Dhamma Letter No. 86
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The Buddha had already gained insight into the mutual acting relationship of body and mind through a meditative method about 2,600 years ago.
Here, the body refers to matter. If I can summarize the five aggregates that are my components into two, they are body and mind, or material and consciousness. Man, who is a being of the sensual world, has a material body, so the mind arises depending on the material foundation.
By becoming aware of the body and mind (material and consciousness), the mind is tamed by binding it to the body, which wanders here and there in search of sensual pleasures. It is through awareness that we fundamentally perceive the cause of suffering, and practice the path of eliminating suffering.
From Dhamma Letter No. 76, we are discussing the four foundations of mindfulness. The objects of mindfulness are body, feeling, mind, and psychological phenomena (Dhamma). The concept of ‘I’, conceived by sentient beings as ‘I’ or ‘mine’, was deconstructed and presented in four ways.
Through Yoniso manasikāra (correct attention), we come to know the original nature of the mind and body, and we come to know that they are ephemeral (Anicca), unsatisfactory (Dukkha), and non-substantial (Anatta). Through the practice of mindfulness, samādhi (Tranquility) and paññā (Wisdom) arise, and one can be freed from all desires and anguish.
In fact, everyday life is the main stage we have to perform. When you return to your daily life, your mind is scattered. So we need to wake up right here at home, at school and at work.
From the next dhamma letter, we will discuss about specific methods of practicing Satipatthana and how to continue to be mindful.
May you be well and peaceful through Sati practice!
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 !