Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Exploring the Dhamma, as understood from the perspective of the ancient Pali commentaries.
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

28. SAMMASANANANA AND UDAYABBAYANANA

Image


Having already expressed preference, exerted the necessary energy and having replaced fear with self-confidence, one is in a position to depict the various stages on the path of achieving knowledge (nana) Illustrations twenty-eight to thirty-eight depict the various stages on the path of achieving knowledge(by which one should understand is meant not book-knowledge but “experience of truth” in one’s own mind and body).

The first part of this picture deals with knowledge derived from the contemplation of rising and ceasing of all forms of existence (udayabbaya-nana) while the bottom half is related to knowledge achieved from the preparatory stage of meditation called the “thorough_knowledge" (sammadana-nana) of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self-ness which precedes the attainment of insight.

Having already considered the truth pertaining to birth, old age and death, the standing figure on the bottom right hand side has consequently attained spiritual wisdom (panna). The child on the left hand side is a representation of birth, the old man sitting and mashing his betel nut symbolizes the limitations of old age, while the corpse in the centre is death as well as the realization and appreciation of death arising due to thorough knowledge. By the attainment of this knowledge, one can clearly see and understand the quality of impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and selflessness (anatta). However, in the achievement of insight, (vipassana-nana), knowledge of the foregoing three characteristics (tilakkana) is not counted as the first step (i.e. it is not included as one of the nine levels for arriving at insight.)

The top part of this picture is concerned with the first stage leading to attainment of insight (udayabbayanana). At this point, one concentrates only on rising and cessation (symbolized here by the body and the corpse). Reflecting on arising and cessation, one progresses from thorough knowledge which considers the whole process of birth, old age, and death.

Naturally broader in scope, the latter knowledge offers general and unspecific impressions while if we compare the knowledge of rising and ceasing with sammasana-nana, it can be seen that the former is more specialized and exact.

(For these knowledges explained in detail, see the “Path of Purification” - Visuddhimagga translation from Semage, Colombo, Ceylon, Chapter XXI)


.
Last edited by Hanzze on Fri Dec 24, 2010 11:37 am, edited 2 times in total.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

29. BHANGANANA AND BHAYANANA

Image


The lower half of this picture is an allegory on the knowledge consisting of the contemplation of the dissolution of all forms of existence (bhanga-nana). This is the second stage of insight-knowledge. The picture shows a wise man meditating upon a corpse. Here, the aspirant ignores the rising aspect and devotes his mind exclusively to the aspect of cessation in order to discover, more profoundly, that all things are continuously ceasing. The top part of the picture illustrates the knowledge of fearfulness (bhaya-nana), or insight derived from concentration upon the fearfulness of all compounded things (sankhara).

The three thieves stand for the three states of existence (bhava); kamabhava, rupabhava and arupabhava or sensual existence, the existence of subtle form, and formless existence all of which are fearsome, impermanent, unsatisfactory, and devoid of soul or self. They are not therefore to be desired.

(Sensual existence includes:

Human birth and animal conditions which are well-known to us, besides a number of other states, all woeful such as those of hungry ghosts and of the hell-wraiths which of course are normally invisible. Also found here are the six celestial heavens of sensual pleasure.

In the second state of existence are the various level of Brahma-worlds corresponding to attainment of mental absorptions (jhana) beyond the rage of sensuality in which form is very subtle.

The formless types of existence correspond to the formless attainments (arupa-smapatti) in which there is only the experience of subtle mentality (nama), beyond the range of any sort of body (rupa).

Birth into all these states is governed by the kamma or intentional actions of the individual. All these states of existence, heavens and bells are impermanent.)


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

30. BHAYANANA (BY OTHER ARTIST)

Image


This picture also illustrates the theme of the knowledge of fearfulness but is by a different artist. Here the boy (or the immature person) is frightened by the lion while above the aspiring monk, (who stands for the mature person able to face unwelcome but true facts) realizes the fearsomeness of all compounded things.


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

31. ADINAVANANA AND NIBBIDANANA

Image


The top half of this picture illustrates the fourth stage in insight meditation, knowledge consisting in the contemplation of danger, adinava-nana. Having arrived at the third stage of knowledge, one realizes that all compounded things are the source of misery and should in the foreground reminds the aspirant that all compounded things are the source of danger. (There is nothing which is compounded, such as mind and body, can be any sort of refuge as they are menaced by decay and death.)

In the lower half oft the picture, the burning house illustrates the fifth state of knowledge (nibbida-nana) or knowledge derived from the contemplation of aversion. The aspirant, once having witnessed the house of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and not-self-ness go up in flames, will now avoid and fear all compounded elements. (“House” is often used as a symbol for the body which is burning all the time with change and decay, and burns after death upon the pyre.)


