For the development of calm panna is indispensable
The calm of samatha that is temporary freedom from defilements cannot be
developed without panna. The panna of samatha must be able to discern
the characteristic of calm when it arises, otherwise calm cannot grow. The
panna of samatha knows kusala as kusala and akusala as akusala, but it is
different from the panna of vipassana since it does not realize kusala and
akusala as not self. The concept of self is not eradicated through samatha.
One may think that when one concentrates on one point there are
conditions for the arising of calm. However, we should not forget that
concentration (samadhi) accompanies each citta. The function of this
cetasika is to cause the citta to focus on one object. Thus, there is
concentration with akusala citta as well as with kusala citta. If one does not
know precisely when the citta is kusala citta and when akusala citta, how
can one be sure whether there is right concentration? One may, with
attachment, exert a great effort to concentrate, or, if one needs such effort
to concentrate, one can easily have aversion. Do we know when there are
akusala cittas? If we do not know this, calm cannot be developed. For the
development of calm panna is indispensable.
Topic 206
15 Jul 2013