A View on Buddhism

[path3]

27 June 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ven. Ñānavīra Thera achieving sotāpatti or 'stream-entry', noble fruit before attaining nibbāna (Skt: nirvana), and he become, thereby, an ariya.

In Buddhist scriptures (suttas) the term "ariya" refer to those who had achieved a direct experiential insight into the nature of the Four Noble Truths (suffering, its origins, its cessation, and the way to its cessation). Such beings do no longer only faithfully believe in theories; now they live the Dhamma. “Entering the stream” culminates, within a maximum of seven further lifetimes either as a human or a god, in arahatship, i.e. the final attainment of nibbāna. This fruit is not very far along the path though few people attain it. But once it is attained there is no going back.

The Writings of Ven. Ñānavīra Thera of Bundala, Hambantota, Sri Lanka are contained mainly in Clearing the Path, edited by the American Samanera Bodhesako about 25 years ago and sold abroad. It is now out of print, and it is expected that Path Press Publications prepare a new and updated book.

His main work, Notes on Dhamma, has been variously described as 'arrogant, scathing, and condescending', as 'a fantastic system', and as 'the best and most important book on Buddhism ever written by a Westerner'. The Ven. Ñānavīra Thera himself remarked of the book that 'it is vain to hope that it is going to win general approval... but I do allow myself to hope that a few individuals... will have private transformations of their way of thinking as a result of reading [the Notes]'.

And indeed, the influence of Notes on Dhamma on Buddhist thinkers continues to increase more than a quarter of a century after its publication. Inasmuch as the first edition, long out of print, consisted of only 250 copies, how is it that this book has aroused such extraordinary interest and controversy? The answer, it seems, is to be discovered not only in the specific content of the Notes but in their general attitude, their view and direction. In describing that attitude their author wrote of the Notes that they 'attempt to provide an intellectual basis for the understanding of the Suttas (the Buddhist texts) without abandoning saddha (faith)'; that they 'have been written with the purpose of clearing away a mass of dead matter which is choking the Suttas'; and that, above all, 'the Notes are designed to be an invitation to the reader to come and share the author's point of view'.

That point of view—achieved by the Ven. Ñānavīra through dedicated self-investigation using the Buddha's Teaching as a guide—is described unflinchingly in the Notes, which assume that 'the reader's sole interest in the Pali Suttas is a concern for his own welfare'. However, the Notes, with their admitted intellectual and conceptual difficulties, are not the only way to discuss right view or to offer right view guidance. The letters which are collected here are not only 'something of a commentary on the Notes'; they are, independently, a lucid discussion of how an individual concerned fundamentally with self-disclosure deals with the dilemma of finding himself in an intolerable situation, where the least undesirable alternative is suicide.

With openness, calmness, grace, and considerable wit, the Ven. Ñānavīra discusses with his correspondents the illnesses that plague him and what he can and cannot do about them, and about his own existence. His life as a Buddhist monk in a remote jungle abode in not incidental to the philosophy he expounds: the two are different aspects of the same thing, namely a vision that penetrates into the human situation both as universal and particular, and recognizes that it is this situation which is the business of each of us to resolve for ourselves. In presenting this view the Ven. Ñānavīra offers a contemporary exposition of the Teaching of the Buddha. In living this view he evokes a dramatic situation wherein an individual resolutely faces those questions which every lucid person must eventually face.

'Notes on Dhamma' is a tightly written 'philosophical commentary on the essential teachings of the Pali Suttas', in language, idiom and quotations from a galaxy of thinkers such as Camus, Heidegger, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Kafka. Though familiar to a Western reader, it can be incomprehensible in part, to anyone without such background. Yet, the diligent student who wants to understand the Dhamma for his own private fruit and benefit will find in the notes on paticcasamuppāda, avijja, sankhāra, nāma-rūpa, phassa, cetanā, atta, upādāna and other critical concepts in Dhamma, a rewarding experience of the teaching of the Buddha. The editor Bodhesako recommended it to the reader as a 'work book' to 'acquire a point of view that is different from his frame of reference, and also more satisfactory'.

