Dhamma Letter No. 152
Satipatthana 69: Cittānupassanā (Observation of mind): To avoid getting lost in the flow of thoughts.
U Tejaniya Sayadaw says that through this method of continuous observation of the mind, one can see the revelation of a very subtle mind called ‘subconsciousness or unconsciousness’ in Western psychology. It is said that like peeling off the skin of an onion, a fine and subtle state of mind is revealed through intermediate stages from a rough state of mind.
He says that the subconscious or unconscious mind in the West, and ālaya vijñāna (eighth consciousness) in Vijñānavāda in Mahayana Buddhism, are names that came about because the subtle mind in the state of obscurity has not yet been revealed and is not known or seen. When strong pollutants such as greed, anger, and foolishness disappear, purity is revealed, just as the clouds clear and you can see a clear sky.
This explains the detailed process of consciousness in Abhidhamma, the third text of the Tipiṭaka (三藏 삼장). If you continue to observe your mind, you will be able to closely understand through your body, mouth, and mind that you are engaging in unconscious actions in your daily life. Observation of the potential tendencies of the three karmas through the unconscious and subconscious is possible when the mind is subject to the subtle mind.
The step of being aware of this subtle mind in a state of constant awareness is not easy for beginners and is only possible for experienced Vipassana practitioners.
*In particular, U Tejanaya Sayadaw (ashintejaniya.org) emphasizes continuous awareness so as not to dwell on one thought for more than 10 seconds with strong Sati. The idea is to just observe and not get lost in the flow of thoughts. We must realize that thoughts are also just objects that constantly come into existence and disappear depending on conditions.
To be continued…
with Metta,
Ayya Kosalla
Edited by Euna Bonovich
Ayya Kosalla is leading:
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The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu!