Dhamma Letter No. 42

Contemplation of the Mind(Cittānupassanā) in Vipassana Meditation 3: mind is 5aggregates

Aug 10, 2021

[This thesis’s sub title is “In comparison on Shwe Oo Min method in Myanmar and Pramote method in Thailand”. The two meditation teacher are teaching the Cittanupassana rarely.]

In Myanmar, where most vipassana meditation is currently being developed, the method of conducting ‘mind observation’ was studied and organized based on the practice method performed by the Shwe Oo min Meditation Practice Center. It is the only known practice method of ‘mind observation’.

In addition, the practice of the monk Pramote of the Ajahn Mun tradition is exploring methods of ‘mind observation’ and play a leading role in Theravada Buddhism in Thailand. The reason for comparing the two representative methods is to understand the function of ‘mind observation’ objectively.

As a result, when comparing the two methods, even though each term or word is written with small differences, they are the same teaching in context. The essence of the method is to target the “mind” through sati (mindfulness) and sampajāna (what is known obviously) while also to recognize the underlying intentions of the body, words, and mind.

For example, you may observe that you have a headache, but then you realize it is because you do not want to deal with cleaning dirty dishes when you’re done meditating.

Remember that the 'mind' is also five aggregates:

· Rūpa (body, 色)

· Vedana (feeling, 受)

· Saññā (image concept, 想)

· Sankhara (willingness, 行)

· Viññā (consciousness/ ‘knowing-mind’, 識)

which are all Impermanent(Aniccca, 無常), Unsatisfactory(Dukkha, 苦), and Non-Self(Anattā, 無我).

Applying this to the example above, you see that you can do the dishes one by one. The headache will be gone as you notice feeling at ease with nice, clean dishes. Maybe in the future you will try to not let them pile up again before sitting down to meditate.

Upon this realization, the defilements are removed through abandoning Greed (Lobha, 貪), Anger (Dosa, 瞋), and Delusion (Moha, 癡).

To be continued…

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 .

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The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터

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 !