Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation at
Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara
In the present moment
Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara
In the present moment
This blog aims to equip the novice mediator with just enough knowledge to have a good attempt at Satipatthana Vipassana meditation conducted at Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara, Chom Thong district, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Using the Satipatthana Sutta and its commentaries as a starting point to introduce a practitioner to the Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation. One will notice, at the same time, the basic concepts in Therevada Buddhism being linked together in the reverse order.
Approaching Buddhism from the higher concepts at the beginning may sometimes discourage further investigation when the foundation is not strong. In the reverse order, working from the coarser contemplation of the human body ( one of the 4 foundations of mindfulness ) towards the finer contemplation and realisation of the 4 noble truths, we build the foundations before progressing further.
Links to valuable resources are shared. It is important and necessary to read the linked content for a good idea of what to expect.
The approach of this blog is as follows -
For a quick overview, it is recommended to read Subject, Main points and Sutta. Go through the commentaries or study guides when necessary. Additional Reading category is there to provide even more information. Some links are lengthy while others can be very short. The only way to know is to click on them ;-)
The list of subjects at the side are roughly in the order of mention in the Satipatthana Sutta. I suggest an unfamiliar reader go in sequence.
Most of the information in this blog are taken from http://www.accesstoinsight.org
It is a wonderful website with many suttas, study guides, commentaries etc. It is searchable by subject, sutta etc. Rather than depending only on the links provided in my blog, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with that website to find answers to questions that are on your mind. It is a treasure trove. There are instructions there to download the entire website should the need arises. There is also an app for it on Android smart phones. Just search for – access to insight – in Google Play Store.
Disclaimer –
This is a personal blog to provide basic information on what is available at Wat Phradathu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara for a practicing Buddhist.
I aim to reduce personal opinion to a minimum in order to reduce mistakes. Please let me know should there be any error spotted.
Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara ( sometimes pronounced as Wat Jom Thoong) is located in the Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai, Thailand which is approximately 60 kilometers from the airport.
On Google Maps, it is named = Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan = https://plus.google.com/111715719863885317034/about?hl=en
From my experience, Thailand do not have a standardized translation to English phonetics from the Thai language. It can be a challenge at times.
The temple faces Doi Inthanon, Thailand's tallest mountain. It has over a hundred Kuti ( little houses with attached toilets ) for meditators. There is a low wooden bed and an electric fan in each kuti. There is no hot water. Blanket, bed lining, meditation cushion and meditation mat are provided.
The beginner course runs for approximately 21 days and subsequent courses are approximately 12 days in duration.
Both vegetarian ( eggs, pungent roots like garlic and onions are present ) and normal Thai meals with meat are provided at the dining hall. Breakfast is at 6am and lunch at 11am. No solid food is to be consumed after 12pm ( baring medical requirements or other special circumstances ) ( ref - 8 precepts - http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html
Water from the taps is not potable. Bottled water or filtered water is advised. There are a few locations in the temple with filtration systems installed. There are also a few water dispensers. Drinking water can be obtained from those places.
Typical schedule (baring special medical requirements or other special circumstances )
Almost everyday, there will be a meditation progress reporting with a meditation teacher ( a monk, Phra - in Thai + Ajaan - teacher in Thai = Phra Ajaan)
White clothes are required. They can be purchased inexpensively just outside the temple (around USD$4 per piece). A meditation timer ( similar to a digital cooking timer ) is also needed. Washing machines are available at various parts of the living areas. They are of the simpler type with separate wash and spin drums. Wet clothes will have to be sun dried.
The temple is in the middle of the town centre. There is a lively market just outside the temple. All daily necessities can be purchased there. There are 2 medicine shops and numerous food stalls. There is also a 7-11 convenience shop just across the road. Many ATMs and at least 2 banks' branches are in the vicinity. A hospital is approximately 1.5km away from the temple.
The temple trains Vipassana Meditation teachers and conducts Pali Language examinations as well. It can get quite busy at times. Booking in advance is recommended.
Using the Satipatthana Sutta and its commentaries as a starting point to introduce a practitioner to the Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation. One will notice, at the same time, the basic concepts in Therevada Buddhism being linked together in the reverse order.
Approaching Buddhism from the higher concepts at the beginning may sometimes discourage further investigation when the foundation is not strong. In the reverse order, working from the coarser contemplation of the human body ( one of the 4 foundations of mindfulness ) towards the finer contemplation and realisation of the 4 noble truths, we build the foundations before progressing further.
Links to valuable resources are shared. It is important and necessary to read the linked content for a good idea of what to expect.
