----- Original Message -----
From: "rjkjp1" <rjkjp1@...>
To: <Pali@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2002 2:47 PM
Subject: [Pali] Re: choiceless awareness


> ---In Pali@..., "Jou Smith" <josmith.1@...> wrote:
> > > The Buddha taught us to lay teachings that are claimed to be his
> beside the
> > teachings in the Dhamma/Vinaya and compare meaning with
> meaning. I do not
> > see that Ven. Silananda does so. To see an example of the
> comparative
> > analysis the Buddha encouraged, please go to:
> > http://www.bigfoot.com/~josmith.1/buddhism/jo/d_o_compare.html.
> ______________________
> Dear Jou,

Hi

I missed your name this time. No indications in your email.

> Thanks for the link and your comments. As you say we need to compare
> what anyone says with the Dhamma/Vinaya before concluding it is or is
> not in line with what the Buddha taught. I appreciate the importance of
> this and your stress on it.

But you do not want to do it?! In stead you want to busy yourself with the
other way.

> However, what the venerable Silananda said (admittedly a very short
> quote) looks to be in line with the Dhamma as I see it.

How did you come to your view of the Dhamma? Was it by following the method
of interpretation the Buddha taught? I would suggest that there would be no
better way, since I believe the Buddha is the "Incomparable of Guide of
those to be advised". I think any other way would lead to wrong view. By
following the Buddha's method one quickly gets a very clear big picture of
the Buddha's teaching.

> For example the
> Buddha taught that the khandas are anatta. Could you give some details
> of where you think he might be wrong.

I don't comment on whether someone is wrong or not, that would be
disparaging or praising, which the Buddha taught against. I don't mind
commenting on ideas or behaviour though.

> Robert
> Sayadaw U Silananda's "The Four Foundations of Mindfulness: an
> exposition of the summary". He says:
> >
> > ... The object at the present moment can be anyone of this four.
> Sometimes the body, sometimes feelings, sometimes consciousness,

Consciousness is not a good interpretation/translation of Citta, this
obvious from experience, comparative analysis of teachings and
linguistically one sees the close link between Citta and the Pali word to
think. If one translates Citta as consciousness then what of vi~n~naa.na?

> and sometimes dhamma objects. You have to take these objects as the
> come; you have no choice.

We only have no choice if there is delusion. If we cannot see what we are
doing we cannot chose not to do it.

> That is why sometimes Vipassanaa
> meditation is called "choice-less awareness"

Choice-less awareness is illogical and even though the goal of the Buddha's
teaching cannot be reached by logic, understanding is attained through
logic. In the Kalaama sutta it is indicated that logic is not to be the
final authority, but it is not said to be given up.

Intention involves choice. Awareness invovles choice.

----------------------------------------------------
Peace from Norman Joseph (Jou) Smith
ICQ: 183459
E-mail: josmith.1@...
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