The Seven Factors of Enlightenment contains the essence of the Bojjhanga Sutta, as explained by Dhammajiva. He offers an uncompromising and intuitive clarification of their unfolding and instructs how the seven factors of awakening align to give fruition to a yogi’s spiritual quest. In this book Dhammajiva maps the specific points of the journey and the experiences that a yogi could expect when each of the seven factors of awakening unfold and reciprocally support one another for the attainment of path and fruition consciousness. Again this is new stuff (2011) from the Meetirigala Nissarana Vanaya Buddhist monastery in Sri Lanka. Download it here:
The Seven Factors of Awakening
What are The Seven Factors of Enlightenment in Buddhism?
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhaṅgā) in Buddhism are qualities cultivated on the path to enlightenment. They serve to both balance the mind and keep it oriented towards the ultimate goal of Nibbāna (Nirvana). Here they are:
- Sati (Mindfulness): This is the quality of being fully present and attentive to one’s experiences without getting lost in them or reacting to them unskillfully. It’s the foundation for the other factors to develop.
- Dhamma Vicaya (Investigation of the Dhamma): This refers to the analytical understanding of the teachings of the Buddha, especially the nature of phenomena and the laws that govern them.
- Viriya (Energy or Effort): This is the effort to abandon unwholesome states of mind and to cultivate wholesome ones. It’s the energy or drive required to practice diligently.
- Pīti (Rapture or Joyful Interest): This is a feeling of joy, zest, or delight arising from meditation or understanding the Dhamma. It’s a more refined form of happiness than ordinary pleasure.
- Passaddhi (Tranquility or Calm): This calms the body and mind, leading to deep relaxation and peace. It’s a state where the reason is undisturbed by distracting thoughts or emotions.
- Samādhi (Concentration): The ability to focus the mind steadily on a single object, like the breath or a meditation subject. It’s a deep state of absorption where the mind becomes unified.
- Upekkhā (Equanimity): This is a balanced state of mind where one remains undisturbed by pleasant or unpleasant experiences, gains or losses, praise or blame. It’s a state of even-mindedness and non-reactivity.
Together, these factors provide a comprehensive framework for the development of the mind on the path to enlightenment. They are often cultivated through meditation and mindfulness practices, as well as through understanding and living in accordance with the Dhamma (teachings of the Buddha).