During this talk, Peter described satta visuddhi, the stages of awakening developed to provide “markers” of spiritual attainment after the time of the historical Buddha.  Beginning with fulfilling the precepts and setting aside the effects of the hindrances, the cultivation of the seven factors of awakening and vipassana reveals the three characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and non-self at deeper and deeper levels of awareness.  The realization of these different stages develops gradually and progressively, eventually leading to the experience of nibbana (nirvana).

Here are the accompanying notes:   STAGES OF AWAKENING

Next week’s discussion will focus on the various understandings of the unconditioned from the Buddhist perspective.