Serenity as a Factor of Awakening

Week of July 17, 2005 – Serenity as a Factor of Awakening

The fourth factor in the Seven Factors of Awakening is Serenity. Like the Rapture factor, Serenity is not mentioned explicitly anywhere else in the 37 Aids to Enlightenment.

Serenity, also known as Pliancy or Elimination, denotes:
1) Elimination of pressure, tension and strain on the body so that it stays light, flexible and at ease.
2) Removal of anxiety, stress, oppression and impurities in the mind so it is free and at ease
3) Elimination of all worries and deception, attaining tranquility
4) The light and blissful bodily feeling that accompanies deep states of meditation; also, the continuing after-effect of this condition
5) The mental function of making the person flexible and adaptable, and the mind skillful in handling affairs

In the vertical mode of thinking, after one has practiced discrimination in the teaching, performed persistence and experienced rapture, serenity is the natural effect that occurs. Serenity is a good indicator of whether one is practicing correctly or making progress on the Bodhi Path.

In the lateral mode of thinking, the Five Faculties of Conviction, Persistence, Mindfulness, Concentration and Discernment lead to the application of or correlate to the Serenity factor of awakening. Thus one can attain Serenity either through the practice of the previous three factors of awakening or the five faculties.

We have been investigating and observing the correlation of & interdependence between mind and body in our meditation class. Our bodily conditions affect our mind, and likewise, our mental states affect our health. Rapture increases energy level, which in turns reduces desires and greed; hence the body is less attached to clinging (pressure) and more contented and at ease. When the body is relaxed and at ease, it reverts to its optimum state of health, which is light and flexible. Rapture also diminishes hatred and anger, which helps make the mind tranquil and contented. When the mind is tranquil, it is much more sharp and skillful. Thus it is very important to stay relaxed and joyful (contented).

I would like to digress from the topic a little bit and mention the significance of appreciation. When we are grateful, we will be joyful, gratified and contented; we fill ourselves with positive emotions, which in turn promotes our energy level. However, if we are not grateful, we may overcome ourselves with prejudice, grievances and disappointments, which will easily lead to all kinds of negative emotions and drain our energy tremendously. So, be more appreciative always!

There are two kinds of liberation: “liberation through wisdom” and “liberation through body (mind/heart).” Serenity belongs to the liberation through body. With Serenity, the body and mind gradually undergo the stages and transformations into liberation, whereas the liberation through wisdom does not require the body (mind/heart) to undergo any changes.

A sound mind is a prerequisite to a healthy body; body and mind are two sides of the same coin. Be less attached, relax your body and open up your mind!