The approach of this blog is as follows -
- SUBJECT
- MAIN POINTS
- SUTTA – if any
- PERSONAL COMMENTS – if any
- COMMENTARIES OR STUDY GUIDE – if any
- ADDITIONAL READING – if any
For a quick overview, it is recommended to read Subject, Main points and Sutta. Go through the commentaries or study guides when necessary. Additional Reading category is there to provide even more information. Some links are lengthy while others can be very short. The only way to know is to click on them ;-)
The list of subjects at the side are roughly in the order of mention in the Satipatthana Sutta. I suggest an unfamiliar reader go in sequence.
Most of the information in this blog are taken from http://www.accesstoinsight.org
It is a wonderful website with many suttas, study guides, commentaries etc. It is searchable by subject, sutta etc. Rather than depending only on the links provided in my blog, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with that website to find answers to questions that are on your mind. It is a treasure trove. There are instructions there to download the entire website should the need arises. There is also an app for it on Android smart phones. Just search for – access to insight – in Google Play Store.
Disclaimer –
This is a personal blog to provide basic information on what is available at Wat Phradathu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara for a practicing Buddhist.
I aim to reduce personal opinion to a minimum in order to reduce mistakes. Please let me know should there be any error spotted.
Wat Phradhatu Sri Chomtong Vora Vihara ( sometimes pronounced as Wat Jom Thoong) is located in the Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai, Thailand which is approximately 60 kilometers from the airport.
On Google Maps, it is named = Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan = https://plus.google.com/111715719863885317034/about?hl=en
From my experience, Thailand do not have a standardized translation to English phonetics from the Thai language. It can be a challenge at times.
The temple faces Doi Inthanon, Thailand's tallest mountain. It has over a hundred Kuti ( little houses with attached toilets ) for meditators. There is a low wooden bed and an electric fan in each kuti. There is no hot water. Blanket, bed lining, meditation cushion and meditation mat are provided.
The beginner course runs for approximately 21 days and subsequent courses are approximately 12 days in duration.
Both vegetarian ( eggs, pungent roots like garlic and onions are present ) and normal Thai meals with meat are provided at the dining hall. Breakfast is at 6am and lunch at 11am. No solid food is to be consumed after 12pm ( baring medical requirements or other special circumstances ) ( ref - 8 precepts - http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html
Water from the taps is not potable. Bottled water or filtered water is advised. There are a few locations in the temple with filtration systems installed. There are also a few water dispensers. Drinking water can be obtained from those places.
Typical schedule (baring special medical requirements or other special circumstances )
- Wake up at 4am
- Breakfast at 6am
- Lunch at 11am
- Sleep at 10pm
Almost everyday, there will be a meditation progress reporting with a meditation teacher ( a monk, Phra - in Thai + Ajaan - teacher in Thai = Phra Ajaan)
White clothes are required. They can be purchased inexpensively just outside the temple (around USD$4 per piece). A meditation timer ( similar to a digital cooking timer ) is also needed. Washing machines are available at various parts of the living areas. They are of the simpler type with separate wash and spin drums. Wet clothes will have to be sun dried.
The temple is in the middle of the town centre. There is a lively market just outside the temple. All daily necessities can be purchased there. There are 2 medicine shops and numerous food stalls. There is also a 7-11 convenience shop just across the road. Many ATMs and at least 2 banks' branches are in the vicinity. A hospital is approximately 1.5km away from the temple.
The temple trains Vipassana Meditation teachers and conducts Pali Language examinations as well. It can get quite busy at times. Booking in advance is recommended.
What is Satipatthana Vipassana Meditation?
MUST READ
Satipatthana Vipassana by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw © 1995
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/mahasi/wheel370.html
4 Foundations of Mindfulness
MAIN POINTS
SUTTA
Satipatthana Sutta
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.nysa.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
This is the sutta which the meditation is based upon. It is important to read this sutta carefully. Some of the other pages contains additional information mentioned in this sutta. Having heard of other spin offs of Vipassana, I find that it is important to do it correctly with all 4 contemplations rather than focusing on just one aspect like the Mind itself. As the Mind gets more sensitive, if the rest of the contemplations like Feelings are not paid attention to, there may arise a situation where the meditator may not be able to handle the additional awareness brought about by the increased sensitivity of the mind.
