HeShang's (Venerable Haiyun Jimeng) classification:
The Enlightened: The one who is able to describe the references or experience first hand.
The ideologist: one who researches on the first hand references and converts it into second hand resources.
The philosopher: one who researches on the second hand references and converts it into third hand resources.
The scholar: one who researches on the third hand references and converts it into forth hand resources.
The specialist or craftsman: one who researches on the forth hand references and converts it into fifth hand resources.
See how HeShang has his own first hand answer to most of the things...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Essence, Manifestation and Function
Here are some questions raised by my friend:
1."Why is there something instead of nothing?"
2."If all IS "nothing", what is the point of it all?"
3."If the mind is no-thing (and we get some kind of "enlightenment"), what is the purpose. "We" now know how the universe IS (in some sense of "knowing"), but what then?
4."If the universe is constantly expanding, into WHAT is it expanding?"
Based on these questions, I like to suggest that we need to understand the three aspects of all phenomena : the Essence, the Manifestation (form/appearance) and the Function(usage/application/purpose).
The Essence of all phenomena is emptiness (or nothingness) as it has no substance and inconceivable.
Manifestation takes place due to dependent originations (causes and factors). When the causes and factors disappear, manifestation no longer or cannot take place.
Function takes place in many dimensions and aspects, like the Net of Indra, all inter-related and inter-dependent.
This is the over-simplified version of the answer. A deep and detail explanation will required hours of discussion.
Wish that this will arouse some of the readers to study more about Huayen.
Try to use more of the sensation aspect and less of the rational thinking aspect of our ability, a different realm will appear to you.
1."Why is there something instead of nothing?"
2."If all IS "nothing", what is the point of it all?"
3."If the mind is no-thing (and we get some kind of "enlightenment"), what is the purpose. "We" now know how the universe IS (in some sense of "knowing"), but what then?
4."If the universe is constantly expanding, into WHAT is it expanding?"
Based on these questions, I like to suggest that we need to understand the three aspects of all phenomena : the Essence, the Manifestation (form/appearance) and the Function(usage/application/purpose).
The Essence of all phenomena is emptiness (or nothingness) as it has no substance and inconceivable.
Manifestation takes place due to dependent originations (causes and factors). When the causes and factors disappear, manifestation no longer or cannot take place.
Function takes place in many dimensions and aspects, like the Net of Indra, all inter-related and inter-dependent.
This is the over-simplified version of the answer. A deep and detail explanation will required hours of discussion.
Wish that this will arouse some of the readers to study more about Huayen.
Try to use more of the sensation aspect and less of the rational thinking aspect of our ability, a different realm will appear to you.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Develop our own mode of thinking
I was with Master Haiyun for a week in Ann Arbor, his reply to many existential questions raised by us:
Authentic Life consists of three elements:
1) Faith
2) Quest for Existential/Ultimate Truth
3) Wisdom
Authentic Life is attained through:
1) Quest for Existential/Ultimate Truth (Raising existential doubts)
2) Searching, Scrutinizing, and Re-assurance (Groping)
3) Resolving the difficulties or problems right in front of you at present (daily life issues)
Master Haiyun suggested that we should write down all (existential) questions in a journal on a regular basis.
We should keep on raising questions in our mind; having them written down in the journal without asking anyone for the answers. We keep on asking, searching, transcending and rectifying. By the time we have 4000-5000 questions, we should be able to have answers for the first 1000 questions ourselves. The answers to these existential questions should be self-reflective, arise from our heart, grown with our nature. Answers provided by others through words are ineffective. Only through self-examining and self-assurance, we can evoke the wholesome intrinsic nature (Factors of Life) within us.
Questions are fragmentary. The true answer lies in having developed one’s own “Mode of Thinking”. Master Haiyun wants to teach us the method of how to develop our own mode of thinking. However as an individual, we have to research and construct on our own. The deeper the intensity of the questions and the higher the frequency of the questions lead to more advanced attainments.
Keeps on raising the questions, having faith and wisdom will developed.
