More about the author
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyanasamvara_Suvaddhana
Preface
Tan Chao Khun Phra Brahmamuni (Suvaca Thera) originally organized series of Dhamma talks at Wat Bovoranives Vihara. He would present a semon and then, after the monks cahnted, everyone would sit in meditation.
I was invited to continue with this and as I considered it beneficial I accepted the task. However, I also pointed out that Iwas not a meditation teacher. I still had responsibilities concerned with teacing and various other duties, and so could not fully practise developing myself, let alone attaining to a level able to train others. My dhamma explanation therefore always had to depend on the scriptures, and if I happened to stray from them, I also felt as if I had lost my way, which I could not manage on my own.
At first, the sermons of Tan Chao Khun Bramamuni were read out. Then, in the Rains Retreat of 2504 B.E. (1961), I started to present talks of my own. These were tape recorded and later transcribed.
The Maha Satipatthana Sutt, the Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness, is regularly chanted at Wat Bovoranives Vihara. I can recite all of it which helped when I was presenting my Dhamma explanation. This Discouse is a major pilaar in the pracitse of both calm and insight, and so was chosen as the first text to present.
The Dhamma talks were given twice weekly, on thevening of the quarter moon day adn the following night. As those that came to listen did not attend on every occassion, I would usually summarize and recapitulate the earlier talks.
Previously I wrote about my reliance on the scriptures but in some places my explanation may actually differ from the normal interpretation. I nearly cut such passages out but in the end idn't, for I am sure that even if those additional thoughts which popped up of themselves are incorrect, they will receive the forgiveness of my readers for not being intentionally misleading. Iwill therefore leave them there for Dhamma students to investigate and consider.
These twenty-two Dhamma talks should be read and carefully considered, so as not to stray from the true way of practice in the foundations of mindfulness.
The teaching presented here follows the way found in the Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness, which contains the essential and graduated steps of practice. It is a way which those who practice, respect and appreciate. However some people may charge that it is inappropriate and lacking benefit because it brings a feeling of weariness and depression. It is rather likely that the people who say this are actually afraid of realizing the truth. It's similar to being fearful of the doctor's examination of one's illness or closing one's eyes to the truth. This is not a characteristic of a clever person.
If your read this book, you will discover the truth of the 'knots' and problems that exist within you. In short, this can be described as the 'knot of suffering'. You may also then see the method to unravel and safeguard against this suffering. When actually trying out this practice, you will be able to cure your own suffering in accordance with the Buddha's teaching. You will also experience a joy unknown before.
Copyright information:
This is an electronic version of the book: A guide to Awareness.
(c) Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Phra Sumeru Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
You may use this electronic version for personal use but all commerical rights are reserved by Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press.
Translated by Bhikku Ariyesako and Bhikku Kantasilo MsSVig
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyanasamvara_Suvaddhana
Preface
Tan Chao Khun Phra Brahmamuni (Suvaca Thera) originally organized series of Dhamma talks at Wat Bovoranives Vihara. He would present a semon and then, after the monks cahnted, everyone would sit in meditation.
I was invited to continue with this and as I considered it beneficial I accepted the task. However, I also pointed out that Iwas not a meditation teacher. I still had responsibilities concerned with teacing and various other duties, and so could not fully practise developing myself, let alone attaining to a level able to train others. My dhamma explanation therefore always had to depend on the sc
At first, the sermons of Tan Chao Khun Bramamuni were read out. Then, in the Rains Retreat of 2504 B.E. (1961), I started to present talks of my own. These were tape recorded and later transcribed.
The Maha Satipatthana Sutt, the Great Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness, is regularly chanted at Wat Bovoranives Vihara. I can recite all of it which helped when I was presenting my Dhamma explanation. This Discouse is a major pilaar in the pracitse of both calm and insight, and so was chosen as the first text to present.
The Dhamma talks were given twice weekly, on thevening of the quarter moon day adn the following night. As those that came to listen did not attend on every occassion, I would usually summarize and recapitulate the earlier talks.
Previously I wrote about my reliance on the sc
These twenty-two Dhamma talks should be read and carefully considered, so as not to stray from the true way of practice in the foundations of mindfulness.
The teaching presented here follows the way found in the Discourse on the Foundations of Mindfulness, which contains the essential and graduated steps of practice. It is a way which those who practice, respect and appreciate. However some people may charge that it is inappropriate and lacking benefit because it brings a feeling of weariness and depression. It is rather likely that the people who say this are actually afraid of realizing the truth. It's similar to being fearful of the doctor's examination of one's illness or closing one's eyes to the truth. This is not a characteristic of a clever person.
If your read this book, you will discover the truth of the 'knots' and problems that exist within you. In short, this can be described as the 'knot of suffering'. You may also then see the method to unravel and safeguard against this suffering. When actually trying out this practice, you will be able to cure your own suffering in accordance with the Buddha's teaching. You will also experience a joy unknown before.
Copyright information:
This is an electronic version of the book: A guide to Awareness.
(c) Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Phra Sumeru Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.
You may use this electronic version for personal use but all commerical rights are reserved by Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press.
Translated by Bhikku Ariyesako and Bhikku Kantasilo MsSVig