Part - 1 :

The Practice of Bhavana for the Beginners

Battaramulla
Siri Sudassanarama
sadaham senasuna
Ven. Dr. Mirisse Dhammika thero

Currently many people talk about different methods of Bhavana (meditation) and follow various methods. Among these methods, Buddhist bhavana takes a special place. 2540 years ago, the Buddha,the noblest of all beings, emphasized the importance of bhavana in His Teachings. Many people found deliverance from “suffering” by following it. Hence, all Buddhist methods of bhavana are known for positive results.

Even though these methods were formulated two and half thousand years ago, they are appropriate for today’s world because the nature of the human mind, then, does not differ much from now. Scientific knowledge and the environment around us many change daily. However, there is hardly any change in the nature of the human mind. Craving, hatred, and delusion have remained components of the human mind since time immemorial.

In this publication, there are a few methods of easy to follow Buddhist bhavana, through which positive results can be achieved. If one, follows them methodically, one many find relief irrespective of geographical, cultural and social boundaries. It has to be remembered that relief from suffering is something that can be realized only by practicing rather than reading.

The Bhavana of reflection on death should not be understood as something unpleasant n life that is not worthy of thought. The awareness of inevitable death is more realistic than considering it an ugly theme. As it helps one to understand the value of humanity through the control of mind and character, one should not be afraid of understanding the reality of life.

Identifying Self

When one identifies one’s own “self” one is able to find a suitable methods of Bhavana and achieve positive results. Like a pathologist who studies the root cause of a disease, the Buddhist Teachings show the ideal method of bhavana for the individual. Talking to an experienced master, one is able not only to recognize the type of self by gaining in-depth knowledge through the Dhamma, but also to define the type of self for selecting the method of bhavana.

There are six different types of minds explained in the Dhamma.

They are:

Mind disposed to lust - Rager charita

Mind disposed to hatred - Dosa charita

Mind disposed to delusion - Moha charita

Mind disposed to faith - Suddha charita

Mind disposed to intellect - Buddha charita

Mind disposed to agitation - Vitakka charita

According to Buddha’s Teachings every human being carries certain traits from each of above types except those who have achieved arahantship (sainthood). However, the traits of any one type may become dominant in an individual. Therefore, one has to select the method of bhavana according to the dominant type of traits.

In a positive environment with instruction from the right teacher, one is able to commence on the path of bhavana and experience the serenity and calmness both mentally and physically.