Dhamma Letter No. 55

Understanding Samatha and Vipassana (VII)

Nov 9, 2021

The last Dhamma Letters (No. 40~ 54) were about the Contemplation of Mind (cittanupassana) during the traditional Buddhist retreat called Vassa. It occurs during the monsoon season (i.e. summer).

Since this topic of cittanupassana was a part of my thesis, it will be continued with more guided information for its application in meditation for the retreat in the next year.

In the last Dhamma Letter (No. 54), it quoted Yuganaddha sutta (Tranquility and Insight in tandem) in the Anuttara Nikaya (AN 4.170, PTS: AN.II.157) .

To be brief, it is about the importance with the balance between Samatha and Vipassana (tranquility & insight) meditation: See Dhamma letter No. 52.

One is focused on developing a foundation for a calm and well-focused mind to generate insight/wisdom into the law of nature and one's nature. The other is a way to experience insight/wisdom which leads to developing concentration that causes a tranquility of mind.

Both of these methods help each other to have insight into what is ultimately real about the external environment (the world) and internal environment (yourself).

You can practice meditation using whichever method is suitable to you depending on your conditions or use both in balance. If you find that your have a restless mind, it may be a good strategy to start with Samatha to develop concentration to be able to observe phenomena clearly. If you find that you able to concentrate easily, it may be a good strategy to dive right into observing the phenomena arising and passing away in mind or body.

First of all, the quality of your mind is most important. (See Dhamma letter No. 10, Dhamma letter No. 46).

May you develop your concentration and insight through meditation!

May you be peaceful and happy!

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.

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 !