Practical Advice for Meditators

by Bhikkhu Khantipalo | 1986 | 10,033 words

Practical Advice for Meditators by Bhikkhu Khantipalo The Wheel Publication No. 116 Copyright © 1986 Buddhist Publication Society For free distribution only. You may print copies of this work for your personal use. You may re-format and redistribute this work for use on computers and computer networks, provided that you charge no fees for its di...

One Defining Of The Four Great Elements

40. These are earth (solidity), water (cohesion), fire (temperature), and air (movement), all of which characterize our physical bodies. These elements may be perceived by an analysis based upon the use of mindfulness.[1] This practice is also said to be particularly fitted for the intelligent character.

Those practices not mentioned in connection with character are suited to anyone. As all of these practices are aimed at the lessening and eventual destruction of the stains (kilesa), one may appreciate how important they are thought in Buddhist training. Where the stains are present, there the darkness of unknowing holds sway; but where they are not found, there shines forth the wisdom and compassion of Enlightenment.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

See The Foundations of Mindfulness, trans. Nyanasatta, WHEEL No. 19, p. 15; and Ledi Sayadaw, A Manual of Insight, WHEEL No. 31/32, pp. 25, 78.

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