to nibbana via the noble eightfold path

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Contents A

To Nibbna Via theNoble Eightfold Pathby

The Venerable Mahsi Saydawof

Burma

Translated by

U Htin FattBuddha Ssannuggaha Organization

Mahsi Translation Committee, Rangoon


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To Nibbna Via the

Noble Eightfold Pathby

The Venerable Mahsi Saydawof

Burma

Translated by

U Htin Fatt

First printed and published in the SocialistRepublic of the Union of Burma

1980

New EditionEdited by

Bhikkhu PesalaAugust 2013

All rights reserved


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iii

Contents

Editors Foreword.............................................................................vPreface............................................................................................vii

To Nibbna Via the Noble Eightfold Path .............................................1

Background of the Sutta...................................................................1Request to See the Buddha ..............................................................2Subhadda Questions the Buddha.....................................................3The Buddhas Reply..........................................................................4

Defilements Are Eradicated Only by the Noble Path.................5The Noble Eightfold Path in Practice ..............................................7

Make Your Own Effort................................................................8Liberation from Defilements.......................................................8Prolonging the Life of Buddhism..............................................10

Insight Meditation for the Attainment of Stream-winning.......11Development of the Noble Eightfold Path................................12Mindfulness and Meditation.....................................................14

The Three Stages of the Path...........................................................16Developing the Preliminary Path..............................................18To Know the True Nature of Things.........................................19When Realities Are Known ......................................................21Conviction Regarding Impermanence......................................21Contemplation on Impermanence............................................22

From Impermanence to Unsatisfactoriness and Not-self..........22Ten Kinds of Insight..................................................................23Six Characteristics of Knowledge of Equanimity.....................25Realisation of Nibbna by the Noble Path................................27

The Buddhas Last Words to Subhadda..........................................29Subhadda Obtains the Going Forth..........................................30Subhadda Practises Meditation.................................................31

Index...............................................................................................33


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v

Editors ForewordThis book originally included three talks. This is just one of those,

To Nibbna Via the Eightfold Noble Path, which was delivered inSeptember 1971. The second and third talks were delivered over aperiod of several days in April 1952, so I have le them for another

publication, or perhaps I will include them in a later edition of thisone. All three talks were anslated to English by U Htin Fa andpublished in Rangoon in 1980.

A key theme of this talk is the need to develop insight to arrive atthe goal of nibbna. Some teachers promise easy or instant enlight-enment, but the Saydaw makes it clear that insight must bedeveloped in many stages. The Noble Eightfold Path can be dividedinto three distinct phases: the basic path (mla magga),the preliminary

path (pubbabhga magga),and the Noble Path (ariya magga).The firstphase means acquiring faith that there is a goal to be reached,establishing right view, basic morali, and beginning the practice ofmindfulness meditation to acquire access concenation and the lowerstages of insight. The second phase requires the prolonged, diligent,and sustained practice of insight meditation to gain the higher stagesof insight. Only when that preliminary path is well-developed canthe Noble Path be fulfilled. If it was easy, every Buddhist would be

a Seam-winner, but Noble Ones are rare.Not to speak of Noble Ones, these days even those with the

requisites factors of the basic path are the exception rather than therule. To establish the basic path presupposes the fundamental rightview regarding ownership of ones own kamma (kammassakatsammdihi), basic morali (faithful observance of the five precepts),and the development of access concenation to gain puri of mind(cia visuddhi).These three together are not an insignificant achieve-

ment, and the third is unknown to many Buddhists, the majori ofwhom are not very familiar with the practice of meditation. Amongthose who do aend meditation classes, most are not able toovercome the wandering thoughts, aches and pains, drowsiness,restlessness, and other hindrances. If asked to sit longer than thirminutes they are reluctant, and find it difficult to sit still for a fullhour or more. This proves that they have not gained puri of mind,which is the third aspect of the basic path, since someone who has

done so will readily find delight in meditation, and so will happilysit for an hour or more without complaint.


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vi Editors Foreword

As for the further development that is required on the preliminarypath, this will require much more effort than merely gaining accessconcenation. Most meditators have no inkling of what is involved.If asked to meditate om 7:00 am until 7:00 pm they will complainthat it is too long, that the Buddha taught the Middle Path, that theyare too busy, etc.If we point out that twelve hours is just half a daythey think we are joking. To develop insight on the preliminary path,which means the stages of insight om knowledge of arising andpassing away up to knowledge of equanimi about formations,would pically require continuous effort in meditation for at leasteighteen hours a day for weeks or months. An exceptional studentmight develop the higher stages of insight within a fortnight. Anaverage meditator may take months to make progress on thepreliminary path just to get a clear understanding of the knowledgeof arising and passing away.

Those who go on to realise the Noble Path have keen intelligence,moral integri, and courageous energy. So, be wary of those whosay that meditation is not necessary, that it is only for monks andnuns, that it is impossible for busy lay people, or that is only for thosewho have emotional problems and cannot face up to real life. TheBuddhas teaching is profound, and not for the faint-hearted. Anyoneand everyone who has faith in the Buddha can and should practicemeditation intensively, not just superficially. The absence of anyaspiration to sive for nibbna in this very life is a sure sign of wrongviews, defective morali, and a defiled mind obsucted andconfused by the five mental hindrances (paca nvara).

As with my other editions of the anslated works of the late

Venerable Mahsi Saydaw, I have removed many of the Pi wordsfor the benefit of those who are not familiar with the technical terms.This publication needed heavy editing to make it easy for Westernreaders to follow, which is one reason why I have waited so long toaempt it. This edition may still have many defects, but I hope it isgood enough to be useful. As my time permits, I will graduallyimprove it. If you find any errors, please let me know.

Bhikkhu PesalaAugust 2013


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vii

PrefaceThe original discourses in this book were delivered in Burmese

by the Venerable Mahsi Saydaw of Burma. They have beenpainstakingly anslated into English, as presented now, by awell-known and prominent writer, U Htin Fa (Pen name Maung

Htin), one of the members of the Mahsi Translation Commiee ofthis Ssana Yeikth. The book is intended particularly for the benefitof foreign meditators. It is hoped that they will find this anslation with its original sle and essence preserved enlightening.

The leading theme of the first part is an incident recorded in theMahparinibbna Sua that occurred on the eve of the Buddhas finalpassing away when an ascetic by the name of Subhadda visited theBuddha and asked how to find out the real uth of the Dhamma. In

answer to these queries, the Buddha with deep compassion eluci-dated the Dhamma and the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path asthe only way leading to the end of suffering and the cessation of theround of rebirths. The Buddha discovered this method and called itthe Middle Path (majjhima paipad)between the two exemes ofindulgence in sensual pleasures and self-torture in the form of severeasceticism, which is harmful, painful, and deplorable. The MiddlePath comprises eight mental factors. They are interdependent and

interrelated. They constitute three groups of spiritual development:morali (sla),concenation (samdhi),and wisdom (pa).

The Buddha pointed out that a living being is an aggregate of fivegroups, one material and four mental. They are the tangible maerin the physical body, sensations, perceptions, mental formations(volitions), and consciousness, and are known as Five Aggregates(pacakkhandh).In these five aggregates the Buddha summarisedall mental and physical phenomena of existence.

From the first part of this book, To Nibbna via the NobleEightfold Path, it is clear that all suffering arising out of craving forlife can be eradicated by aining the mind perfectly through insightmeditation, which aims at gaining direct insight into the ue natureof reali. Insight meditation entails observing all phenomenaoccurring at the six-sense doors. Through such meditation, the uenature of the mind and body is seen as impermanent (anicca),unsatisfactory (dukkha),and not-self(anaa).This is known as insightknowledge (vipassan-a).The process of gaining various stagesof insight has been vividly and concisely described.


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viii Preface

This method for the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path has beenpreserved and handed down to us in the form of wrien texts knownas the Tipiaka by a long line of Arahants and monks in an unbrokenlineage since the lifetime of the Buddha well over 2,500 years ago.In reading this book, one understands clearly that without under-standing and faith, no progress can be made for aaining uewisdom in the practice of meditation.

