The Teachings of Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw

The Teachings of Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw

Desire or Craving 

Is the desire for the Path, Fruition and Nibbana a craving or a wholesome desire?

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Lust (sensual desire)  arising in the midst of contemplation while still striving still restrains Vipassana insight. 

Prohibition: It can be as violent as it was before you tried it. 

It also arises gently with effort.

What is it? 

It is pleasing to have special attention. 

He is pleasant and thinks, contemplates often own experience. 

He remembers love ones to do Vipassana practice and says the others what is good; 

He wants his co-Yogies to make an effort; 

He remembers and expects the good insight stages.

He looks up to special wisdom and insight nana(stages); 

He looks forward to attain the Path , Fruition and Nibbana.

In this case:

The desire for the Path, Fruition and Nibbana  is not  lust, but  wholesome desire only. 

But lust does not focus on the Supramundane world.(Lokukkatara) 

In this sense, it is important to consider whether the worldly desires of the worldlings can focus on the true Path , Fruition and Nibbana or not.

In the noting mind of the worldlings, only the mind of Knowledge of change of lineage, (Gottarabu insight nana) can focus on the true Nibbana.

(Notes: That means a yogi can focus and experience the true path, fruition, Nibbana when he reach this stage of Gottarabu nana. Because he is going to become a Sotapanna in seconds.)

The ancient and non-existent mind of Sotapatti-magga, can focus on the true Nibbana. 

The rest of the mind can not concentrate (focus the true Nibbana). 

The mind of the worldlings can never focus on the true Path, Fruition and Nibbana.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw

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Translated by Sayadaw Asabhacara