..续本文上一页the mind is set free from the body and thus there is no experience of vedana. Therefore, these brahmas lack rupa and cannot experience body-sensations. Hence, the practice of the awareness of vedana is not possible for them and they cannot walk on the path of liberation.

　　It is noteworthy that in practising samadhi, somanassa and domanassa disappear in the third jhana but sukha and dukkha vedana disappear only in the fourth jhana. Adukkhamasukha vedanaadukkhamasukha vedana remains even in the fourth jhana. From this, one may reasonably conclude that bodily sensations give us a stronger and more continuous hold on reality, and thus, on the root cause of tanha. One can clearly comprehend sensations and they offer a tangible tool to attain one”s own salvation.

　　I learnt this from my own experience using the technique taught by my teacher. With this background, the words of the Buddha were so convincing and heartening. This path has given so much joy to me. On my teacher”s injunction, I started sharing this technique with others, in India and around the world. When I share this technique of liberation with my students, I find that they also benefit by working with sensations and understanding their true nature. The clear, practical and result-oriented teaching of the Buddha inspires so much trust and confidence in me. It leaves no scope for any imagination or blind faith.

　　Every now and then, someone comes and argues with me as to why I give so much importance to bodily sensations. Very humbly I request him or her to come and give a trial to Vipassana meditation, to experience and examine whether it is in accordance with the Buddha”s teaching.

　　Let there be no doubt about the technique. I invite you: Let us all walk on the path shown to us by the Buddha, the greatest scientist of mind and matter, the greatest physician of mind the world has ever produced. Let our philosophical beliefs not become an obstacle for us. Let us make use of the Buddha”s discovery that vedana is the tool that will liberate us from our misery.

　　May all be happy, peaceful and liberated.

　　Notes: (All references VRI edition)

　　1. Samyutta Nikaya 2.4.249

　　2. Samyutta Nikaya 2.4.251

　　3. Digha Nikaya 2.393

　　4. Digha Nikaya 2.394

　　5. Samyutta Nikaya 3.5.401

　　6. Samyutta Nikaya 2.4.260

　　7. Samyutta Nikaya 2.4.262

　　8. Patthana 1.1.423

　　9. Patthana 1.1.423

　　10. Samyutta Nikaya 2.4.250

　　11. Samyutta Nikaya 2.4.270

《Why Vedana and What is Vedana

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