Progress of Insight: Treatise on Buddhist Satipathana Meditation

by Mahasi Sayadaw

The practice of Vipassana or insight meditation was described by the Buddha as the direct way for the overcoming of all sorrow and grief and for realizing Nibbana, the state of perfect liberation from suffering. The essence of this practice consists in the four foundations of mindful contemplation of the body, feelings, states of mind, and mind objects.

Genres: Buddhism, Meditation, Religion, Nonfiction

60 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Wt · Rating 5 out of 5]

For meditators who have gained experience and some progress in vipassana meditation, this brief and clear exposition of the stages of Vipassana insight will be an invaluable guide.

Many vipasanna meditators do not know, and teachers also do not inform them, that there are actually 16 stages of vipassana insight-knowledges leading to Nibbhana, which corresponding to 7 stages of purification. These 7 stages of purification were first delineated as a sequence by the Elder Punna Mantaaniputta, who likened them to relay chariots in a conversation with Sariputta, as recorded in the Rathavinita Sutta, the 24th discourse of the Majjhima Nikaya. In his encyclopedic treatise on Buddhist meditation the "Vissuddhi-Magga", the great commentator Buddhaghosa expands upon these 7 stages, interlacing them with 16 insight-knowledges. Together they serve as an outline of the entire path a meditator goes through on his inner journey to liberation. If one's practice is correct, one will progress according to these stages of insight and purification. These are stages with clear signs that can be experienced in one's own body and mind, and therefore verified for oneself.

This treatise, which began as a brief list that was only given out to more advanced meditators at Mahasi Sayadaw's meditation center, is a succinct summary of these 7 stages of purification and 16 insight-knowledges. It's purpose is to allow meditators to accurately gauge their progress, and thereby understand clearly where they are on the path to Nibbhana. By expanding upon the list and then allowing its publication, the Sayadaw has, once again, done all vipassana meditators a huge service. This treatise functions like a beacon on the path, showing where you have traveled, and where you have yet to go.

The book is available for download on the Internet. Refer to it only after gaining some definite insights and progress on the path. Otherwise, it will be like reading a menu of foods that you have never seen nor tasted before. It will not help one's practice if read prematurely, as it might introduce thought and expectations about the path that will hinder progress. If you have not yet achieved definite progress in insight, store this away for future reference and just practice. One day, this will become very useful, and when it does, you will know when to refer to it. How do you know you have achieved definite progress in insight?, you might well ask. Well, when you have experienced certain, very definite things in meditation that are not a result of your imagination and are quite outside your normal range of experience and understanding, and you find yourself wondering or somewhat confused about whether you have reached Nibbaana or somewhere closer to it, at that time, this book might come in handy.

[Aleksandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An (fairly) accessible book about an incredibly difficult practice of developing insight into arising and cessation of occurrences into non-occurrence - first 'experience' of Nibbana. Then it explains further maturation and development of further insight culminating with Arahatship.

This is a book for serious practitioners, to practice as intended in this book in this day and age, I think you have to at least be a monk, but I'd say you'd have to be an exceptional monk.

That being said I'll quote the Master, Mahāsī Sayādaw U Sobhana:

"Though in the beginning it was mentioned that this treatise has been written for those who have already obtained distinctive results in their practice, others may perhaps read it with advantage, too.
Now these are my concluding good wishes for the latter type of readers: Just as a very delicious, appetizing, tasty and nutritious meal can be appreciated fully only by one who has himself eaten it, and not without partaking of it, in the same way, the whole series of knowledges described here can be understood fully only by one who has himself seen it by direct experience, and not otherwise. So may all good people reach the stage of indubitable understanding of this whole series of knowledges! May they also strive to attain it!"

I've already applied some of the advice written in the book and it brought some new insight. That being said, it's very difficult to continue the practice throughout the day.

Mahāsī Sayādaw was a great, compassionate man, his life and work will be a light in darkness for many, many more students.

[Paul Kotheimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

advanced stuff. these upper echelons of the path should be investigated? non-arising sounds pretty good:)

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 4 out of 5]

An analysis of the stages that result from the practice of 'insight' meditation (as initiated by MS) aka 'noting' vipassana. An indepth description of each stage of attainment and the likely effects involved, with accordance to the Pali Theravada scriptures (not quoted apart from footnotes at back). This was written more to aid those already practicing, and at an advanced stage along the path of Insight, rather than providing basic instructions as per his previous work "Practical Insight Meditation".

[Anton Sulsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with Practical Insight Meditation this is the most profound book on Vipassana and meditation in general. Written in clear and direct language it gives practical understanding of development of insight without esoteric pathos.

[Robb Seaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too vague to be of use. Any angst-ridden teen would place himself in one of the later stages.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terse. Not for beginners. Useful for those who are doing longer retreats.