In this talk, Peter describes the progressive steps toward awakening that are accomplished through perfecting the Seven Factors of Awakening. The culmination of this perfection transforms the meditative mind from understanding the nature of the Four Noble Truths–from concept to realization. The nature of suffering is completely known, the experience of craving is seen clearly, the release from suffering becomes more and more complete, and Wisdom becomes completely known. This brings release, first from a psychological entrapment through to the final release, freedom from the illusion of a separate, enduring self–the experience of Nibbana.
progressions of insight
During this talk, Peter describes controversies and agreements about the role jhana practice has is cultivating vipassana practice. He explains the progression from “acquiring the nimitta” (a noticeable sensation of touch or light arising from one-pointed concentration on the touch sensation at the nostrils) to the extraordinary state of mind called jhana. The value of the increased mental acuity from jhana practice to the onset of vipassana practice was explained, compared to the advantages of beginning vipassana practice without first entering jhana (called “dry vipassana).
