KI Bong Sahn, Gassho,

I think we have to be careful when dealing with language and words. For example,I understand/i> that your post on understanding means "to do",and not only or just understand. On the other hand, the first step of the Noble Eightfold Path is often translated as "RIght Understanding" and as such we cannot ignore it as a step to be taken on our path to the mountain top.

Here are some notes I have made regarding Understanding:

UNDERSTANDING: Right Understanding (Often translated as Right Mindedness) is the first step of the Noble Eightfold Path.[I would say if we do not have Right Understanding, we cannot possibly have Right mindedness].

Understanding is also one of the Five Factors For Balanced Harmony in one's life.

Satori is often translated as "Understanding" or "Understanding the Way" (i.e. Knowing the Way).

Understanding has both a mundane and Supermundane nature.Supermundane Understanding is impossible unless it is initially preceded by mundane understanding.

There are generally three types of understanding recognized by Buddhism: The first is known as native understanding; this comes to one as a result of Karma carried over from previous lives. The second is understanding consisting of insight and the third is one's protective understanding that guides him in all affairs.

When one "understands", it brings with it a mastery of a situation and a sense of inner strength - not only in consequences as it produces - but also in intrinsic quality. To truly understand, i.e. understanding at a supermundane level, is to see all forms as unreal and to know all things born or created lead the unenlightened to pain and suffering. To understand is to know that all things born and created have a Transient Nature and will eventually, in the near or far time frame, vanish. Supermundane Understanding produces tranquillity, equanimity and superhuman strength in those who possess it.

RIGHT UNDERSTANDING is the first step of the Noble Eightfold Path. It is the keynote step of the path, being thought of as both the first and last step of the path. It is so viewed because as the first step some degree of understanding is essential for one to be motivated to enter on and practice the other seven steps of the path. Concurrently, it is the last step because it is the culmination of one's practice of the Path. As the last step it represents the full and complete understanding of the Four Noble Truths. It is Satori, the awakening of Buddha Wisdom and realization of one's Buddha Nature.

For many years I practiced Buddhism with the goal of finding nothing more than Peace of Mind, but about five years ago, I changed my goal to that of Understanding and when I realized it, along came Peace of Mind.

Having said all this, I do agree with you that understanding alone is not enough -- it is the doing -- i.e. the practice and awakeness on a moment to moment basis, that makes the far shore reachable.

Glad to see you back in the game my friend and I hope your health is holding up.

Responses:

1. The above post is from Me. , posted by Richard , 04/09/08, 14:46:24.

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