or which aspect is actually the true citta. It is so subtle that only the
practice of meditation can detect its presence and differentiate it from
all the other aspects associated with the body. Through the practice
of meditation we can separate them out, seeing that the body is one
thing and the citta is another. This is one level of separation, the level
of the citta that is experienced in samãdhi, but its duration is limited
to the time spent practicing samãdhi.
At the next level, the citta can totally separate itself from the
physical body, but it cannot yet disengage from the mental compo-
nents of personality: vedanã, saññã, sankhãra, and viññãõa. When the
citta reaches this level, one can use wisdom to separate out the body
and eventually become detached forever from the belief that one’s
body is oneself, but one is still unable to separate the mental factors
of feeling, memory, thoughts, and consciousness from the citta. By
using wisdom to investigate further, these mental factors can also be
detached from the citta. We then see clearly for ourselves – sandiååhiko
- that all five khandhas are realities separate from the citta. This is the
third level of separation.
At the final level, our attention turns to the original cause of all
delusion, that extremely subtle pervasion of ignorance we call avijjã.
We know avijja’s name, but we fail to realize that it is concealed there
within the citta. In fact, it permeates the citta like an insidious poison.
We cannot see it yet, but it’s there. At this stage, we must rely on the
superior strength of our mindfulness, wisdom, and perseverance to
extract the poison. Eventually, by employing the full power of mind-
fulness and wisdom, even avijjã can be separated from the citta.
When everything permeating the citta has finally been removed,
we have reached the ultimate stage. Separation at this level is a per-
manent and total disengagement that requires no further effort to
maintain. This is true freedom for the citta. When the body suffers
illness, we know clearly that only the physical elements are affected,
so we are not concerned or upset by the symptoms. Ordinarily, bodily
