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This is second part of the essay on the code of
conduct and the practice of Dhamma and meditative techniques
prescribed for a Buddhist monk on the Eightfold Path for
reaching nirvana.
The Control of the Senses
While perceiving the objects with his senses, the monk pays
attention neither to the whole object nor to its details. He tries to avoid that
which might lead to evil, sin and triviality, when ones senses are unguarded, such
as greed and sorrow. He therefore keeps a full watch on his sensea and keeps them
under firm control. By practicing the control of his senses, he experiences pure
happiness.
Practicing Attentiveness and Clear Consciousness
He is clearly conscious in the movements of his body and mind. He is clearly
conscious of his body movements, of its going and coming, of its looking forward
and backward, of its bending and stretching, of its eating, drinking, chewing and
tasting, and various other activities.
Having developed the lofty morality, control of the senses, and the noble quality
of attentiveness and clear mindedness, he now selects a secluded spot in the forest,
or the foot of a tree, a mountain, a cleft in a rock, a cave, a burial ground, a
woody plain, open air, or a heap of straw. Every day, after completing his round
of begging for alms, he returns to this place and sits there cross legged, keeping
his body erect, with attentiveness firmly fixed in front of him. He cleanses his
heart by overcoming the five hindrances, namely the hindrances of lust, ill-will,
torpor and dullness, restlessness, mental worry and doubt.
The Experience of the Trances
After overcoming the five hindrances, he realizes the paralyzing perversions
of the mind. And leaving behind all the sense impressions and unworthy things, he
enters into the Four Trances.
Insight
He regards all feelings, perceptions, mental formations or consciousness as impermanent,
subject to pain, as an enemy, or devoid of ego, etc. Thus turning away from them,
he keeps his mind fixed on the thoughts of peace and such thoughts that lead him
to the attainment of a passionless or impassionate state.
Nirvana
Freed from sensual passion, from the passion for existence, from the passion
of ignorance, his heart becomes free. He becomes aware of the knowledge of his freedom
as he realizes that his rebirth is exhausted, his holy life is fulfilled, that whatever
was to be done was done and that there was nothing further to be done.
He realizes that he is liberated forever and that no new existence awaits him.
This is the highest realization, the holiest wisdom to know, which is to wash away
all suffering. Verily, this is the highest and the holiest wisdom, the complete
sublimation of greed, hatred and delusion. With the attainment of it all suffering
passes away.
The Silent Thinker
The vain thoughts are many. For example: "I am" is a vain thought; "I am
not" is a vain thought; "I shall be" is a vain thought; "I shall not be" is a vain
thought. The monk has to overcome these vain thoughts through the above mentioned
practices and when he succeeds in that he becomes a Silent Thinker. And the Silent
Thinker "does no more arise, no more pass away, no more tremble, no more desire."
He becomes free from birth, old age, death and desires.
The True Goal
The real object or the real essence of Holy Life is the "unshakeable deliverance
of the heart". It is not meant for gathering alms, or honor, or fame, or morality,
or concentration, or the eye of wisdom.
Suggested Further Reading
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