Wisdom Insight Letter No. 225
Mind and Mind factors (Citta and Cetasika) 29: Ekaggata (one-pointedness: concentration) 1
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Cetasika, the fifth of the seven universals of the 52 mental factors, Ekaggata, refers to having one object, which means ‘concentration’. This acts as an essential element in cultivating Jhāna.
As defined above, the mind is characterized by ‘knowing’ an object, so an object is needed for the mind to arise. Arising a mind means having an object, and the mind can only take one object at a time.
Ekaggata plays a role in focusing on an object. For example, through the sense organ of the eye, eye consciousness arises in which ‘form’ is recognized as an object. At this time, no other object can be recognized. Only the form before the eyes is the object of concentration. Through the sense organ of the ear, only ‘sound’ is recognized as an object. At this time, Ekaggata focuses on ‘sound’ as an object (ear consciousness). Other sense organs also recognize each object in this way.
The ‘object’ as an observer is not simply an abstract ‘object’ or ‘thing’, but is divided into detailed and more subtle stages. This is because the temporal concept of ‘one moment’ is divided into ‘instantaneous’ and more subtle stages. Even one second is a very large unit of time, so just as we perceive the fluorescent light as being on even though it keeps blinking, countless minds take in countless objects in one moment.
It should be understood as a direct experience through mindfulness beyond theoretical understanding. It would be good to practice observing for even one minute a day how one mind takes in one object and moves in one moment.
If you can clearly observe how the six sense organs take in different objects and continuously change and integrate them, the power of mindfulness will be greatly strengthened.
The sense organs of the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and body can also observe all objects through the sixth door of the mind. This is because the ultimate realities observed through the five doors, as well as the concepts that follow them, become the objects of the mind’s inquiry.
To be continued…
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May you develop the wisdom insight through Vipassana!
with Metta,
Ayya Kosalla
at Brahma Vihara Meditation Center in California
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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!