Dhamma Letter No. 75

Vipassana : the relationship between mind and object 2

Bhikkhuni Kosalla Vipassini

Mar 29, 2022

This letter continues from the last dhamma letter.

For example, they are sensitive to sounds they hear while meditating, and they feel angry or think they messed up their meditation. There is nothing wrong with the sound itself. The anger(dosa) of the heart(lobha) towards that sound is the problem.

In this case in the Vipassana way is

1. Since a disturbing sound(sota-dhātu, 耳境) is just an object, it is necessary to change the mind about the object.

2. When the mind concentrates on the sound, switch to an object of the ear-consciousness (sota-viññāṇa, 耳識).

3. The sound is no longer bothered, because the object has changed to the hearing consciousness.

4. You will experience equanimity through the 'knowing mind'.

You can apply it like this towards all other objects on 6 based senses, not only about sound. (Reference : Dhamma letter No. 48)

Vipassana needs to see the mind separate from the object.

I encourage you to try it yourself right now.

Try walking meditation on a walking trail or in a quiet place near your home. Please take a look at how much your mind is directed toward the object being seen and heard.

Just see what you see, hear what you hear, without intent or judgement!

And just know it as it is!

Make sure you don't have the desire to grab or push away the object in the mind.

The next Dhamma letters will introduce the content of Satipatthana for using Sati (mindfulness/ awareness) at every moment.

May all understand Dhamma and develop Wisdom!

May all beings be free from any suffering!

May all beings be well and happy!

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.

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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 !