First of all, the soil is still missing. It has not been shown where the soil is taught. Second of all, the first purification of mind is not explained. Mahasi seems to think that through bare attention to arising physical and mental phenomena that one becomes clear about mentallity and materiallity. However, it is not gone over by way of any one of the five classifications given in the Visuddhimmagga (given in chapter 18 Visuddhimagga). The mental classifications are not given, the way of reflection on them is not given. The information that if it does not become clear quickly that then one must regard only materiallity excusitvely first and only then mentallity when materiallity becomes abundantly clear is left out. Not only are these things missing, but the way to regard mentallity and materiallity given by Mahasi is actually greatly different from anything actually in the Visuddhimagga. In the Visuddhimagga they are all mental excercises of contemplation, never simple bare awareness excercises. Furthermore, after one understands that all phenomena are only nama and rupa, none of the classifications for looking at the conditions that cause first materiallity and then mentallity to arise are given. That means that there is no mention of reviewing the cause for their respective arisings by way of either Kamma and Fruition, or by way of Dependent Origination in order, etc. Therefore, it is obvious that those things comprising of the second purifcation are completely absent from the Mahasi technqiue. Please bare in mind that Buddhagosa is clear that the purifications must be done in order for them to be effective. The methods given by Mahasi are completely different or just absent in most cases. No one can deny this if they chapter 14 through 22 of the Visuddhimagga where all the information is found.mikenz66 wrote:Hi Kevin,
Perhaps you could comment directly on the passage in Sayadaw Mahasi's "Progress of Insight", which is based on his understanding of the Visuddhimagga.
http://aimwell.org/Books/Mahasi/Progres ... Analytical" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It starts, of course, with Purification of Conduct. I think we can take that as read.
The part you seem concerned about is Analytical Knowledge of Body and Mind. Can you point out where this description is substantially different from the descriptions in Vism Chapter XVIII, part of which you kindly posted here: http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... =60#p80816.
Mike1. Analytical Knowledge of Body and Mind
Endowed with purification of mind and continuing the practice of noticing, the meditator now comes to know body-and-mind analytically as follows...
Kevin