The Seven Factors of Enlightenment

The Seven Factors of Enlightenment
Kamala Masters

To purify greed, hatred and delusion, and cultivate wisdom.
These are factors that are already present, but developed with mindfulness.
Persistent, balanced, continual, moment-by-moment effort.

1. Mindfulness
Develops, links, and balances the other factors.
Mind like a clear mirror. Clings to nothing, refuses nothing, reflects experience of moment clearly without bias. Experience without adding anything. "Naked awareness."
No matter what happens outside or inside, mind can be like a "still forest pool." Whatever pebbles are thrown in, we know eventually the mind will return to stillness. Over time, can rely on this with greater & greater confidence.

- Energizing factors -

2. Investigation
Of the present moment. What is happening now, not past story, etc.
Of the arising, occurring, and passing away of present moment.
Not by thinking, analyzing, ruminating.
"Withdraw energy from the story."
Investigate in present, described impersonally and energetically. Curiosity.
If investigation is weak, thinking arises, and then doubt, and then blame, loss of confidence.
Remedy for doubt: go to something certain. One breath, e.g.
Open to possibility of experiential wisdom of anicha, dukkha, anatta.

3. Effort/energy
Persevering effort to be in this moment. "Effort" to receive, relax.
Too much energy -> Restlessness
Too little energy -> Lethargy
Ramana Maharshi: Those who become liberated owe it to perseverance.

4. Joyful interest
Energy, rapture, electricity, rocking feeling -> Lightness of body and mind
Rapture can lead to calm and other stabilizing factors

- Stabilizing factors -

5. Calm/tranquility
Groundedness in body and mind. Settled-ness. Ease of mind.
Background sense of contentedness.
See urge to control as futile.

6. Concentration (samadhi)
Powerful concentration on changing objects
Janic factors developed, continuity of mindfulness.

7. Equanimity (sankam uppekha)
"Doorway to peace." Balanced, spacious stillness - no reactivity.
Still mind before it falls to extreme.
Inner and outer conditions accepted. "I love you -- goodbye."

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