MUST READ
Satipatthana Vipassana by Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw © 1995
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/mahasi/wheel370.html
4 Foundations of Mindfulness
MAIN POINTS
- The Contemplation of the Body
- The Contemplation of Feeling
- The Contemplation of Consciousness
- The Contemplation of Mental Objects
SUTTA
Satipatthana Sutta
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.nysa.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
This is the sutta which the meditation is based upon. It is important to read this sutta carefully. Some of the other pages contains additional information mentioned in this sutta. Having heard of other spin offs of Vipassana, I find that it is important to do it correctly with all 4 contemplations rather than focusing on just one aspect like the Mind itself. As the Mind gets more sensitive, if the rest of the contemplations like Feelings are not paid attention to, there may arise a situation where the meditator may not be able to handle the additional awareness brought about by the increased sensitivity of the mind.
3 Types of Feelings ( Vedana )
MAIN POINTS
ADDITIONAL READING
Contemplation of Feeling
The Discourse-Grouping on the Feelings
translated from the Pali, with an Introduction by
Nyanaponika Thera
© 1995
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel303.html
5 Mental Hindrances
MAIN POINTS
SUTTA
Satipatthana Sutta (repeat)
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.nysa.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
These hindrances will be especially noticeable during practice. The 5 hindrances and the way to counter them are explained in Part II of the commentary below
COMMENTARY
The Five Mental Hindrances and Their Conquest
Selected Texts from the Pali Canon and the Commentaries
compiled and translated by
Nyanaponika Thera
See copyright details http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel026.html#F_termsOfUse © 1994
Part II
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel026.html#indiv
FULL ARTICLE
5-mental-hindrances = http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel026.html
MAIN POINTS
- Like ( pleasant)
- Dislike ( unpleasant )
- Neutral
ADDITIONAL READING
Contemplation of Feeling
The Discourse-Grouping on the Feelings
translated from the Pali, with an Introduction by
Nyanaponika Thera
© 1995
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel303.html
5 Mental Hindrances
MAIN POINTS
- Sensual Desire
- Ill-Will
- Sloth and Torpor
- Restlessness and Remorse
- Doubt
SUTTA
Satipatthana Sutta (repeat)
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.010.nysa.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
These hindrances will be especially noticeable during practice. The 5 hindrances and the way to counter them are explained in Part II of the commentary below
COMMENTARY
The Five Mental Hindrances and Their Conquest
Selected Texts from the Pali Canon and the Commentaries
compiled and translated by
Nyanaponika Thera
See copyright details http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel026.html#F_termsOfUse © 1994
Part II
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel026.html#indiv
FULL ARTICLE
5-mental-hindrances = http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanaponika/wheel026.html
5 Aggregates
MAIN POINTS
SUTTA
Khandha Sutta: Aggregates
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1997
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.048.than.html\
MAIN POINTS
- FORM
- FEELING
- PERCEPTION
- MENTAL FABRICATIONS
- COUSIOUSNESS
SUTTA
Khandha Sutta: Aggregates
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1997
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.048.than.html\
6 Sense Bases
MAIN POINTS
ADDITIONAL READING
Salayatana-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Six Sense-media
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 2003
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.137.than.html
MAIN POINTS
- eye / seeing
- ear / hearing
- nose / smelling
- tongue / tasting
- body / touching
- intellect / thinking
ADDITIONAL READING
Salayatana-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Six Sense-media
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 2003
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.137.than.html
7 Factors of Enlightenment ( Bojjhanga )
MAIN POINTS
SUTTA
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment
by
Piyadassi Thera
See copyright details http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/wheel001.html#F_termsOfUse© 2006
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/wheel001.html
MAIN POINTS
- Mindfulness ( Sati )
- Keen investigation of the Dhamma ( Dhammavicaya )
- Energy ( Viriya )
- Rapture or happiness ( Piti )
- Calm ( Passaddhi )
- Concentration ( Samadhi )
- Equanimity ( Upekkha )
SUTTA
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment
by
Piyadassi Thera
See copyright details http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/wheel001.html#F_termsOfUse© 2006
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/piyadassi/wheel001.html
4 Noble Truths
MAIN POINTS
COMMENTARY
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/index.html
The First Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca1/index.html
The Second Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of the Origin of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca2/index.html
The Third Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of the Cessation of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca3/index.html
The Fourth Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca4/index.html
The Noble Eightfold Path ( The Fourth Noble Truth )
MAIN POINTS
SUTTA
Magga-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Path
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1996
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn45/sn45.008.than.html
STUDY GUIDE
The Noble Eightfold Path
The Way to the End of Suffering
by
Bhikkhu Bodhi
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
Just as my friend advised me, Buddhism is not just meditation. Meditation is 1 part of the noble 8 fold path. Don't forget about the other 7.
