How Is My Growth in Practice Measured? by Bhante Dr. G.Chandima | Setia Alam Sambodhi Buddhist Association (June 01, 2024)

 

Practice by effort (with lot of efforts)
Practice by default (naturally)

1. Understanding the workings of the basic Dhamma concepts

- The Eightfold Noble Path

- Dependent Origination

- Taints (Āsavas)

- Impurities (Upakkilesa)

- Death and Rebirth

2. Understanding the Gradual Steps of Main Dhamma Concepts.

3. Every kusala act counts towards the practice. But how do we bring Kusala states to fruition? It is accomplished by turning those kusala states into perfections (Paramitās).

1. Dāna pāramī: generosity, giving of oneself
2. Sīla pāramī: virtue, morality, proper conduct
3. Nekkhamma pāramī: renunciation
4. Paññā pāramī: wisdom, discernment
5. Viriya pāramī: energy, diligence, vigour, effort
6. Khanti pāramī: patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance
7. Sacca pāramī: truthfulness, honesty
8. Adhiṭṭhāna pāramī: determination, resolution
9. Mettā pāramī: goodwill, friendliness, loving-kindness
10. Upekkhā pāramī: equanimity, serenity

4. Wise attention (Yoniso Manasikāra) and Reflection (Paccavekkhanā)

5. Discussing the Dhamma with a wise person

6. Consult a Dhamma Teacher to gain a thorough review of the practice.

7. Recollection (Anussati)

8. Checking whether the following three can be combined to have a sensory experience: Equanamity (Upekkhā), Mindfulness/Bare Awareness (Sati), and Clear Comprehension (Sampajañña)