Meditation and the Progression of the Buddhist Path
The progression of the practitioner is traditionally defined in terms of five paths, which represent stages in the development of insight. The practices of tranquility and insight meditation are a key component of the paths, in conjunction with cultivation of virtuous conduct and transcendent knowledge, which together comprise the three trainings that lead to liberation: sila, samadhi, and prajna.
This course will provide an overview of the five paths, and will focus primarily on the first two paths, known as the path of accumulation and the path of preparation. In particular, we will explore the development of Shamatha and Vipashyana and their role in those stages of the path.
“The gradual degrees of spiritual insight acquired on the whole path correspond to the gradual abandoning of the defilements at the various stages.”
Materials have been compiled into a Sourcebook, including excerpts from the following classic texts: The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, The Inner Science of Buddhist Practice: Vasubandhu's Summary of the Five Heaps with Commentary, and Foundations of Buddhist Study and Practice: The Treasury of Knowledge: Book Seven and Book Eight, Parts One and Two.