QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS IN THE WEST
Phyu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narapati on 29-03-99
(Bahujanahitadhara Dhammakathika Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS IN THE WESTPhyu Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narapati on 29-03-99 (Bahujanahitadhara Dhammakathika Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya) |
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Sayadaw has kindly answered the following Meditation Questions on his short Dhammaduta visit to London . ( Phyu Sayadaw follows the Mahasi Tradition and is a Senior Mahasi Nayaka Sayadaw in Myanmar/ Burma where he is regarded as one of the best preachers of the Dhamma.) |
| Q1: What are the Basic Steps of Meditation and which one will you recommend for a Beginner who may not be a Buddhist? The Basic Steps for a serious beginner in Meditation are as follows:
Q2: What benefits do new yogis expect from Meditation? The yogi can gain various benefits and may acquire Magga and Phala after passing through intermediate Nana or Insight stages. Q3: Do we need to believe in Buddhism to enjoy the ultimate achievement from Meditation? Yes, it is very important. To have firm faith in the Teacher (The Buddha) is comparable to the doctor-patient relationship where the latter needs to trust the former. Q4: As some of us may not believe in Kamma and carry on with our own religion while we are meditating, what is the likely benefit of our effort? You will certainly enjoy the benefits of your efforts in meditation despite all those factors. Q5: Can you advise on how to start? Can one do it at home after reading Meditation Books or does he need to visit a Monastery? Only people with good parami( 'perfection' records over past exixtences) and Pacceka Buddhas can attain Enlightenment on their own. For the average yogi, the best place for meditation are Buddhist Monasteries and Residential Meditation Centres. Q6: At what stage, does the yogi need the guidance of Instructors? The yogi needs the guidance from the qualified Meditation Instructors at most stages of Meditation achievement. Q7: Is a residential course or the so-called 'Meditation Retreat' essential? Meditation in a quiet place as in a special centre is far superior to the domestic environment. Q8: How soon can one attain the Enlightenment? How will you know that a yogi is on the right track? There is no 'set' time for attaining any stages of spiritual Enlightenment. It depends on the the individual's effort and parami. The qualified Instructor will know where you are by watching your behaviour (physical, verbal and mental). Q9: Are there Arahants in Myanmar (Burma)? How do you know a person is an arahant? We are interested to follow the foot-steps of them. Arahants do exit where 12 kinds of individuals (puggala)2 live. But you will know them only if you are equally enlightened. Q9: Does a lay person need to convert to Buddhism to attain the highest stage of Enlightenment? It has been answered already. (Refer to Q. 3) Q10: If we don't achieve anything out of Meditation Practice, do we waste all our time and energy? No, you don't. Regular meditation practice means you are on the right track to Nibbana and kusala kamma (good deeds) will ensure good benefits in future existences. Q11: What should be the main goal in Meditation? The ultimate aim should be Nibbana, the cessation of all sufferings (dukkha). It applies to all yogis at all stages of experience and achievement. Q12: What is your final advice to all new foreign yogis and those who are thinking of advancing their spiritual states?
This is my advice to you. May you find peace and tranquility . Phyu Sayadaw 29th March 1999 1: Ten Great Friends are the (1) Buddha, (2) Paccekabuddha, (3) Arahant, (4) Agga savaka, (5) Mother, (6) Father, (7) Teacher, (8) Elder person, (9) Dhamma Preacher and (10) Provider of food and clothes. 2: 4 puthujjana persons, 4 maggattha persons and 4 phalattha persons |
| "Mee laung pyin mar pwint thaw pan" (in Burmese) |
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