A DISCOURSE ON THE ABODE OF THE NOBLE ONES – THE GUARD OF MINDFULNESS

A DISCOURSE ON THE ABODE OF THE NOBLE ONES – THE GUARD OF MINDFULNESS

We will begin with the third dhamma, that is mindfulness which is the key to the understanding of Ariyaavaasa-sutta. Mindfulness is essential to the practice of Ariyaavaasa dhamma. It forms the chief attribute of the Arahat. The commentary says that the Arahat is mindful even while he is asleep. Here it refers to mindfulness just before the Arahat falls asleep and just after he wakes up. It is impossible for him to be mindful while sound asleep. What we should note specially is that the Arahat is always on his guard whenever he acts, speaks or thinks.

Mindfulness not does develope suddenly only after the attainment of Arahatship. It develops gradually as a result of previous effort and practice. It is fairly well established at the anaagaami stage before the yogi becomes an Arahat and this is due to self training at the sakadaagaami stage. At this latter stage, too, the yogi possesses mindufulness since the foundation for it is laid at the sotaapanna level.

A sotaapanna, that is the yogi at the first stage on the noble path is not yet free from craving, ill-will, hatred, ignorance and conceit. But his unwholesome inclinations are not strong enough to lead him to killing, stealing, etc. He is mindful and this mindfulness keeps him on his guard. The Buddha says: “A sotapanna avoids doing misdeeds that lead him to the lower worlds. Therefore he no longer takes life.” So you should have faith in the Buddha and meditate seriously.

When you have made some progress in meditation, you will find what mindfulness means. At the sight of a desirable object you crave for it and in the face of something offensive you become angry. For you are not yet free from these unwholesome emotions. But your mindfulness stands you in good stead and helps restrain them. They lose their momentum and wither away. They are not beyond control as in the case of common people. They are not strong enough to make a sotaappanna capable of doing evil.