Being well-versed in the scriptures, and experienced in thepractical side of insight meditation, the Venerable Mahsi Saydaw,Aggamahpaita, is qualified to give inspiring guidance on howliberation om suffering can be achieved. This is due to his great gias a distinguished teacher of Satipahna meditation. In this bookthe process of refining the moral, mental, and spiritual perceptionshas been explained lucidly. For Buddhists, the correct way toovercome all suffering, and aain the ultimate goal of nibbna is tofollow the eightfold path. This is the only way for the purificationof the mind, to overcome all vices and mental defilements, and realisethe cessation of suffering. According to Buddhism, realisation ofnibbna through mindfulness is the ultimate goal. In brief, nibbnais the supreme state absolutely ee om all defilements and all thevarious kinds of suffering that arise om rebirth.

May all beings be happy!Min Swe, Secretary, BSNO, September 1980


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1

To Nibbna Via the Noble Eightfold PathMy discourse today will be on the Noble Eightfold Path leading

to Nibbna. It was expounded by the Buddha, soon aer hisenlightenment as the Dhammacakka Sua to the group of five monks.He continued preaching this docine for the remaining 45 years of

his life. Even on the eve of his Mahparinibbna he explained it toSubhadda, the wandering ascetic, the last to become an Arahant inhis lifetime, and in whose name the Subhadda Sua was canonized.

Background of the SuttaHaving completed 45 Rainy Seasons (vassa),the Buddha decided

that it was time for him to shake off the sum of his life as requestedearlier by Mra. So, on the full moon day of May (Kason) in the year

148 of the Great Era (Mahsakkar), he accepted food offered by Cunda,the goldsmith of Pv. Subsequently, he was aacked with diarrhoea.Although physically weak, the Buddha walked the threegvuta,

about six miles, om Pv to Kusingara. He made this great effortbent on preaching two last suas before his death.

It may be recalled that, earlier, Venerable nanda had requestedthe Buddha, too late, to defer his Mahparinibbna. This incidentprompted the Buddha to keep two things in mind, one to teach the

Mahsudassana Sua, and the other to expound the Eightfold Pathto Subhadda. In the Commentaries no mention is made of anyoneseeing the light of dhamma on hearing the Mahsudassana Sua,but when he delivered the discourse to Subhadda, the laer gainedthe first path and aained the status of an Arahant in a maer ofhours. Had the Buddha aained parinibbna at Pv, and not atKusingara, Subhadda would have had no opportuni to see thelight of the Dhamma. It was with great compassion for the wandering

ascetic that the Buddha made the supreme effort to avel to the placewhere he intended to pass his last moments.

It would be impossible for a sick monk to march a few miles toteach his disciples however compassionate he is, but the Buddhaaccomplished this feat of marching the whole distance resting 25times at 25 stages on the journey in the hoest season with theassistance of devotees like Venerable nanda and Cunda.

When he reached the grove of Sal ees in the domain of the Kings

of Malla, a couch was prepared for him to rest upon between twoA linear measure, a quarter of a yojana,a lile less than two miles (PTS Dictionary).


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2 To Nibbna Via the Noble Eightfold Path

Sal saplings, with its head directed to the north, the Buddha restedon this couch reclining on his right side.

At that time Subhadda happened to be at Kusingara. When heheard the news that the Buddha would be aaining parinibbna thatvery night, it occurred to him that it was only the Buddha who coulddispel the doubts that oubled his mind.

Subhaddawas no ordinary ascetic. He was of noble birth like theVenerable Sripua and Moggallna, the chief disciples of the Buddha.He belonged to the class of millionaires known as Mahsala. He wasnot just a naked fakir. He dressed himself properly and wandered aboutin search of uth having renounced all his worldly possessions. Heshould not be confused with the unruly Subhadda, the son ofUpaka,the husband of Cp, the daughter of a hunter. (Cp has become Swin Burmese legends). Upaka, the heretic, was not of noble birth.

Wishing to dispel his doubts, Subhadda had asked questions ofthe leaders of heretical schools flourishing at that time, such as PuraKassapa, but got no satisfactory answers om them. He had not,however, ied the Buddha for clarification, for he thought that if theelders like Pura Kassapa could not explain things, the Buddha,who was younger than all the leaders of the heretical schools, wouldnot be able to answer the questions he posed. This is according tothe Commentaries. If they are to be relied upon, the Burmese laymensconception that this Subhadda was the son of Upaka and Cp mustbe dismissed as incorrect.

By now Subhadda had become exemely anxious lest he wouldlose all opportunities of enquiring for the uth if the Buddha enterednibbna at once. Perhaps at this particular moment he felt complaisant

towards the Buddha. He was, however, destined to be the last to realisethe Dhamma through the Buddhas personal aention. That he wasto be the last was because in one of his previous existences he madethe offering of grain out of the late harvest at the last moment, unlikehis elder brother (who was destined to be Koaa during the timeof the the Buddha Gotama) who offered grains om the first harvest.

Request to See the BuddhaAt midnight Subhadda came hurrying to the Buddha. However,

he first had to seek permission om Venerable nanda to interviewthe Teacher. Oh nanda! he eneated, it is common knowledge
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Subhadda Questions the Buddha 3

that the Buddhas arise only once in an aeon. I have just heard thatthe Recluse Gotama is entering nibbna in the last watch of the night.I have doubts to be resolved, and I believe he can dispel them. Pleaselet me see him. Venerable nanda thought to himself, Ascetics areusually opposed to the teaching of the Buddha. Any argumentationwith Subhadda would just be wearisome to the Teacher.

So Venerable nanda told him not to ouble the Blessed Onewith questions when he was approaching death. Thrice the laermade the request, and thrice his request was turned down.

The Buddha heard their conversation, so he intervened: nanda!he said, It is not proper that you should forbid Subhadda. Let himsee me. He wants to ask me a question. He has no intention to oubleme. If I answer him, he will quickly understand.

Having got the permission om Venerable nanda, Subhaddagreeted the Blessed One with agreeable words to suit the occasionand sat himself down at an appropriate place, ee om six faults,which is described in the texts as neither too near nor too far away,neither windward nor leeward, neither directly opposite nor at theback, in relation to the couch that the Buddha was resting on.

At the head of the couch towards the north, there was one Salsapling, and at the foot another. As the Buddha was reclining on hisright side, he was facing West. Subhadda might be siing not far awayom the feet of the Teacher, facing towards the head of the couch.

Nothing is mentioned in the Pi text about the ascetic payinghomage to the Buddha. This shows that although he had come tobelieve in the Buddhas abili to resolve his doubts, his faith in theBlessed One was not as song as that he had for his false ideologies.

Subhadda Questions the BuddhaThen Subhadda addressed the Buddha as Gotama without

paying due respectsand asked him what he wanted to know. Thereare, he said, many disciples under many different religious sectsfounded by such ascetics as Pura Kassapa, etc.,are famed far andwide. Their ideologies relate to crossing the river of the oubloussasra, the endless cycle of birth and death. These ideologies arealso revered by many. Do they all know what they profess to know,or do they not? He addressed the Buddha with the words bho Gotama,a polite form of address,but not the respectful form of address Bhante,Venerable Sir. (ed.)


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When he was referring to the leaders of the religious sects he hadPraa Kassapa, Makkhali Gosla, Ajita Kesakambala, PakudhaKaccyana, Sajaya Belahapua, and Nigaha Napuain mind.These six leaders of heretical school professed to know the past,present, and future of all the phenomena of existence.

Subhadda had doubts as to whether they really did or not, orwhether there were some among those who knew. It was only naturalfor him to entertain such doubts. Most people accept religious beliefsbecause they are handed down om teacher to pupil. They haveblind faith in them, refusing to investigate the proprie or otherwiseof such beliefs with due reasoning. Subhadda had an enquiring mind.He could not accept mere hearsay. If the six leaders of the asceticsdid really know the uth, the uth must be one. There should nothave been different kinds of uth.

Indeed uth must be one and indivisible. This must be borne inmind. Nowadays, when the Buddhadhamma is being disseminated,there should be only one basis of teaching relating to the Middle Wayor the Eightfold Path, the practice of morali, concenation, andacquisition of profound knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. Ifsomeone teaches that the aims of Buddhism can be achieved withoutrecourse to actual practice of the Dhamma, we should at onceunderstand that they are on the wrong ack.

