50 Mental States... Question

[Guest guest]

Question: These 5 states below are listed in the Buddhist tradition as 5 or the

50 mental states.

Is the "I Am" in Ramana's teachings, all those below or just the Attention?

And is the Self a mental state?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

a) 5 universals (sabbacitta) (in every consciousness):

1.. Consciousness-impression (phassa)

2.. Volition (cetaná)

3.. (mental) vitality (jívita)

4.. One-pointedness (samádhi)

5.. Attention (manasikára)

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Good question. I'm assuming this description of states comes from the

Visuddhimagga

because it looks like Pali. Am I correct? If so, this is a description of

mental

states which

is not the same as the "I Am." Theravadin Buddhist practice, upon which the

Visuddhimagga

is based, is about observing and noting mental events and states until the

recognition that there

is no self is achieved. The Visuddhimagga is probably the most detailed study

of

mind in print.

I think it's one of the greatest books and/or scriptures ever written.

 

I believe there are similarities but that what Bhagavan was talking about is

different. He doesn't

go into the great detail that the Theravidin's did but he isn't describing

practices

to use to recognize

the illusory condition of mind, his practice is about penetrating into the

source of

consciousness.

Of course from our perspective this is a difficult discussion and we are

discussing

very theoretical,

obscure things but I do believe there is a clear distinction.

 

My study tells me that Zen is more like Bhagavan's teaching in that it's quite

radical in aiming for

the source of consciousness without all the trappings of spiritual or religious

practice. When

Bhagavan made his first entry into realization he was observing the death of his

body. He then

followed that event with direct inquiry and absorption in samadhi states.

Apparently, he was able

to bypass many, many years or even lifetimes of sadhana by taking this direct

approach.

 

I didn't want to make this answer too long but I want to add that I've practiced

Vipassana. I learned from

Jack Kornfield then practiced and studied on my own. It's a noble practice but

I

believe that it

missed the point. I also found, through my own practice, that Bhagavan's

teaching

is much, much

more direct than any other teaching I've encountered. Additionally, I have to

confess a heart felt response

to Bhagavan that I have felt for no other teacher.

 

 

Mark

 

 

 

Question: These 5 states below are listed in the Buddhist tradition as 5 or the

50

mental states.

Is the "I Am" in Ramana's teachings, all those below or just the Attention?

And is the Self a mental state?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

a) 5 universals (sabbacitta) (in every consciousness):

1.. Consciousness-impression (phassa)

2.. Volition (cetaná)

3.. (mental) vitality (jívita)

4.. One-pointedness (samádhi)

5.. Attention (manasikára)