Ven. Acariya Mun - Spiritual Biography + photos

(Jacob Rumans) #1

  1. This passage refers to nirodhasamãpatti, also called saññã-vedayita-
    nirodha (the cessation of consciousness and feeling), the highest and
    most profound of all the samãdhi attainments.
    All conditioned phenomena are, by their very nature, conventional
    realities (sammuti). Since anicca (constant change), dukkha (unsatisfacto-
    riness), and anattã (not-self) are the basic characteristics inherent in all
    conditioned phenomena, anicca, dukkha, and anattã are therefore part and
    parcel of the nature of all conventional realities. (see Note #13, page 477)
    Upon the attainment of nirodhasamãpatti, all such phenomena, including
    the 5 khandhas and the sense bases, temporarily cease to appear within
    the knowing nature of the citta which has reached that attainment.

  2. The terms vimutti-citta and visuddhi-citta (the absolutely free and
    absolutely pure citta) are synonymous with the Arahant, who has com-
    pletely transcended every aspect of conventional reality (sammuti).

  3. A specially sewn sheet of cloth was hung around the outside edge
    of the open umbrella, which extended down to the ground forming a
    cylindrical inner space where a monk could sit or lie down and receive
    some moderate protection from the wind and rain.

  4. That is, Ãcariya Mun was a visuddhi puggala (pure one) and a
    puññakkhettaÿ lokassa (a field of merit for the world), both traditional
    epithets for the Arahant.

  5. Sugato, meaning “well-gone” or “gone to a good destination”, is a
    traditional epithet for the Buddha.

  6. Ãcariya Fan Ajãro was the monk visited by the author on that
    occasion.

  7. Puthujjana is the ordinary worldly person who lacks any special
    Dhamma attainment.

  8. Conquer anger with lack of anger is taken from Dhammapada
    verse 223:
    Conquer anger with lack of anger,
    Conquer evil with good.
    Overcome stinginess by being generous,
    And lies by telling the truth.

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