught by [[The Buddha]], namely: | a) [[Right understanding]] of the Ten Subjects (dasavatthu) as taught by [[The Buddha]], namely: | ||
[[File:111.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:111.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
+ | <poem> | ||
i There is [[Moral]] significance in [[Almsgiving]]. | i There is [[Moral]] significance in [[Almsgiving]]. | ||
ii There is [[Moral]] significance in large offerings. iii There is [[Moral]] significance in small gifts. | ii There is [[Moral]] significance in large offerings. iii There is [[Moral]] significance in small gifts. | ||
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viii There is this [[World]]. | viii There is this [[World]]. | ||
ix There is another [[World]]. | ix There is another [[World]]. | ||
− | |||
x There are in this [[World]] sages and recluses of right attainment, of right practice, who having realized by their own super [[Knowledge]] the [[Truth]] regarding this [[World]] and other worlds, make it known to others. | x There are in this [[World]] sages and recluses of right attainment, of right practice, who having realized by their own super [[Knowledge]] the [[Truth]] regarding this [[World]] and other worlds, make it known to others. | ||
− | + | </poem> | |
b) [[Right View]] of the Law of [[Kamma]] i.e. all beings are owners of their [[Kamma]] and will reap the corresponding results. | b) [[Right View]] of the Law of [[Kamma]] i.e. all beings are owners of their [[Kamma]] and will reap the corresponding results. | ||
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Now, in understanding wrong view as wrong and [[Right View]] as right, one practises ‘Right View’. In making efforts to overcome wrong view and arouse [[Right View]], one practises ‘[[Right effort]]’. In overcoming wrong view with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling with attentive [[Mind]] in the possession of [[Right View]], one practises ‘Right [[Mindfulness]]’. Hence, there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow [[Right View]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | Now, in understanding wrong view as wrong and [[Right View]] as right, one practises ‘Right View’. In making efforts to overcome wrong view and arouse [[Right View]], one practises ‘[[Right effort]]’. In overcoming wrong view with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling with attentive [[Mind]] in the possession of [[Right View]], one practises ‘Right [[Mindfulness]]’. Hence, there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow [[Right View]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | ||
− | 3. Right [[Thought]] | + | ;3. Right [[Thought]] |
a) [[Thought]] free from lust (Nekkhama-sankappa) b) [[Thought]] free from ill-will (Abyapada-sankappa) c) [[Thought]] free from cruelty (Avihimsa-sankappa) | a) [[Thought]] free from lust (Nekkhama-sankappa) b) [[Thought]] free from ill-will (Abyapada-sankappa) c) [[Thought]] free from cruelty (Avihimsa-sankappa) | ||
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Now, in understanding wrong [[Thought]] as wrong, and right [[Thought]] as right, one practises [[Right View]]. In making efforts to overcome [[Evil]] [[Thought]] and to arouse right [[Thought]], one practises Right Effort. In overcoming [[Evil]] thoughts with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling with attentive [[Mind]] in possession of right [[Thought]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right [[Thought]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | Now, in understanding wrong [[Thought]] as wrong, and right [[Thought]] as right, one practises [[Right View]]. In making efforts to overcome [[Evil]] [[Thought]] and to arouse right [[Thought]], one practises Right Effort. In overcoming [[Evil]] thoughts with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling with attentive [[Mind]] in possession of right [[Thought]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right [[Thought]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | ||
− | 4. Right Speech | + | ;4. Right Speech |
− | a) Refraining from false speech. | + | :a) Refraining from false speech. |
− | b) Refraining from slanderous speech. | + | :b) Refraining from slanderous speech. |
− | c) Refraining from harsh words and abusive [[Language]]. d) Refraining from frivolous talk or vain talk. | + | :c) Refraining from harsh words and abusive [[Language]]. |
+ | :d) Refraining from frivolous talk or vain talk. | ||
Now, in understanding wrong speech as wrong, and right speech as right, one practises [[Right View]]. In making efforts to overcome [[Evil]] speech and arouse right speech, one practises [[Right effort]]. In overcoming wrong speech with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling in possession of right speech with attentive [[Mind]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right Speech, namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | Now, in understanding wrong speech as wrong, and right speech as right, one practises [[Right View]]. In making efforts to overcome [[Evil]] speech and arouse right speech, one practises [[Right effort]]. In overcoming wrong speech with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling in possession of right speech with attentive [[Mind]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right Speech, namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | ||
− | 5. [[Right Action]] | + | ;5. [[Right Action]] |