Recorded by Lung Zhi
Illusive Life consists of three elements:
1) Memory
2) Logical Reasoning
3) Pre-determinate Goal/Objective
Authentic Life consists of three elements:
1) Faith
2) Quest for Existential/Ultimate Truth
3) Wisdom
Authentic Life is attained through:
1) Quest for Existential/Ultimate Truth (Raising existential doubts)
2) Searching, Scrutinizing, and Re-assurance (Groping)
3) Resolving the difficulties or problems right in front of you at present (daily life issues)
Master Haiyun suggested that we should write down all (existential) questions in a journal on a regular basis.
We should keep on raising questions in our mind; having them written down in the journal without asking anyone for the answers. We keep on asking, searching, transcending and rectifying. By the time we have 4000-5000 questions, we should be able to have answers for the first 1000 questions ourselves. The answers to these existential questions should be self-reflective, arise from our heart, grown with our nature. Answers provided by others through words are ineffective. Only through self-examining and self-assurance, we can evoke the wholesome intrinsic nature (Factors of Life) within us.
Questions are fragmentary. The true answer lies in having developed one’s own “Mode of Thinking”. Master Haiyun wants to teach us the method of how to develop our own mode of thinking. However as an individual, we have to research and construct on our own. The deeper the intensity of the questions and the higher the frequency of the questions lead to more advanced attainments.
Keeps on raising the questions, having faith and wisdom will developed.
Recorded by Lung Zhi
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Meditation on Loving-kindness
Gunasekera forwarded me the following from Ken and Visakha Kawasaki:
Would like to share with you...
Meditation on Loving-kindness
May my mind be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May I be generous.
May I be gentle.
May I be relaxed.
May I be happy and peaceful.
May I be healthy.
May my heart become soft.
May my words be pleasing to others.
May I be a source of peace and happiness.
May I be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of my teachers be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of my parents and dear ones be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of all strangers be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of all unfriendly persons be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of all living beings be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May my mind be free of greed, anger, aversion, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May the thought of loving-kindness embrace me and envelope me.
May every cell, every drop of blood, every atom, and every molecule of my entire body and mind be charged with the thought of friendliness.
May my body be relaxed.
May my mind be relaxed.
May my body and mind be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade my entire body and mind.
May the minds of everyone in this room be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May the minds of everyone in this building be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this street be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this city be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this region be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this nation be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone on this continent be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this universe be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May every being touched by these thoughts of loving-kindness be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May they be happy-hearted.
May they be free from worries and troubles.
May all beings in all directions throughout the universe be happy.
May they have good fortune.
May they be prosperous.
May they have good friends
May they be filled with loving-kindness, abundant, exalted, and measureless
May they be free from enmity affliction, and anxiety.
May they live happily.
May all those who are imprisoned legally or illegally, all who are in police custody anywhere in the world waiting trials meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May all who are in hospitals suffering from sickness meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their bodies and minds.
May all mothers who are in pain in delivering babies meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all parents taking care of their children meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all children abused by adults in any way meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all rulers be gentle, kind, generous, compassionate, and considerate
May they have the best understanding of the oppressed, the underprivileged, the discriminated, and the poverty-stricken.
May their hearts melt at the suffering of these unfortunate citizens.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May the oppressed, the underprivileged, the discriminated, and the poverty-stricken meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all beings in all directions, all around the universe be happy.
May they have good fortune.
May they be prosperous.May they be famous.
May they have good friends.After death may they be reborn in a happy destination.
May they be reborn in the heavens.
SADHU! SADHU!! SADHU!!!
Please visit our websites
Buddhist Relief Mission: < http://www.brelief.org/ <http://www.brelief.org/> >
Relief Notes: < http://home.earthlink.net/~brelief <http://home.earthlink.net/~brelief> >
Sri Lanka reports: < http://www.brelief.org/reports/
Jayamangala Gatha video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXa5mw97b-I
Would like to share with you...
Meditation on Loving-kindness
May my mind be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May I be generous.
May I be gentle.
May I be relaxed.
May I be happy and peaceful.
May I be healthy.
May my heart become soft.
May my words be pleasing to others.
May I be a source of peace and happiness.
May I be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of my teachers be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of my parents and dear ones be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of all strangers be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of all unfriendly persons be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May the minds of all living beings be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May they be generous.
May they be gentle.
May they be relaxed.
