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Q-08: Bhante, I learned from the Abhidhammattha Sangaha that there are 40 meditation subjects and the subjects are to be applied according to meditators’ suitability. And I learned that meditation on breathing is suitable for those who are with deluded and discursive temperament (moha-carita and vitakka-carita). Today most of meditation teachers are instructing meditation of breathing. Can you explain why they don’t instruct other meditations? I think different meditation subject should be given to different people with different temperament and different suitability.

Respectfully,

Viveko

Q-08:  Ven. Viveko, Let me say ‘thank you’ for your question. I will do my best to answer your question.

1) 40 meditation objects, as you said, are found in the Abhidhammattha Sangaha. In fact Abhidhammattha Sangaha is written by Ven Anuruddha, a Sri Lankan monk and not by the Buddha Himself. At the same time, the Four Foundation of Mindfulness (cattari satipatthanani) can be found in Mahasatipatthana Sutta which is preached by the Buddha himself.

2) The Buddha said: “Monks, this is the only way (ekayano, bhikkhave, ayam maggo).” And in this sutta he proclaimed and promised anyone who practised according to this sutta can attain the highest level.

3) Even though 40 meditation objects are found in the Abhidhammattha Sangha, there is no clear explanations on how to practise these 40 objects in Kammattha Sangaha, the last chapter of this book. However, the Buddha showed in details how to practise the Four Foundation of Mindfulness clearly.

That’s why most of the meditation masters emphasise on breathing meditation.

4) Breathing meditation comes from the Mahasatipatthana Sutta.

No one can do any meditation without mindfulness and a basic level of concentration. This sutta teaches how to establish and develop one’s mindfulness and concentration. Only then, can one choose any particular meditation. As far as I know, meditation masters do not teach only breathing, but also some meditations such as loving-kindness, reflection of the Buddha’s virtues, the great four elements and so on. They teach if and when a meditator is capable of doing it.

Why not others?

1) No one knows another’s true temperament accurately, so it is not feasible for one to select a meditation object for someone else. According to some stories, even Ven Sariputta gave a wrong or unsuitable meditation object to a meditator.

2) No one possesses the ability to give a right object to a meditator except the Buddha.

3) According to Maha Satipatthana Sutta, it is safe and good enough to do breathing meditation for a start at basic level.

With Metta,

U Cittara

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     Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.