We explore how "knowledge and vision of things as they are," supported by concentration and earlier factors, brings us insight into impermanence, suffering and the roots of suffering, and not-self. We examine some of the forces and structure that lead to delusion and a lack of clear seeing, as well as how to practice to cultivate these insights.
After a brief review of the first two series, we focus on body practices to develop insight into 1) impermanence, 2) suffering and the roots of suffering, and 3)constructions of self. We suggest several concrete practices to develop wisdom through awareness of bodily experience.
Everyone knows that "things change". Yet as the Mahabarata points out "only the surface-mind understands, the actual sense never goes into our heads".
Exploring our experience deeply, we can move past the surface understanding to deeply recognize this truth.
A lot of understanding can come from reflecting on the way impermanence shows itself in our lives both outwardly and inwardly, including our vulnerability to aging and death. But even more penetrating insight comes to the mind that has become still through meditation. Through this way of seeing, the truth of impermanence sinks into our bones and the wisdom of non-clinging becomes very obvious.