MAIN POINTS
- The Noble Truth of dukkha
- The Noble Truth of the Origin of dukkha
- The Noble Truth of the Cessation of dukkha
- The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of dukkha
COMMENTARY
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/index.html
The First Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca1/index.html
The Second Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of the Origin of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca2/index.html
The Third Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of the Cessation of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca3/index.html
The Fourth Noble Truth - The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of dukkha
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca4/index.html
The Noble Eightfold Path ( The Fourth Noble Truth )
MAIN POINTS
- Right View
- Right Intentions
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
SUTTA
Magga-vibhanga Sutta: An Analysis of the Path
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1996
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn45/sn45.008.than.html
STUDY GUIDE
The Noble Eightfold Path
The Way to the End of Suffering
by
Bhikkhu Bodhi
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
Just as my friend advised me, Buddhism is not just meditation. Meditation is 1 part of the noble 8 fold path. Don't forget about the other 7.
Essence of Buddhism Poster
Presented by Ven. Dr. R. Gnanaseeha
Samadhi Buddhist Society, Singapore
13 May 2014 Vesak
PERSONAL COMMENTS
Please keep this mind map handy for easy reference. It will come in handy when one starts to get a little lost when reading the Suttas
Presented by Ven. Dr. R. Gnanaseeha
Samadhi Buddhist Society, Singapore
13 May 2014 Vesak
PERSONAL COMMENTS
Please keep this mind map handy for easy reference. It will come in handy when one starts to get a little lost when reading the Suttas
| essence_of_buddhism_poster.pdf |
Threefold Refuge ( Tisarana )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/pbtf/tisarana.html
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa. (Three times.)
Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.
Buddham saranam gacchami
I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhammam saranam gacchami
I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Sangham saranam gacchami
I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
For a second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
For a second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami
For a second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
For a third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
For a third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami
For a third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Virtues and Precepts ( Sila )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptfd/hamma/sila/index.html
SUBJECT
5 Precepts ( Panca Sila )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/pancasila.html
The Five Precepts:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
PERSONAL COMMENTS
The 5 precepts are usually for lay people. Meditators usually takes the 8 precepts
SUBJECT
8 Precepts ( Attha Sila )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html
The Eight Precepts:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
8. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
PERSONAL COMMENTS
8 Precepts for Meditators.
Virtues ( Sila) is a prerequisite to Concentration ( Samadhi ).
Concentration ( Samadhi ) is a prerequisite to developing Wisdom ( Pañña ).
It is mentioned in 3 pages here, namely, Satipatthana Sutta, 7 Factors of Enlightenment and The Essentials of Buddha Dhamma in Meditative Practice.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/pbtf/tisarana.html
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa. (Three times.)
Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Rightly Self-awakened One.
Buddham saranam gacchami
I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dhammam saranam gacchami
I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Sangham saranam gacchami
I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Dutiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
For a second time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Dutiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
For a second time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Dutiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami
For a second time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Tatiyampi Buddham saranam gacchami
For a third time, I go to the Buddha for refuge.
Tatiyampi Dhammam saranam gacchami
For a third time, I go to the Dhamma for refuge.
Tatiyampi Sangham saranam gacchami
For a third time, I go to the Sangha for refuge.
Virtues and Precepts ( Sila )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptfd/hamma/sila/index.html
SUBJECT
5 Precepts ( Panca Sila )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/pancasila.html
The Five Precepts:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
PERSONAL COMMENTS
The 5 precepts are usually for lay people. Meditators usually takes the 8 precepts
SUBJECT
8 Precepts ( Attha Sila )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/atthasila.html
The Eight Precepts:
1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from destroying living creatures.
2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.
3. Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity.
4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from incorrect speech.
5. Suramerayamajja pamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
6. Vikalabhojana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at the forbidden time (i.e., after noon).
7. Nacca-gita-vadita-visukkadassana mala-gandha-vilepana-dharana-mandana-vibhusanathana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from dancing, singing, music, going to see entertainments, wearing garlands, using perfumes, and beautifying the body with cosmetics.
8. Uccasayana-mahasayana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami
I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.
PERSONAL COMMENTS
8 Precepts for Meditators.
Virtues ( Sila) is a prerequisite to Concentration ( Samadhi ).
Concentration ( Samadhi ) is a prerequisite to developing Wisdom ( Pañña ).
It is mentioned in 3 pages here, namely, Satipatthana Sutta, 7 Factors of Enlightenment and The Essentials of Buddha Dhamma in Meditative Practice.
Buddha Day ( Uposatha )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/uposatha.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
There will be announcements on the public addressing system on the day before Uposatha. There will be chanting and Dhamma talk in the evening before the actual day. On the actual day itself, there will be a ceremony conducted. Meditators are encouraged to participate.