To Subhaddas mind the different lineages of knowledge propa-gated by the six ascetic leaders indicated that they were confused,because they did not know. However, he was still complaisanttowards his old master and, therefore, he brought up the threequestions to the Enlightened One.

The Buddhas ReplyThe Buddha gave him this answer: O Subhadda! Your question

relates to whether your six old masters do really know or do notknow, or whether some do, while the rest do not. Leave this questionaside. Let me teach you the Dhamma that will prove beneficial toyou. Listen to me carefully.

The Buddha did not answer Subhaddas questions directly, becauseif he told him the plain uth that all his six ascetic leaders did notactually know what they professed to know, it would not have doneI have filled in the full names of these six teachers as given in the Pi text of theMahparinibbna Sua. Please refer to the DPPN for details. (ed.)
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Defilements Are Extirpated Only by the Noble Path 5

him good. Moreover to those narrow minds this plain statement mightbe taken as mere castigation, in which case it would he unwholesome,and of no avail. Not to speak of ancient times, even nowadays, whena fault is pointed out, the wrongdoer takes offence and reacts accord-ingly. So we monks have to be very careful in making statements.

Sometimes we have to ignore faults as long as they do not runcounter to the correct practice of the Dhamma. However, when theyare harmful we have to explain the Dhamma objectively, otherwisethey may think that we do not know things ourselves, and yet areying to conol them. Some might even regard us as malevolent.In the case of the Blessed One, he purposely set aside Subhaddasinquisitions and taught him only what would prove beneficial.

Now Subhadda behaved well by addressing the Buddha reveren-tially as Eva bhante very well then, Venerable Sir, to expresshis willingness to accept his proposition. Imagine someone tellingthe questioner that he declined to answer the laer, but proposed toteach his own docine. The questioner might well become antago-nistic, but Subhadda said, Eva bhantein deference to the BlessedOne. This shows that faith had developed in him.

Defilements Are Eradicated Only by the Noble Path

Then the Buddha delivered the following discourse to Subhadda:

If, in any religion (dhamma-vinaya),the Noble Eightfold Path is absent,that practice can never bring about the first stage recluse (a Seam-winner, who enters the seam leading to progressive purification),nor the second stage recluse (who becomes a Once-returner), nor thethird stage recluse (who never returns to this world). Lastly, there

will be no fourth stage recluse (Arahants or Worthy Ones, who havefinally conquered all defilements).These are the Buddhas words, original and not edited at second-

hand om Commentaries.They should be carefully borne in mind.Yasmi kho, Subhadda, dhammavinaye ariyo ahagiko maggo na upalabbhati, samaopitaha na upalabbhati. Dutiyopi taha samao na upalabbhati. Tatiyopi taha samao naupalabbhati. Catuhopi taha samao na upalabbhati.(Mahparinibbna Sua)In the previous passage om the Mahparinibbna Sua quoted as if verbatimom the text, I have put the explanations in parenthesis because the Pi text makes

no mention of Seam-winning, Once-returning, etc. It merely states that otherreligions, which are devoid of the Noble Eightfold Path are devoid of these fourpes of recluse. The meaning of the four pes of recluse must be taken as somethingthat was well known when the Buddha spoke to Subhadda. (ed.)


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The Noble Eightfold Path in Practice 7

is no Noble Path and where there is no Noble Path there is noannihilation of the defilements that obsuct the way to nibbna.

In giving this discourse to Subhadda, the Buddha made nopersonal allusions. He did not say anything about the religiousideologies of the ascetics like Pura Kassapa, Makkhali Gosla, andothers, nor the Brahmins who were then in the majori. He was onlyemphasising that where the Noble Path is absent there will be onlyobsuctions in the way to peace. At this Subhadda got enlightenedat once. He realised that because the leaders of the ascetics did notknow the method and practice of meditation according to theprinciples of the Noble Eightfold Path, they could not be all-knowingas they professed. In the teachings of the leaders of the hereticalschools and of the Brahmins, the Noble Path was lacking. Undertheir guidance there would be none who could do away withdefilements that impede the way to peace.

The Noble Eightfold Path in PracticeThe practice of the Noble Path rests mainly on the observance of

morali, the practice of concenation, and the acquisition of wisdom.If morali is observed with dedication, one would be cultivating thethree path factors of morali: Right Speech, Right Action, and RightLivelihood. If one meditates, the three path factors of concenationwill be fulfilled: Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concena-tion. Meditation for insight encourages Right Views and RightThoughts. These two are the path factors of wisdom.

Morali, concenation, and wisdom can lead one to the NoblePath. Yet some assert that it is not necessary to observe the rules ofmorali if they gain conviction in the Dhamma. It is oen put forwardby such protagonists that they have invented simplified or easymethods for their followers. How remarkable! It cannot be denied that,in the Buddhas time, there were instances of intelligent and experi-enced individuals who at once saw the light of Dhamma the momentthey heard the Buddhas discourses. Of course, geniuses exist who cangrasp the meaning of the Four Noble Truths aer a brief exposition(ugghaita),or those who can realise the Truth aer a more detailedexposition (vipacita).In the Buddhas time such individuals gainedthe light of knowledge while listening to the Buddhas teachingswithout appreciable endeavour. However, when it comes to an


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ordinary individual who has to be guided for the gradual realisationof uth (neyya),even the Buddha could not enable him or her to realisethe Dhamma at once.So, the following verse om the Dhammapada(v 276), taught by the Buddha, should serve as a reminder:

Tumhehi kiccamtappa, akkhtro Tathgat.Paipann pamokkhanti, jhyino mrabandhan.

You should sive for the annihilation of all latentdefilements. Tathgatas can only show you the way. Youyourself must develop concenation and insight. Onlythen will you be liberated om the bonds of Mra(defilements that desoy what is wholesome and moral).

It is ue. Even the Buddhas can only show you the way. Theycannot make the command that so and so shall reach such and sucha stage of the Path. Disciples should ain their minds well inconcenation to gain insight. Furthermore, they must meditate onthe five aggregates of aachment so that they can stand firm on thefoundation of insight, concenation, and wisdom.

Make Your Own Effort

When the Buddha taught the Dhammacakka Sua to the groupof five ascetics, the four of the group, namely, Vappa, Bhaddiya,Mahnma, and Assaji, did not realise the Dhamma as it was beingtaught. They had to make senuous efforts under the guidance ofthe Buddha. They became Seam-winners only aer one, two, three,and four days respectively aer the diligent practice of meditation.

Liberation from Defilements

It is only in Buddhism that one can find the way to liberation omthe bondage of the defilements. The following is what the Buddhataught further. to Subhadda. O Subhadda! Under the Dhamma andDiscipline laid down by me, you can aain the Noble Path with itseight factors. Only in my teaching can you find the first recluse(Seam-winner), the second recluse (Once-returner), the third recluse

In the Abhidhamma Piaka, Puggalapaai, Catukka-uddeso, four kinds ofindividuals are listed. The last is unable to gain realisation of the Dhamma in thecurrent existence (padaparama),but may in future lives. This limitation may be dueto heavy obsuctive kamma as in the case of Ajtasau, or defective wisdom. (ed.)
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Liberation om Defilements 9

(Non-returner), and the fourth recluse (Arahant). Outside of myteaching there are no such recluses who actually know what theyprofess to know, and are able to annihilate the latent defilements.

Let me recapitulate the points I have made. Before the NobleEightfold Path was expounded aer the Buddhas Enlightenment,neither ra, nor Udaka nor the ordinary Brahmas obtained the benefitof knowledge about the Path. When the Wheel of the Dhamma wasfirst turned, 180 million Brahmas and myriads of deities gained thewisdom by which defilements could be eradicated. Among the humanbeings Koaa alone aained the state of spiritual developmentcalled Seam-winning, while others of the group of five became reclusesunassailed by defilements only later. So in the pre-Buddhist period,there were none who conquered defilements because there were nonewho taught the Noble Path. Even in these days, when Buddhism is saidto be thriving, there are people who are either ignorant or sceptical ofthe Path. Consequently there can be no Seam-winners among them.The Buddha emphasized this point to Subhadda that there could be norecluses outside the scope of his religion.

