Over the coming weeks, we will study the Seven Factors of Awakening that refer to the wholesome factors of mind leading to Awakening. Some commentaries refer to them additionally as factors that are manifested by an awakened mind.
They are:
• Mindfulness
• Investigation of the Dhamma
• Courageous Energy
• Joy or rapture
• Relaxation or tranquility of body/mind
• Concentration: calm, one-pointed mind
• Equanimity, ability to face the vicissitudes of life with wisdom, balance calm and tranquility.
In addition, each of the factors can be developed in conjunction with cultivation of each of the four brahma viharas–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity.
Our practice of mindfulness is pivotal and always helpful. When one’s mind is sluggish or lacking in energy, wisdom suggests developing the factors of investigation of Dhamma, energy and joy; and, when one’s mind is excited or over energetic, development of the factors of tranquility, concentration and equanimity is advised. These are literal instructions of the Buddha.
In the texts, once when the Buddha was gravely ill he asked one of his monks, the Venerable Mahacunda, to recite the Seven Factors to him. By the Venerable’s recitation, the Buddha was cured of his illness. This is a beautiful illustration of their power, where the simple recollection of the Factors themselves was healing for the Buddha’s mind and body. Perhaps we could start by simply reciting them for our own recollection. Will you join me? Next week, we will examine the first, Mindfulness.
Over the coming weeks, we will study the Seven Factors of Awakening that refer to the wholesome factors of mind leading to Awakening. Some commentaries refer to them additionally as factors that are manifested by an awakened mind.
They are:
• Mindfulness
• Investigation of the Dhamma
• Courageous Energy
• Joy or rapture
• Relaxation or tranquility of body/mind
• Concentration: calm, one-pointed mind
• Equanimity, ability to face the vicissitudes of life with wisdom, balance calm and tranquility.
In addition, each of the factors can be developed in conjunction with cultivation of each of the four brahma viharas–loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity.
Our practice of mindfulness is pivotal and always helpful. When one’s mind is sluggish or lacking in energy, wisdom suggests developing the factors of investigation of Dhamma, energy and joy; and, when one’s mind is excited or over energetic, development of the factors of tranquility, concentration and equanimity is advised. These are literal instructions of the Buddha.
In the texts, once when the Buddha was gravely ill he asked one of his monks, the Venerable Mahacunda, to recite the Seven Factors to him. By the Venerable’s recitation, the Buddha was cured of his illness. This is a beautiful illustration of their power, where the simple recollection of the Factors themselves was healing for the Buddha’s mind and body. Perhaps we could start by simply reciting them for our own recollection. Will you join me? Next week, we will examine the first, Mindfulness.