Contents
Introduction
Part One - The Cultivation of Self-awareness
Part Two - Walking on the Path
Part Three - Obstacles and Solving Methods
Epilogue
Warning
Appendix
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Introduction
[1]
The Dhamma (the Truth) which I am teaching belongs to everybody. It dose not belong particularly to any religion, whether Buddhism, Brahmanism or Christianity : nor to any nationality . whether Thai, Chinese, French, English, American, Japanese or Taiwanese. Anyone who realizes it, possesses it.
One who realizes it , possesses it. One who does not realize it, does not possess it either. It exists in everybody regardless of his religion.
Having realized it , you cannot prohibit others from cultivating it
Having realized it, you cannot destroy it , because it is indestructible . Nothing can destroy it.
It is impossible to stop others from realizing it because one who cultivates it will realize it himself.
One having realized , it is impossible to destroy because it is there all the time.
[2]
Man himself is religion.
Dhamma is in man. Man is Dhamma.
The ancients said, "Heaven or hell is in the mind, so is Nirvana (the extinction of all defilement and sufferings.)"
Where is the mind?
Have you ever seen the mind?
If you have never seen it, you should practise until you know what the mind is.
Hell is mental suffering or unhappiness . When it fades away, we are in heaven . Whenever anger recurs, we then revent to hell.
[3]
The Buddha-nature is the mind that is clean, clear, calm, pure, bright and quick. This mind exists in everybody.
Water and mud are not the same thing. It is the mud that makes the water look turbid, but the water itself is clear. Our mind is the same . If we realize this, we will gradually follow the Path. The Buddha-nature is the mind that is clean, clear ,calm and pure. When the mind is pure, the mud cannot pollute the water anymore. When the mind is bright the mud will transform into sediment and break through the bottom. When the mind is quick, it is light and can see everything.
The Mundane Dhamma (Worldly Truth) and the Transcendent Dhamma (Ultimate Truth ) are in co-existence . If we really relize that, then we can distinguish them from each other. If we do not relize it, we can not make a distinction.
[4]
The Dhamma that made Siddhartha become an Arahant or the Buddha existed prior to him . It is the neutral mind that exists at the moment (neither being happy nor sad).
While you are listening to me now, how is your mind?
It is neutral.
Are you conscious of this state of mind?
If you are conscious of this neutral mind, this is what we cll calmness . You can work, talk or think anything . This kind of mind requires no effort.
It can be easily taught , but one who does not understand it tends to make something easy unnecessarily difficult or something simple to be complicated.
This neutral mind (is natural and) requires no efforts.
Everybody has this kind of mind, but we have never looked before. It is called Upekkha [Equanimity].
[5]
Man is born to think. He thinks this and that endlessly.
Thoughts flow all the time like a stream.
Thought is the quickest thing. It is quicker than lightning or anything.
Suffering arises because we do not see thought . Thought itself is not suffering . When thought arises, we do not see, know and understand it simultaneously, so greed , anger, or delusion arises and brings us suffering.
In fact, there is no greed, anger, or delusion . The occur because we do not see the sourse of the mind.
[6]
So let us cultivate self-awareness . When thought arises, we see, know and understand it. It is Sati-Samadhi-Panna (awareness-setting up the mind-wisdom). We call it "self-awareness". Whenever we are aware , thought cannot concoct. If we do not see it , it will concoct endlessly.
This method is the shortest way to Sudden Enlightenment.
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Part One
The Cultivating of Self-awareness
Self-awareness
Let us be aware of the movements of the body , for example , while we are blinking , be aware , while we are breathing , be aware , when thought arises , be aware . This is what we call Sati or self-awareness.
Self-awareness is invaluable. We cannot buy it , nor can anyone cultivate it for others . For example , when I am clenching my hand , is anyone conscious of my feeling? No one is Outwardly , you can see m hand clenching , but you are not conscious of my feeling . Similarly , when someone is clenching his hand , I can see but I am not conscious of his feeling.
Rhythmic Movements
There are techniques in any activities in order to achieve the end . In the same way , the cultivating of self-awareness to achieve Sati-Samadhi-Panna (Awareness-setting up the mind Wisdom ) needs technique too.
Do not sit still. Move rhythmically all the time.
Do not close your eyes.
