I'm trying to get fix for where I MAY be in relation to the nanas.
Nana 1) Mind and Body:I understand this as a general understanding of one's ability to be aware of physical things that perhaps were previously never considered consciously.
"Oh I actually CAN notice thoughts as they arise.".
Nana 2) Cause and Effect:I understand this as a general understanding of the fact that things lead to other things.
- Intent precedes movement.
- Lifting the foot precedes stepping forward.
- Reality TV makes me stupider
- etc
Of course feel free to correct my understanding if needed, but assuming I'm not too far off base...
My First question is:
I've got #s 1 & 2 ... when I'm paying attention or meditating.
But when I'm answering a client email, or driving to work I'm pretty much back on unconscious autopilot.
Is that the way it's supposed to work?
Or would one only consider themselves "past" these nanas if we were somehow able to be this aware ALL the time?
cause that would feel pretty darned enlightened to me
Nana 3) Three Characteristics:This is where I get confused. I sense myself making progress on the three characteristics but I wouldn't go so far as saying I've come to any stage of insight on them.
BUT - This nana is often said to accompany LOTS of physical pain even though sits used to be just fine.
AND - I've also seen this nana named "Mastery" and described as:
he [the meditator] now sees clearly the beginning, middle and end of the experience he is examining. This stage is called knowledge of mastery because the meditator acquires mastery in his understanding of impermanence.
Which I can certainly do, but again wouldn't claim to have gained any impressive amount of insight as to no-self from it. (though perhaps a little.)
So, My Next question:
Given the alternate description, and the fact that my back is WRECKED during meditation lately (seriously like my ENTIRE back) ... am I in nana 3?
Can you be "IN" nana or is it just a binary done/non-done thing?Last Question (for now):
If I am in fact past #2 ... and perahps passING #3 What should I do to help tease out the lessons of no-self & impermanence that seem rather shallow to me now?Thanks for all the help and direction folks.
I sincerely apprecaite it.