Marā is an important aspect of Buddha Dhamma and it is a must to understand it properly. Let us go over this Padhānasutta 1️⃣ Taṁ maṁ padhānapahitattaṁ,nadiṁ nerañjaraṁ pati;Viparakkamma jhāyantaṁ,yogakkhemassa pattiyā.“At that time, I — with my mind directed toward energetic striving,Sat by the river Nerañjarā;Meditating counter to the worldly current,For the sake of attainingContinue reading “Marā’s army”
Author Archives: Spiritual Essence
What is name & form?
Let us first visit what sutta explains on nama & rupa: Definition from SN 12.2 (Paṭiccasamuppāda Vibhaṅga): “Katamañca, bhikkhave, nāmarūpaṁ?Cattāro ca mahābhūtā, catunnañca mahābhūtānaṁ upādāya rūpaṁ— idaṁ vuccati rūpaṁ.Vedanā, saññā, cetanā, phasso, manasikāro— idaṁ vuccati nāmaṁ.Iti idaṁ nāmañca rūpañca—idaṁ vuccati nāmarūpaṁ.” Term Meaning Cattāro mahābhūtā The four great elements: earth (pathavī), water (āpo), fire (tejo),Continue reading “What is name & form?”
Six sense field experiences
Let us first begin with the etymology of “āyatana” and then proceed to MN 137: Saḷāyatanavibhaṅgasutta (The Exposition of the Six Sense Bases), exploring it paragraph by paragraph with full Pāli and detailed translation. 🔍 Etymological Analysis of ĀyatanaPāli: āyatana (आयतन)Sanskrit: āyatana (आयतन)Root: The word is a compound or derived term with the following components:Continue reading “Six sense field experiences”
What is Pāramī
Root Word of Pāramī in Pāli: The term Pāramī is derived from Pāra and Itī, which are Pāli words. Here’s the breakdown: Pāra: Meaning: “The other shore” or “beyond.” Context: Symbolically refers to liberation (Nibbāna), crossing over the sea of Samsāra (the cycle of birth and death). Itī: Meaning: “To go” or “having gone.” Context:Continue reading “What is Pāramī”
Liberation
Let us now get deeper into liberation from everything – sensual, form and formless realms and how this can be accomplished in various steps indicated by the Buddha. This would be an interesting ride and also a place to verify on how far one has reached on the path of liberation. Basically, there are 3Continue reading “Liberation”
Making up the mind
Let us get to understand on what is manasikara or making up the mind. We are going to start with the Etymology of it. Before that, what do you think of the cover photo? Did you make up the mind on how it is? Manasikāra (मनसिकार) 🔹 Etymology:manasi = locative of mana = mind andContinue reading “Making up the mind”
Neural pathway changes – personal experience
During January 2013, the company I was working with had been taken over by a Venture Capitalist company and from their way of managing, I was not that keen to continue. One day while pondering over what I should be doing, I got an awakening moment with 4 C’s 1. Comparison2. Compulsion3. Competetion4. Compromise IContinue reading “Neural pathway changes – personal experience”
Neural Networks & Jhānic happiness
Let us now look into neuro transmitter and neural pathways that happens when one is moving from default mode network and its transformation into meditative states Introduction: The Brain’s Transformation from Sensual to Meditative to Transcendental StatesThe Nirāmisasutta describes three progressive levels of mental experiences—Sensual (Sāmisa), Meditative (Jhānic/Nirāmisa), and Transcendental (Nirāmisatarā)—each influencing the brain, neurochemistry,Continue reading “Neural Networks & Jhānic happiness”
Effect of Jhānas on HRV
Understanding HRV (Heart Rate Variability)🔹 HRV is the variation in time between heartbeats—it reflects the dynamic balance between the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) nervous systems.🔹 Higher HRV indicates greater adaptability, relaxation, and a well-regulated autonomic nervous system.🔹 Lower HRV is linked to stress, anxiety, and cardiovascular risks. 🌿 Slow breathing is one of theContinue reading “Effect of Jhānas on HRV”
From Breath Watching to Brahma Vihara: A 10-Day Retreat Journey
Welcome to retreats conducted by Anumodana Sankalpa Dhyana Centre. Each of these retreats would be having the same format and activities be it 10 day or even a 30 day retreat. The flow and setting would be as per MN6 – Ākaṅkheyyasutta for which the summary is listed here for your guidance. This sutta, “AsContinue reading “From Breath Watching to Brahma Vihara: A 10-Day Retreat Journey”