[[File:Ajapati-03.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Ajapati-03.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | a) Refraining from injuring or killing any living being. b) Refraining from taking what is not given. | + | :a) Refraining from injuring or killing any living being. |
− | c) Refraining from wrong conduct in (sexual) pleasures, [[Intoxicants]] and [[Gambling]]. | + | :b) Refraining from taking what is not given. |
− | + | :c) Refraining from wrong conduct in (sexual) pleasures, [[Intoxicants]] and [[Gambling]]. | |
+ | * Immoral physical and verbal actions such as deceit, trickery, usury and ungratefulness are considered wrong speech and actions. | ||
Now, in understanding wrong action as wrong, and [[Right Action]] as right, one practises Right View. In making efforts to overcome wrong action and arouse [[Right Action]], one practises [[Right effort]]. In overcoming wrong action with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling in possession of [[Right Action]] with attentive [[Mind]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow [[Right Action]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | Now, in understanding wrong action as wrong, and [[Right Action]] as right, one practises Right View. In making efforts to overcome wrong action and arouse [[Right Action]], one practises [[Right effort]]. In overcoming wrong action with attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling in possession of [[Right Action]] with attentive [[Mind]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow [[Right Action]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | ||
− | 6. [[Right livelihood]] | + | ;6. [[Right livelihood]] |
− | Refraining from trading in the 5 kinds of merchandise, namely: (a) [[Weapons]] | + | Refraining from trading in the 5 kinds of merchandise, namely: |
− | (b) Living beings | + | :(a) [[Weapons]] |
− | (c) Meat | + | :(b) Living beings |
− | (d) [[Intoxicants]] | + | :(c) Meat |
− | (e) Poisons | + | :(d) [[Intoxicants]] |
+ | :(e) Poisons | ||
In general, one should refrain from [[Livelihood]] based on wrong conduct to be avoided under [[Right Action]] and Right Speech. | In general, one should refrain from [[Livelihood]] based on wrong conduct to be avoided under [[Right Action]] and Right Speech. | ||
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attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling in possession of [[Right livelihood]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow [[Right livelihood]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | attentive [[Mind]] and dwelling in possession of [[Right livelihood]], one practises Right [[Mindfulness]]. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow [[Right livelihood]], namely: [[Right View]], [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. | ||
[[File:Amentos.jpg18.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Amentos.jpg18.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | 7. [[Right effort]] | + | ;7. [[Right effort]] |
[[Right effort]] is concerned with the development of the [[Mind]]. There are [[Four Great Efforts]], namely: the effort to avoid, the effort to overcome, the effort to develop, and the effort to maintain. | [[Right effort]] is concerned with the development of the [[Mind]]. There are [[Four Great Efforts]], namely: the effort to avoid, the effort to overcome, the effort to develop, and the effort to maintain. | ||
− | a) The Effort to Avoid | + | a) The Effort to Avoid<br/> |
Here one arouses the will to avoid the arising of [[Evil]], unwholesome states of [[Mind]] that have not yet arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his | Here one arouses the will to avoid the arising of [[Evil]], unwholesome states of [[Mind]] that have not yet arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his | ||
energy, exerts his [[Mind]] and strives. How? By watching over and | energy, exerts his [[Mind]] and strives. How? By watching over and | ||
restraining his senses, e.g., by noting seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and [[Thinking]], at the moment of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and [[Thinking]]. | restraining his senses, e.g., by noting seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and [[Thinking]], at the moment of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and [[Thinking]]. | ||
− | b) The Effort to Overcome | + | b) The Effort to Overcome<br/> |
Here one arouses the will to overcome the [[Evil]], unwholesome states of [[Mind]] that have already arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his | Here one arouses the will to overcome the [[Evil]], unwholesome states of [[Mind]] that have already arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his | ||
energy, exerts his [[Mind]] and strives. How? He does not retain any | energy, exerts his [[Mind]] and strives. How? He does not retain any | ||
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they arise. | they arise. | ||
− | c) The Effort to Develop | + | c) The Effort to Develop<br/> |
Here one rouses the will to arouse wholesome states of [[Mind]] that have not arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his energy, exerts his [[Mind]] | Here one rouses the will to arouse wholesome states of [[Mind]] that have not arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his energy, exerts his [[Mind]] | ||