You can sit in any position or on a chair , stand of lie down.
Now I will suggest the method to you . (See illustration)
1. Rest the hands palm down on the thighs.
2. Turn the right hand onto its edge , be aware , do it slowly, then stop. Do not say to yourself "turn the right hand", being aware is enough.
3. Raise the right hand up , be aware , then stop.
4. Lower the right hand to rest on gthe abdomen, be aware , then stop.
5. Turn the left hand onto its edge , be aware , then stop.
6. Raise the left hand up , be aware , then stop.
7. Lower the left hand to rest on the right hand, be aware , then stop.
8. Move the right hand up to rest on the chest , be aware , then stop.
9. Move the right hand out , be aware, then stop.
10. Lower the right hand onto its edge on the thigh , be aware , then stop.
11. Face the right palm down , be aware , then stop.
12. Move the left hand up to rest on the chest , be aware , then stop.
13. Move the left hand out , be aware , then stop.
14. Lower the left hand onto its edge on the thigh , be aware , then stop.
15. Face the left palm down , be aware , then stop.
This is a practical way of cultivating self-awareness . We do not have to study the Scriptures because they are only words. Studying the Scriptures is not the way to Enlightenment . This practice is the way to Enlightenment.
There are 8 steps of rhthmic movement in standing and sitting . We should also be aware in other position , such as lying on our left-side , right-side or laying flat on our back ; getting up from the left-side , from the right-side and from laying flat on our back.
You should cultivate self-awareness frequently.
Walking back and forth (Cankama Walking)
After sitting for a long time which may cause pains and aches, we can change the position to walking back and forth . After walking for a long time , we can change to the sitting posture.
This is called changing of the positions ; sitting , lying, standing , walking . You should allow them properly.
Do not move the arms while walking. We should fold the arms across the chest , or clasp the hands behind the back.
While you are walking back and forth, be aware of the feeling of the feet. Do not say to yourself , "right foot moves" , "left foot moves".
Do not walk too fast or too slow m walk naturally.
Be aware while you are walking . If you walk without seft-awareness , it is useless.
The Cultivating of Self-awareness in Daily Life
To cultivate self-awareness , we must practise as much as possible. We can even practise when we get in a car or on a bus.
While we are sitting on a bus or in a car , we can lay our hand on the thigh and turn the palm up and down , or we can run the thumb over the fingertip , or we make a fist and open it repeatedly . Do it slowly and be aware.
Whenever or whenever you practise , take it easy like playing . Only move one hand at a time , do not move both hands at the same time. If you move the right hand , do not move the left hand. If you move the left hand , do not move the right hand.
Someone m ight say, " I am very busy , I do not have time to practise " or " I can not do it, I am not pure enough " . These are excuses.
If we intend to do something , we can find time to do it. Whenever we do , be aware . For example , if you are a teacher, when you pick up a pen , pick it up with awareness . While you are writing , be aware.
This is the natural way of cultivaing self-awareness learning Dhamma with nature.
While you are having a meal pick up the spoon , be aware , take the food into your mouth , be aware . While you are chewing food , be aware swallowing food , be aware.
Practise Continuously Like a Chain
I guarantee the teachings of the Buddha and the method I teach . I guarantee what I am saying. If you are serious enough , you should pratise continuously like a chain or the hands ot the clock that rotate all the time
To practise continuously like a chain or like the ratating hands of the clock dose not mean that you have to cultivate self-awareness by doing rhythmic and movement or walking back and forth all the time.
The word to practise all the time means to be aware while doing anything washing , clothes , sweeping the floor , cleaning the house , washing dishes , writing , or buying and selling , just be aware. This awareness will acumulate little by little as rain drops fall into a good container and fill it to the brim.
When we walk forwards or backwords , move the hand in or out , be aware. When we go to bed , we can make a fist and open it repeatedly until we fall asleep . When we wake up , we should continue our practise . This is called cultivating self-awareness.
Summary
Practise the rhythmic movement continuously like a chain as the Buddha taught . Be aware of it at every moment ; standing . walking , sitting , lyin g, bending or stretching.
