Recollection of the Buddha

Recollection of the Buddha (Buddhanusati) is one of the meditation subjects of samatha. When we reflect on the Buddha’s virtues moments of calm may arise, but akusala citta is bound to arise as well since akusala cittas arise time and again throughout our life. When we look at a Buddha statue there is likely to be clinging. We like seeing, we like visible object and we like thinking of what we have seen. The fact that it is a Buddha statue we look at cannot prevent us from clinging. We should not be discouraged by the akusala cittas which arise. If we think with aversion of our clinging there is akusala citta. At the moment of right understanding that knows akusala as akusala, there is kusala citta. Different cittas are arising and falling away all the time and, therefore, it is difficult to know them precisely. We should not delude ourselves into thinking that there is bhavana, merely because we sit in front of a Buddha statue and we recite some texts. When we pay respect to the Buddha there is an opportunity for kusala sila through body and speech. When we ponder over his virtues moments of calm can arise. Contemplation of the Buddha’s virtues is difficult for those who have not attained enlightenment. Can one really know what enlightenment means if one has not attained it oneself? However, when we have reflected upon the teachings and when we apply them in daily life, the Buddha’s wisdom, compassion and purity begin to have more meaning to us. Then there may be conditions for calm when we contemplate his virtues.