and strives. How? He develops the 7 Factors of [[Enlightenment]], | and strives. How? He develops the 7 Factors of [[Enlightenment]], | ||
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namely: [[Mindfulness]] ([[Sati]]), [[Investigation]] of physical and [[Mental]] processes (Dhammavicaya), Energy ([[Viriya]]), Pleasurable [[Interest]] (Piti), Tranquility (Passadhi), [[Concentration]] ([[Samadhi]]) and [[Equanimity]] ([[Upekkha]]). | namely: [[Mindfulness]] ([[Sati]]), [[Investigation]] of physical and [[Mental]] processes (Dhammavicaya), Energy ([[Viriya]]), Pleasurable [[Interest]] (Piti), Tranquility (Passadhi), [[Concentration]] ([[Samadhi]]) and [[Equanimity]] ([[Upekkha]]). | ||
− | d) The Effort to Maintain | + | d) The Effort to Maintain<br/> |
Here one rouses the will to maintain the wholesome states of [[Mind]] that have already arisen and not allow them to disappear, but develop them to full maturity ([[Bhavana]]). He makes effort, stirs up his energy, exerts his [[Mind]] and strives. How? By applying the [[Mind]] firmly on the object of [[Concentration]] either in Tranquility or [[Insight]] [[Meditation]]. | Here one rouses the will to maintain the wholesome states of [[Mind]] that have already arisen and not allow them to disappear, but develop them to full maturity ([[Bhavana]]). He makes effort, stirs up his energy, exerts his [[Mind]] and strives. How? By applying the [[Mind]] firmly on the object of [[Concentration]] either in Tranquility or [[Insight]] [[Meditation]]. | ||
[[File:Art0369.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Art0369.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
These four are the Right Efforts that are explained with reference to their four functions, namely: avoiding, overcoming, developing, maintaining. But in reality, there is only one factor here ? effort. When one tries to attain any one of the purities, the effort so exercised covers these four functions automatically. | These four are the Right Efforts that are explained with reference to their four functions, namely: avoiding, overcoming, developing, maintaining. But in reality, there is only one factor here ? effort. When one tries to attain any one of the purities, the effort so exercised covers these four functions automatically. | ||
− | 8. Right [[Mindfulness]] | + | ;8. Right [[Mindfulness]] |
Right [[Mindfulness]] is the quality of complete awareness developed through the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]]. Here one dwells in contemplation of the [[Body]], contemplation of [[Feeling]], contemplation of the [[Mind]] and contemplation of [[Mind]] Objects: ardent, mindful and clearly comprehending, after putting away [[Greed]] and hatred. | Right [[Mindfulness]] is the quality of complete awareness developed through the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]]. Here one dwells in contemplation of the [[Body]], contemplation of [[Feeling]], contemplation of the [[Mind]] and contemplation of [[Mind]] Objects: ardent, mindful and clearly comprehending, after putting away [[Greed]] and hatred. | ||
a) How does one dwell in contemplation of the [[Body]]? | a) How does one dwell in contemplation of the [[Body]]? | ||
− | Through [[Mindfulness]] of Respiration, the Four Postures, Clear | + | Through [[Mindfulness]] of Respiration, the Four Postures, Clear Comprehension, 32 Parts of the [[Body]], the Four Elements and [[Meditation]] on Corpses. (Refer to Chapter XV, 5) |
− | Comprehension, 32 Parts of the [[Body]], the Four Elements and | ||
− | [[Meditation]] on Corpses. (Refer to Chapter XV, 5) | ||
b) How does one dwell in contemplation of [[Feeling]]? | b) How does one dwell in contemplation of [[Feeling]]? | ||
− | Through [[Mindfulness]] of pleasant [[Feeling]], unpleasant [[Feeling]] and neutral [[Feeling]], one beholds how feelings arise; beholds how feelings | + | Through [[Mindfulness]] of pleasant [[Feeling]], unpleasant [[Feeling]] and neutral [[Feeling]], one beholds how feelings arise; beholds how feelings pass away; beholds the arising and passing away of feelings. Thus one understands that the expression ‘I feel’ is only a conventional expression. One understands that in the ultimate sense, there are only feelings but no ‘I’ or ‘Self’ who experiences the feelings. |
− | pass away; beholds the arising and passing away of feelings. Thus | ||
− | one understands that the expression ‘I feel’ is only a conventional expression. One understands that in the ultimate sense, there are only feelings but no ‘I’ or ‘Self’ who experiences the feelings. | ||
c) How does one dwell in contemplation of the [[Mind]]? | c) How does one dwell in contemplation of the [[Mind]]? | ||
− | Through [[Mindfulness]] of the [[Mental]] States such as the greedy [[Mind]], angry [[Mind]], deluded [[Mind]], contracted [[Mind]], distracted [[Mind]], | + | Through [[Mindfulness]] of the [[Mental]] States such as the greedy [[Mind]], angry [[Mind]], deluded [[Mind]], contracted [[Mind]], distracted [[Mind]], concentrated [[Mind]], developed [[Mind]], freed [[Mind]], and their opposing states. Thus one beholds how [[Consciousness]] arises; beholds how [[Consciousness]] passes away; beholds the arising and passing away of [[Consciousness]]. Thus one understands that the [[Mind]] is not a permanent entity. When the greedy [[Mind]] arises, there is only greedy [[Mind]] but no ‘I’ or ‘Self’ who is greedy. |
