Paṭisota | From Mindful Insight to Heartfelt Wisdom

Dhammapda 57 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 57. Tesaṃ sampanna Sīlānaṃ, Of those endowed with virtue, appamāda vihārinaṃ; Living with vigilance, sammadaññā vimuttānaṃ, and freed by right understanding māro maggaṃ na vindati. Mara does not find the path. Story:  Godhika Thera Parinibbāna Vatthu

Why is Ānāpānasati Considered the Tenth Perception? Ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing in and out) is  explicitly listed as one of the Ten Perceptions ( dasa saññā ) in the Girimānanda Sutta (AN 10.60). However, it serves as a fundamental practice that supports and deepens the development of these ten perceptions. As a universal meditation object, the breath aligns with and enhances each perception, providing a direct path to insight and liberation. Interestingly, the description of Ānāpānasati in the Girimānanda Sutta closely mirrors its exposition in the Ānāpānasati Sutta (MN 118). This suggests that its role in AN 10.60 extends beyond a simple contemplation of breath. Unlike the more general approach to breath meditation found in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta (MN 10 and DN 22) , here it is presented as an integrative practice that consolidates and elevates the preceding perceptions. The placement of Ānāpānasati as the final perception is significant. Breath meditation is th...

Dhammapda 56 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 56. Appamatto ayaṁ gandho, Slight is the scent yāyaṁ tagara candanī; of rosebay or sandalwood, Yo ca sīlavataṁ gandho, But the scent of the virtuous vāti devesu uttamo. (is supreme), Drifiting even to the gods. Story: Mahākassapa Thera Piṇḍapāta dinna Vatthu

The Perception of Change in All Conditioned Phenomena Sabba – all Saṅkhāresu – with regard to conditioned phenomena Anicca – change  Saññā – perception What is Saṅkhāra ? Saṅkhāra refers to all phenomena conditioned through the process of dependent origination ( paṭicca samuppāda ). Its functioning varies across different Dhamma perspectives, and its conditioning should be understood within those specific contexts. Below are the various aspects of saṅkhāra in early Buddhism: Different Saṅkhāra Contexts 1.  Saṅ khāra  as Conditioned Formations (Fabrications) Refers to all conditioned phenomena ( sabbe   sa ṅ khār ā), meaning everything that arises due to causes and conditions. Emphasizes change , changeability/impermanence ( anicca ),  and the nature of all compounded things. Example: sabbe sa ṅ khārā aniccā (“All conditioned things are impermanent”) – (Dhammapada 277) 2. Sa ṅ khāra as Kammic Formations (Volitional Activities) The second link in the twe...

  Dhammapda 54-55 (Sayings of the Dhamma) Puppha (Flowers) 54. Na pupphagandho paṭivātameti, The fragrance of flowers does not travel against the wind, Na candanaṁ tagara mallikā vā; Neither does the scent of sandalwood,  rosebay , or jasmine . Satañ ca gandho paṭivātameti, But the fragrance of a virtuous person moves against the wind— Sabbā disā sappuriso pavāti. It spreads in all directions. 55. Candanaṁ tagaraṁ vā pi, The scent of sandalwood, rosebay, uppalaṁ atha vassikī; Blue lotus, Arabian jasmine, or (Spanish jasmine)— Etesaṁ gandha jātānaṁ, Among all these delightful fragrances, rising even above the realm of the gods, sīla gandho anuttaro. The scent of virtue is supreme. Story: Ānanda Thera Pañha Vatthu

Why  Sabbaloke Anabhirata Saññā ? The perception of non-delight in all worlds ( sabbaloke anabhiratasaññā ) is a profound meditative insight that dismantles clinging to saṃsāric existence.  Sabba-loke – "In the entire world" or "all worlds" Anabhirata – non-delight Saññā – Perception Understanding "All Worlds" ( Sabbaloke ) This perception extends beyond the physical world, encompassing the three realms of conditioned existence: Kāmaloka (Realm of Sense Desires) – Where beings are bound by craving for sensory pleasures. Rūpaloka (Form Realm) – Where meditative absorption prevails, but subtle clinging lingers. Arūpaloka (Formless Realm) – Where even the most refined states of existence involve clinging. The Nature of Delight and Non-Delight The Buddha teaches that true non-delight ( anabhirata ) arises when one abandons the following 4 forms of mental engagement with regard to the three worlds.  Mental fixation through purposes ( cetaso ) Re...