HlaMin

Category: Buddhism

Sayadaws, Suttas, Terms

  • U Lokanatha

    U Lokanatha

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    U Lokanatha
    • It amazes us that books (and even a book chapter) can change a person’s life.
    • Salvatore Cioffi was working as a Chemist in the USA.
    • He was from a devout Catholic family, and his elder brother was a Priest.
    • He received a book present from his supervisor for Christmas.
    • One of the chapters was “Dhammapada“. After reading the chapter, Samvegha crept in. He quit his job and then went on pilgrimage to the places sacred to Buddhism.
    • In 1925, he was ordained in Burma as a Buddhist monk named “U Lokanatha“.
    • He published a booklet, “Why I became a Buddhist.”
      He wrote, “I became a Buddhist. My supervisor remained a Christian.”
    • My maternal grand mother offered a monastery for U Lokanatha in Bawdigone (Windermere, Rangoon).
    • U Lokanatha practiced Dhutanga.
    • He also preached and had Dhamma Dhuta missions to India and Ceylon
    • He gave dhamma talks in Mandalay and Maymyo. Dr. Soni was a principal supporter.
    • He paid respect to Myingyan Sun Lun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw.
      The event is described in “Sun Lun Sayadaw’s Biography“.
    • He corresponded with B. R. Ambedkar, the Indian Dalit (“untouchables”) leader.
    • He passed away in Maymyo on May 25, 1966.

  • Vipassana Q & A

    Excerpts from
    “Introduction to Vipassana Meditation”
    by Venerable U Silananda


    Where does the practice of Vipassana come from?

    Vipassana meditation chiefly comes from the tradition of Theravada Buddhism. There are two major divisions of Buddhism in the world today – Mahayana and Theravada. Mahayana tradition developed as Buddhism spread to the Northern Asian countries of Tibet, China, Japan, etc. Theravada tradition stay in Southern Asia and spread to Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

    What does Vipassana mean?

    The word Vipassana is composed of two parts — vi which means “in various ways” and passana which means “seeing”. So, Vipassana means seeing in various ways.

    What can Vipassana meditation do for me?

    The ultimate purpose of Vipassana is to eradicate mental impurities from your mind altogether. Before that stage, there are the benefits of tranquility, peace of mind and the ability to accept things as they come. Vipassana helps you to see things as they truly are, not as they appear to be. Things appear to be permanent, desirable and substantial, but actually they are not. When you practice Vipassana meditation, you will see for yourself the arising and disappearing of mental and physical phenomena. And you will have clearer comprehension of what is going on in your mind and body. You will be able to accept things as they come to you with less agitation and deal with situations in a more positive way.

    Can Vipassana be applied to daily life?

    You can have awareness of whatever you do whether you are working, walking, doing, etc. It will not be as intense as in a meditation or during a retreat, but a more general awareness. And when you apply mindfulness to problems in your life, you will be able to deal with them more effectively.

    Why should I go to a meditation retreat?

    The intensive practice of a retreat is very beneficial for developing good concentration and quieting the mind. Since concentration is essential for penetrative wisdom to arise, a meditation retreat gives you the best possible opportunity to be able to experience for yourself the true nature of reality.

  • Perfect

    Perfect

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Parami ပါရမီ

    • Pali word
    • Usually rendered as “Perfection“.

    There are Thirty Paramis:

    • Ten Paramis
    • Ten Upapa Paramis
      Higher grade Paramis
    • Ten Paramattha Paramis
      Highest grade Paramis

    Marks

    In our younger days, a score of 100 marks in an examination is considered perfect.

    Our High School Mathematics teacher Brother Clementian (former Brother Director who continued teaching till his final days) trained us to take an hourly weekly test comprising of three questions. So, most students were on track to complete the three hour Matriculation examination in two hours or less and gain Distinction in Mathematics.

    A score of 100 could not single out Mathematical geniuses like Dr. Min Oo (SPHS63, Second in Burma, Two doctorates in Mathematics from Germany) and gifted scholars and researchers like Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63, First in Burma, MD).

    Gymnastics

    1972 Munich Olympics saw all judges gave a young woman gymnast Olga Korbut (Soviet Belarusian) perfect Tens.

    1976 Montreal Olympics saw more perfect Tens for Nadia Comanche (Romanian).

    Some critics wonder how to judge superior performances in the future gymnastic competitions.

    Perfect shapes

    The ancient sages appreciate perfect shapes such as equilateral triangles, squares, regular polygons and the circle.

    Some astronomers felt that the planets should orbit in perfect cycles. To calculate the path of the planets, they hard to resort to the use of epicycles in their models.

    Kepler found out that the planets conserve their energy by following an elliptical path. The planets will need far more effort and energy to maintain the supposedly perfect circular paths.

    An ellipse has two foci, a major axis and a minor axis. It is a supposedly imperfect shape, but the limiting case approaches a circle with a center (for a single focus) and the lengths of the major axis and minor axis being equal.

