Explanation of Selected SVW Discussion Topics

D1 p14

Aim = goalObject = object of focus or attentionMode = what the mind does with the object; how it behaves towards itFeature = how the mind relates to the 5 sensesState = quality of alertness while engaged in meditation: is the field of awareness restricted or expansive?Thoughts = how the mind relates to thoughtsHindrances = how the mind counteracts or abandons them

D2 p51

Rate your choice with reference to the fourfold vinaya on p30.= is your interpretation of what “sutta” means based on (1) what is directly stated in the Pāli Canon, (2) what is implied by the Pāli Canon, (3) the explanation in the commentaries, (4) someone's personal opinion, or a combination of these?

D3 p59

Continuing with the imagery pointed out in N14 – N16, what do you think is the missing link between N15 and N16? = Notes N14 – N16 describe the stages of achieving internal tranquility of mind in a series of imagery (stand properly, sit properly, bring and place properly). None is given to bridge N15 and N16. What do you think is the missing imagery?

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D5 p69

Do you think this simile of changing postures has any relation to the process of stilling the mind described in Tatiya·samādhi Sutta (AN 4.94) on p58 above? Give reasons for your answer.See especially Notes N14 – N16 on p

D8 p95

In practical terms, how do you understand the phrase “one who experiences the benefit and the dhamma in that Dhamma” when applied to each of the bases of liberation?A more literal translation of the Pāli reads: “one who, in that Dhamma, experiences the benefit and experiences the dhamma”.

D12 p115

Relate the range of samādhi graded in D11 (b) to sammā-samādhi.= Can any of the samādhi identified in D11 (b) be considered as sammāsamādhi? If so, which one (state Sutta reference and page number of Course Book)?

D15 p127

Āyasmā Channa’s enigma seems very familiar to all of us.= We also know that all saṅkhārā are impermanent, suffering and not-self; yet we are not awakened, just like Āyasmā Channa.

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D17 p143

... comment on how those methods can be utilised according to varying circumstances.= There may be more than one method for overcoming a defilement. Explain how a method can be used under certain circumstances while another cannot.

D19 p183

Compile a list of the supports for liberation (without repeating similar items) and discuss how many of them are applicable to your own life. Each participant should give a percentage and each group an average of its members’ percentages.= To what extent is / can each support be applied or practised by you in your life? The extent can be estimated as a per-centage. (E.g. If you observe sīla strictly then it scores 100%.)

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