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shane0 / buddhism

chan (zen) and other meditation research using versioned documentation
https://shane0.github.io/buddhism/
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Asubha Sutta (AN 4:163) #16

Open shane0 opened 1 year ago

shane0 commented 1 year ago

https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/AN/AN4_163.html

shane0 commented 1 year ago

Asubha Sutta meditation instructions:

Preparation

  1. Find a quiet place to sit where you will not be disturbed.
  2. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.
  3. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

Meditation Step Instruction Jhana Mode 4 Once your mind is calm, begin to visualize the thirty-two impurities of the body. First Jhana: rapture and pleasure born of seclusion. Painful practice with slow intuition. 5 Focus on each impurity in turn, and contemplate its foulness. Second Jhana: rapture and pleasure born of concentration. Painful practice with quick intuition. 6 Continue to meditate on the impurities for as long as you like. Third Jhana: peace and tranquility. Pleasant practice with slow intuition. 7 When you are finished, open your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Fourth Jhana: equanimity and mindfulness. Pleasant practice with quick intuition. The thirty-two impurities of the body

  1. Hair
  2. Skin
  3. Nails
  4. Teeth
  5. Tongue
  6. Eyes
  7. Ears
  8. Nose
  9. Mouth
  10. Chin
  11. Neck
  12. Shoulders
  13. Breasts
  14. Belly
  15. Back
  16. Hips
  17. Thighs
  18. Knees
  19. Legs
  20. Ankles
  21. Feet
  22. Toes
  23. Internal organs
  24. Bodily fluids
  25. Excrements
  26. Perspiration
  27. Bodily odors
  28. Old age
  29. Sickness
  30. Death
  31. Impurities of the mind
  32. Impurities of the heart The four modes of practice
  33. Painful practice with slow intuition
  34. Painful practice with quick intuition
  35. Pleasant practice with slow intuition
  36. Pleasant practice with quick intuition

The four modes of practice are a classification of how meditation can be experienced.

The first mode, painful practice with slow intuition, is characterized by difficulty and a slow pace of progress.

The second mode, painful practice with quick intuition, is characterized by difficulty but a faster pace of progress.

The third mode, pleasant practice with slow intuition, is characterized by ease and a slow pace of progress.

The fourth mode, pleasant practice with quick intuition, is characterized by ease and a fast pace of progress. The mode of practice that you experience will depend on a number of factors, including your level of experience, your concentration, and your motivation.

It is important to be patient and persistent with meditation, no matter what mode of practice you experience. With time and effort, you will eventually reach a state of peace and happiness.

shane0 commented 1 year ago

Here are the instructions for Ashuba meditation presented in a markdown table, including columns for the 4 modes and the 4 jhanas:

| Instructions for Ashuba Meditation                                | Modes           | Jhanas           |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------|
| 1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit in a relaxed posture. | Mindful         | First Jhana      |
| 2. Begin by establishing mindfulness of the body and the breath.  | Compassionate   | Second Jhana     |
| 3. Visualize or bring to mind the image of a decaying corpse.     | Reflective      | Third Jhana      |
| 4. Contemplate the impermanence and unattractiveness of the body. | Equanimous      | Fourth Jhana     |
| 5. Reflect on the inevitable decay and death of all living beings.|                 |                  |
| 6. Cultivate a deep understanding of the transient nature of life. |                 |                  |
| 7. Allow any arising thoughts, emotions, or sensations to be       |                 |                  |
|    observed with mindfulness, without clinging or aversion.        |                 |                  |
| 8. Maintain a balanced and open-hearted attitude throughout         |                 |                  |
|    the practice, cultivating compassion for all beings.             |                 |                  |
| 9. Progressively deepen your concentration and insight,            |                 |                  |
|    moving through the stages of the four jhanas.                   |                 |                  |
| 10. As you conclude the meditation, bring your awareness back       |                 |                  |
|     to the present moment and integrate the insights gained.        |                 |                  |

In the "Modes" column, you can explore different mental attitudes or qualities that can be cultivated during the practice, such as being mindful, compassionate, reflective, and equanimous.

In the "Jhanas" column, you can indicate the progression through the four jhanas, which are deep states of meditative absorption characterized by focused attention, tranquility, and bliss. The specific jhana reached may vary for each practitioner.

Please note that Ashuba meditation may involve contemplating the impermanence and decay of the body, which can be challenging for some individuals. It is essential to approach this practice with proper guidance, self-care, and a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others.