My Buddhist Journey into Vipassana

Another key work that will guide my re-introduction to Buddhism is ‘A Meditator’s Life Of The Buddha’ by Anālayo, Windhorse Publishing: The book opens with a quote from the Madhyama-āgama, a Chinese parallel to the Upāli-sutta of the Majjhima-nikāya: This verse is spoken by a former Jain follower of the Buddha, this is not only a potential reflection of the qualities of the Buddha, but qualities to keep in mind that we ourselves are to cultivate: 1. “He fared rightly, meditating and reflecting” His lived rightly in regards to ethical conduct, meditating and reflecting on his own conduct and the welfare of all beings. Meditative practice and reflecting combined together enabling him to discover the path to liberation. 2. “With his unperturbed purity” “Unperturbed” suggests blameless ethical conduct. His post-awakening “purity” is free of greed, anger and delusion and made him one who 3. “Smiled and had no anger” The beauty of a purified mind is one that can smile with compassion, empath...

 I have a plan. I will be guided mainly by Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzburg’s ‘Insight Meditation Workbook’ on the left, while the main book for information will be ‘Mindfulness’ by Joseph Goldstein and accompanying dhamma talks (and implicitly all of Bhikkhu Anālayo’s works). A great deal of Bhikkhu Bodhi’s works (his translations of the Suttas, for instance) will be referenced but especially his ‘The Noble Eightfold Path: Way To The End Of Suffering’ for its compact explication of the entire path. His Abhidhamma course on the Wisdom website will be pivotal to my understanding. And below that is ‘The Dhammapada,’ which should come in handy for motivation and guidance. Many, many other works will be studied... only a handful of leaves, not the entire forest is needed for awakening however so I will remember to keep it simple... Here is Bhikkhu Bodhi’s profoundly inspiring epilogue to his book I noted above, It is perfect for beginning a journey into the dhamma: Welp, it’s time ...

Right view is the guide for the entire path. When asked what is more important, the Buddha said understanding Kamma is more important than understanding “emptiness.” Sila or moral conduct is very, very, central to the Buddhist path. Bhikkhu Bodhi: “The importance of right view can be gauged from the fact that our perspectives on crucial issues of reality and value have a bearing that goes beyond mere theoretical convictions. They govern our attitude, our actions, our whole orientation towards existence.” Mundane right view is the correct grasp of the law of Kamma, or the moral efficacy of action. “Right view of the ownership of action.” Kamma is volitional action. Kamma is essentially a mental event, a factor in the mind which seeks to drive ones dispositions and purposes.  Volition comes into being through the three doors of action: mental, verbal and bodily. It is not enough to know the general meaning of Kamma but to as the Sutta says: “When a noble disciple knows what is kammic...

 I am writing this late because 1, I am unemployed and in the habit of staying up late 2, I hope to get an overnight job.  I am doing a self retreat today the 27th of February. Schedule: 10:30am: Wake up, clarify intention to focus on sila, read precepts, pay homage, chant, mindful breakfast 11:15-12 Meditate (Shamatha) 12-12:15 Walking meditation 12:15-12:30pm Meditate (Vipassana) 12:45-1:15 Mindful lunch 1:15-2 Meditate (Shamatha) 2-2:15 Walking meditation 2:15-2:30 Meditate (Vipassana) 2:45-3:45 Dhamma talk on Sila Last sit 4-4:45 Lovingkindness and Shamatha 5-5:30: reflect on Sila and the 5 precepts, forgiveness chant and closing chant Wish me luck!🙏

 This is it. Today I am re-starting my journey into Vipassana.  The first step I am told over and over again is: “sila” Pali for morality or right conduct. The precepts are (from Wikipedia):  I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from taking life I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from taking what is not given I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from unchastity I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from false speech I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from intoxicants which cause a careless frame of mind I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from taking food at the wrong time I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from dancing, music, visiting shows, flowers, make-up, the wearing of ornaments and decorations I undertake [to observe] the rule of abstinence from a tall, high sleeping place. I think it’s safe to say as a lay practitioner that the first 5 are good enough. How can I implement them: 1. ...