Dhamma Letter No. 10
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The Relation of Vipassana and Pāramī
Buddhist practice requires a multi-faceted approach. Sīla (morality), samādhi (tranquility), and paññā (wisdom) depend upon and serve as a support for each other. They must all be developed in order to purify the mind and proceed toward our goal.
Morality can be developed by practicing acts of generosity. This can be giving gifts of money or help to others. Generosity to others is actually beneficial to oneself by developing our pāramī (perfection). Generosity and morality are the first two of ten pāramīs (perfections) that we must develop as part our practice during daily life:
Perfection in giving (or liberality; dāna-pāramī)
Morality (sīla-pāramī)
Renunciation (nekkhamma-pāramī)
Wisdom (paññā-pāramī)
Energy (viriya-pāramī)
Patience (or forbearance; khanti pāramī)
Truthfulness (sacca-pāramī)
Resolution (adhitthāna-pāramī)
Loving-kindness (mettā-pāramī)
Equanimity (upekkhā-pāramī)
For tranquility of mind, morality is the foundation. And as described in Dhamma Letter No. 6, without calmness of mind you cannot see the mind and objects clearly. Vipassana meditation teaches us how to deal with the objects of the mind. When driving, numberless objects have to be dealt with along the road. Think of the mind as the driver and vipassana practice as the guide to any obstacle that presents itself. Wisdom will be built upon tranquility and morality (ti-sikkha; three studies for the practice) It is in this way that vipassana relates to paramī.
Buddhist practice is conditioned with all of the above.
The next Dhamma Letter will discuss the practical nature of Vipassana.
May all accumulate the Paramīs and accomplish their own wishes!
May all beings be happy and well through the practices in this very life!
If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com.
법에 대한 질문이 있으신 분은 위의 이메일 주소로 질문을 남겨주세요.
위빠사나명상의 마음관찰에 대한 논문을 한글 원본으로 읽고 싶으신 분은 클릭해서 다운로드 받을 수 있습니다. (네이버에 PDF 첨부)
The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
Bhikkuni Kosalla Vipassini resides in Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara in Arizona, USA. Donations are gratefully accepted, whether you provide needed requisites for the monastic, or offer funds. If you are inspired to donate, you may do so.
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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !