WHAT IS THE MIND?

     The mind can see, remember, think and know.

     Seeing : The eyes see something and we sense what we see.

     Remember : Some things are put in our memory and we sense what we remember.

     Thinking : We think of some things, events, etc. and we sense what we think.

     Knowing : Some things we recognize and realize and we sense what we know.

     The next thing we should understand is “mind focusing”. We try to combine all senses of seeing, remembering, thinking and knowing into one. Do not let the senses move back and forth, here and there. We just concentrate on directing our mind to one focal point. If we succeed we will learn that the mind has power and force, and, is ready for the next process. Using our consciousness to direct the focal mind to go on and on for a long time will result in the “brightness” in that mind. At this stage, the mind is well prepared for the next development concerning “ Ariyamagga” (the Noble Eightfold Path).

     The most important thing to consider now is where you should place or locate your mind. If it is not located at the right place, the practice will be in vain.

WHERE SHOULD WE PLACE OUR MIND?

     If we locate our mind at the wrong place we will miss in our lives.

     The targeted location of the mind is exactly at the center point of the body (see location 7 in the picture). When we place the mind at the center point of the body, the mind will function, i.e., it will seek for the paths. The paths of the body and the paths of the mind are different. The body has its paths and the mind also has its own paths as follows:

     1. The paths of the body comprise :

1.1 Land path

1.2 Water path

1.3 Air path

     2. The paths of the mind comprise :

2.1 Apaya path, meaning actions of Akusalakammapatha. The one who behaves these will end up at Duggati state (states of unhappiness).

2.2 Sagga path, meaning actions of Kusalakammapatha. The one who behaves these will end up at Sugati state (states of bliss).

2.3 Path to Brahma. The one who behaves these will attain four-fold of Rupajhana (absorptions of the Fine-material Sphere).

2.4 Path to Araya Brahma. The one who behaves these will attain four-fold of Arupajhana (absorptions of the Formless Sphere).

2.5 Path to Nirvana (extinction of defilement). The one who behaves these will attain Ariyamagga (the Noble eight-fold Path).

WHICH MAGGA (THE PATH) SHOULD WE SELECT FOR OUR MIND?

     It is certain that we will select the Path to Nirvana (extinction of defilement). So we must study thoroughly Ariyamagga (the Noble Eight-fold Path) in order to follow them correctly.

WHAT ARE EIGHT MAGGAS?

     The Eight-fold Ariyamagga or Eight Maggas comprises:

1. Sammavaca : Right speech

2. Sammakammanta : Right action

3. Samma-ajiva : Right livelihood

     These three Maggas (no. 1-3) are Sila (precept or morality)

4. Sammavayama : Right effort

5. Sammasati : Right mindfulness

6. Sammasamadhi : Right concentration

     These three Maggas (no. 4-6) are Samadhi (concentration or mental discipline)

7. Sammaditthi : Right view

8. Sammasankappa : Right thought

     Those two Maggas (no. 7-8) are Panna (wisdom or insight).

     In conclusion, Eight Maggas contains Sila (precepts), Samadhi (concentration), and Panna (wisdom). We are going to study Sila (precepts), Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) in the next step.

SILA (PRECEPTS), SAMADHI (CONCENTRATION) AND PANNA (WISDOM)

     Sila (precepts) are bodily, verbal and mental constraints for the good morality. Bodily and verbal constraints are already explained in the various precepts. The important Sila (precepts) we should understand is mental Sila (precepts).

     Sila (precepts) observed everyday by ordinary practitioners is the “ordinary Sila (precepts)” which is the basic one and not appropriate for the work. This kind of Sila (precepts) can be easily observed by anyone.

The appropriate Sila (precepts) for the work in conformity with the Eight- fold Magga.

     The ordinary Sila (precepts), such as abstention from killing etc.,can not exterminate Avijja(ignorance), Dukkha(suffering), Bhaya(danger) and Roga(illness). It has neither power nor might and can not do anything with Kilesa (defilement).

Adhisila is the right Sila (precepts) in conformity with the Eight-fold Magga.

     Adhisila(Precept of great importance) is more rigid than the ordinary Sila (precepts). This is the way to focus and control the mind until it is crystal clear and purified. The mind becomes the glowing brilliant crystal sphere in the abdomen, which is the state of mind in conformity with the Eight-fold Magga. This Sila (precepts) is appropriate for the work and has power and might to exterminate Avijja (ignorance), Dukkha (suffering), Bhaya (danger) and Roga (illness).

     Kilesa (defilement), Tanha(desire) and Upadana(attachment) are greatly afraid of Adhisila (precept of great important). Anyone who wants to be away from suffering and out of Kilesa (defilement) should consistently observe Adhisila.

     Samadhi means directing your mind or concentrating an emotion towards a particular activity, subject or problem. This is the basic Samadhi (concentration), which is not appropriate for the work. But Samadhi (concentration) in conformity with the Eight-fold Magga means firmly concentrating on your mind until it stays still and becomes the crystal sphere. This kind of Samadhi (concentration) is appropriate for the work and should be consistently observed.

     Panna means wisdom or knowledge. Whenever our mind is out of direction, we tend to be unable to remember anything and can not solve the problem because of the confusion. But when we are in good mood or our mind stays still, we tend to remember something and are able to solve the problem.

     Training to gain wisdom depends on concentration. When Samadhi (concentration) exists, then, so does Panna (wisdom). It is concluded that Sila (precepts), Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) relate to each other. When we are able to practice Sila (precepts), then, Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) will undoubtedly incur.

     Now you understand Sila (precepts) , Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) according to the Eight-fold Magga. The following step is the mind training. You will learn how to attain Sila (precepts), Samadhi (concentration) and Panna (wisdom) in conformity with the Eight-fold Magga.

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