− | concentrated [[Mind]], developed [[Mind]], freed [[Mind]], and their opposing states. Thus one beholds how [[Consciousness]] arises; beholds how | ||
− | [[Consciousness]] passes away; beholds the arising and passing away of [[Consciousness]]. Thus one understands that the [[Mind]] is not a | ||
− | permanent entity. When the greedy [[Mind]] arises, there is only greedy [[Mind]] but no ‘I’ or ‘Self’ who is greedy. | ||
[[File:Bjtk090a.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Bjtk090a.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
d) How does one dwell in contemplation of [[Mind]] Objects? | d) How does one dwell in contemplation of [[Mind]] Objects? | ||
− | i) | + | :i) Through [[Mindfulness]] of [[Mind]] Objects, namely: |
− | ii) | + | :ii) The five [[Mental]] hindrances, namely: sensual desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, distraction and doubts. |
− | iii) [[The five aggregates]] of Clinging. | + | :iii) [[The five aggregates]] of Clinging. |
− | iv) | + | :iv) The six Sense Bases and their Objects. |
− | vi) | + | :v) The [[Seven Factors of Enlightenment]]. |
+ | :vi) [[The Four Noble Truths]]. | ||
Thus one beholds how [[Mind]] objects arise; beholds how [[Mind]] objects pass away; beholds the arising and passing away of [[Mind]] objects. One understands that [[Mind]] objects are [[Impermanent]], [[Suffering]] and not ‘Self’ or ‘I’. Through the application of the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]], one develops [[Right View]] by the realization of [[Insight]] [[Wisdom]] leading finally to the realization of the Path & Fruition [[Knowledge]] ([[Magga]] Phala Nana) and the attainment of [[Nibbana]], the cessation of all [[Suffering]]. The [[Meditation]] on the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]] is called Satipatthana [[Vipassana]] [[Meditation]] and is described in Chapter XV. | Thus one beholds how [[Mind]] objects arise; beholds how [[Mind]] objects pass away; beholds the arising and passing away of [[Mind]] objects. One understands that [[Mind]] objects are [[Impermanent]], [[Suffering]] and not ‘Self’ or ‘I’. Through the application of the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]], one develops [[Right View]] by the realization of [[Insight]] [[Wisdom]] leading finally to the realization of the Path & Fruition [[Knowledge]] ([[Magga]] Phala Nana) and the attainment of [[Nibbana]], the cessation of all [[Suffering]]. The [[Meditation]] on the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]] is called Satipatthana [[Vipassana]] [[Meditation]] and is described in Chapter XV. | ||
− | 9. [[Right concentration]] | + | ;9. [[Right concentration]] |
This is one-pointedness of [[Mind]] developed through Tranquility [[Meditation]] by fixed [[Concentration]] ([[Jhana]]) with the [[Mind]] only on the [[Meditation]] object, to the exclusion of all others, or the momentary [[Concentration]] developed by [[Insight]] [[Meditation]] through the application of the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]]. According to the [[Venerable]] Mahasi [[Sayadaw]], the mundane [[Jhana]] [[Concentration]] may be classed as the path of [[Right concentration]] if it forms the basis for the development of [[Vipassana]] (See Explanatory Note 1 on the Path of [[Right concentration]]) | This is one-pointedness of [[Mind]] developed through Tranquility [[Meditation]] by fixed [[Concentration]] ([[Jhana]]) with the [[Mind]] only on the [[Meditation]] object, to the exclusion of all others, or the momentary [[Concentration]] developed by [[Insight]] [[Meditation]] through the application of the Four Foundations of [[Mindfulness]]. According to the [[Venerable]] Mahasi [[Sayadaw]], the mundane [[Jhana]] [[Concentration]] may be classed as the path of [[Right concentration]] if it forms the basis for the development of [[Vipassana]] (See Explanatory Note 1 on the Path of [[Right concentration]]) | ||
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[[Right concentration]] is present in all wholesome [[Consciousness]] and hence is accompanied by at least Right [[Thought]] (application of [[Mind]]), [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. The three factors: [[Right effort]], Right [[Mindfulness]] and [[Right concentration]] [[Form]] the [[Concentration]] group of the Eightfold [[Noble]] Path by which one penetrates into the true nature of [[Mental]] and physical processes thereby attaining [[Right View]] by realization of [[Insight]] [[Wisdom]]. | [[Right concentration]] is present in all wholesome [[Consciousness]] and hence is accompanied by at least Right [[Thought]] (application of [[Mind]]), [[Right effort]] and Right [[Mindfulness]]. The three factors: [[Right effort]], Right [[Mindfulness]] and [[Right concentration]] [[Form]] the [[Concentration]] group of the Eightfold [[Noble]] Path by which one penetrates into the true nature of [[Mental]] and physical processes thereby attaining [[Right View]] by realization of [[Insight]] [[Wisdom]]. | ||
− | 10. References | + | ;10. References |
[[File:Buddha Cambo.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Buddha Cambo.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | 1) The [[Noble]] Eightfold Path and Its Factors Explained by the | + | 1) The [[Noble]] Eightfold Path and Its Factors Explained by the [[Venerable]] Ledi [[Sayadaw]]. |
− | [[Venerable]] Ledi [[Sayadaw]]. | ||
2) The Word of [[The Buddha]] by the [[Venerable]] Nyanatiloka. | 2) The Word of [[The Buddha]] by the [[Venerable]] Nyanatiloka. | ||
