Discrimination on the teaching as a Factor of Awakening

Week of June 12, 2005 – Discrimination on the teaching

The sixth set (twenty-third to twenty-ninth aids) of The 37 Aids to Enlightenment is the Seven Factors of Awakening or The Seven characteristics of Bodhi. The seven factors are:
1) Discrimination on the teaching or method of practice – also known as Analysis of qualities, Choosing the correct method.
2) Persistence – also known as Perseverance, Making effort at practice.
3) Rapture – also known as Joy, Rejoicing in the truth.
4) Serenity – also known as Attainment of pliancy or tranquility.
5) Mindfulness
6) Concentration
7) Equanimity – also known as Renunciation

The seven factors of awakening are very important tools for the cultivation of Buddhism. No matter which method of practice one chooses, these seven characteristics should be present. The first factor in the Mahayana tradition is the Discrimination on the teaching, whereas in the Theravada tradition, it is Mindfulness.

Discrimination on the teaching denotes:
1) Analysis of Dharma
2) Discrimination between true and false
3) Investigation of various methods of practice
4) Correctly evaluating the teaching
5) Choosing the correct method for oneself

All of the previous aids: The Four Bases of Mindfulness, The Four Right Efforts, The Four Bases of Miraculous Powers, The Five Faculties and The Five Strengths indicate to the practitioners what can be done or should be done. Whereas the Discrimination on the teaching points out that the practitioners should fully understand the Dharma, discriminate, investigate and evaluate various methods of practice and, finally, choose the correct method that fits them best. This factor requires the practitioner to make a prudent and proper subjective judgment.

If one has cultivated all of the previous aids, or at least the Four Right Efforts, The Five Faculties and The Five Strengths, one should have a good grasp of the fundamentals of Buddhist practice. With the Discrimination on the teaching, one should thoroughly differentiate the various Schools of Buddhist teachings, find out the essence of each teaching and choose a teaching that fits one best. Eventually, every Buddhist School of teachings can lead one to the attainment of Anuttara-Samyak-Sambodhi, providing they are genuine Buddhist teachings. The issue is that one must be able to take hold of the essence of that School and be very clear on the know-how of the teaching of that School.

Chanting of the mantra is a tool; one can practice Ch’an, Pure Land, Tantric or Discipline while chanting. If one focuses the mind on the chanting with no wandering thoughts, one is practicing Ch’an. If one’s mind is on the Buddha (enlightenment) while chanting, so that onethat one is aware of the sound, the listening, the ability to observe while chanting, one is practicing the Pure Land school of teaching. If one’s focus is on the know-how of the sounds, the bodily changes, or the contemplation of the mantra syllables, one is practicing Tantric. And if one’s focus is on persistence, duration, sitting position and the physical aspects of the chanting, one is practicing Discipline. Thus one must understand the essence (know-how) of the method of teaching one is practicing to be able to get the most out of it.

Buddhism is very rational and requires understanding with an investigating mind. Buddhist teaching helps to develop understanding of the bodily and mental phenomena. In the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta it is stated that 'Whenever endowed with mindfulness, he wisely investigates, examines and ponders over the Law; he knows well that he has attained and is developing the dharmavicaya factor of enlightenment'.

Investigate your method of practice and develop the Discrimination Factor of Awakening!