DHAMMA TALKS BY MOGOK SAYADAWGYI

Two causes of inability to relalise Dhamma despite meditation effort.

1. Stopping half way, not trying hard to reach the final stages of Dhamma practice (e.g.. Pesa has lost the chance to become a Sotapanna as he went home leaving a Buddha's discourse by the Buddha)

2. Associating with `bad' people. (e.g.. Prince Ajattasatu took the advice of Devadatta and committed one of Pancanantariya kamma, thereby losing the opportunity to become an ariya.)

Four kinds of action in this life

1. Worrying oneself (Self-dissatisfaction, austere practices)

2. Worrying others (eg.; killing animals for a livelihood)

3. Worrying oneself and others (Stingy miserable life as well as sacrificing animals)

4. Worrying no one (Practising Satipatthana meditation)

Lesson: Pesa had chosen the 4th answer when asked by the Buddha. But he decided to go home to attend to household matters when the Buddha was about to preach Dhamma in depth. He lost the chance to become a Sotapanna despite meeting the Buddha.

Three important observations in meditation

1. Anicca Dhamma: While meditating, one becomes aware of a desire or intention to breathe in. This is Vinnanakkhandha and therefore it is Anicca.

2. Anicca Lakkhana: The desire or intention to breathe in disappear. This nature, phenomenon or characteristic is called Anicca Lakkhana.

3. Anicca Nana (`nyan'): Knowing Anicca Lakkhana or knowing (1) things exist and disappear and (2) awareness of this impermanence phenomenon is called Anicca Nana.

Benefits of Anicca Nana: One is aware of impermanence of khandhas, thereby cutting Tanha, leading to transient or Tadinga Nibbana. This is Vipassana Magga. As one carries on contemplating, all khandhas and Tanha are extinguished permanently, leading to Lokuttara Magga or Nibbana.

First posted on 17 November 2004