Ryan Pirtle-McVeigh:
Hello, everyone!
Are any of you familiar with this book, Arahattamagga Arahattaphala - The Path to Arahantship, by Ven. Ajahn Maha Boowa? If so, what is your opinion of it?
Also, because this is the books and websites category of discussion, I thought I'd mention that I'm currently reading Daniel Ingram's Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha (familiar to most here, of course) intermittently with Suzuki Roshi's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind.
I'm finding that these two books work very nicely together as a goal-oriented, maps-heavy resource on the one hand, and (not sure how to characterize it) non-goal-oriented, non-maps heavy resource, on the other hand. The difference between the two is especially helpful for maintaining balance in how I relate to the matter of attainments.
Happy practicing!
Ryan
hi ryan,
i read 'the path of arahantship' several times a couple years ago and found it, along with other writings of ajahn maha boowa's, motivating. while not as map-oriented as 'mastering the core teachings', in it he does map his view of progress (which i presume is drawn from his own experience as it does not indicate whether the experiences of any others has been considered) to the 4 path, 10 fetter model. he is renowned in thailand for exhorting his students to relentless, unwavering effort in practice, which he also does in the book. as far as books coming from thai forest monks go, this is a very straight-forward and revealing piece, with much frank discussion of the features of his own practice and how it was shaped, what he recommends to his students, and pitfalls to watch out for.
i disagree with your characterisation of the book as being non-goal-oriented, as maha-boowa both indicates future goals which are practically attainable (the paths) as well as prescribes total-effort continuous mindfulness as the present goal. i quote from page 16:
'Once I understood the correct method for this initial stage of meditation, I applied myself to the task with such earnest commitment that I refused to allow mindfulness to lapse for even a single moment. Beginning in the morning, when I awoke, and continuing until night, when I fell asleep, I was consciously aware of my meditation at each and every moment of my waking hours. It was a difficult ordeal, requiring the utmost concentration and perseverance. I couldn’t afford to let down my guard and relax even for a moment.'
he does indicate that this way of practice is the means to path attainment.
tarin