January 14, 2009
Waking Up "TO" is Hard To Do
"The three wholesome roots are their opposites, expressed negatively in the old Indian fashion as non-greed (alobha), non-aversion (adosa), and non-delusion (amoha). Though these are negatively designated, they signify not merely the absence of defilements but the corresponding [merits]. Non-greed implies renunciation, detachment, and generosity; non-aversion implies loving-kindness, sympathy, and gentleness; and non-delusion implies wisdom. Any action originating from these roots is a wholesome kamma." ~~ Bhikkhu Bodhi
"Mindfulness meditation leads one to the insight that all conditioned existence is impure / unattractive or ugly {ashuddha / asubha}, stressful or unsatisfying {dukkha}, inconstant {anicca], and without self {anatta}. However, these negations also point to a positive affirmation of inner purity / beauty, stable bliss, immediate constancy or eternity in the moment, and authentic selfless self expression." ~~ me
January 09, 2009
The Five Veils
This is a concept I learned from Theravada Buddhism. The Five Hindrances are mental states which seem to invariably arise when one attempts any sort of Buddhist Meditation. The effect of the Five Hindrances is to block what is known as Access Concentration. Upacara Samadhi or access concentration is a necessary prerequisite for both the Calming-Concentration and Mindfulness Meditations taught in Buddhism.
In more than 30 years with Soka Gakkai, I was never once aware of the topic of the Five Hindrances being mentioned. I had not even noticed it my Mahayana studies. Now, I found out the concept was there all along; albeit under a different name; the Five Veils, Obscurations, or Covers. Evidently, Chih-I taught it as one the essentials for beginnings to learn. He also discussed methods for lifting these veils in his most advanced meditation manuals.
- 貪欲 {tonyoku}: The Chinese literally means something like coveting. This tends to get conflated with lobha {avarice}; but, in this context, refers specifically to lust, though not just sexual lust. It refers to sensuality in general.
- 瞋恚 {shinni} or 瞋怒 {shindo}: Literally, this means to be offended, or angry. The same words are used to translate several Buddhist terms; such as dvesa (hatred{, pratigha {displeasure}, upanaha (malice), and kupito (rebelliousness). In this instance, the original is vyapada [enmity}.
- 沈 {jin / chin}: Depression, dullness.
- 掉悔 {chokai}: Agitation or shaken and regret or grief.
- 掉悔 {gi}: Suspicion, mistrust, doubt.
Here are the Originals:
- Kamachanda: Literally lust-desire; refers to sense desires in general. If we are chanting only to gratify or satiate sensory desires; then we are never going to get past this first hindrance. Moreover, pursuit of creature comforts might result is some joy and bliss; but always leads back to dukkha; to stress, suffering, dissatisfaction, and angst.
- Vyapada/Byapada: The best translation is probably enmity. There are five or so Indic terms, with specific nuances of meaning, that are generally collapsed into a single Chinese word meaning anger. This one, vyapada, comes from a root meaning resistance. It means ill will, antipathy, enmity, or unfriendliness. Sometimes we hear about Buddhist sects actually cultivating Enmity toward rivals. While that seems obviously wrong, resistance to learning difficult Dharma is also a form of vyapada. In the past, I would sometimes dismiss study as a bunch of useless theory or dogma. My attitude, at those times, was really nothing but sour grapes.
- Thina-middha: This is, obviously, a compound word. Thina means sloth, laziness, or indolence. Middhi means drowsiness, torpor, listlessness, or mental fog. I know the frame of mind of thina-middhi well, quite well. Boredom, melancholy, sullenness, indifference, or apathy might be decent translations of thina-middhi.
- Uddhacca-kukkucca: This is another compound word. Uddhacca means be restless, inattentive, wavering, fidgety, agitated, or distracted. Kukkucca translates as anxiety, worry, or remorse ~~ going cuckoo. It is a good and healthy thing to feel shame and guilt. Lack of shame and guilt are deemed impediments to progress in Buddhist practice. However, dwelling on, or obsessing over, remorse; or guilt tripping, can cause one to descend into sullen, morose, or hopeless moods.
- Vicikiccha: This is generally translated as suspicious or skeptical doubt. I like cynicism as a translation. Vicikiccha means to feel uncertain, unsafe, lacking in confidence and trust. A certain amount of skepticism is healthy though. The question is how to resolve legitimate doubt?
I prefer the originals; some of the concepts might be lost in translation. On the other hand, I kind of like the image of the veils. These are not just five mental states that hinder citta bhavana or spiritual cultivation; they are also veils that obscure something. So, food for thought; how does one lift these veils and enter access concentration? The Maka Shikan passage we looked at also discusses that. Also, what is on the other side?
Stopping and Seeing: A Comprehensive Course in Buddhist Meditation
January 04, 2009
Musical Interlude: Satisfaction
This playlist was updated since a lot of the songs are no longer available. Some are available, but atre blocked from embedding. "The Wheel" by Rosanne Cash and "The Waiting" by Tom Petty went well on here, but there are no good versions that I can embed. I had to find a creative version of 'Yiou Can't Always Get What You Want>"
I think the copyright infringement folks are being short sighted. I sought Roseanne Cash's old songs out because I caught "Seven Year Ache: on an embedded playlist somewhere. Otherwise, I never would have heard "The Wheel." It is free advertising for old material. Now, I have a soured attitude toward Roseanne Cash, Tom Petty, and a few others. Now, someone has claimed a copyright infringement on a nice version of "Wheel" by the Grateful Dead.