this exalted level, one must focus on the physical body, investigat-
ing it scrupulously in every detail until all misunderstandings and
concerns about the body are forever banished.
When one comes to the final stage – the path to Arahant-
ship, it is absolutely essential to investigate the nãma khandhas so
that one gains a deep and clear understanding about how all phe-
nomena arise, briefly exist, and then vanish. These three aspects
of the investigation converge in the truth of anattã. This means
examining all phenomena as being empty of a permanent self:
empty of being a man or woman, empty of being me or them. No
self-entity – whatsoever – exists anywhere within mental phe-
nomena.^2 To comprehend the true nature of the nãma khandhas,
one must discover the fundamental principles underlying them
and understand them deeply and clearly with wisdom. It’s not
enough that we anticipate results or speculate about their nature,
as is the common tendency of most people – people who just
prefer to do guesswork.
A theoretical understanding, acquired from learning, differs
from a genuine understanding based on wisdom as the earth dif-
fers from the sky. People whose understanding is founded upon
knowledge gained through memorization are very preoccupied
with their own ideas, always assuming that they are highly intel-
ligent. In truth, they are completely deluded. Consequently, they
become overly conceited and are reluctant to accept help and
advice from anyone.^3
This arrogant tendency is quite apparent when a group of
scholars discuss Dhamma, each one constantly trying to cham-
pion his own intellectual theories. These meetings usually degen-
erate into verbal sparring matches, spurred on by this common
jacob rumans
(Jacob Rumans)
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