When you practise the rhythmic movement turning the palm up and down , raising the hand , lowering the hand , be aware . When you are nodding and raising your head , be aware , leaning to the left , to the right , blinking the eyes , opening the mouth , breathing in and out , be aware . When thought arises , be aware . Be aware of the movement all the time. Do not sit still.
This is technique of cultivating self-awareness.
The essence of practice of practice , a " handful leaves " Dhamma, is being aware of the movement of the body and the movement of the mind.
I guarantee , if you practise continuously and seriously as I have taugt , in at most three years , suffering will end. It maytake only one year. For some people it may take only one to ninety days . The result is that suffering will decrease or cannot disturb you anymore.
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Part Two
Walking on the Path
Be sure that our objective in practising Dhamma is self-knowledge.
We should start from the basic stage and go step by step as the Buddha taught. If we not follow this way , there will be no progress in our practice.
Basic stage
For beginners , doing rhythmic arm movement is better than walking back and forth. Move the arm rhythmically , slowly , gently and lightly. When it stops , be aware of it . When it is moving , be aware of it. If you move the arm too fast , you cannot catch up with the bodily feeling that arises because awareness is not strong enough.
We should practise continuously , regardless of tiredness . If we think we are tried we are tired and take a break , there will be no chain of continuity .
After you have realized something called Roop-Nahm (body-mind) , then you can walk back and forth.
You must really realize it. When thoughts arise , do not stop them . Let them flow , do not follow them but come back to Roop-Nahm . Always be aware of Roop-Nahm.
Sometimes , Piti(rapture) will arise . Piti will carry us away from being aware of Roop-Nahm . As long as we are not aware of Roop-Nahm , out mind will be gradually dulled.
Thoughts will arise , let them arise freely. You might feel dizzy of suffocated if you suppress them. Be relaxed do not worry whether you are aware or not.
The first stage that one will realize is Roop-Nahm Objects. These are Roop(Body), Nahm(mind) , Roop acting , Nahm acting , etc. (See the Appendix) .One should review them backwords and forwards , over and over.
While we are reviewing these Objects , thoughts will arise . Let them go. Whenever we are aware , the mind will stay with Roop-Nahm Objects. Review them backwards and forwards until they are embeded the mind.
When thought arise , sometimes we are carried away by them . So working or doing rhythmic movement might be faster or quicker. We should be aware and slow down. It does not matter how long it takes.
Seeing Thought-Mind stage
After one has realized Roop-Nahm Objects completely , one should keep on observing thoughts.
Speed up the rhythmic arm movement or walk faster.
Do not suppress thoughts . Practise with ease. Observe thoughts with ease.
Whenever thought arises , whether gladness or sorrows , be aware of the bodily movements , then thought will stop immediately.
Generally , when thought arises , the mind will be dragged along like a kitten trying to catch a big rat. The rat (thought) is bigger and stronger than the kitten (awareness) . When the rat shows up , the kitten , by nature , will catch the rat . The rat is frightened and runs away with the kitten (awareness). when the rat shows up , the kitten , be aware , will catch the rat. The rat is frightened and runs away with the kitten holding on. After a while , the kitten becomes tired and lets the rat go . Similarly , thoughts will arise endlessly and stop by themselves.
As we cultivate self-awareness more and more , it is like we keep feeding a kitten until it becomes a big, strong cat. When thought arises , the mind will not be dragged along, and thought will stop immediately.
If thought arises powerfully , we have to clench our fist fightly , or do whichever manner that suit us .If it is strong enough , then thought will stop immediately.
Keep on practising . Whenever thought arises , you will aware of it immediately . As I have often told you, if there are two men and one chair , the man who is stronger and quicker will occupy the chair. It is the same if we are not aware of the arising of thoughts , until we practise cultivating self-awareness more and more. This self-awareness will replace the " unawareness" , so the "unawareness" will gradually decrease.
Let thoughts arise , the more thoughts arise the more we are aware. When self-awareness increases more and mors , it will catch up with thoughts.
Suppose that 100 thoughts arise , we are aware of only 10 but we are not aware of the other 90. Next , thoughts are 100 , we are aware of only 20 but not the other 80. We continue our practice until we are aware of 80 but not the other 20 .Now , we are aware of 90 thoughts , then 95. When we are aware of 95 out of 100, we should practise earnestly . Do not be discouraged or slack or sleep during the daytime.