The Commentaries give twelve kinds of such recluses who canbe subdivided into three divisions. In the first division are the fourkinds of insight meditators who have already siven for the Path(raddhavipassaka).In the second division are the four Noble Oneswho have established themselves on the Path. The third divisioncomprises the four Noble Ones who have come to the final stage toenjoy the uition of the Path.

The meditator who has siven in the practice of meditation is worthyof special note. He or she will ultimately develop the knowledge of

arising and passing away. From this fact, it must be noted that ameditator aspiring to the Path must practise insight meditation for theaainment of the first Path. One who meditates for the realisation ofthis Path will have to contemplate the three characteristics. Whilecontemplating he or she will be constantly directing aention to allthings that are in a flux, now arising, now passing away. Since the mindis thus fixed on this phenomenon of change, there will be no opportu-nities for defilements to ouble the mind. In fact they will all be

eliminated. Such a one is known as a recluse. Outside of the realm ofBuddhism, the practice of insight meditation is unknown and so therecan be no recluses. It therefore follows that the lineage of ordinary
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recluses, not to say of the eight Noble Ones, will come to an end amongsectarians who claim to be Buddhists and assert that it is enough ifunderstanding is reached with regard to corporeali and consciousnessand to impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self, and that thepractice of insight-meditation is superfluous.

Prolonging the Life of Buddhism

Having shown that ue recluses who have annihilated defile-ments exist only under Buddhism, and that beyond Buddhism thelineage of recluses are usually extinct, the Buddha went on toenlighten Subhadda on the best way to prolong the life of theBuddhassana. Subhadda, I will tell you how to preserve thisreligion with its Noble Eightfold Path and the recluses practising it.If the twelve kinds of bhikkhus that I have enumerated live well,there will be no extinction of the lineage of ue recluses includingthe Arahants.

This is what the Buddha said. I have here rendered the termbhikkhu as belonging to the twelve kinds of recluses following theannotations in the Commentaries. The four kinds of insight medita-tors and the eight Noble Ones constitute the twelve. However, whatis meant by the term to live well (samm vihareyyu)?Does it meanto say that bhikkhus lead quiet lives immersed in the Dhamma, butdoing nothing? Indeed no! If they lead a life of ease, there will be nocontinui in the line of Arahants. Only when the Noble EightfoldPath is disseminated om generation to generation, will Noble Onescontinue to flourish and the line of Arahants remain unbroken.Regarding this, the Commentaries have this to say: By the term

samm vihreyyu to live well, is meant that a Seam-winner whohas aained the first Path must be able to disseminate the knowledgehe has gained to others and ain them to become Seam-winners.

I think I have made myself clear. A Seam-winner should havethe abili to make others interested in the Dhamma that he or shehas acquired and teach them the method of developing the Noble

It is said as usually and not always because there are Solitary Buddha (PaccekaBuddhas) who arise in the world at times when there are no Fully Enlightened

Buddhas, and when the Buddhassana is extinct. They discover the path forthemselves and realise Arahantship, so they are also ue recluses. (ed.)Ime ca, subhadda, bhikkh samm vihareyyu, asuo loko arahantehi assti.As longas the bhikkhus practice well, the world will not be devoid of Arahants. (ed.)


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Insight Meditation for the Aainment of Seam-winning 11

Eightfold Path. He or she should be able to persuade others to practiseinsight meditation. If, because of such efforts, a meditator aains thePath and becomes a Seam-winner who will also develop to reachthe higher levels of Once-returner, Non-returner, and Arahant, thenthere will be a succession of Arahants for posteri.

As this meaning of the term to live well applies also toOnce-returners, etc.,it needs no further elaboration. Suffice to saythat as long as new Arahants continue to come into being, theirlineage will never become extinct. In the Commentaries the way thatmore and more recluses can be developed on the basis of the firstfour Noble Paths has been fully explained, but it must be rememberedthat new Noble Ones do not just come into being automatically theinstant that Path consciousness is aained. They can arise anew onlyaer the uition of the Path.

Insight Meditation for the Attainment of Stream-winning

Continuing, the Commentaries have this to say: The insightmeditator, who has already siven for Seam-winning and aainedthat knowledge of arising and passing away (udayabbaya a),willalso be able to convert others to his own way of siving forSeam-winning, demonsating to them the exercises in meditation,in which he or she has excelled. In this case, he or she may be saidto have lived well.

The insight meditator, who has, as said before, siven for the Pathand acquired the knowledge of arising and passing away, is one whohas siven for the Path (raddhavipassaka). A meditator who has acquiredanalytical knowledge of body and mind (nmarpa-pariccheda a),or

knowledge by discerning conditionali, or knowledge by comprehen-sion (sammasana a),which is the knowledge that recognises the threecharacteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self as aresult of constantly observing the behaviour of mind and maer, cannotbe regarded as one siving for the Path until he or she gains theknowledge of arising and passing away. Only when one gets thisknowledge will the meditator, now enriched with personal experience,be able to serve as an impetus to others to develop the Path.

Special aention is drawn to this Path siver in the face of wildassertions that it is not imperative to meditate since knowing themethod is quite sufficient. This view is entirely wrong. The four


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categories of the Noble Ones become established in the Path onlyaer practising meditation on the Noble Eightfold Path. If, byconstant practice, one reaches the knowledge of dissolution (bhagaa), which is knowledge about the dissolution of the knowingmind and the known object, nothing further needs to be said becausehe has achieved the desired aim.

The insight meditator who reaches the knowledge of arising andpassing away aains proficiency in meditation. However, when heor she reaches the stage of the knowledge of equanimi aboutformations (sakharpekkh a)he or she can be regarded as themost proficient. It is therefore urged that a meditator share his or herknowledge with close iends and relatives. If, as a result of suchpersuasion, his iends and relatives reach the stage of arising andpassing away, they will become intent on siving for the Path.Gaining inspiration, they will make successive aempts until theyaain Arahantship. Then a new generation of Arahants will arise.

We bhikkhus take upon ourselves the task of meditation topreserve the Buddhas teaching with its Arahants. I appeal to thosewho genuinely wish for the long life for the Buddhas dispensationto help us in our venture. Unfortunately, there still exist some amongus who oppose our efforts with unfavourable criticism launchedbehind our back. This is a sorry state of affairs.

In the times of the preceding Buddhas similar efforts were madefor the long life of the dispensation; but there were also times whenthe Dhamma could no longer be taught and propagated, andconsequently it could not be practised. Under such circumstances,the Noble Eightfold Path became entirely forgoen. It was only when

a new Buddha arose that the world came to know of the Path togetherwith the method of developing it. For as long as the meditators sivefor the renewal of the Path, ue recluses will continue to flourish.

Development of the Noble Eightfold Path

I shall now deal with the Noble Eightfold Path concisely. Theconstituents of the Path are:

1. Right View (samm-dihi),

2. Right Thought (samm-sakappa),3. Right Speech (samm-vc),4. Right Action (samm-kammant),
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sounds, aachment, anger, etc., is the insight aspect of RightMindfulness. When the Right Mindfulness is established, one can beregarded as possessing Right View, having gained insight into thearising and passing away of mind and maer, and the threecharacteristics: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self.

Mindfulness and Meditation

When mindfulness is established, knowledge of concenation(samdhi a),is gained. To enable the layman to remember how topractice meditation so that Right Mindfulness and Right View canbe achieved, I have laid down the following insuctions. To developmindfulness and gain insight-knowledge, the following points mustbe borne in mind:

1. recognise correctly all physical behaviour as it arises.2. recognise correctly all mental behaviour as it arises.3. recognise all kinds of sensations pleasant, unpleasant, and

indifferent as they arise.4. Know all phenomena with an analytical mind.

I have explained these points extensively in my other discourseon the Dhammacakka Sua, which may be consulted.

