Dear Group,

I was reading the translation of:

"Iddhipada Vibhanga Sutta"
Analysis of the Bases of Power
by Ven. Thanissaro Bhikkhu

I am not clear on what the Buddha is saying in the following passage:

"And how does a monk dwell perceiving what is in front and behind so
that what is in front is the same as what is behind, and what is behind
is the same as what is in front? There is the case where a monk's
perception of what is in front and behind is well in hand, well-attended
to, well-considered, well-tuned ('penetrated') by means of discernment.
This is how a monk keeps perceiving what is in front and behind so that
what is in front is the same as what is behind, and what is behind is
the same as what is in front."

1.
when Buddha talks about "what is in front and what is behind" is he
referring to objects outside the body OR bodily sensations in front and
on the back OR something else altogether?

If he means outside objects, would it then imply that eyes be kept open?

2.
what is meant by all these terms used in relation to perception:
"well in hand", "well-attended to", "well-considered", "well-tuned
('penetrated')"
how are these distinguished and distinctly attained?
what are the pali words used for these phrases?

3.
what kind of discernment is intended in the phrase, "by means of
discernment"?
is it about seeing in everything the inescapable trio of anicca, dukkha
and anatta?

Would someone be so kind as to throw some light..

I eagerly await.

Many thanks and metta,

P. G. Dave



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