Sarah Nuber-Topic of choosing

This comes The Mediator’s Atlas: A Map of the Inner World by Matthew Flickstein in which he outlines the Buddhist literature, the Visuddhimagga. Flickstein indicates that there are seven steps that lead towards purification. The order of the steps is important; one-step leads to the next.

1. Purification of virtue- In this step one aligns every aspect of our lives in order to change our attitudes and behaviors. The Buddha has five precepts that act as a guide to behaviors that should be avoided or cultivated. The first precept is to avoid killing and act with reverence toward all life forms. The second precept is to avoid stealing and cultivate generosity. The third precept is to avoid sexual misconduct and be considerate in intimate relationships. The fourth precept is to avoid lying and relate what is true while remaining sensitive to the potential impact of all communication. The fifth precept is to avoid intoxicants, which confuse the mind and cause needless behavior, and ingest only those substances that are nourishing and supportive of peaceful abiding.
2. Purification of Mind- This step is achieved through meditation and the goal is to achieve full concentration. Breathing techniques are used to help achieve full concentration and to temporarily suppress hindrances.
3. Purification of View- This step refers to the self or ego and cultivating insight. The goal of this stage is to eliminate the idea that things are permanent. There are five factors that are constantly changing and these are called the five aggregates of clinging. These include matter/material form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations and consciousness. This step is achieved through insight meditation
4. Purification by overcoming doubt- This step specifies causes and conditions that lead to the five aggregates of clinging. One achieves the knowledge that things are not absolute
5. Of what is, the Path and what is not the path- This step is achieved through continue practice of insight meditation. Two knowledge’s are achieved in this stage: Knowledge by comprehension and knowledge of arising and passing away. Knowledge by comprehension is the recognition that each moment of consciousness is impermanent, unsatisfactory and selfless.
6. The Way- In this stage one achieves the realization of nibbana or the unconditioned reality. The text states that, “Nibbana is a transcendent reality that exists beyond the laws of cause and effect. Nibbana is a self-sufficient reality that is not the result of anything”
7. Purification by knowledge and vision- This is the final stage of the purification process. This step is achieved when one has absolute dedication to virtue, deep concentration, and consistent practice of insight meditation