− | 11. Explanatory Notes | + | ;11. Explanatory Notes |
− | The Path of [[Right concentration]] (Dhammacakkappavattana [[Sutta]] by the | + | The Path of [[Right concentration]] (Dhammacakkappavattana [[Sutta]] by the Most [[Venerable]] Mahasi [[Sayadaw]] of Burma, pages 96-99) |
− | Most [[Venerable]] Mahasi [[Sayadaw]] of Burma, pages 96-99) | ||
According to the Suttas, there are four kinds of [[Right concentration]]: | According to the Suttas, there are four kinds of [[Right concentration]]: | ||
+ | |||
i) The first [[Jhana]] consisting of five factors namely: [[Vitakka]] – directing the [[Mind]] towards an object or [[Thinking]] of the [[Meditation]] object; [[Vicara]] | i) The first [[Jhana]] consisting of five factors namely: [[Vitakka]] – directing the [[Mind]] towards an object or [[Thinking]] of the [[Meditation]] object; [[Vicara]] | ||
– repeated [[Investigation]] on the object which has manifested; piti – rapture or [[Joy]]; [[Sukha]] – [[Happiness]] or pleasant [[Feeling]]; [[Ekaggata]] – one- pointedness of calm [[Mind]]; | – repeated [[Investigation]] on the object which has manifested; piti – rapture or [[Joy]]; [[Sukha]] – [[Happiness]] or pleasant [[Feeling]]; [[Ekaggata]] – one- pointedness of calm [[Mind]]; | ||
− | ii) After fading away of [[Vitakka]] and [[Vicara]], only three factors remain – | + | |
− | piti, [[Sukha]] and [[Ekaggata]] to [[Form]] the second [[Jhana]]. | + | ii) After fading away of [[Vitakka]] and [[Vicara]], only three factors remain – piti, [[Sukha]] and [[Ekaggata]] to [[Form]] the second [[Jhana]]. |
+ | |||
iii) Then without piti, the two factors [[Sukha]] and [[Ekaggata]] constitute the third [[Jhana]]. | iii) Then without piti, the two factors [[Sukha]] and [[Ekaggata]] constitute the third [[Jhana]]. | ||
− | iv) In the fourth [[Jhana]], [[Sukha]] is replaced by [[Upekkha]] ([[Equanimity]]) so that | + | |
− | [[Upekkha]] and [[Ekaggata]] [[Form]] the two factors of the fourth [[Jhana]]. | + | iv) In the fourth [[Jhana]], [[Sukha]] is replaced by [[Upekkha]] ([[Equanimity]]) so that [[Upekkha]] and [[Ekaggata]] [[Form]] the two factors of the fourth [[Jhana]]. |
These 4 types of jhanas may be mundane (lokiya) jhanas known as rupavacara or supra-mundane (lokuttara) jhanas accompanied by the [[Noble]] path ([[Magga]]) [[Consciousness]]. The supra-mundane [[Jhana]] [[Concentration]] is the path of [[Noble]] [[Right concentration]]. The mundane [[Jhana]] [[Concentration]] may be classed as the path of [[Right concentration]] if it forms the basis for the development of [[Vipassana]]. Based on this statement, there are certain people who say that [[Vipassana]] can be developed only after achieving [[Purification]] of [[Mind]] through attaining jhanic [[Concentration]] and not otherwise. This is a one-sided dogmatic view. | These 4 types of jhanas may be mundane (lokiya) jhanas known as rupavacara or supra-mundane (lokuttara) jhanas accompanied by the [[Noble]] path ([[Magga]]) [[Consciousness]]. The supra-mundane [[Jhana]] [[Concentration]] is the path of [[Noble]] [[Right concentration]]. The mundane [[Jhana]] [[Concentration]] may be classed as the path of [[Right concentration]] if it forms the basis for the development of [[Vipassana]]. Based on this statement, there are certain people who say that [[Vipassana]] can be developed only after achieving [[Purification]] of [[Mind]] through attaining jhanic [[Concentration]] and not otherwise. This is a one-sided dogmatic view. | ||
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In view of such consideration, definitions given in the teachings of [[Right concentration]] in terms of the four jhanas should be regarded as superlative method of description; the access [[Concentration]], although described as an inferior way, may also be taken as right [[Concentration]], which can accomplish the [[Purification]] of [[Mind]]. The said access [[Concentration]] has the same characteristics of suppressing the hindrances as the first [[Jhana]]. They are similar too in having the same five factors of [[Jhana]], namely: [[Vitakka]], [[Vicara]], piti, [[Sukha]], [[Ekaggata]]. Consequently we can take it that [[The Buddha]] had included both the proper access and the nominal access [[Concentration]] under the category of the first [[Jhana]] as an inferior way of definition. | In view of such consideration, definitions given in the teachings of [[Right concentration]] in terms of the four jhanas should be regarded as superlative method of description; the access [[Concentration]], although described as an inferior way, may also be taken as right [[Concentration]], which can accomplish the [[Purification]] of [[Mind]]. The said access [[Concentration]] has the same characteristics of suppressing the hindrances as the first [[Jhana]]. They are similar too in having the same five factors of [[Jhana]], namely: [[Vitakka]], [[Vicara]], piti, [[Sukha]], [[Ekaggata]]. Consequently we can take it that [[The Buddha]] had included both the proper access and the nominal access [[Concentration]] under the category of the first [[Jhana]] as an inferior way of definition. | ||
+ | |||
