Objects of mindfulness and right understanding
The Buddha explained in detail about the different namas and rupas of our life
and the conditions through which they arise. Theoretical understanding of nama
and rupa is a foundation of direct understanding of them, and this can be
developed by sati, awareness or mindfulness of the nama and rupa appearing at
the present moment. There are many levels of sati; sati is heedful, non-
forgetful, of what is wholesome. There is sati with generosity, dana, with the
observance of moral conduct, sila, with the development of tranquil
meditation, samatha, and with the development of insight or right
understanding, vipassana. In the development of insight, sati is mindful of
whatever reality presents itself through one of the six doors. Absolute
realities, nama and rupa, not concepts, are the objects of mindfulness and
right understanding.
Topic 71
26 Sep 2012