In the course of concenating on a sense-object with due aware-ness, Right Mindfulness will be established together with RightConcenation, which the Buddha elaborated as the fourjhnas,thehighest stage of concenation. At the lowest level of concenation,is access concenation (upacra samdhi),or proximate concenation,so called because it is in the neighbourhood ofjhnaor aainmentconcenation (appan samdhi),all denoting ecstasy. At the stage of

proximate concenation, puri of mind (ciavisuddhi) is achieved.There is also momentary concenation for insight (vipassan-khaikasamdhi),which may be described as momentary concenation bywhich one gains insight. It may be equated with the ue proximateconcenation in its abili to repel the hindrances such as sloth andtorpor, restlessness, etc., that prevent the arising of wholesomethoughts and obsuct the bliss of nibbna. In the Commentaries thismomentary concenation is described as access concenation.

When a meditators insight becomes sengthened, Right Thoughtswould direct the mind to realities of the sense-objects on which itconcenates: and eventually one will gain Right View. This happens


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Mindfulness and Meditation 15

in the following way. As one begins to establish mindfulness and,consequently, puri of mind, one will be able to distinguish theknowing mind om the object known. For instance, when one ismeditating on the rising and falling of the abdomen, one may be ableto distinguish the phenomena of rising and falling om the knowingmind. In much the same way, in the process of walking, one maynotice that the act of raising the foot, extending it forward, andpuing it down can be distinguished om the mind motivating themovement. In this way, mind (nma)can be distinguished om maer(rpa).This happens without any preconceptions. One recognisesthe phenomena without giving any thought to them. In other words,recognition is spontaneous.

As the meditators concenation gains sength and wisdomthereby gets sharpened, he or she will realise that the knees bendbecause of the wish to do so. Walking occurs because of the desireto walk. Seeing occurs because there are eyes to see and objects tobe seen. Hearing occurs because there are ears to hear and soundsto be heard. He or she enjoys life because kamma is favourable. Inthis way he or she is able to distinguish between cause and effectwith reference to every phenomenon that takes place.

As concenation and wisdom get songer, the meditator will alsorealise that the knowing subject and the known object arise in onemoment to pass away in the next. They arise anew to pass awayagain. As this continual process is perceived, the meditator willrealise that all is impermanence, unsatisfactory, and not-self. Theseinsights arise om direct experience. They are not just imagined orthe products of auto-suggestion.

The meditator knows these facts without having to direct his mindpurposefully. By noting things as they occur, he or she realises theirue nature. As mind and maer are uly different, he or she realisesthat they are not one and the same. Subsequently, he or she realisesthe cause as well as the effect of all that occurs. The real nature ofthings observed urges the meditator on to the knowledge that allmind and maer are impermanent, unsatisfactory, and not-self. Nowthe meditator is on the path to Right View.

A meditator has to note and observe every object that appears viathe six sense-doors. This requires effort; and that is Right Effort. Thenhe or she has to keep the mind on what is noted to be aware of it,


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which is Right Mindfulness. Since he or she is mindful, the mind willbe fixed on the object, which is Right Concenation. These threefactors of the Path Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and RightConcenation are the group of concenation.

Then there is the process of thinking out the reali of nature,which is classified as Right Thought. As a result of this right thinkingwe have Right View. These two are the group of wisdom. These fivefactors of the concenation and wisdom groups are togetherclassified as the five workers (karaka maggaga),which combine intheir efforts in the process of simultaneously noting and knowing.

Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood, as mentionedearlier, constitute the group of morali, which may generally be deemedas fulfilled when the meditator takes up the practice of insight medita-tion. During the period of meditation, these three path factors of moraliremain unpolluted; in fact, they get progressively purified as time goeson. With these three in this group added to the five in the previousgroups, we have the eight path factors with which we meditate.

Again, in the development of insight meditation, the qualities ofthe basic path (mla magga)must he fulfilled. Of them the first is rightview of the ownership of kamma (kammassakat sammdihi). Onlywhen a meditator has firm faith in this law of action and itsconsequences, can he or she practise insight meditation. One mustbe confident that practising meditation exercises can lead to the path,its uition, and nibbna. Only with this confidence will the meditatorbe able to exert right effort. Second in importance on this basic pathis morali, which must always remain pure. Third in importance ismomentary concenation, which is akin to access concenation, as

explained above. Accomplished in this basic path, a meditator isdeemed to be on the right path to aain insight. The path of insightthat I mentioned before is the preliminary path (pubbabhga magga),which is the precursor to the fulfilment of the Noble Path.

The Three Stages of the PathIt may be reiterated here that the right view in accepting the law

of kamma, the three path factors of morali right speech, rightaction, and right livelihood and the three kinds of concenation,There is only one eightfold path, but it has a beginning, middle, and end. See alsothe Saydaws Discourse on the Sallekha Sua. Before anyone will set a foot on thepath, they must have faith, only then will they work to reach the goal. (ed.)
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The Three Stages of the Path 17

namely,jhna,access concenation, and momentary concenation,are grouped in the basic path (mla magga). While meditating,momentary concenation may become established, but if insightremains weak, even the lower stage of analytical knowledge of bodyand mind may not arise. Only when the hindrances are dispelledcan a meditator arrive at this stage. However, it is obvious that he orshe must first be accomplished in momentary concenation. Somedirect the meditator to concenate on the three characteristics beforeany concenation has been established, but this does not augur wellfor the development of insight.

The three basic path factors of morali should have beenaccomplished before a meditator starts practising meditation, but abeginner may skip the practice to aainjhna,and start meditatingat once on the five aggregates of aachment in accordance with theexample cited in the Dhammadyda Suaas follows:

Within the scope of Buddhism, some would prefer to practise accessconcenation or aainment concenation before practising insightmeditation. Such practice is anquilli (samatha). If a meditator,accomplished in anquilli, practises meditation further, observingthe three characteristics, that will be insight meditation. This illusatesthe way a meditator using anquilli as a vehicle (samatha ynika)practises insight meditation, but meditation involving the threecharacteristics can be stated here only briefly. The Visuddhimaggahas elaborated on the subject of acquiring analytical knowledge ofbody and mind through the exercise ofjhna,and also the aainmentof that knowledge coupled with knowledge of conditionali (paccaya-pariggaha-a)through the exercise of access concenation.

The way that a meditator using insight as a vehicle (vipassanynika)develops insight knowledge is as follows. Within the scopeof Buddhism, some meditators prefer to meditate on the fiveaggregates of aachment while noting and observing the threecharacteristics, without developing anquilli first.

Although the texts thus say that one gains insight into the threecharacteristics by contemplating the five aggregates of aachment,without resorting to the practice of access concenation and jhna,

it must not be assumed that the three characteristics are perceivedom the very outset of beginning meditation. If the hindrances cannotbe removed, the characteristics of mind and maer may not be fully
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appreciated. Here the sength of momentary concenation must becalled to assist. This concenation is aentiveness that lasts only fora while, but when it becomes established, anquili and puri ofmind occur at the moment of meditation. Only when the mind isthus purified, analytical knowledge of body and mind will becomeestablished. Thereaer, knowledge of conditionali will occurspontaneously. These stages have been show in detail in the Visud-dhimagga. Here, it can only be said in brief that the three character-istics are observed and noted in relation to the aggregates ofaachment. This observation, however, does not ensure gaininginsight into the three characteristics om the very beginning ofmeditation. If one holds that it does so, it goes against what is saidin the Visuddhimagga, and will be far away om the uth.

The stage when knowledge about the arising and passing awayis gained through the contemplation of the five aggregates, keepingthe mind pure by means of the three pes of concenation, themeditator is said to be on the preliminary path. The abili todistinguish between body and mind and maer leads to the path ofinsight. Abili to know the cause and effect relationship betweenmind and maer, and perceiving the three characteristics also leadsto insight, which is the precursor to the realisation of the noble path.This preliminary path can be realised in ten stages ranging omknowledge by comprehension(sammasana a), to knowledge ofadaptation (anuloma a).Aer the aainment of this final stage ofwisdom there arises consciousness known as maturi knowledge(goabh a),a thought-moment that overcomes the sense-spherelineage and develops the sublime or noble lineage. That means

arriving at the stage of the noble ones om that of worldlings.Developing the Preliminary Path

The preliminary path is the precursor to the noble path. It is onestep before reaching the noble stage. To get to it one must contemplatethe aggregates of aachment so that one gains conviction regardingthe Truth of Suffering (dukkha sacc).When this is properly under-stood one will know the Truth of the Cause of Suffering (samudaya

sacc).Constant concenation on this Truth will lead to the discoveryof the method to eliminate the cause of suffering. This is accomplishesthe task of insight meditation. Once the meditator is convinced
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To Know the True Nature of Things 19

regarding the uth of impermanence, the mind will be detachedom the perception of permanence, and when the meditator reachesthat stage, ignorance will be dispelled. Then the meditator will beable to get ee om mental formations (sakhra),which constitutekamma that produces rebirth. Now he or she sees a flash of nibbna.