There are three kinds of [[Samadhi]] (concentrations): Momentary (khanika), Access (upacara) and Absorption (appana). The momentary [[Concentration]] mentioned here refers to the fairly calm state before access [[Concentration]] is attained in the course of meditating upon tranquility [[Meditation]] objects ([[Samatha]] kammathana) and also to the [[Vipassana]] [[Samadhi]]. And of these two, the [[Vipassana]] [[Samadhi]], having the same characteristic of suppressing the hindrances as access [[Concentration]] is also called access [[Concentration]] (nominal) as explained above. That this [[Vipassana]] momentary [[Concentration]], when it becomes strongly developed, can keep the [[Mind]] well tranquilized just like the absorption [[Concentration]], has been clearly borne out by the personal experiences of yogis practicing Satipatthana [[Vipassana]] [[Meditation]]. | There are three kinds of [[Samadhi]] (concentrations): Momentary (khanika), Access (upacara) and Absorption (appana). The momentary [[Concentration]] mentioned here refers to the fairly calm state before access [[Concentration]] is attained in the course of meditating upon tranquility [[Meditation]] objects ([[Samatha]] kammathana) and also to the [[Vipassana]] [[Samadhi]]. And of these two, the [[Vipassana]] [[Samadhi]], having the same characteristic of suppressing the hindrances as access [[Concentration]] is also called access [[Concentration]] (nominal) as explained above. That this [[Vipassana]] momentary [[Concentration]], when it becomes strongly developed, can keep the [[Mind]] well tranquilized just like the absorption [[Concentration]], has been clearly borne out by the personal experiences of yogis practicing Satipatthana [[Vipassana]] [[Meditation]]. | ||
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[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Noble Eightfold Path]] | [[Category:Noble Eightfold Path]] |
Revision as of 05:37, 20 June 2013
“There are two extremes namely: Indulgence in Sensual Pleasure which is base, common, vulgar, unholy and unprofitable; or Self- mortification which is painful, unholy and unprofitable. Both these two extremes, the Perfect One has avoided, and has found out the Middle Path, which makes one both to see and to know, which leads to peace, to discernment, to Enlightenment, to Nibbana. It is the Noble Eightfold Path, the way that leads to the cessation of Suffering, namely:”
(a) Right View | Samma-Ditthi | Wisdom |
(b) Right Thought | Samma-sankappa | Wisdom |
(c) Right Speech | Samma-vaca | Morality |
(d) Right Action | Samma-kammanta | Morality |
(e) Right livelihood | Samma-Ajiva | Morality |
(f) Right effort | Samma-vayama | Concentration |
(g) Right Mindfulness | Samma-Sati | Concentration |
(h) Right concentration | Samma-Samadhi | Concentration |
- 2. Right View
a) Right understanding of the Ten Subjects (dasavatthu) as taught by The Buddha, namely:
i There is Moral significance in Almsgiving.
ii There is Moral significance in large offerings. iii There is Moral significance in small gifts.
iv There is the result of well-done and ill-done Kamma (action).
v There is Moral significance in what is done to one’s mother. vi There is Moral significance in what is done to one’s father.
vii There are beings of instantaneous Rebirth.
viii There is this World.
ix There is another World.
x There are in this World sages and recluses of right attainment, of right practice, who having realized by their own super Knowledge the Truth regarding this World and other worlds, make it known to others.
b) Right View of the Law of Kamma i.e. all beings are owners of their Kamma and will reap the corresponding results.
c) Right View through penetration into the true nature of Mental and physical processes (nama-rupa pariccheda nana).
d) Right View through penetration into the root cause and other causes of the physical and Mental processes leading to realization of the cause and effect relationship (Paccaya pariggaha nana).
e) Right view by realization of Insight Wisdom (Vipassana Nana). There are 10 stages of this mundane Insight Wisdom beginning from the Knowledge of Comprehension (Sammasana Nana) to the Knowledge of Conformity (Anuloma Nana)
f) Right View by attainment of the Four Stages of Sainthood (Ariya Magga Nana)
Now, in understanding wrong view as wrong and Right View as right, one practises ‘Right View’. In making efforts to overcome wrong view and arouse Right View, one practises ‘Right effort’. In overcoming wrong view with attentive Mind and dwelling with attentive Mind in the possession of Right View, one practises ‘Right Mindfulness’. Hence, there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right View, namely: Right View, Right effort and Right Mindfulness.
- 3. Right Thought
a) Thought free from lust (Nekkhama-sankappa) b) Thought free from ill-will (Abyapada-sankappa) c) Thought free from cruelty (Avihimsa-sankappa)
‘Thought’ here does not mean Thinking or conceptualizing. It is used in the technical sense of directing the Mind to the object or the application of the Mind (Consciousness & Mental factors) on the object (Vitakka).
Now, in understanding wrong Thought as wrong, and right Thought as right, one practises Right View. In making efforts to overcome Evil Thought and to arouse right Thought, one practises Right Effort. In overcoming Evil thoughts with attentive Mind and dwelling with attentive Mind in possession of right Thought, one practises Right Mindfulness. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right Thought, namely: Right View, Right effort and Right Mindfulness.
- 4. Right Speech
- a) Refraining from false speech.
- b) Refraining from slanderous speech.
- c) Refraining from harsh words and abusive Language.
- d) Refraining from frivolous talk or vain talk.
