Day 66: Understanding Asubha Saññā through the Girimānanda Sutta (AN 10.60) – Study Notes from BMV Monday Sutta Study with Bhante Dr. G. Chandima

Why Asubha Saññā?

Many perceive the practice of Asubha (contemplating the unpleasant aspects of the body/32 body parts) as either a futile endeavor or as a way of fostering a distaste for the body due to its transient nature. However, Asubha Saññā (the perception of the body’s unpleasantness) holds a deeper and more profound purpose. Traditionally, it was taught to individuals with intense sexual desires to help them gain mastery over their impulses. It was not intended for everyone, as its impact may vary, particularly for those without such intense tendencies.

The Transformative Power of Asubha Saññā in the Girimānanda Sutta for Personal Growth and Spiritual Development

In the Girimānanda Sutta, Asubha Saññā is introduced from a more profound and enriching perspective—one that offers significant benefits for personal growth and spiritual development, especially for both lay and monastic practitioners. At its heart, the teaching is both simple and transformative: by cultivating a deep and essential understanding of the 32 parts of the body, one gains greater mastery over both its physical and mental aspects. This awareness not only diminishes craving and clinging but also nurtures a life that is healthier, more compassionate, balanced, harmonious, and self-disciplined. Ultimately, it fosters a deeper sense of inner peace and clarity.

In the Girimānanda sutta, the reflection on the 32 body parts was primarily meant to heal, not to enlighten

In this context, when the Buddha advises Venerable Girimānanda to contemplate the unpleasant nature of the body, he is not suggesting a focus on despair or suffering. Instead, the Buddha encourages Girimānanda to recognize that understanding the true nature of the body—its change and flaws—offers a way out. This insight provides hope, both mentally and physically, showing that improvement is possible and that one does not have to succumb to sickness or despair although it can be inevitable at times. The key lesson is that through understanding, there is always the potential for good health  and transformation.

Discrepancies in the Enumeration of Body Parts Across Suttas

Most suttas do not specify the total number of body parts as 32, but rather 31, including the Girimānanda Sutta and the Satipaṭṭhāna Suttas (DN 22, MN 10). However, the Vijaya Sutta (Sutta Nipāta 1.11) includes 32 body parts by adding the brain to the list. While the more common enumeration is 32, I have followed this convention, but it is important to also consider the instances where only 31 body parts are mentioned in some suttas. 

You can find a detailed blog post about the 32 body parts here.

1. How do many people perceive the practice of Asubha (contemplating the unpleasant aspects of the body), and why is this understanding often seen as misguided?

2. Why was Asubha Saññā originally taught to individuals with intense sexual desires, and how does its impact differ for people without such tendencies?

3. How is Asubha Saññā presented in the Girimānanda Sutta, and what benefits does it offer, particularly for lay practitioners?

4. What is the core teaching of Asubha Saññā, and how does understanding the 32 parts of the body help individuals gain better mastery over their physical and mental states?

5. What is the deeper lesson the Buddha offers Venerable Girimānanda regarding the contemplation of the body’s unpleasant nature, and how does it provide hope for improvement rather than despair?