    High cost for Perfection

    The search for perfection may have some negative effects in research.

    The 90/90 rule says that in the search for the perfect completion of a project, the last 10 percent could take up resources equal to that of the first 90 percent.

    Charles Babbage had excellent ideas for the Difference Engine and the Analytical Engine, but his search for perfection in the design and implementation left both projects incomplete.

    Imperfectly Perfect

    • I am imperfectly perfect.
    • Usually type straight for most of my posts without reference to notes and references.
    • Several readers pointed out the discrepancies and errors.
    • Glad to share my memories, experience and knowledge.
    • Some inquiring minds might transform my writings into high quality texts for posterity.
  • Meditation

    Meditation

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Types of Meditation

    The Scriptures describe 40 kinds of Meditation.

    The methods generally fall into

    • Samatha (Concentration Meditation)
    • Vipassana (Insight Meditation)

    Samatha

    In Samatha, one chooses a “Meditation Object”. In the early days, some practitioners chose a white or colored disk (Kasina) as a Meditation Object. By fixing one’s eyes and thoughts on the Meditation Object, one can develop Concentration.

    Some practitioners chose “Ana Pana” (Out-breath and In-breath). For example, one can note the direction, direction and hardness/softness of the breath.

    One may attain one level of more Jhana (Absorption).

    Vipassana

    Vipassana book

    Vipassana means

    • various ways of seeing
    • seeing things as they truly are.

    A practitioner may choose a Primary Object for the meditation session. Depending on the tradition of the Mediation Master, the Primary Object can be a nostril, nge dait (part of the head), abdomen, or the body (e.g. touching the mat or floor).

    Then, one practices one of the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness” by being aware of the Kaya (Physicality), Vedana (Feelings), Citta (Mind) and Dhamma (General artifacts for meditation).

    One may practice Meditation using one of four postures.

    One may be able to experience

    • Nama and Rupa
    • Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta
    • Stages of development ultimately leading to Liberation.

    In the West, some people try Meditation

    • to experience relaxation and tranquility
    • as an alternative medical treatment (allowed by some Health Insurance).
  • The Essence of Buddha Abhidhamma

    The Essence of Buddha Abhidhamma

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    Book

    Author : Dr. Mehm Tin Mon

    First Printing, April 1995

    Publisher : Mehm Tay Zar Mon Yadana Min Literature

    Foreword : Sao Htun Hmat Win

    Mehm Tin Mon

    Preface

    Buddha’s Teachings

    The significance of Abhidhamma

    What is the mind?

    An intellectual treat

    The Essence of Buddha Abhidhamma

    Introduction

    Chapters

    1. Citta (Consciousness)

    2. Ctasikas (Mental Factors)

    3. Pakinannaka (Miscellaneous Section)

    4. Vithi (Process of Consciousness)

    5. Vithimut or Bhumi (Planes of Existence)

    6. Rupa (Matter)

    7. Samuccaya (Compendium of Ultimate Realities)

    8. Paccaya (Cause or Condition)

    9. Kammatthana (Subjects of Meditation)

    Conclusion

    References

    Index

    Abhidhamma Charts

  • U Thittila (1896-1997)

    U Thittila (1896-1997)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    • Ovadacariya to Sanagha Maya Nayaka, trustees of renowned pagodas
    • Outstanding teacher and writer
    • Played an important role in reviving Buddhism in India and propagating the study of Abhidhamma
    • Very modest; rarely talked about his many achievements
    • Patamagyaw scholar of all Burma (1918) : selected from among 5000 candidates
    • Panyattisasanahita (1923) : among the 4 out of 150 entrants who passed the toughest monastic examination
    • Studied Sanskrit in India; English in India and England
    • Lectured in US, UK, France, … (25+ countries)
    • Translated Vibhanga (second of the seven Adbhidhamma texts) from Pali to English : published by the Pali Text Society in 1969 under the title of The Book of Analysis
    • Essential Themes of Buddhist Lectures
    • Collection of unconnected individual talks given between 1938 – 1983
    • Part 1 : Introductory articles or Talks of Buddhism (10 lectures)
    • Part 2 : Talks involving Sila in particular (5 lectures)
    • Part 3 : Talks involving Samadhi in particular (12 lectures)
    • Part 4 : Talks involving Panna in particular (4 lectures)
    • Part 5 : Talks dealing with Buddhism in general (12 lectures)

  • Dhammacakkappavatttana Sutta

    The Great Discourse on the Wheel of Dhamma

    • Teacher : The Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw
    • Translator : U Ko Lay
    • Sukhi Hotu Dhamma Publication 1998

    PART I

    • Preface to the Discourse
    • The Date of the Discourse
    • Three Kinds of Introduction
    • …

    PART II

    • Sensuous gratification is base and vulgar
    • Dittadhamma Nibbana Vada
    • A low, common practice
    • …