When thought arises , we are aware of it immediately again and again . Our mind will change at this point. The Path starts from here. It is the beginning of Nirvana.
Formerly , tghe mind was in the dark and did not know the Path. When it can overtake thoughts, then the mind will be illuminated. This light is not the external light that can be viewed by the naked eyes. The mind itself is free and illuminated. It is called "wisdom eye" , the arising of Panna-Nana of Vipassana (Insight).
We should continue practising rhythmic arm movement or walking back forth . We can practise at any speed we like.
Keep on practising. Let Panna(Wisdom) itself penetrate the objects of Insight . There is no need to learn from any teacher or scripture.
When Panna penetrates the Objects of Insight , the mind will be step by step. There are 5 steps the first jhana , the second jhana , the third jhana , the forth jhana , and the fifth jhana , respectively.
When we know , see and understand these objects of Insight , thought will arise quicker.
When we reach the last step , Nana will arise by itself. Once I attained this state . I understood the saying that " the Lord Buddha has his hair cut only once" .
Until you have attained "This" . I realized " Oh! the Lord Buddha has his hair cut once" that does not mean the real hair. It means "This" was cut off. As we fasten a rope tightly between two people , when we cut it in the middle , each part will return to its pole and cannot be rejoined.
We will know and see the "Change" . It is absolutely light as if it is weighless. It is the end. When it ends , Nana will arise and one will realize the End of Suffering.
Recommendations
There are two kinds of thought.
The thought that comes in a flash , then goes away. This kind of thought brings anger , greed of delusion. The second kind is thought that we deliberately think. This one does not bring anger , greed or delusion , because we intend to think with mindful-knowledge.
In this method , do not try to suppress thoughts. Let thought arise naturally. The more thought arise , the more we are aware . Some people feel annoyed with the distractions and worry that there is no Samadhi [Meditation]. That is a misunderstanding . Distraction is a good thing because the more thoughts arise , the more we are aware . Keep on cultivating self-awareness earnestly , but do not concentrate.
When thoughts arise , do not suppress them but detach from them by being aware of bodily movement . Self-awareness will replace the "unawareness".
Observing thought is the most important thing which most people ignore. When thought arises , we begin to criticize or make comment on it. This means that we "get into" thought . It is not "letting go" of thought. It is " knowing " thought , not "seeing" thought.
If we keep observing thoughts without any bodily movement , when thoughts arise , we will "get into " them easily . Therefore , it is necessary to be aware of the bodily movements. When thought arises , we will see , we will know.
Whenever we see ghosts , Buddha images , crystal balls or even the Lord of Buddha , that is not true seeing . It happens because the mind wenders away . We do not see the thought so the mind concocts by itself . It concocts because we do not see " the source of thoughts".
When thought arise without our seeing , it will conjure up ghosts , colours , lights , deities , hell or heaven.
Whatever it is , we will see it as such . It is an illusion . It is the minds trick.
The seeing is true. What is seen is not true , so it cannot free the mind. Only if we see realities , the mind will be free from suffering.
This is the shorter Path, when thought arises , be aware of it immediately. This is the authentic Dhamma Practice. Doing the rhythmic movement is only the technique (which can help to see thought).
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Part Three
Obstacles and Solving Methods
There are some obstacles in this method . I will recoomend how to solve these obstacles and problems that may occur to the practitioner.
Strain , Dizziness , Giddiness , Suffocation
When we first begin our practice , we tend to concentrate. We want to know, see , be and have . This is not the right understanding . If you want to know , see , be and have , you might get strain , dizziness , giddiness or suffocation. This is not the correct practice.
When thoughts arise so much , we do not like it and try to suppress them. This brings us trouble.
The solving method is practising with ease . Look deeper and cultivate self-awareness lightly and gently. Do not concentrate. Move or walk comfortably and rhythmically with awareness.
Drowsiness
If you feel sleepy while practising , you should change to another of work , for example , weeding , washing your face , taking a bath or washing clothses . We should find a way to avoid the obstacle.
Clamness under Unawareness
Calmness under unawareness is called Piti (rapture), clinging to calmness. This is an obstacle . The cultivating of self-awareness is not to obtain this kind of calmness , but always be aware of the movement.
