Sayadaw Nyanapurnik spoke about the five factors necessary for attaining jhana.

On Wednesday 21 June, Nalanda Centre once again welcomed the return of Ven. Sayadaw Nyanapurnik Mahāthera from Nepal, accompanied by Ven. Gavesi, Maechi Chini and Ven. Sayalay Vimalanani.  Nalandians took the opportunity to invite Sayadaw Nyanapurnik to give a Dhamma talk to the evening crowd.

Sayadaw Nyanapurnik spoke about the five factors necessary for attaining jhana (meditative absorption), explaining that they can be used to counter the Five Hindrances which prevent us from achieving a state of calm.  Nevertheless, Samatha or mental calmness, only serves to suppress our defilements temporarily.  In order to be free from suffering, Vipassana or insight into the nature of arising and passing of mind and matter, is critically needed.

Nalanda Centre was filled with devotees eager to listen to Sayadaw’s Dhamma teaching.

Sayadaw Nyanapurnik further added that greed is the most dangerous among the three evil roots.  While ignorance is the ‘director’ of all our suffering, it works behind the scenes.  Greed is the ‘actor’ – the apparent cause of our suffering.  Therefore, we should focus on eradicating greed by mindfully guarding our six senses to prevent defilements from arising through a lack of awareness.

We thank Sayadaw Nyanapurnik for his profound teachings.  Let us take this advice to heart and practise meditation diligently.  Sadhu!

Sayadaw Nyanapurnik accompanied by Venerable Gavesi offering lamp at the Buddha-Altar upon arrival at Nalanda Centre.

Sayadaw penning an autograph after his visit.  Sadhu!