Self Awareness Through Meditation

Author(s): Ranjitsingh Kumat
Publisher: Ranjitsingh Kumat

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DHYANA IN ACHAARANGA SUTTA HINTS OF VIPASSANA
To see a thing as it exists and not as we want to see is Vipassana. Normally we see things that are outside of us but to be able to see what is inside us is seeing things in a special manner and it requires intense concentration. It is through sensation that we experience all phenomena and our true nature: the nature of arising and passing away—the nature of impermanence. Realizing the impermanence of the sensations, one has to understand thoroughly that all objects including our own body are transitory and, therefore, one should avoid all cravings and aversions. All sensations are to be observed with equanimity. The happenings on the body and inside the body teach us about the impermanence of worldly things and the need to avoid craving and aversion for them, which ultimately help in getting rid of our hankering and hunger for amassing riches, property etc. This alone gives us freedom from suffering.
Aachaarang Sutta is full of words similar to Vipassana like ‘Paasa', 'Passati', “Vipassi etc. which mean to see and observe. Aachaaraanga Sutta is replete with instructions, which have close bearing to the Vipassana system of meditation. Let us examine some of the sutras and see how they direct us to be observant and free from craving and aversion and thus set up ourselves in a state of equanimity. In the first place, Ignorance or Avidya is the source of all suffering. This has been emphasized in the Buddha religion too. In Chapter one of Aachaaraanga it has been mentioned that one who knows the influx of Karmas (actions), is the truly knowledgeable person. One who knows the process of initiation or triggering will naturally know its conclusion. So this knowledge of initiation of Karma paves the way for getting rid of Karmas, the cause of suffering. That is why there is so much emphasis, both in “Jaina’ and Buddha system, on ‘Right Knowledge' or 'Samyaka Gnana'.
Knowledge or Understanding is not to be obtained from books; it is to be obtained by exploring and experiencing the inner self. The second chapter of the Aachaaraanga tells the aspirant that “life is short, and deterioration can develop in the sense organs like ear, eyes, nose, and tongue at any time and so one should start knowing the present moment. Do not rely on the future because it is uncertain. Knowing that pain and pleasure are impermanent, one should grasp the present moment. One who knows the present moment is the wise man."54
OBSERVE THE PAIN AND PLEASURE
We do not know the pain or pleasure; we only suffer it. This is the reason why it has been preached—“know the pain and pleasure'. By experiencing and knowing, one understands the nature of things as they are—whether