May they be happy and peaceful.
May they be healthy.
May their hearts become soft.
May their words be pleasing to others.
May they be free from fear, tension, anxiety, worry, and restlessness.
May my mind be free of greed, anger, aversion, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May the thought of loving-kindness embrace me and envelope me.
May every cell, every drop of blood, every atom, and every molecule of my entire body and mind be charged with the thought of friendliness.
May my body be relaxed.
May my mind be relaxed.
May my body and mind be filled with the thought of loving-kindness.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade my entire body and mind.
May the minds of everyone in this room be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May the minds of everyone in this building be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this street be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this city be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this region be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this nation be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone on this continent be free from greed, . . .
May the minds of everyone in this universe be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May every being touched by these thoughts of loving-kindness be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.
May they be happy-hearted.
May they be free from worries and troubles.
May all beings in all directions throughout the universe be happy.
May they have good fortune.
May they be prosperous.
May they have good friends
May they be filled with loving-kindness, abundant, exalted, and measureless
May they be free from enmity affliction, and anxiety.
May they live happily.
May all those who are imprisoned legally or illegally, all who are in police custody anywhere in the world waiting trials meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from greed, anger, hatred, jealousy, and fear.May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May all who are in hospitals suffering from sickness meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their bodies and minds.
May all mothers who are in pain in delivering babies meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all parents taking care of their children meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all children abused by adults in any way meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all rulers be gentle, kind, generous, compassionate, and considerate
May they have the best understanding of the oppressed, the underprivileged, the discriminated, and the poverty-stricken.
May their hearts melt at the suffering of these unfortunate citizens.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May the oppressed, the underprivileged, the discriminated, and the poverty-stricken meet with peace and happiness.
May they be free from pain, afflictions, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear.
May these thoughts of loving-kindness embrace them and envelope them.
May the peace and tranquillity of loving-kindness pervade their entire bodies and minds.
May all beings in all directions, all around the universe be happy.
May they have good fortune.
May they be prosperous.May they be famous.
May they have good friends.After death may they be reborn in a happy destination.
May they be reborn in the heavens.
SADHU! SADHU!! SADHU!!!
Please visit our websites
Buddhist Relief Mission: < http://www.brelief.org/ <http://www.brelief.org/> >
Relief Notes: < http://home.earthlink.net/~brelief <http://home.earthlink.net/~brelief> >
Sri Lanka reports: < http://www.brelief.org/reports/
Jayamangala Gatha video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXa5mw97b-I
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Joy as a Factor of Awakening
Week of July 10, 2005 – Rapture (Joy) as a Factor of Awakening
The third factor in the Seven Factors of Awakening is Rapture. Unlike other factors, Rapture is not mentioned explicitly anywhere else in the 37 Aids to Enlightenment.
Rapture, also known as joy, denotes:
1) Rejoicing in the truth
2) Happiness that arises when the mind receives the true dharma - the feeling of delight and contentment in dharma
3) The pleasure that is derived through the discrimination of the mental (sixth) consciousness
4) The mental factor that belongs to the group of mental formations and is reflected in physical sensations
In the vertical mode of thinking, after one has first discriminated, investigated and evaluated various methods of practice and, finally, chosen the correct method that fits best, then, second, put in the proper effort or endeavor that is necessary to the application of the practice in order to advance, rapture is the natural outcome that follows.
In the horizontal mode of thinking,
1) The Four Bases of Mindfulness lead to the application of or correlate to the first factor of “Discrimination on the teaching”
2) The Four Efforts lead to the application of or correlate to the Persistence factor of awakening
3) The Four Bases of Miraculous Power lead to the application of or correlate to the Rapture factor of awakening
4) The Five Faculties lead to the application of or correlate to the Serenity factor of awakening
5) The Five Strengths lead to the application of or correlate to the Mindfulness factor of awakening
6) The Seven Factors of Awakening lead to the application of or correlate to the Concentration factor of awakening
7) The Noble Eightfold Path leads to the application of or correlates to the Equanimity factor of awakening
As mentioned in the last email, once we derive joy from our practice, or in Buddhist terms, “realize the Joy in the Dharma”, this joy will become a driving force and provide tremendous zeal and energy to enable us to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. When Rapture arises, it increases our energy level and thus reduces desire, removes hatred and anger, strengthens concentration and brings in tranquility, which helps us to prevail over ignorance.