Vipassanu
After we have attained Roop-Nahm objects , this is the end of the basic stage . Someone will stop practising because he thinks that he has attained the highest Dhamma . At this stage , knowledge will arise endlessly and we will be proud of this knowledge . When thoughts arise , he does not see them, and then gets into them.
One who attaches to Vipassanu will be talkative and arrogant.
The knowledge of Vipassanu will soon be forgotten and makes man too proud of himself . This is called Vipassanu.
The solving method is doing rhythmic movement with ease , do not concentrate or desire for the result. Do the movement lightly and gently.
When thought arises , be aware of the bodily movements.
Jintanana
When one realizes Paramatha Objects (see Appendix) , Piti (rapture) will arise . One is delighted of this knowledge.
In general , Piti good but according to this method , Piti is the obstacle of attaining the End of Suffering.
When Piti arises , one will attach to it . We should do the bodily movements vigourously and as much as we can to turn the mind away from Piti and back to the movement . Do it slowly and rhythmically . When self-awareness increases more and more , Piti will gradually fade away and the mind will return to the ordinary state.
Suffocation , giddiness or strain may arise . We should practise with ease , look deeper and move gently . We should not stop practising because of these obstacles but continue our practice earnestly . Do not sleep in the daytime but rest at night.
Vipallasa
According to the tests , Vipallasa means seeing false as true , hell as heaven , evil as good.
Vipallasa is the state of mind when one discovers something excellent and thinks that he can keep it . So he leaves self-awareness behind to get that thing . It is like it was stolen by a thief. When we start looking for it ,it is no longer there. It is hidden.
One should not leave self-awareness even at the End of Suffering or whatsoever .
I realized the End of Suffering after I attained it. At that moment , I was in the state of Vipallasa . I clung to ecstasy because I had never been like this before.
I was walking back forth and I felt like I was floating above the ground about 1-2 metres . Actually , I was walking on the ground I clung to that ecstasy but it did not last for long. Then I was aware of myself "Eh! What happened ?"
I began to review the Objects of Insight . At this stage , you should review the Objects backwards and forwards , but this does not include Roop-Nham Objects.
After reviewing the Objects , the ecstasy will gradually fade away . The mind will return to the ordinary state.
Summary
If there is strain , dizziness , giddiness or suffocation , we should do the movement gently. Do not concentrate. Do it with ease , look deeper , then uncomfortable feeling will loosen by themselves.
The solving method of Jintanana is the same .
Vipassanu and Jintanana must be solved by correcting the technique. Do not review the Objects of Insight.
In the case of Vipallasa , we must review the Objects of Insight (Paramattha Objects). Practise with ease . When the Objects are clear , the strain will gradually decrease.
Let thoughts arise , do not suppress them.
When you practice , you must take care of yourself. Do not expect other people to take care of you. When anything that is not normal arises , you must stop it immediately . That abnormal state will gradually decrease by itself.
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Epilogue
[1]
If we have right understanding , Dhamma practice will not be difficult.
The Truth that the Buddha taught exists in man. What he taught , everyone can do.
[2]
This method is easy . It is not necessary to stydy the Scriptures because the Truth exists in man. Everyone can be aware of the movements of his own body and mind.
Though we are not aware of ourselves , the bodies still move and thoughts arise , but we are not aware of them . The mind will conjure up unreality if we are not aware of the movements of the body and the mind.
This method is nothing other than being aware of the movements of the body and the mind . In other methods , there are many activities , for example ,keeping precepts , and practising concentration.
[3]
When we cultivate self-awareness , we should let every part of the body and the mind work naturally . Do not force them against their nature.
This method is not related to anything else. Why not ? Because the Truth exists within ourselves.
This technique can be applied naturally , and doesn't do anything against the bodys' functions.
Eye - to see
Ears - to hear
Nose - to smell
The bodily movements must be done in a nutural manner according to their functions.
The mind generates thoughts , let it function freely.
Do not do anything against the natural functions ( of the body and the mind ) , but cultivate the self-awareness to catch up with the movements (of the body and the mind) .
[4]
There are two kinds of Calmness.
The first is the calmness under unawareness , a dull calmness like a brick of stone . It is called calmness without Panna or calmness under delusion .
