Sotapattimagga – The Path of the Sotapanna is a collection of talks was originally given to the monastic community at Wat Marp Jan in Thailand in 2008. As these talks were specifically directed to monastics, they often refer to many of the fundamental practices and routines of monastic life . Though these talks were not originally aimed towards those in the lay life, laypeople dedicated to the practice are sure to find inspiration and benefit nevertheless.
From the book:
“Sometimes we will notice that even when there is thinking and movement in the mind, or even when we speak, it stays still. Luang Pu Chah would explain it in this simile, “If it’s taken to this level, it’s the same as water. Flowing water we know, still water we know. But what is still, flowing water like? Have you ever seen still, flowing water?” This is the sabhava citta, the mind in its natural state. It has stillness there and all the moods are just flowing by…but the mind doesn’t move. They are two separate things. The mental objects are just the mental objects and the mind is just the mind. They exist separately. The whole reason we practice meditation is to firstly make the mind settle down and step away from these mental objects. We then do the investigation, separating the mind from the body. The mind will then turn away and be free from clinging to nāma or rūpa, even if it is only a temporary suppression. This is the path that leads to paññā (wisdom). The one who is walking this path, walks the path of sotāpattimagga. This is the path of the sotāpanna.”
Sotapann means The ‘Stream-Enterer’: One who has entered the stream leading to nibbàna. One who is freed from the first three fetters of self-view, sceptical doubt and attachment to precepts and practices. Download the free ebook here (102 pages):
Sotapattimagga – The Path of the Sotapanna
