PREFACE
It is owing to past meritorious deeds that all good Buddhists are experiencing, from among the five extremely hard to attain conditions (Dullaba), the condition of finding the teaching of the Buddha which is called Buddhuppada. They have also obtained a human existence which is called Manussatta bhava. They are hearing the sublime dhamma which is called Saddhammasavana and according to circumstances, they are endowed with faith which is called Saddhamma Sampatti.
While experiencing these hard to attain conditions good Buddhists, in order to be liberated from the dangers and sufferings of their existence such as old age, sickness and death and with the aim and desire to attain nibbana, go to quiet forest monasteries, to monasteries in the mountains and to various mediation centres to practise vipassana mediation according to the methods of the teachers concerned. It is the best kind of work for them.
Among those virtuous yogis who thus practise vipassana mediation, there are some who comprehend the nature of dhamma within a few days or a few months. There are some who do not comprehend the nature of dhamma distinctly inspite of practising for many days and may months and who may therefore become disheartened, give up and retreat.
In order that yogis may be able to comprehend the nature of dhamma by practising for a short while only, the five controlling faculties within the continuum of their consciousness must be balanced and sharpened. This will be possible only if yogis practise according to the nine causes which sharpen the controlling faculties such as noting respectfully and intently to know the passing away of matter and mind.
CONTENTS
Preface
Translator’s Note
Chapter One. The First Dhamma Discourse
Chaper Two. The Second Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Three. The Third Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Four. The Fourth Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Five. The Fifth Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Six. The Sixth Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Seven. The Seventh Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Eight. The Eighth Dhamma Discourse
Chapter Nine. The Ninth Dhamma Discourse
Glossary