The key to ‘mindfulness’ is to be aware of what is happening in the mind as it is. It is simply to note and notice the mind as it arises and disappears, as it is. Awareness that habitually identifies with one's thoughts or feelings strengthens the ego and produces suffering. Through the practice of looking at oneself objectively through clear awareness, one can understand the thought of selflessness, which is the fundamental doctrine of Buddhism, and can help solve fundamental problems.
In Abhidhamma, there is only one mind that arises in an instant, and that mind is defined as 'knowing the object'.
“Object” is everything the mind knows. The meditation method of Observing the mind does not focus on one specific object.
At every instant, the object already exists continuously through the sixth gate. Therefore, there is no need to focus on a specific object intentionally. Contemplating whether or not the mind is acting as greed (Lobha, desire), anger (Dosa, hatred), and delusion (Moha, foolishness) on those objects.
The purpose is to create the wisdom of Alobha (no greed), Adosa (no anger), and Amoha (no delusion).
When observing an object, an apparent distance appears between the object and the mind. You have to come to the point of ‘knowing again’ the mind you know about the object, clear knowledge, and your ‘knowing mind’. Only then can one reach the Dhamma nature where one can freely see an object as it is without attachment to any object, and experience Paramaṭṭha, the ultimate reality.
Above all, the ‘right attitude’ is the most important when practicing. When you practice, don't focus too much, don't control it, don't try to create something, don't restrain your mind, don't make it happen, and don't deny what happens.
To be continued…
With Metta,
May you cultivate your Sati continuously (Samma-Viriya)!
May you achieve the Samma-Diṭṭhi (Right View) through Satipatthāna (vipassana meditation)!
May all practice well and reach to Magga (道, the path of enlightenment) and Phala (果, the fruit of enlightenment)!
with Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Euna Bonovich
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 below:
1. Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara: 6245 E Bell Rd Suite 117, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
2. Zelle®: a donation travels directly between accounts with no stops, send to ‘Mahabodhi Vihara’ - recipient’s email address: mahabmedi@gmail.com. (ACCESS ZELLE®: Get started by enrolling your email or U.S. mobile number through your mobile banking app or with the Zelle® app.)
All donations to the Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara are tax-deductible in the United States in accordance with IRS code section 501(c)(3) EIN 92-1744707. To request a receipt for your donation, please e-mail to mahabmedi@gmail.com.
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!