Generosity ( Dana )
COMMENTARY
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/dana/
PERSONAL COMMENTS
The temple have a market right outside. Some of the monks will go on alms round in the morning. It is possible to buy food and drinks outside the temple and offer it to the monks. It is a good opportunity to practice Generosity ( Dana).
To get an idea of how it is done, observe the Thais ;-)
It goes something like this
1 – buy food outside the temple
2 – wait for a monk to pass by
3 – remove your footwear
4 – put your palms together to indicate you want to make an offering
5 – wait for the monk to open his alms bowl
6 – put the food into the bowl with both hands
7 – kneel or squat (not too close to the monk)
8 – the monk will offer blessings in return (some chanting)
9 – when the chanting stops, say “Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu” (Sadhu means “good” – a way to rejoice)
10 – after the monk walks away, stand up and wear your footwear
Stretching Exercises ( yoga )
http://stretchingex.weebly.com/
PERSONAL COMMENTS
There will be discomfort like numbness and pains experienced especially during long periods of sitting meditation ( dukkha ! ) for the inexperienced. Do not let that discourage you from practicing. One of the best and quickest remedies is to actually do stretching exercises (yoga) before and after each set of meditation.
Meditation on Metta （ Metta Bhavana ）
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/buddharakkhita/wheel365.html#ch6
The Practice of Loving-Kindness ( Metta )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nanamoli/wheel007.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
The above 2 links are for the practice of Metta. It may be recommended by the meditation teacher when he is aware that you have some difficulty during meditation. It is the antidote to various negative emotions that may arise during Vipassana practice due to the meditator's past actions and experiences in the secular world.
ADDITIONAL READINGS
Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion ( Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ) ( 4 Noble Truths )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn56/sn56.011.than.html
Dependent Origination - Paticca-Samuppada
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanatiloka/wheel394.html#ch3
The Essentials of Buddha Dhamma in Meditative Practice
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/khin/wheel231.html
The Way of Mindfulness - The Satipatthana Sutta and Its Commentary - by - Soma Thera © 1998
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/soma/wayof.html
Investigation for Insight by Susan Elbaum Jootla © 1994
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/jootla/wheel301.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/uposatha.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
There will be announcements on the public addressing system on the day before Uposatha. There will be chanting and Dhamma talk in the evening before the actual day. On the actual day itself, there will be a ceremony conducted. Meditators are encouraged to participate.
Generosity ( Dana )
COMMENTARY
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/dana/
PERSONAL COMMENTS
The temple have a market right outside. Some of the monks will go on alms round in the morning. It is possible to buy food and drinks outside the temple and offer it to the monks. It is a good opportunity to practice Generosity ( Dana).
To get an idea of how it is done, observe the Thais ;-)
It goes something like this
1 – buy food outside the temple
2 – wait for a monk to pass by
3 – remove your footwear
4 – put your palms together to indicate you want to make an offering
5 – wait for the monk to open his alms bowl
6 – put the food into the bowl with both hands
7 – kneel or squat (not too close to the monk)
8 – the monk will offer blessings in return (some chanting)
9 – when the chanting stops, say “Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu” (Sadhu means “good” – a way to rejoice)
10 – after the monk walks away, stand up and wear your footwear
Stretching Exercises ( yoga )
http://stretchingex.weebly.com/
PERSONAL COMMENTS
There will be discomfort like numbness and pains experienced especially during long periods of sitting meditation ( dukkha ! ) for the inexperienced. Do not let that discourage you from practicing. One of the best and quickest remedies is to actually do stretching exercises (yoga) before and after each set of meditation.
Meditation on Metta （ Metta Bhavana ）
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/buddharakkhita/wheel365.html#ch6
The Practice of Loving-Kindness ( Metta )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nanamoli/wheel007.html
PERSONAL COMMENTS
The above 2 links are for the practice of Metta. It may be recommended by the meditation teacher when he is aware that you have some difficulty during meditation. It is the antidote to various negative emotions that may arise during Vipassana practice due to the meditator's past actions and experiences in the secular world.
ADDITIONAL READINGS
Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion ( Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta ) ( 4 Noble Truths )
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn56/sn56.011.than.html
Dependent Origination - Paticca-Samuppada
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/nyanatiloka/wheel394.html#ch3
The Essentials of Buddha Dhamma in Meditative Practice
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/khin/wheel231.html
The Way of Mindfulness - The Satipatthana Sutta and Its Commentary - by - Soma Thera © 1998
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/soma/wayof.html
Investigation for Insight by Susan Elbaum Jootla © 1994
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/jootla/wheel301.html
