DHAMMA PADETHA – 23. CHOOSING MEDITATION CENTRE TO REALIZE DHAMMA

DHAMMA PADETHA – CHOOSING MEDITATION CENTRE TO REALIZE DHAMMA

Nowadays satipatthana vipassana meditation practice has flourished. Every knowledgeable person practises satipatthana vipassana meditation in their own available time. They usually go to meditation centres to practise. However, if they should go to meditation centres which are unsuitable for them, they will not perceive and not realize dhamma. They will waste their time and energy and thinking that this is not the time to realize dhamma they might become discouraged. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a suitable meditation centre.

      Lord Buddha had discoursed on four kinds of meditation centre to choose:

      (1) a centre where dhamma is not perceived clearly and requisites are scarce.

      (2) a centre where dhamma is not clearly perceived but requisites are in abundance.

      (3) a centre where dhamma is clearly perceived but requisites are scarce.

      (4) a centre where dhamma is clearly perceived and requisites are also in abundance.

      (1) At the first type of yeiktha (meditation centre), because the instructor does not give full instruction or because of other circumstances though a yogi may practise ten or fifteen or more days he or she may not perceive dhamma clearly. Water, food and clothing are also scarce. The yogi should not continue staying there under any circumstances. Leave the place at once without notifying the authorities concerned.

      Motto; Not perceiving dhamma clearly,

      scarcity of requisites, leave without notifying.

      (2) At the second type of yeiktha, a yogi may practise ten or fifteen days or more but he will not perceive dhamma vividly. Water, food and clothing are in abundance. A yogi should not stay at this centre under any circumstances. Leave the place after reporting to the authorities concerned.

      Motto: Not perceiving Dhamma but requisites are plenty leave after reporting.

      (3) Meditating at the third type of centre, dhamma is perceived very vividly within a few days. Water, food and clothing are very scarce. Be patient and continue staying steadfastly until you have achieved the goal expected.

      Motto: Dhamma perceived vividly, scarcity of things, stick to and continue staying, practise at the place.

      (4) Meditating at the fourth type of centre, dhamma is very clearly perceived within a few days. Water, food and clothing are plentiful. Though the authorities ask you to leave as the allotted time has expired, if you have not achieved dhamma level you have expected, you must explain and plead them to let you stay.

      Motto: Dhamma perceived clearly, requisites plentiful, do not leave even if asked.

      Therefore, according to the instructions of Lord Buddha, avoid the first and the second type of meditation centres, choose the third and the fourth types and practise meditation.