THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS AND THE SIX QUALITIES OF DHAMMA

| Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary 2013 Retreat Opening Talk

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness:

Watching body sensations is kayanupassana. Watching feelings – pleasant, unpleasant, neutral – is vedananupassana. Being aware of skilful or unskilful mind, any mind, is cittanupassana. When body sensations, feelings and mind become impersonal or nature, that is dhammanupassana.

The Six Qualities of Dhamma as taught by the Buddha:

1. Svakkhato – The Dhamma is well explained, well expounded. It is the universal law of nature. So it is complete being excellent in the beginning (Sila), excellent in the middle (Samadhi) and excellent in the end (Panna).

2. SanditthikoDhamma is in the here and Now. The Dhamma can be practised and known by direct practice.
3. AkalikoDhamma is timeless and never changes. We can practise anytime, anywhere. The Dhamma gives immediate results.

4. Ehipassiko – Come and Investigate. This is an invitation for one who seeks the Truth to discover for himself through direct experience.

5. Opanayiko – Leading Inwards. The Dhamma is capable of being entered upon and one has to realize for oneself.

6. Paccattam veditabbo vinnuhiti – The Dhamma may be perfectly realized only by the wise each for himself. Here the wise does not mean one with high education but rather one with little dust in their eyes.

When the meditator recollects these special qualities of the Dhamma, his mind is invaded neither by greed, nor by hate, nor by delusion. One will be uplifted by the Dhamma.