The important selection of 150 letters written by Ñānavīra Thera from his kuti in the Bundala Forest Reserve to local and foreign readers of 'Notes' who had requested explanation and clarification. Some are 'thinly disguised essays in a wholly modern idiom' and Ñānavīra Thera himself describes them as 'something of a commentary on the Notes'. Thus, it can be very helpful to read Letters as an introduction to Notes. Then there is also a selection of early letters tp Ven. Ñānamoli when Ven. Ñānavīra was still facing a challenge in understanding the Dhamma.

When it was pointed out to me the forthcoming anniversary my first feeling was amazement that his words have remained alive for such a long time, having had it's ups and downs: disseminating steadily through individual , survived a big lapse in publishing by Path Press, all since the death of Ven. Bodhesako in 1988 until now. But still, such Dhamma has reached many people, from objectors and critics, to fanatics, recognized teachers, Sangha and laity, and those who got great fruits. And today Ven. Ñānavīra is an iconic figure: unique, controversial, intelligent, and with an impeccable understanding of Dhamma.

It is unique anniversary and never really celebrated. But why not? May 27th June be a day when we reflect on ariyans' struggle on the Path and achievements, to remember those who tried their best to help us.

On such an occasion we formally establish Path Press Publications, which will start printing the writings of Ven. Ñānavīra. The first book is his magnum opus, Notes on Dhamma. More books will follow: a new, updated Clearing the Path; and collection of his early writings, Seeking the Path.

I am looking forward for your comments!
For more information see also www.nanavira.org.
With best wishes,
path3

[Federica]

Thank you for posting.
A date to remember, for those adhering to the Theravada tradition.
_________________
A present moment free from dukkha.
A present moment with wisdom and understanding.
These are not simply guaranteed by "living in the moment".

"Be Mindful, and Simplify".

http://www.gooddogconsultations.co.uk

http://www.armchairadvice.co.uk/relationships/forum/

[path3]

Thank you Federica,

I find Nanavira's writings very helpful and I am therefore very grateful to him: and perhaps my announcement will encourage others to read it.

Also I am happy to announce that the new edition of Ven. Nanavira's Notes on Dhamma, has been printed. If you like to have a copy then visit www.pathpresspublications.com

I will be happy to answer on your questions.

[Federica]

Today is the day to note dear members... I hope you have read the links and found something to consider and think about....

Namaste to one and all!

With Metta,
Fede X
_________________
A present moment free from dukkha.
A present moment with wisdom and understanding.
These are not simply guaranteed by "living in the moment".

"Be Mindful, and Simplify".

http://www.gooddogconsultations.co.uk

http://www.armchairadvice.co.uk/relationships/forum/

[Compassion First]

Alexandra-La,

Forgive my non-Pali expertise....

So Srotta-Appana is indeed this rare??

I would have thought it actually common within the world of Theravada Monks and Nuns......

Are there any living among the laity, today, who have been certified to Srotta Appana??

"Who" judges these things, by the way??

Love,

--Tom
_________________
If I do not go to Hell to help them, who will? -- Ksitigarbha

[path3]

Hello,

[Compassion First]

Path3,

Thank you for your informative answers.

Indeed, if Srotta-Apanna is believed to be unattainable in this "Dharma Ending Age", would that not cause Buddhists to stop practicing seriously, until the coming of Maitreya???

I am largely Mahayana, but, if I thought that no progress could be made, I think I would not practice very seriously at all. Simply try to avoid the accumulation of negative Karma until such time as conditions become more favourable......

Thanks, and Every Happiness,

--Tom
_________________
If I do not go to Hell to help them, who will? -- Ksitigarbha

[path3]

I hope I was not misunderstood. Sotapanna attainment can be attained, and I am not saying that such thing is not possible. One can even become an Arahat (like Ajahn Chah) in this life time. But some Sinhalese who do not think like that, they are just scholars and they do not meditate. But the book Notes on Dhamma (www.nanavira.org) shows that there is still a chance to understand Dhamma.

But in any case we have to keep practising for the sake of future results. There is no hope that one will meet Maiteya if that one does not practice now. One has to have a lot of paramis to see the future Buddha.

I hope that is helpful.

With best wishes