This Rapture is not attained through an external stimulus but is derived internally through our practices and understanding/realization of the Dharma. Rapture is experienced during the first and second levels of Jhana. There are various levels and kinds of rapture.
According to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, "Whenever in him who is steadfast in energy arises super-sensuous rapture, he knows well that he has attained and developed the Rapture factor of enlightenment."
Once you have attained and developed the Rapture factor of awaking, this joy will reside in you at all times, the four elements in your body will have been transformed and the three poisons of desire, hatred and ignorance within you will have lessened. Thus Rapture is a very good indicator of whether you are practicing on the right path as well as providing you with tremendous zeal and energy to further advance in your practice.
Let’s develop the Rapture factor of awakening by helping each other in our practice and sharing our joy in hearing the Huayen Dharma!
The third factor in the Seven Factors of Awakening is Rapture. Unlike other factors, Rapture is not mentioned explicitly anywhere else in the 37 Aids to Enlightenment.
Rapture, also known as joy, denotes:
1) Rejoicing in the truth
2) Happiness that arises when the mind receives the true dharma - the feeling of delight and contentment in dharma
3) The pleasure that is derived through the discrimination of the mental (sixth) consciousness
4) The mental factor that belongs to the group of mental formations and is reflected in physical sensations
In the vertical mode of thinking, after one has first discriminated, investigated and evaluated various methods of practice and, finally, chosen the correct method that fits best, then, second, put in the proper effort or endeavor that is necessary to the application of the practice in order to advance, rapture is the natural outcome that follows.
In the horizontal mode of thinking,
1) The Four Bases of Mindfulness lead to the application of or correlate to the first factor of “Discrimination on the teaching”
2) The Four Efforts lead to the application of or correlate to the Persistence factor of awakening
3) The Four Bases of Miraculous Power lead to the application of or correlate to the Rapture factor of awakening
4) The Five Faculties lead to the application of or correlate to the Serenity factor of awakening
5) The Five Strengths lead to the application of or correlate to the Mindfulness factor of awakening
6) The Seven Factors of Awakening lead to the application of or correlate to the Concentration factor of awakening
7) The Noble Eightfold Path leads to the application of or correlates to the Equanimity factor of awakening
As mentioned in the last email, once we derive joy from our practice, or in Buddhist terms, “realize the Joy in the Dharma”, this joy will become a driving force and provide tremendous zeal and energy to enable us to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. When Rapture arises, it increases our energy level and thus reduces desire, removes hatred and anger, strengthens concentration and brings in tranquility, which helps us to prevail over ignorance.
This Rapture is not attained through an external stimulus but is derived internally through our practices and understanding/realization of the Dharma. Rapture is experienced during the first and second levels of Jhana. There are various levels and kinds of rapture.
According to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, "Whenever in him who is steadfast in energy arises super-sensuous rapture, he knows well that he has attained and developed the Rapture factor of enlightenment."
Once you have attained and developed the Rapture factor of awaking, this joy will reside in you at all times, the four elements in your body will have been transformed and the three poisons of desire, hatred and ignorance within you will have lessened. Thus Rapture is a very good indicator of whether you are practicing on the right path as well as providing you with tremendous zeal and energy to further advance in your practice.
Let’s develop the Rapture factor of awakening by helping each other in our practice and sharing our joy in hearing the Huayen Dharma!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Persistence as a Factor of Awakening
Week of July 10, 2005 – Persistence as a Factor of Awakening
The third factor in the Seven Factors of Awakening is Persistence. Persistence or effort is present in all seven sets of the 37 Aids to Enlightenment either implicitly or explicitly; it is a very important and vital element.