The five aggregates of aachment must be thoroughly understood.They do not need to be just learnt by rote they need to be knownby actual experience and practice. One must y to realise the phenom-ena of arising and passing away of mind and maer. Insight meansthe self-knowledge gained by inquiry and effort. Only self-discoverythrough meditation will dispel all doubts about the existence of anyself or soul. Only then can it be said with certain that there is nothingthat can be called a self, and that what appears to be a self is just anaggregate of mind and maer. As one gains this realisation, one willcome to understand the law of cause and effect. As one continues tomeditate on causali one will encounter the constant arising andpassing away of mind and maer, which are not permanent.

To Know the True Nature of Things

Only when one observes and notes phenomena as they arise canone know the ue nature of mind and maer, as well as the causesand effects relating to their arising and passing away. Consider this:suppose your body becomes hot. When you notice this hotness,and constantly contemplate on it, you will come to realise its nature,which is just one aibute of the fire element (tejo dhtu),the elementof temperature that governs hot and cold. When you are concenat-ing on the nature of heat, you do not identi it with yourself, nor

with others, be they men or women. You recognise hotness correctly.Likewise, if you concenate on the stiffness of your body, you willnotice only stiffness without reference to yourself or others. Applysuch investigation to every movement that you make. Invariablyyou will cognise the movement and not the individual who moves.The movement, you will realise, is the element of motion (vyo dhtu).

The Buddha enjoined us to know the fact of going when going.We must understand standing as standing, siing as siing,

resting as resting, lying down as lying down, and so forth, justas we stand, sit, rest, or lie down. Any physical action that is mademust be noted at once. We simply arrest that moment when a thing


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does not usually understand things at first. When noting one thingas insucted, he or she may wonder what to note next. The meditatoris therefore asked to concenate on one thing at a time so that timeis not wasted by the mind wandering. When concenation and effortgain sength, we insuct the meditator further to concenate on allthat occurs at the six sense doors. Among us now there are manymeditators who are able to note all that occurs in relation to thearising and passing away of mind and maer, that is the originationand cessation of all phenomena.

When Realities Are Known

As the meditator keeps watching the arising and passing away ofmind and maer, knowledge of their ue nature will mature. Thenhe or she will realise that all arising phenomena immediately cease.Whatever arises, passes into dissolution. The process of originationis called udayaand that of cessation is called vaya.Hence theterm knowledge of arising and passing away (udayabbaya a).The reali of these two phases of phenomena cannot be perceivedunless the significance of mind and maer are fully appreciated. Inthe metaphor of a flash of lightning, unless one actually sees the fleshone can never know it. Without actually seeing a thing happening,one can never know what happens. Therefore, the mere recital of

arising and passing away cannot lead one to knowledge about allmental and physical phenomena. One who cannot appreciate theserealities cannot be said to have aained insight knowledge.

Conviction Regarding Impermanence

When the realities of mind and matter are known, the meditatorwill realise that things come into being only to pass away. TheCommentaries say. Having become, things cease to exist; and thatis impermanence (hutv abhvato anicc). Only when one canappreciate this nature of origination and cessation, will one gainconviction regarding impermanence. So that Commentary adds:Know impermanence; know the sign of impermanence; know howto contemplate impermanence.

The five aggregates are impermanent. In the Dhammacakka Suathey are explained as the five aggregates of aachment. All com-pound things that come into being and pass away are impermanent.

Conviction Regarding Impermanence 21


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When the meditator is watching the six sense-doors, he or she willnotice the process of seeing, hearing, etc.,and will eventually aainknowledge by comprehension and knowledge of arising and passingaway, by which the uth of impermanence is realised. If one buildsa house in a field, that house was not there before. Now that is built,it has come into existence. In time, it will become dilapidated, andfinally it will disappear altogether. What was not there before comesinto being and totally disappears the next moment. That is the wayof impermanence. You see a flash of lightning. Is the flesh eternal?

So the Commentaries say:That which arises to be subjected todissolution is the characteristic of impermanence (Tassa yo hutvabhvkro, ta aniccalakkhaa nma).

Contemplation on Impermanence

Our bodies have identifiable characteristics by which we canrecognise one another. In the same way we can recognise the natureof existence by its identifiable characteristics. Before we notice theidentifiable characteristics in others we do not know who is who. Inthe same way, before we see the characteristic of impermanence wedo not gain real knowledge about impermanence. In that way wesay that the meditator has not reached the stage of knowledge ofimpermanence. Merely by reciting Impermanence! Impermanence!om book-knowledge, one cannot arrive at that stage. When oneobserves what one sees or hears, and is able to take note that whatone sees or hears gets dissolved, then only knowledge of imperma-nence is accomplished. In other words, it is only when one hasconstantly contemplated impermanence and realised the uth of the

Impermanent nature of existence that one becomes uly apprehen-sive of the law of impermanence.

From Impermanence to Unsatisfactoriness and Not-self

When the meditator appreciates that impermanence is real, he orshe will also appreciate the realities of unsatisfactoriness and not-self.However, here too, superficial knowledge is not meant. When a potis broken, we say that it does not last long and is, therefore,

impermanent. When a thorn gets into the flesh, we say that it ispainful, and that, therefore, it is unsatisfactory. This is merely

Itivuaka Commentary, ii.88 (ed.)


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Ten Kinds of Insight 23

knowledge of concepts (paai).Here we are referring to knowledgeof absolute realities (paramaha).When one has only a conceptualknowledge of impermanence and unsatisfactoriness, one may notbe able to grasp the real import of not-self. The Commentaries say:

When the characteristic of impermanence is recognised,the characteristic of not-self will also be recognised. Toknow one of the three characteristics is to know all ofthem, and when a meditator sees the uth of not-self inall conditioned things he or she is ready to enter thegateway to nibbna.

Ten Kinds of Insight

There are ten kinds of insight. The foregoing mainly relates to thefirst kind knowledge by comprehension by which a meditatoris able to investigate the aggregates as a composite. When thisknowledge arises, he or she becomes fully convinced of the uth ofthe Dhamma relating to the three characteristics, on the contempla-tion of which he or she can develop knowledge about the arising andpassing away of mind and maer. This is the stage when the

meditator aains the knowledge of arising and passing away. At thisstage one will see radiance. One will feel highly exulted. Awarenesswill be exaordinarily clear: There will be nothing that one fails tonotice. The mind is sharp and the memory clear. Song faith will beestablished. One will be joyous both physically and spiritually. Thisstate of mind defies description. However, at this stage, if onebecomes aached to such delightful sensations, which in the negativesense, are precursors to mental defilements, there will be no further

progress. Joy is no doubt a support to the meditator in his or herefforts to gain more courage and determination to sive for highergoals until reaching the destination of insight knowledge. So themeditators are warned to just note the joy as it occurs and discard italtogether to gain further insight.

If the meditator discards the radiance, accompanied by all mannerof delightful sensations, he or she will clearly see the arising anddissolution of mind and maer. Aer that he or she will notice that

both the knowing mind (nma),and the sense-object known (rpa),disappear as quickly as they appear. In other words, the meditatorknows immediately the rapid dissolution, in pairs, of both the
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Six Characteristics of Knowledge of Equanimi 25

became disgusted with what we saw. Then we could no longer bepleased with our mind and body. In fact we would like to escapeom what we call our mind and body. A meditator practises insightmeditation to perceive mind and maer as repugnant, and therefore,to develop a desire to gain liberation om their grip in much thesame way as the fisherman did to get rid of the poisonous snake.

