Dear Yong Peng and Piya,
op 19-11-2005 16:26 schreef libris op libris@...:

First of all, when comparing some texts with aabhiññaa, this is also used
only in the sense of penetrative understanding: abhi-jhanaati. it depends on
the context.
As to the four kinds of progress, we have to consider the strength of
accumulated defilements which are different for different individuals, and
also the extent in which the five indiriyas of saddhaa, viriya, sati,
samaadhi and paññaa have been developed. The extent may be slight or great.
In this way four ways of progress have been classified. See AIV, 162,163, D
III, 106 and Co.
The Visuddhimagga explains the ways of progress with regard to Samatha (Ch
II, 5) and vipassanaa (XXI, 117).
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P:

> Now that you mentioned khippaabhi~n~naa, I would like to ask regarding the
> four ways of progress, that is, examples:
> (1) difficult progress, with slow direct knowing
> (2) difficult progress, with quick direct knowing
> (3) easy progress, with slow direct knowing and
> (4) easy progress, with quick direct knowing
>
> Example of (4) is Sariputta. (A 4.168)
> (2) is Moggallana. (A 4.167)
> Would So.na Ko.livisa be an example of (1).
> and (2) Baahiya Daaruciiriya?

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N: So.na exerted himself too much, the indriyas were not balanced at first.
This is an obstruction. Paññaa, right understanding is the condiiton for the
balancing of the indriyas. But about the strength of defilements, this is
not mentioned.
Baahiya Daaruciiriya: He attained arahatship just on hearing an address.
This does not imply a difficult and hard practice.
How would it be in this time? I am inclined to think, no 1. But inspite of
many defielemnts, paññaa or abhiññaa can thoroughly know them as anatta and
that is the way leading to the goal.
Nina.