    PART III

    • Elaboration of the Eight-fold Path
    • …

    PART IV

    • Truth of Suffering (Dukka Sacca)
    • …

    PART V

    • Samudaya Sacca
    • …

    PART VI

    • Nirodha Sacca
    • …

    PART VII

    • Sacca Nana with regard to Dukka Sacca
    • Kicca Nana with regard to Dukka Sacca
    • Kata Nana with regard to Dukka Sacca
    • …

    PART VIII

    • When the Buddha did not admit Enlightenment
    • Acknowledgement of Buddhahood
    • Concluding statement
    • …

  • The Dawn of Wisdom

    Subtitle : On the Practice of Vipassana Satipatthana

    by Sayadaw U Lakkhana (of Sagaing Hills)

    Translator : U Mya Thaung

    Editor : Gregory Pai, Ph.D.

    Publisher : Sukhavati

    Dhamma dana publication, 2002

    Contents

    Four Foundations of Mindfulness

    Basic Satipatthana Instructions

    The Hindrances (1)

    The Hindrances (2)

    The Hindrances (3)

    Effort, Mindfulness, and Concentration

    Right Aim

    Right Effort

    Insight Knowledge

    The Home Object and Walking Meditation

    Walking Meditation and Insight Knowledge

    Walking Meditation

    Clear Comprehension (1)

    Clear Comprehension (2)

    The Three Characteristics

    Discerning Mind and Body

    Contemplation of Feelings

    Painful Bodily Feelings

    The Truth of Suffering

    Conclusion

  • The Four Foundations of Mindfulness

    • THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS
    • Author : Venerable U Silananda
    • Editor : Ruth-Inge Heinze, Ph.D.
    • Wisdom Publications
    • First Printing : 2002
    • Foreword by Larry Rosenberg, Cambridge Insight Meditation Center

    PART I : COMMENTARY

    Introduction

    1. Contemplation of the Body in the Body

    2. Contemplation of Feelings

    3. Contemplation of Consciousness

    4. Contemplation of the Dhammas

    5. Assurance of Attainment

    PART II : THE GREAT DISCOURSE ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS

    PART III : MEDITATION INSTRUCTIONS

    Notes

    Glossary

    Select Bibliography

    Index

  • Patthana

    It is the 7th text in Abhidhamma

    Book of Conditional Relations

    1. Root Condition
    2. Object Condition
    3. Predominance Condition
    4. Proximity Condition
    5. Contiguity Condition
    6. Co-nascence Condition
    7. Mutuality Condition
    8. Dependence Condition
    9. Strong-Dependence Condition
    10. Pre-nascence Condition
    11. Post-nascence Condition
    12. Repetition Condition
    13. Kamma Condition
    14. Resultant Condition
    15. Nutriment Condition
    16. Faculty Condition
    17. Jhana Condition
    18. Path Condition
    19. Association Condition
    20. Disassociation Condition
    21. Presence Condition
    22. Absence Condition
    23. Disappearance Condition
    24. Non-Disappearance Condition

    Patthana in Daily Life

    Subtitle : An introduction to the Law of Conditionality
    Author : U Hla Myint
    Publisher : Tathagata Meditation Center, 2010

    CONTENTS

    Introduction

    Root condition : Hetu-paccayo
    Fascination (Sense-object) condition : Arammana-paccayo
    Predominance condition : Adhipati-paccayo (sahajata, arammana)
    Continuity condition : Ananatara-paccayo
    Contiguity condition : Samanantara-paccayo
    Co-nascence condition : Sahajata-paccayo
    Mutuality condition : Annamanna-paccayo
    Dependence condition : Nissaya-paccayo (shajata, purejata)
    Strong-dependence condition : Upanissaya-paccayo (aramana, anantara, pakatupa)
    Pre-nascence condition : Purejata-paccayo (vatthu, araammana)
    Post-nascence condition : Pacchajata-paccayo
    Repetition condition : Asevana-paccayo
    Kamma condition : Kamma-paccayo (shahajata, mamakkhanika)
    Resultant condition : Vipaka-paccayo
    Nutriment condition : Ahara-paccayo (sahajarta, kabalikara)
    Faculty condition : Indriya-paccayo (shajata, rupajivita, vatthu-purejata)
    Jhana condition : Jhana-paccayo
    Path condition : Magga paccayo
    Association condition : Samapyutta-paccayo
    Disassociation condition : Vipayutta-apccayo (sahajata, pacchajata, vatthupurejata)
    Presence condition : Atthi-apccayo (sahajata, pacchajata, vatthupurejata)
    Non-disappearance condition : Avigata-paccayo
    Absence condition : Natthi-paccayo
    Disappearance condition : Vigata-apccayo

    Conclusion

    Resources

    • Patthana Theikpan (College)
    • Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Courses on Patthana
    • A Manual of Abhidhamma
    • Charts, illustrations, mnemonics
    • Computer programs to study Patthana
    • Tri-lingual book (in Pali, Myanmar, and English)