konchokzopa wrote:What i have learned from my Teachers and teachings, that vipassana without at least some grounding and foundation in samatha practice is futile and wont penetrate the mind.
Here is what the Venerable Ledi Sayādaw says in his
Manual of Respiration
When can one proceed to Vipassanā? In the Ānāpānassati Sutta and the Commentary, the order of practice is to undertake the work of the fourth tetrad only after the attainment of the four jhānas. If one can adhere strictly to this order it is ideal. However, if one finds oneself unable to follow this order of practice one may proceed to insight from the third jhāna. It is permissible to proceed to insight also from the second jhāna, or from the first jhāna, or from access concentration before jhāna is attained, or from the connection stage, or even from the counting stage after the wandering tendencies of the mind have been overcome.
If time is limited (and three months is not all that long), one should proceed directly to insight as soon as the wandering tendencies of the mind have been overcome. If the five hindrances have been dispelled, then purity of mind
(citta visuddhi) has been gained, and one may contemplate the five aggregates to develop insight into the three characteristics. As long as effort is continuous, constant, and vigorous, one can maintain mental purity while contemplating whatever mental and physical phenomena arise in the present moment.
If mindfulness slips,then the hindrances may again overwhelm the mind, but the five hindrances are also valid objects for contemplation since they are included in the fourth section of the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta
(Dhammānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna). For example, if one becomes doubtful (regarding the method, or regarding one's own ability, etc.), one can contemplate the doubtful mind until it disappears. Then mindfulness is re-established, and purity of mind is regained.