The Seven Sets of the 37 Aids to Enlightenment:
1) The Four Bases Of Mindfulness – (implicit)
2) The Four Efforts – (explicit)
3) The Four Bases of Miraculous Power – third base (explicit)
4) The Five Faculties – second faculty (explicit)
5) The Five Strength – second strength (explicit)
6) The Seven Factors of Awakening – second factor (explicit)
7) The Noble Eightfold Path – sixth path (explicit)
Persistence, also known as perseverance or effort, denotes:
1) Making effort at practice
2) Zeal or non-retreating progress
3) Practicing the true teaching restlessly
4) Strenuous and sustained effort to overcome laziness
5) Strength of character and the persistent effort for the well-being of others
6) Right endeavor to attain concentration
In the absence of sustained efforts in practicing Insight Meditation, craving slips in and the meditator comes under its influence. Right effort or persistence is required to overcome laziness and deviation from concentration.
After one has discriminated, investigated and evaluated various methods of practice and, finally, chosen the correct method that fits best, proper effort or endeavor is necessary to the application of the practice in order to advance. The factor of Discrimination on the teaching requires the practitioner to make prudent and proper subjective judgments; likewise, the factor of Persistence requires one to put in prudent and proper personal effort.
Persistent effort is necessary for all practice in order to progress and advance. Thus in the beginning of all our practices, we may need to deliberately put in time and effort. However, after a while, persistence should become part of our nature and we should not have difficulties in pursuing our practice. If one still has to struggle to put in an effort after a lengthy period of practicing, something is wrong or incorrect; one should evaluate the situation thoroughly.
Once we derive joy from our practice, or in Buddhist terms, “realize the Joy in the Dharma”, this joy will become a driving force and provide tremendous zeal and energy to enable us to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. Joy is the next factor of Awakening, which we will talk about in our next email.
We have discussed Persistence in various aspects in the different sets of the 37 Aids. Notice how persistence plays different roles and positions in each set – their interdependence and correlation – that is Discrimination on the teaching!
Learning Buddhism is so much fun, you just have to be persistent enough to “realize the Joy in the Dharma.”
Keep on practicing and develop the Persistent Factor of Awakening!
The third factor in the Seven Factors of Awakening is Persistence. Persistence or effort is present in all seven sets of the 37 Aids to Enlightenment either implicitly or explicitly; it is a very important and vital element.
The Seven Sets of the 37 Aids to Enlightenment:
1) The Four Bases Of Mindfulness – (implicit)
2) The Four Efforts – (explicit)
3) The Four Bases of Miraculous Power – third base (explicit)
4) The Five Faculties – second faculty (explicit)
5) The Five Strength – second strength (explicit)
6) The Seven Factors of Awakening – second factor (explicit)
7) The Noble Eightfold Path – sixth path (explicit)
Persistence, also known as perseverance or effort, denotes:
1) Making effort at practice
2) Zeal or non-retreating progress
3) Practicing the true teaching restlessly
4) Strenuous and sustained effort to overcome laziness
5) Strength of character and the persistent effort for the well-being of others
6) Right endeavor to attain concentration
In the absence of sustained efforts in practicing Insight Meditation, craving slips in and the meditator comes under its influence. Right effort or persistence is required to overcome laziness and deviation from concentration.
After one has discriminated, investigated and evaluated various methods of practice and, finally, chosen the correct method that fits best, proper effort or endeavor is necessary to the application of the practice in order to advance. The factor of Discrimination on the teaching requires the practitioner to make prudent and proper subjective judgments; likewise, the factor of Persistence requires one to put in prudent and proper personal effort.
Persistent effort is necessary for all practice in order to progress and advance. Thus in the beginning of all our practices, we may need to deliberately put in time and effort. However, after a while, persistence should become part of our nature and we should not have difficulties in pursuing our practice. If one still has to struggle to put in an effort after a lengthy period of practicing, something is wrong or incorrect; one should evaluate the situation thoroughly.
Once we derive joy from our practice, or in Buddhist terms, “realize the Joy in the Dharma”, this joy will become a driving force and provide tremendous zeal and energy to enable us to overcome all obstacles and difficulties. Joy is the next factor of Awakening, which we will talk about in our next email.
We have discussed Persistence in various aspects in the different sets of the 37 Aids. Notice how persistence plays different roles and positions in each set – their interdependence and correlation – that is Discrimination on the teaching!
Learning Buddhism is so much fun, you just have to be persistent enough to “realize the Joy in the Dharma.”
Keep on practicing and develop the Persistent Factor of Awakening!
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