Some might argue that as long as one knows about the threecharacteristics, the task is done. If one contemplates on unsatisfacto-riness, they say, one finds only unsatisfactoriness. This kind ofargument does not accord with the Pi texts. What these peopleknow of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self is superficial.This superficial or conceptual knowledge fails to instil fear in themind of the meditator. What is there to be aaid of with seeing,hearing, smelling, tasting, touching, and knowing things? They thinkit is pleasurable to see things that they like to see and to hear thingsthat they like to hear. It tastes delicious, they would say. It smellsagrant, it is so to the touch, it is delightful to think about. Whenone is ee to think about a varie of things and is able to let onesimagination run ee, one feels that the experience is mostly enjoyable.Naturally, therefore, one feels it irksome to resain ones mind andmeditate. Perhaps that is why some invent easy methods to gaininsight. However, if one gives ee rein to the imagination, takingdelight in it, one would be reluctant to relinquish pleasant thoughts.In that case, how could one fling away this body and mind in theway that he fisherman did with the poisonous snake? Superficialknowledge is not enough for one seeking liberation. It is difficulteven for those rich in wisdom to develop the weariness of existence

instilled by the knowledge of desire for deliverance.When a meditator sives to escape om mental formations, he orshe may be likened to the fisherman ying to fling the poisonoussnake away. Having made an exaordinary effort to get ee omthose formations using the knowledge of re-observation, he or shearrives at the stage of knowledge of equanimi about formations,which is unique among the ten kinds of insight.

Six Characteristics of Knowledge of Equanimity

This knowledge of equanimi about formations has six character-istics. The first relates to neuali where the mind is unmoved by


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fear or pleasure induced by sense objects. Before reaching this stage,a meditator is apprehensive of the dangers and obsuctions causedby conditioned things. As knowledge of fearfulness develops, anxieand fear arises that things have gone wrong. Weariness then develops,and the meditator longs to be ee om these undesirable phenomena.Making a great effort in meditation, he or she develops equanimithat is unaffected by fear or anxie. Tranquili is thus established.

The second characteristic is mental equilibrium whereby themeditator neither feels glad about pleasant things nor sad aboutthings that cause pain and disess. He or she can note joy as joy, painas pain, and sorrow as sorrow, viewing things impartially, withneither aachment nor aversion towards sense-objects.

The third characteristic relates to the meditators balance of mind.When meditating on volitional activities the meditator establishes aperfect balance of mind that remains right in the middle. That isto say he or she remains neual to all objects of volitional activities.However, it may be asked if equanimi is concerned only withneuali towards the objects of volitional activities and not to thepractice of meditation. Regarding this point the Commentaries saythat just as the mind views the sense-objects with equanimi so tooit accepts the act of insight with equanimi. Previously, in the earlierstages, the meditator had to exert effort to concenate on thesense-objects as well as on the noting mind. This stage of equanimiis effortless in focusing the mind on the sense-objects as well as onthe very act of focusing. It may be that initially one will have to exertto note the rising and falling of the abdomen or the activities of siing,touching, etc.,for a few times. These are just preliminaries. Aer that

no such efforts are necessary. The two processes of noting andknowing the object will become spontaneous, running together intheir own sequence. Concenation is rendered easy.

To these three characteristics may be added the other three mentionedin the Path of Discrimination (Paisambhidmagga). So, now we havethe fourth characteristic, namely, the firm establishment of knowledge.It means the knowledge achieved is retained for a long time in all itssequences. Formerly the knowledge aained through meditation lasted

only four or five minutes, geing dissipated thereaer for variousreasons. In that case one had to begin meditation aesh. However, oncethe knowledge of equanimi gets established, the seam of knowledge


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Realisation of Nibbna by the Noble Path 27

flows without losing momentum, aer the meditator has initiallyrepeated his or her efforts to note four, five, or at most ten times. Whenthis momentum is achieved, the meditator will be noting and knowingconditioned things for two or three hours at a setch. This is howknowledge is established for any length of time.

The fih characteristic of knowledge of equanimi is refinement.When grounded or powdered rice is sied again and again in a sieve,all the chaff will be discarded and only the finest grain will remain.In much the same way refinement is achieved when this knowledgeis exercised time and again.

The last characteristic of this insight is the abili of the observingmind to remain fixed only on the object it has set itself to work onwithout wavering. The texts say that at this stage the mind withdrawsom the many enjoyable sensations it encounters and refuses toflicker. It might direct its aention to those pleasurable sensationsfor a fleeting moment, but it does not dwell on them for long. Itreverts to its task of noting and knowing conditioned thingsimpassively as it has done before. The meditator may be noting andknowing various sense-objects, but the mind will not be fliing aboutand geing dispersed. It will recoil om them and get fixed on onlya few selected objects prominent among them.

Those three laer characteristics may be described succinctly asfirm establishment of knowledge, achievement of refinement, anddeveloping an unwavering mind. With the three former characteris-tics we have six characteristics of the knowledge equanimi aboutformation. Meditators should examine themselves to see whetherthey are qualified for this insight with its six properties. If found

wanting in any of them they may not be considered as proficient andtherefore, they may regard themselves as not having aained thestage of the noble path.

Realisation of Nibbna by the Noble Path

As the knowledge of equanimi ripens, the process of knowinggains pace as the mind takes note of the sense-objects effortlessly. Asspeed is gathered in the process, consciousness quickens until it arrives

at the stage when it ceases along with the object it is concenatingupon. This indicates going beyond the volitional activities of mindand maer to gain eny into the portals of bliss called nibbna.


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In the Milinda Paha, it is said:

As the meditator notes the object by systematic observa-tion, it overrides the phenomena of incessant arising

and passing away of mind and maer, and reaches thestage when the constant flux of mind and maer ceases.

Initially the meditator has been systematically noting the processrelating to the phenomena of touching thinking, knowing, hearing,and seeing that arise in the body and mind thereby discovering thenature of the various volitional activities, which are too numerousto be taken into account, and realises that they are all impermanent.Finally all sense-objects and consciousness of these sense-objects getdissolved. At this stage one can look forward to nibbna.

So the Milinda Paha again has the following:

When the preliminary path is well-developed, themeditator reaches the stage where the seam of forcesrelating to mind and maer ceases, then he or she maybe said to be heading for nibbna.

As I have said, concenating on the arising and passing away ofmind and maer, observing the three characteristics, is the prelimi-nary path, the precursor to the Noble Path. Having reached that stage,progressing om there in stages, om the knowledge of equanimithe meditator gets to knowledge of adaptation, so called because itis through this knowledge that an aspirant for enlightenment adaptsto the thir-seven factors of enlightenment (bodhipakkhiya dhamma).When this knowledge is achieved the meditator is on the path of the

Noble Ones and ready to find shelter in the peaceful and cool shadeof nibbna. Once he or she looks forward to nibbna like this, he orshe becomes a Seam-winner who finally escapes om the four lowerrealms. Gaining insight into not-self, the meditator realises nibbna,and once nibbna is seen, escapes om the lower realms.

All that I have discussed relates to how Noble Ones arise, havingliberated themselves om defilements by aaining nibbna throughthe practice of insight meditation. Now I shall go back to the story

of Subhadda. On the eve of his parinibbna,the Buddha taught hislast discourse with compassion for the ascetic who had by nowlistened to the discourse reverentially and with rapt aention.
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The Buddhas Last Words to Subhadda 29

The Buddhas Last Words to SubhaddaThese are the last words of the Buddha addressed to Subhadda:

Eknatiso vayas Subhadda, Ya pabbaji kikusalnu es.

Vassni pasa samdhikni, Yato aha pabbajito Subhadda.

yassa dhammassa padesava, Ito bahiddh samaopi nahi.

Dutiyopi samao nahi. Tatiyopi samao nahi. Catuhopisamao nahi. Su parappavd samaebhi aehi. Imeca, Subhadda, bhikkh samm vihareyyu, asuo lokoarahantehi assti.

O Subhadda! At the age of twen-nine, I went forth toseek Enlightenment. Since then, more than fi yearshave gone by. Beyond the scope of this Dhamma that Ihave been teaching during those years, there has beennone who practised insight meditation as part of thedocine of Noble Path. Neither has there appeared anyfirst recluse (sotpanna), second recluse (sakadgmi),third recluse (angmi), nor fourth recluse (Arahant).

