Wisdom Insight Letter No. 231
Overcoming the five hindrances (nīvaraṇa) through the five elements of jhana: samadhi 6
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Preparatory passages for entering the first jhāna are found throughout the Nikaya (the Buddha's discourses).
"Having abandoned the desire for sensual pleasures,
and having left the evil and unwholesome states" -SN 45.8
The first condition for entering the jhāna is 'leaving the desire for sensual pleasures (vivicceva kāmehi)'.
Then,
"having thought (vitaka) and reflection (vicara),
and having joy (piti) and happiness (sukkha) born of detachment, he attains the first jhāna." -SN 45.8
It is experiencing subtle inner happiness rather than the gross pleasures that come from sensual desires. The condition for maintaining inner happiness is to let go of the strong attachment of the ego. Without this prerequisite, one cannot experience the pleasure of jhāna.
Overcoming the five hindrances through the five jhāna factors
Overcoming sloth and drowsiness (thīna-middha) through aroused thought (vitaka)
Overcoming skeptical doubt (vicikicchā) through continuous consideration (vicāra)
Overcoming ill-will (vyāpāda) through rapture (pīti)
Overcoming restlessness and regret (uddhacca-kukucca) through the feeling of happiness (sukha), that is, tranquility
Overcoming sensual desire (kāmāchanda) through concentration (citta-ekaggatā)
In this way, each of the hindrances is related to the jhāna factors. In order to overcome each hindrance, The essential requirement is concentration. (reference dhamma letter 31)
The mind factor (cetasika) called ekaggata and the jhana factor govern the restraint of ‘sensual desires’ emphasized in the preparatory passages of jhana.
The result is the tranquility of the mind through concentration. Each of the five hindrances that occur during meditation is connected to the jhana factors that overcome the hindrances. The result can be experienced only through the practice of meditation.
Therefore, putting mindfulness in the front,
moderation the sense organs,
moderation thoughts, words, and actions,
and maintaining the awareness that stays in mindfulness will be a useful practice in everyday life.
May a good heart be developed through right awareness (Samma-Sati), right effort (Samma-Vayama), and moderation!
May you develop the wisdom insight through Vipassana!
with Metta,
Ayya Kosalla
at Brahma Viharas in California
Ayya Kosalla Bhikkhuni guides Satipatthana meditation for Nibbana. Those who need personal meditation guidance can receive valuable help: Dhamma Dāna.
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The Korean Wisdom Insight Letter is here 지혜통찰편지.
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!