Awareness in Buddhist Meditation

18
These four stages of spiritual progress have each their path of approach
(magga) and the fruition of attainment (phala). And so, the
brotherhood of the disciples of the Buddha consists of four groups of
two (cattāri purisa-yugani), making eight individuals (aṭṭha purisapuggala),
only distinct in their degrees of holiness and insight. Indeed,
they are worthy of our veneration (āhuneyya) and respect with
folded hands, worthy of our support in their spiritual effort, worthy
of our following their noble example, in attaining that unsurpassed
domain of bliss supreme (anuttara puññakkhetta).
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The following three recollections (anussati) are introspective reflections,
which may provide much satisfaction at a time when one’s
morale is low, when doubts prevail, when physical and mental sufferings
are overwhelming.
Reflection of one’s own Virtue and Morality
The reflection of one’s own virtue and morality (sīlānussati) is often
recommended when physical strength is at its lowest. In Buddhism
there is no place for so-called ‘death-bed repentance’. Repentance
itself is an unskilful thought which misses the opportunity of the
present moment. It is rather the remembrance of good deeds done
in the past which can lift up the mind in spiritual joy and revival,
and thus produce a skilful effect (kusala vipāka) which can assist a
pacing thought to bridge over the gap into a life to come and thus
provide a good start in a new life.
Reflection on one’s own Degree of Detachment
Reflection on one’s own degree of detachment (cāgānussati) is another
method of freeing the mind from selfish desires. It is the