Now, in understanding wrong speech as wrong, and right speech as right, one practises Right View. In making efforts to overcome Evil speech and arouse right speech, one practises Right effort. In overcoming wrong speech with attentive Mind and dwelling in possession of right speech with attentive Mind, one practises Right Mindfulness. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right Speech, namely: Right View, Right effort and Right Mindfulness.
- 5. Right Action
- a) Refraining from injuring or killing any living being.
- b) Refraining from taking what is not given.
- c) Refraining from wrong conduct in (sexual) pleasures, Intoxicants and Gambling.
- Immoral physical and verbal actions such as deceit, trickery, usury and ungratefulness are considered wrong speech and actions.
Now, in understanding wrong action as wrong, and Right Action as right, one practises Right View. In making efforts to overcome wrong action and arouse Right Action, one practises Right effort. In overcoming wrong action with attentive Mind and dwelling in possession of Right Action with attentive Mind, one practises Right Mindfulness. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right Action, namely: Right View, Right effort and Right Mindfulness.
Refraining from trading in the 5 kinds of merchandise, namely:
- (a) Weapons
- (b) Living beings
- (c) Meat
- (d) Intoxicants
- (e) Poisons
In general, one should refrain from Livelihood based on wrong conduct to be avoided under Right Action and Right Speech.
Now, in understanding wrong Livelihood as wrong, and Right livelihood as right, one practises Right View. In making efforts to overcome wrong Livelihood and to establish Right livelihood, one practises Right Effort. In overcoming wrong Livelihood with
attentive Mind and dwelling in possession of Right livelihood, one practises Right Mindfulness. Hence there are 3 Factors that accompany and follow Right livelihood, namely: Right View, Right effort and Right Mindfulness.
- 7. Right effort
Right effort is concerned with the development of the Mind. There are Four Great Efforts, namely: the effort to avoid, the effort to overcome, the effort to develop, and the effort to maintain.
a) The Effort to Avoid
Here one arouses the will to avoid the arising of Evil, unwholesome states of Mind that have not yet arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his
energy, exerts his Mind and strives. How? By watching over and
restraining his senses, e.g., by noting seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and Thinking, at the moment of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and Thinking.
b) The Effort to Overcome
Here one arouses the will to overcome the Evil, unwholesome states of Mind that have already arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his
energy, exerts his Mind and strives. How? He does not retain any
Thought of Greed, ill-will, Delusion or any other unwholesome states that may have arisen. He abandons them, dispels them, destroys
them and causes them to disappear e.g. by noting them mindfully as
they arise.
c) The Effort to Develop
Here one rouses the will to arouse wholesome states of Mind that have not arisen. He makes effort, stirs up his energy, exerts his Mind
and strives. How? He develops the 7 Factors of Enlightenment,
namely: Mindfulness (Sati), Investigation of physical and Mental processes (Dhammavicaya), Energy (Viriya), Pleasurable Interest (Piti), Tranquility (Passadhi), Concentration (Samadhi) and Equanimity (Upekkha).
d) The Effort to Maintain
Here one rouses the will to maintain the wholesome states of Mind that have already arisen and not allow them to disappear, but develop them to full maturity (Bhavana). He makes effort, stirs up his energy, exerts his Mind and strives. How? By applying the Mind firmly on the object of Concentration either in Tranquility or Insight Meditation.
These four are the Right Efforts that are explained with reference to their four functions, namely: avoiding, overcoming, developing, maintaining. But in reality, there is only one factor here ? effort. When one tries to attain any one of the purities, the effort so exercised covers these four functions automatically.
- 8. Right Mindfulness
Right Mindfulness is the quality of complete awareness developed through the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Here one dwells in contemplation of the Body, contemplation of Feeling, contemplation of the Mind and contemplation of Mind Objects: ardent, mindful and clearly comprehending, after putting away Greed and hatred.
a) How does one dwell in contemplation of the Body? Through Mindfulness of Respiration, the Four Postures, Clear Comprehension, 32 Parts of the Body, the Four Elements and Meditation on Corpses. (Refer to Chapter XV, 5)
b) How does one dwell in contemplation of Feeling? Through Mindfulness of pleasant Feeling, unpleasant Feeling and neutral Feeling, one beholds how feelings arise; beholds how feelings pass away; beholds the arising and passing away of feelings. Thus one understands that the expression ‘I feel’ is only a conventional expression. One understands that in the ultimate sense, there are only feelings but no ‘I’ or ‘Self’ who experiences the feelings.
c) How does one dwell in contemplation of the Mind? Through Mindfulness of the Mental States such as the greedy Mind, angry Mind, deluded Mind, contracted Mind, distracted Mind, concentrated Mind, developed Mind, freed Mind, and their opposing states. Thus one beholds how Consciousness arises; beholds how Consciousness passes away; beholds the arising and passing away of Consciousness. Thus one understands that the Mind is not a permanent entity. When the greedy Mind arises, there is only greedy Mind but no ‘I’ or ‘Self’ who is greedy.
d) How does one dwell in contemplation of Mind Objects?
- i) Through Mindfulness of Mind Objects, namely:
- ii) The five Mental hindrances, namely: sensual desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, distraction and doubts.
- iii) The five aggregates of Clinging.
- iv) The six Sense Bases and their Objects.
