SELECTED DISCOURSES of WEBU SAYADAW
Words of Wisdom
Always Enunciated by Ven. Webu Sayadaw[1]
After you have taken the vow of sila (morality), fulfil it. Once you have fulfilled it, all your wishes will be fulfilled. It will bring happiness to you now and also in the future.
There is nothing besides the words of the Buddha that will bring peace and happiness to one in the present existence as well as in future lives in samsara. The words of the Buddha are embodied in the Tipitaka, the three baskets of knowledge. The Tipitaka is voluminous, so we must take the essence of it. The essence of the Tipitaka is the Thirty-Seven Factors of the Bodhipakkhiya-dhamma (the Requisites of Awakening). The essence of the Bodhipakkhiya-dhamma is the Noble Eightfold Path. The essence of the Noble Eightfold Path is the three sikkhas (trainings), and the essence of the three sikkhas is Eko Dhammo or the One and Only Dhamma.
The three sikkhas are: adhi-sila (Higher morality), adhi-citta (Higher mentality), and adhi-panna (Higher wisdom).
When one is mindful of rupa and nama (mind and matter), there will be no physical and mental violence. This is called adhi-sila (Higher morality).
When adhi-sila develops, the mind becomes concentrated and tranquil. This is called adhi-citta (higher mentality, higher concentration)
When adhi-citta (concentration [samadhi]) develops, one gains insight into the real nature of rupa and nama. In a flash of lightning, nama-rupa undergoes incessant change billions of times. This ever-changing process is beyond the control of any Deva or Brahma. One who knows by insight the process of becoming and cessation achieves adhi-panna (higher wisdom).
The most obvious thing to one and all is the breathing process. The nose is a prominent part of the body. The out-breath and the in-breath are always touching the nostrils.
The nostrils are the sensitive part of the nose which the out-breaths and the in-breaths touch as they come out or go in. In other words, the wind element or element of motion comes into contact with the nostrils, producing a sensation. Both the wind element and the nostrils are rupa, and it is nama that knows the contact or sensation. Ask no one what rupa and nama are. Be mindful of the nostrils. One knows the sensation of breathing in. One knows the sensation of breathing out. Keep on knowing the in-breath and the out-breath and there will be no chance for lobha, dosa, and moha (greed, hatred, and ignorance) to arise. The fires of lobha, dosa, and moha remain extinguished and the result is calm and peace of mind.
One cannot know the sensation before contact is made. One can no longer know the sensation when the contact has disappeared. One must take notice of the actual contact. This is called the immediate present. Be mindful of the present continuously. If you can keep on knowing the present for twenty-four hours at a stretch, the good results will be evident. If you cannot be mindful of what is taking place at every moment continuously, you will fail to notice what happens in a flash of lightning and find yourself on the debit side.
If you are mindful of the contact of the breath on the nostrils, you will realize that there is only rupa and nama. Besides rupa and nama, there is no such thing as I, he, or you; there is no self, no man, no woman. You will know for yourself that the Buddha's Teaching is the truth, only the truth, nothing but the truth. You will not need to ask anyone about it. Awareness of the contact between the wind element and the tip of the nose produces there and then the knowledge that there is no such thing as atta: ego or soul.
At these moments of awareness, one’s nana (comprehension or insight) is clear. That is called samma-ditthi: Right Understanding or Right View. There is nothing else besides nama and rupa. This is called nama-rupa-pariccheda-nana, Analytical Knowledge of Mind and Body.
The continuous practise of this contemplation eliminates the notion of atta or self, and produces a clear vision or knowledge. This benefit is the result of momentary contemplation. Do no think it is not much. Do not think that nothing is known, that no benefit accrues during meditation. Such benefits can be gained only during the Buddha-Sasana. While meditating, forget about food and other necessities. Strive with diligence for progress in gaining the insight that will end in the realization of Magga-nana (Knowledge of the Path), Phala-nana (Knowledge of the Fruition State), and Nibbana.