Outside of my teaching, there are none of the twelverecluses in the four categories, who are ee om mentaldefilements, and who really know what they profess toknow. Subhadda! Know that for as long as the NobleEightfold Path remains extant, the lineage of the uerecluses will remain unbroken. If the bhikkhus live well,the world will not be devoid of Arahants.

One thing that stands out prominently in this valediction is the

revelation that there are none in any other religious teachings, whopractise insight meditation. So beware of those who assert that insightmeditation is unnecessary. Such statements are not conducive to thepractice of insight meditation, without which Buddhism would belike any other ordinary teaching.

Then Subhadda reflected: In the docine that my teachers, andtheir teachers taught, no insuction is given regarding the practiceof insight meditation. Therefore, among them there are none who

are liberated om mental defilements. There are none among themwho observe conditioned phenomena such as seeing, hearing,smelling, tasting, touching, and thinking, knowing the three charac-


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teristics. There are none who follow the basic path let alone thepreliminary path of insight. Then, how can there be ue recluseswho have eliminated mental defilements by aaining the Noble Path?I will renounce asceticism and embrace the teachings of the Buddha.Having thought to himself thus, he told the Buddha:

Excellent, Venerable sir! You have revealed what was hidden. Youhave shown the way to one who was lost. You have shed light wherethere was darkness. You have let me see the light of the Dhammaaer explaining it in many ways. I take refuge in the Buddha,Dhamma, and Sagha. May I obtain the going forth in your presence.

Subhadda Obtains the Going Forth

Then the Buddha said: Subhadda! Anyone belonging to anotherreligious order usually undergoes probation. If anyone wishes toaccept my Dhamma and discipline, he takes refuge in the Triple Gemand observes the aining for four months, aer which, if the eldersare satisfied, they may be ordained. However, I accept herein thatthere are differences between individuals.

At this Subhadda said that he would willingly undergo probationfor four years if necessary, even though others do so only for fourmonths. The Buddha knew that it was not necessary for him andasked Venerable nanda to ordain him as a bhikkhu at once.

Venerable nanda took Subhadda aside, and had his head washedand shaved. Then he was taught the reflection on the first five of thethir-two parts of the body, dressed in the yellow robes, and askedto take the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sagha as his refuge. In this wayhe obtained the going forth.

That was at midnight on the full-moon day of May. Venerablenanda brought the novice to the Buddha who then ordained him.This is mentioned in the Commentaries; so it seems that Subhaddadid not became a monk by the words, Come, Bhikkhu! (EhiBhikkhu).Monks who were thus admied into the Order did notneed to shave their head and don the yellow robes; nor were theyrequired to take refuge in the three Gems. As soon as the Buddhahad bidden the candidate with the words, Come, Bhikkhu! he

became a monk, complete with shaven head and yellow robes andall the requisites that a monk should have. In this case, Subhaddawas formally ordained.


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Subhadda Practises Meditation 31

Subhadda Practises Meditation

The Buddha then prescribed meditation exercises for the newlyordained monk. The Commentaries make no mention of the kind of

meditation that he was asked to practise, but later in the text insightmeditation was referred to which shows that he took up insightmeditation. It may be noted that he had never before heard the wordsof the Buddha. It was only now, just before the parinibbna,that hehad the opportuni to hear the Buddhas discourse. Despite all thesedrawbacks, the Enlightened One insucted him to meditate themoment he became a bhikkhu.

Certain assertions have been circulating that before one is well

versed in Dependent Origination, one should not practise meditation.Such a proposition could demoralise anyone intent on practising theDhamma. It has been argued that Subhadda needed no learning inthe Docine of Dependent Originationbecause he was an exaordi-nary man. If this argument holds water, what then of Chanda, whowas equally exaordinary? He was taught this Law, but he couldnot get illumined in the Dhamma in spite of being exaordinary,because he was highly egoistic. To an individual whose aachment

to life in this world is not song, it would not have been too difficultto see the laws of cause and effect. Once he becomes convinced aboutthese laws and ies to take note of conditioned things arising as theyarise, he will see for himself the working of the law of cause andeffect. These have been dealt with elsewhere when I gave thediscourse about the Dhammacakka Sua.

Having got insuctions om the Buddha, Subhadda noted themand went to a suitable place. In those days the Buddha had so many

disciples with him that it would not be easy to find solitude wheremonks were absent. By a suitable place is meant a place which wasnot overcrowded with monks. Finding such a place, he walked toand o there and meditated. Since he walked during his meditation,his exercise could have had no relation to anquilli. In that practice,whether he meditated on respiration, or on the thir-two repulsiveparts of the body, he would have to be at rest. In meditation on devices(kasia), one has to concenate on the conceptualised image of a

circle. In the cemetery meditations, one has to concenate on corpses.In practising the Brahmavihras, one has to concenate on loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic-joy, and equanimi. All these
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exercises in meditation require the meditator to remain at rest. So itmay safely be taken that the Buddha insucted Subhadda to practiceinsight meditation. As the Satipahna Sua enjoins the meditatorto note going while one is going, it may safely be assumed thatSubhadda practised mindfulness and insight meditation.

While walking, Subhadda noted the antecedents and precedentsof the phenomenon of moving and developed insight aer repeatedconcenation and finally became an Arahant possessed with the fouranalytical knowledges (paisambhid a).Then he came to wherethe Buddha was and, having made his obeisance, sat there.

At the first Buddhist Council, all of these incidents were related andduly noted. It must be noted om all that I have taught that merelythinking over the Dhamma does not lead one to the path, its uition,or nibbna. It is common knowledge that if you let your mind gowherever it wishes to go, exerting no effort to ain it, you cannot be onthe Noble Eightfold Path. Without the realisation of this Path, one cannotbecome a ue Noble One who is liberated om defilements. At the firstBuddhist Council it was noted that Subhadda was the last disciple toaain the Arahantship during the lifetime of the Buddha.

May all who have listened to this discourse on the Subhadda Suaaain nibbna om the basic stage of the path through the preliminarystage to the final stage of the Noble Path odden by the Worthy Ones.


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33

Index

Access concentration (upacra samdhi),14

Air element (vyo dhtu),19Analytical knowledge (paisambhid

a),32Analytical knowledge of body andmind (nmarpa-pariccheda a),11

Attainment concentration (appansamdhi),14

Basic path (mla magga),v, 16, 17Concentration (samdhi),viiDevice (kasia),13, 31Factors of enlightenment (bodhipakkhiya

dhamma),28

Fire element (tejo dhtu),19Five Aggregates (pacakkhandh),viiFive workers (karaka maggaga),16Impermanent (anicca),viiInsight knowledge (vipassan-a),viiKnowledge by comprehension

(sammasana a),11, 18Knowledge of absolute realities

(paramattha),23Knowledge of adaptation (anuloma

a),18Knowledge of arising and passing

away (udayabbaya a),11, 21Knowledge of concepts (paatti),23Knowledge of conditionality (paccaya-

pariggaha-a),17Knowledge of desire for deliverance

(mucitu-kamyat a),24Knowledge of disgust (nibbid a),24Knowledge of dissolution (bhaga

a),12, 24Knowledge of equanimity about

formations (sakhrupekkh a),12,24

Knowledge of fearfulness (bhaya a),24

Knowledge of misery (dnava a),24Knowledge of re-observation

(paisakh a),24Matter (rpa),15Maturity knowledge (gotrabh a),18Mental formations (sakhra),19Mind (nma),15Morality (sla),viiNoble Path (ariya magga),vNon-returner (angmi),6Not-self(anatta),viiOnce-returner (sakadgmi),6

Path striver (raddhavipassaka),9, 11Preliminary path (pubbabhga magga),v,16

Purity of Mind (citta visuddhi),v, 14Rainy season (vassa),1Right Action (samm-kammant),12Right Concentration (samm-samdhi),

13Right Effort (samm-vyama),13Right Livelihood (samm-jva),13

Right Mindfulness (samm-sati),13Right Speech (samm-vc),12Right Thought (samm-sakappa),12Right View (samm-dihi),12Right view regarding ownership of

ones own kamma (kammassakatsammdihi),v, 16

Stream-winner (sotpanna),6Tranquillity (samatha),17Unsatisfactory (dukkha),viiWisdom (pa),vii


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to nibbana via the noble eightfold path

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