Corporeal groups

[Guest guest]

Q: How can we get beyond our concept of solidity and coherence of

matter?

A: One way is to examine conventional objects to discover their true

nature as

being made up of parts. For example, when water is poured into

milk, the 'groups'

of milk fill up spaces between the 'groups' of water. This is

true for all other inanimate

objects--they give an illusion of coherence and solidity but

ultimately they are

made up of elements, groups which in various combination make up

the whole

universe. Purity of knowledge results when the yogi understands

this through

direct experience in the meditation.

 

Q: How does the question of ultimate truth apply to animate objects?

A: Animate objects like inanimate objects must be viewed by the

yogi so as to reveal their underlying nature, All creatures,

whatever

their form, conceal their true identity through the appearance

of solidity and coherence. In order to discard this illusion and

the

illusion of self the yogi should see animate objects as being

made

up of mental and physical 'groups', 'parts', 'elements',with no

self

nor being behind them. Following this principle, you should try

to

see all objects you meet as merely elements to which we attach

the

idea of names, calling them man, woman, animal ,and so forth.

These distinctions exist only on the conventional level but are

not the ultimate truth. Thus, analytical knowledge developed in

Vipassana sees all beings not as permanent souls or

personalities.

Seeing beyond the concepts and ideas, the yogi will see

that all

animate objects are but heaps of corporeal group,* or elements.

This knowledge will then lead to clear insight into the nature

and

relationship of form and mind, and finally to equanimity in

regard

to the coming and going of all these object, to profound inner

peace. the yogi will see even exercises of charity,morality,

loving-kindness as relative, not to be taken at face value, and

will

not cling even to these.

 

* Corporeal groups are the smallest particles of matter from which

all

seemingly solid physical object are made. these particles are

constantly

changing.

 

 

Buddhism: Mohnyin Sayadaw

A snip from: Living Buddhist Masters.. Jack Kornfield