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

32. MUCCITUKAMYATANANA

Image


Rahu, the celestial monster who was said to be the cause of eclipses by eating the moon, is the central character in illustrating the sixth stage of knowledge, muccitukamyata-nana, or the desire for deliverance. The aspirant to this knowledge, symbolized by the moon, seeks to escape the destruction imposed by the celestial monster who represents the round of rebirths (samsara). This picture is popularly used on the gates to Siamese monasteries to remind the faithful to free themselves from the round of rebirth.

(This may be compared with the more complicated Wheel of Wandering-on (samsaracakra) which is found in the entrance of the great majority of Tibetan Buddhist temples where it fulfills the same function - a reminder and a warning of the perils of the Wandering-on)
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

33. MUCCITUKAMYATANANA

Image


Identical with the theme in picture No. 32, this illustration shows a frog trying to escape from the mouth of a snake, thus symbolizing our efforts to seek release from the unsatisfactory nature of the world.

(Below a bhikkhu sits upon a throne-like seat in a wild, rocky place. This kind of spot is suitable for seeking release while the throne-like seat indicates the exalted nature of one who strives sincerely for that release.)
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

34. MUCCITUKAMYATANANA

Image


Desire for deliverance, in this case the sixth stage of knowledge, is shown by a different symbolism, by a serpent attempting to secure its freedom from the garuda (a mythical bird akin to the roc of Arabian legends)


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

35. MUCCITUKAMYATANANA

Image


The same theme of desire for deliverance is repeated here. The cock in its cage at the top of the picture, and the fish hooked while swallowing the bait at the bottom, both illustrate confinement, and the need of those upon this path of knowledge to Enlightenment, to be free from worldly confinements and entanglements.

(This picture, the three above and the one over the page. [altogether five pictures] stress the great importance of this stage of knowledge. Ordinary people not understanding the state of world and of their particular bits of it - mind and body - have therefore no reason for desiring deliverance, but once the true state of the wandering-on in birth-and-death is appreciated then this knowledge becomes foremost in the heart.)


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

36. MUCCITUKAMYATANANA AND PATISANKANANA

Image


The barking deer caught in a snare desire freedom, once more emphasizing the importance of the sixth stage of knowledge. The bottom half of this picture depicts the seventh stage of knowledge, that derived from reflective contemplation, patisankha-nana. This picture is related to the tenth in the first part in which a man mistakes a snake for a fish and carries it home holding it very unwisely so that it may strike and kill him. Here, however the man has the snake firmly gripped by the neck and is being told of its danger by a wise man, so that he wants to be rid of this poisonous snake of the mental defilements (kilesa). But before he can get rid of the snake, he must first weaken it by seizing its neck tightly, thus freeing it from his arm. Next he must raise it above his head, swinging it rapidly until the snake weakens. Close to death, the snake can be easily tossed away; or it can be beaten to death afterwards. Paying respects to the Triple Gem is one way to reduce the influence of defilements (and others are Giving, Keeping the Precepts and development of the mind by meditative practice). All such worthy practices should be accumulated in opposition to the power exerted by the defilements.


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

37. SANKHARUPEKKHANANA

Image


Sankharupekkha-nana: The knowledge of equanimity in respect of all compounded aspects of existence. Previously, the aspirant was attached to the phenomena of existence: his body (rupa), feeling (vedana, memory (sanna), volitions (sankhara), and consciousness (vinnana), which he mistook for his ego or personality. By placing confidence in the reality of these false impressions, he was a victim of the process of existence (bhava). No longer held captive by them, he has become indifferent to their pressures and confinements. Like the man in the illustration who watches his former wife making love to another man, he is free from emotional distress and involvement. He is completely unaffected and indifferent.


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

38. SACCANULOMIKA-NANA

Image


Saccanulomika-nana: The ninth stage of knowledge derived from conformity with truth. The ship represents the body (rupa) and the owner of the ship, standing at the bow is mind (citta).*

The ship is crossing from the burning world of mortality to the other shore of Nibbana, which is represented by the Three Gems to which the owner of the ship (mind) points. The crew and equipment aboard are the various teachings necessary to cross the seas of wandering-on in birth-and-death (samsara). The Noble Eight-fold Path and other necessary Dhamma such as faith (saddha), or wisdom (panna) are essential required to guide the ship across. Of these teachings, Right View (Sammaditthi)** is the most important.