- v) The Seven Factors of Enlightenment.
- vi) The Four Noble Truths.
Thus one beholds how Mind objects arise; beholds how Mind objects pass away; beholds the arising and passing away of Mind objects. One understands that Mind objects are Impermanent, Suffering and not ‘Self’ or ‘I’. Through the application of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, one develops Right View by the realization of Insight Wisdom leading finally to the realization of the Path & Fruition Knowledge (Magga Phala Nana) and the attainment of Nibbana, the cessation of all Suffering. The Meditation on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness is called Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation and is described in Chapter XV.
This is one-pointedness of Mind developed through Tranquility Meditation by fixed Concentration (Jhana) with the Mind only on the Meditation object, to the exclusion of all others, or the momentary Concentration developed by Insight Meditation through the application of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. According to the Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw, the mundane Jhana Concentration may be classed as the path of Right concentration if it forms the basis for the development of Vipassana (See Explanatory Note 1 on the Path of Right concentration)
Right concentration is present in all wholesome Consciousness and hence is accompanied by at least Right Thought (application of Mind), Right effort and Right Mindfulness. The three factors: Right effort, Right Mindfulness and Right concentration Form the Concentration group of the Eightfold Noble Path by which one penetrates into the true nature of Mental and physical processes thereby attaining Right View by realization of Insight Wisdom.
- 10. References
1) The Noble Eightfold Path and Its Factors Explained by the Venerable Ledi Sayadaw.
2) The Word of The Buddha by the Venerable Nyanatiloka.
- 11. Explanatory Notes
The Path of Right concentration (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta by the Most Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw of Burma, pages 96-99)
According to the Suttas, there are four kinds of Right concentration:
i) The first Jhana consisting of five factors namely: Vitakka – directing the Mind towards an object or Thinking of the Meditation object; Vicara – repeated Investigation on the object which has manifested; piti – rapture or Joy; Sukha – Happiness or pleasant Feeling; Ekaggata – one- pointedness of calm Mind;
ii) After fading away of Vitakka and Vicara, only three factors remain – piti, Sukha and Ekaggata to Form the second Jhana.
iii) Then without piti, the two factors Sukha and Ekaggata constitute the third Jhana.
iv) In the fourth Jhana, Sukha is replaced by Upekkha (Equanimity) so that Upekkha and Ekaggata Form the two factors of the fourth Jhana.
These 4 types of jhanas may be mundane (lokiya) jhanas known as rupavacara or supra-mundane (lokuttara) jhanas accompanied by the Noble path (Magga) Consciousness. The supra-mundane Jhana Concentration is the path of Noble Right concentration. The mundane Jhana Concentration may be classed as the path of Right concentration if it forms the basis for the development of Vipassana. Based on this statement, there are certain people who say that Vipassana can be developed only after achieving Purification of Mind through attaining jhanic Concentration and not otherwise. This is a one-sided dogmatic view.
The Visuddhi Magga, etc. have explicitly stated that access Concentration in the neighborhood of Jhana, having the capacity to suppress the hindrances, can help attain the Purification of view, thus leading to the development of Vipassana; that by so developing, attainment can be made up to the stage of Arahantship; that there are many who have achieved thus. In the Maha Satipatthana Sutta, etc. there is very clear teaching that Arahantship may be achieved by contemplation of such objects as bodily postures, etc., which can only cause access Concentration to come about.
The Anussatithana Sutta of Anguttara Nikaya states that the Concentration, which develops out of recollections of the virtues of The Buddha, etc. is adequate to be used as a basic Concentration for the development of higher Knowledge up to the state of Arahantship.
These authorities state further that the innumerable people by the millions who became liberated during the course of discourses given by The Buddha were not at all skilled in jhanas and probably many were not equipped with Jhana attainments. But they must have achieved Purification of Mind (Citta Visuddhi), because their Mind then was described as “responsive, tender, free from hindrances, exultant and pure.”
In view of such consideration, definitions given in the teachings of Right concentration in terms of the four jhanas should be regarded as superlative method of description; the access Concentration, although described as an inferior way, may also be taken as right Concentration, which can accomplish the Purification of Mind. The said access Concentration has the same characteristics of suppressing the hindrances as the first Jhana. They are similar too in having the same five factors of Jhana, namely: Vitakka, Vicara, piti, Sukha, Ekaggata. Consequently we can take it that The Buddha had included both the proper access and the nominal access Concentration under the category of the first Jhana as an inferior way of definition.
There are three kinds of Samadhi (concentrations): Momentary (khanika), Access (upacara) and Absorption (appana). The momentary Concentration mentioned here refers to the fairly calm state before access Concentration is attained in the course of meditating upon tranquility Meditation objects (Samatha kammathana) and also to the Vipassana Samadhi. And of these two, the Vipassana Samadhi, having the same characteristic of suppressing the hindrances as access Concentration is also called access Concentration (nominal) as explained above. That this Vipassana momentary Concentration, when it becomes strongly developed, can keep the Mind well tranquilized just like the absorption Concentration, has been clearly borne out by the personal experiences of yogis practicing Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation.