TRANSLATOR’S NOTE
In 1936-37 while living with my teacher in Burma I had the opportunity of knowing the practice of the Buddhist method of meditation called The Development of Insight (vipassana hhavana). The enthusiasm with which many persons there took up the practice and continued in it and the kihdliness and understanding which prevailed among those who had gone through the course of training patiendy to the end made me and a fellow-bhikkhu from Lanka to take up the practice. Many began to train along with us. Some of them gave up the effort in a short time and some continued the practice to the end. The time taken to complete the course varied according to the individual. We were among the last to complete the training.
The details and the spirit of the method are shown in the commentary-excerpts translated here. These were at first intended for the use of a few friends. Later when a group of sympathetic students of the Dhamma decided to get these printed, a translation of the Discourse had to be included to make the compilation coherent to the general reader.
I wish to record here my warm appreciation of the kindness of the members of the Sacc&nubodha Samiti, “ Nandana ”, Asgiriya, Kandy, especially Mr. Richard Abeyasekere, the Hon. Secretary, and Mr. W. J. Soysa, in getting this book published and encouraging me in my humble effort to serve the Dhamma.
This compilation was,begun with the Yen. Bhikkhu Nyapaponika and carried out largely according to his suggestions. To him and to the Ven. fthikknu Kheminaa I am deeply thankful for the kindly help they gave me while I was engaged in this work.
I also wish to record here my sincere thanks to the Ven. Bhikkhu Dhammapala for his valued assistance in reading over the proofs carefully, and Tor the active interest he has taken in my work.
Soma Thera
Island Hermitage,
Dodanduwa,
August 15, 1941.
CONTENTS
Introduction to the First Edition by Dr. Cassius A. Pereira
Translator’s Note
Introduction by the Translator
THE DISCOURSE ON THE AROUSING OF MINDFULNESS
THE COMMENTARY TO THE DISCOURSE ON THE AROUSING OF MINDFULNESS
The Section of the Synopsis
THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE BODY
The Section on Breathing
The Section on the Modes of Deportment
The Section on the Four Kinds of Clear Comprehension
1. Clear comprehension in going forwards and backwards
2. Clear comprehension in looking straight on and in looking away from the front
3. Clear comprehension in the bending and the stretching of limbs
4. Clear comprehension in wearing shoulder-cloak and so forth
5. Clear comprehension in the partaking of food and drink
6. Clear comprehension of cleansing the body
7. Clear comprehension of walking and so forth
The Section of Reflection on Repulsiveness
The Section of Reflection on the Modes of Materiality
The Section on the Nine Cemetery Contemplations
THE CONTEMPLATION OF FEELING
THE CONTEMPLATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS
THE CONTEMPLATION OF MENTAL OBJECTS
The Five Hindrances
1. Sensuality
2. Anger
3. Sloth and torpor
4. Agitation and worry
5. Scepsis
The Aggregates
The Sense-bases
The Factors of Enlightenment
1. Mindfulness
2. Investigation of mental objects
3. Energy
4. Joy
5. Calm
6. Concentration
7. Equanimity
The Four Truths
Notes