The second is the calmness with awareness . It may not be called calmness , but should be called Enlightenment . This kind of calmness is calmness without anger-greed-delusion , calmness without ignorance , calmness without unawareness . Whatever you call it , it is only words.
Calmness with awareness means we do not want anything else. We no longer seek for teachers or methods or places . Calmness means cessation.
[5]
The rhythmic bodily movements and the cultivating of self-awareness cause Panna. This Panna does not arise from intellect. It arises from the Law of Nature. We call it Nana-Panna of Vipassana (Wisdom of Insight).
What is the meaning of Panna arising?
It means Panna arises from the realization of a set of Insight Formulas. It is not necessary to learn these formulas from the Scriptures.
This set of Insight Formulas means success which is within the formulas themselves , as diamond buried in the mud , after being sifted , only diamond remains.
We should practise until these formulas appear naturally and exist permanently.
Everybody has this set of formulas within himself . After attaining the End of Suffering , Nana will arise , " Birth is extinguished , existence is extinguished , the religious life is complete and there is nothing left to do ." The studying of Buddhism ends here.
[6]
"Cutting the hair only once " means the body returns to its original state and the mind returns to its original state by the Law of Nature. " This " is neither long nor short. It is insipid , wonderful and respectable . You have never attained it before.
Dhamma is not what you can imagine , you have to practise until attaining the state of "Being" .
Everyone should keep in mind that if we do not attain this state , when we are almost dead , about 1-2 seconds to 5 minutes before the last breath , we will experience "This" . then our breathing stops . "This" it is the way out.
When we see " This" (Rising - Extinction state ) , we will realize the state of dying . It must be like this. We will know how to die. Everyone must come to this point . No one can escape because everyone must die. This Truth is unchangeable whether one realizes it or not . It is so.
[7]
Being aware of the movement of the body and the mind can lead us to this point (the End of Suffering ). This is the Path , it is the only Path. This Path is different from others.
You will realize Roop-Nahm Objects within 5-10 days , if you practise earnestly.
One who practise seriously , within 1-3 months , his state of mind will change . It is the beginning of the Path.
If you are a conscientious man , is no longer than 3 years , you will attain the End of Suffering . For one who is not serious enough , it is useless even after 10 years.
I have challenged many people to practise. More or less , they have realized.
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Warning
You should not practise according to your own content , opinion to thought . In order to make your practice progress , you should be obedient to the instruction of the "craftsman" (the Teacher) .
You should avoid talking to each other and refrain from taking all kinds of addictive things such as cigarettes , tea , coffee , etc , otherwise your mind will be attached to them.
We should practise with determination . Do not deceive yourself.
Do not sit still . Keep doing rhythmic movements continuously.
Do not concengtrate. Practise with ease. Open your eyes . Let thoughtsarise freely , do not suppress them.
For this method , you will see , know and understand this way (See Appendix) , if you see other than this , it is not correct.
Apeendix
Basic stage "Roop-Nahm (body-mind) Objects :
- Roop , Nahm ; Roop acting , Nahm acting , Roop disease , Nahm disease
- Dukkham - Aniccam -Anatta (unbearable-unstable-uncontrollable)
- Sommoot (supposition)
- Sasana(religion) , Buddhasasana (Buddhism)
- Papa (sin) , Punna (merit)
Seeing Thought-Mind Stage : Paramattha (actual existence)
Objects - Vatthu(matter) , Paramattha (mind-touchable) , Agahn (changingness)
- Dosa-Moha-Lobha (anger-delusion-greed)
- Vedana-Sanna-Sankhara (feeling-perception-mental formation-knowingness)
- Kilesa-Tanha-Upadana-Kamma (defilenent/stickiness-craving/heaviness-attachment/action)
- Silakkhandha-Samadhikkhandha-Pannakkandha
- Kamasava-Bhavasava-Avijjasava
- Bad bodily action , how it cause suffering ,if there is hell , which level we would fall, How many days , months , years would it be?
- Bad verbal action
- Bad mental action
- Bad bodily , verbal and mental action altogether
- Good bodily action , how it is blissful , if there is heaven or Nirvana , which level we would be . How many days , months , years would it be?
- Good verbal action
- Good mental action
- Good bodily , verbal and mental action altogether
- Rising-Extinction State (the End of Suffering)
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