The Practice Which leads to Nibbana - A Buddhist Library

w 28tor applies the three characteristics of anicca, dukkha, and anatta inturn to each of these groups.For example, there is the method given in the anatta lakkhaöasutta where the Buddha teaches to discern with right understandingall matter, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousnesswhether in the past, future, or present; whether gross or subtle;whether internal or external; whether inferior or superior; whetherfar or near as not me, not mine and not-self (anicca, dukkha, anatta).To develop this knowledge the meditator begins byreestablishing concentration progressively up to the fourth jhŒna.If he has only developed the four elements meditation as a pureinsight individual then he re-establish that concentration until hislight of concentration is bright and strong. Then he starts bydiscerning the real matter of each of the six sense doors.Then he takes that matter together as a group and pays attentionto the arising and passing away of that matter and then views thatwith wisdom as impermanent (anicca). He applies this characteristiconce internally and then once externally repeatedly. While doingthis externally he gradually extends this perception from near tofar up till the extent of the unbounded universe.Then he again takes that matter together as a group and paysattention to the pain and suffering that one has to constantlyexperience because of the arising and passing away of that matterand then views that with wisdom as suffering (dukkha). He appliesthis characteristic once internally and then once externallyrepeatedly. While doing this externally he gradually extends thisperception from near to far up till the extent of the unbounded universe.Then he again takes that matter together as a group and paysattention to that matter as empty of a permanent self and then views