The importance of right view and wisdom is shown by the bird perched atop the mast of the ship. Should the ship go astray, the bird is sent out to establish the correct course. This practice of using a sea-bird for navigational purposes dates back to the time three or four thousand years ago, when compasses and other navigational instruments were not available. Steering from the stern of the ship is the captain who represents Right Mindfulness [Sammasati].

----
(* The same symbolism is used for nama-rupa, or mentality-materiality in the Wheel of Wandering-on.)
(** Right View (or understanding) is that which leads one inwards to Nibbana after seeing which it should be translated as: Perfect View. Others views (philosophical, or theological) lead one upon other paths and are called Wrong Views, or those which lead astray from Nibbana. Other factors of the Eightfold Path are “Right” or “Wrong” for the same pragmatic reason.)
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

39. GOTRABHUNANA

Image


This picture illustrates maturity of knowledge (gotrabhu-nana). Here the aspirant points to the Three Gems upon the ornate throne and signifies that he has finally taken Nibbana as the object of his meditation. At this stage, he is prepared to transcend the “family” (gotra) of ordinary mortals and progress into the realm of the Noble Ones (ariya), which term also means those who have developed.*


---
* See illustration No. 41.

.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

40. GOTRABHUNANA

Image


Maturity of knowledge is also the subject in this picture. Here the cow which represents the ordinary person, is free from its pen because now it has mindfulness (symbolized by the rope), and is thus free from the round of rebirths. Upon leaving its enclosure mature knowledge arises. Freedom has been secured through the use of mindfulness and wisdom symbolized by the sharp-edged spear so that the cow is prepared to abandon its common worldliness for the supermundane of Nibbana. A dramatic transformation is shown in the upper picture where instead of a penned cow, a man upon the supermundane path flies effortlessly, holding two lotuses in this hands. (Perhaps symbolizing purity and compassion.)


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

41. ATTAINMENT OF NOBLE FRUITS

Image


After attaining maturity of knowledge, one arrives at magga-nana or knowledge of the path leading to Nibbana, following upon which one attains phala-nana (Fruition-knowledge), which is recognition of the Path.

Magga-nana and phala-nana are obtained through the process of:

1. stream-entering (sotapanna)
2. once-returning (sakadagami)
3. never-returning (anagami)
4. Arahantship (arahatta)

The four stages of this development* are represented by the four levels of lotuses in the picture and by the seated monks. The fully opened and blooming lotus stands for the Arahant or completely Enlightened One.


---
* (The ancient Discourses describe four kinds of Noble Persons each of which has penetrated to Nibbana, their experiences being of varying depth so that they destroy to a different degree various aspects of the defilements.

A stream-enterer is one who has just entered upon the realm of the Noble Ones and is sure in any case to attain Nibbana. A once-returner still has sufficient defilements to ensure his rebirth once amongst men, while a never-returner, once his physical body has died, can no longer be reborn to this state of being but will attain Nibbana while existing in the upper realm of the Brahmaworlds called the Pure Abodes (suddhavasa). The Arahant (one who is accomplished) is the last of the four Noble Ones. He has made an end of the mental defilements and so come to the end of being driven onward in birth-and-death. He has reached complete purity and knows the bliss of Nibbana. Although monks are shown as attaining these four stages since they have the greatest opportunity to do so, these attainments are also open to diligent laypeople.)



.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
User avatar
Hanzze
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:47 pm
Location: Cambodia

Re: Teaching Dhamma by Pictures

Post by Hanzze »

42. FOUR STAGES OF KNOWLEDGE

Image


This is another way of explaining the four stages of knowledge leading to Nibbana. Knowledge in conformity with truth (saccanulomika-nana) is illustrated by the man (lower left-hand corner) who has just found a precious stone while plucking lotuses at a lotus pond, while the man holding the gem (bottom right) symbolizes the attainment of mature knowledge (gotrabhu-nana). At top-left the man joyfully raising the gem above his head signifies Knowledge of the Path (magga-nana), and the man top-right appreciating the flawless quality of that gem symbolizes phala-nana or Fruition of the Path.


.
Just that! *smile*
...We Buddhists must find the courage to leave our temples and enter the temples of human experience, temples that are filled with suffering. If we listen to Buddha, Christ, or Gandhi, we can do nothing else. The refugee camps, the prisons, the ghettos, and the battlefields will become our temples. We have so much work to do. ... Peace is Possible! Step by Step. - Samtach Preah Maha Ghosananda "Step by Step" http://www.ghosananda.org/bio_book.html

BUT! it is important to become a real Buddhist first. Like Punna did: Punna Sutta Nate sante baram sokham _()_
Post Reply