The Four Noble Truths: Deconstruction and Reconstruction (ai generated)

The timeless teaching of the great master: “Thinking never leads to understanding, only knowing leads to understanding” (“คิดเท่าไรไม่รู้ เพราะคิดเท่าเท่านั้นจึงจะรู้”) is not merely a philosophical puzzle, but a wisdom map leading to a profound interpretation of the Four Noble Truths (Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Magga). This involves the process of Deconstruction (the dismantling of the structure of perceived reality) and Reconstruction (the building of new, unconditioned wisdom).

"Thinking never leads to understanding" refers to the functioning of a mind dominated by the Samyojana (fetters or mental chains), revolving within the framework of conceptual proliferation. This mental activity is the driving force of Samudaya Sacca (the Truth of the Origin of Suffering) and can never lead to enlightenment.

1. Deconstruction: The Sense Bases and Initial Fetters (Dukkha and Samudaya)

To dismantle attachment, the mind must withdraw from conceptual thinking and turn to Sammā Sati (Right Mindfulness) to establish the most subtle level of Dukkha Sacca (the Truth of Suffering), which manifests at the Āyatana Pabbha (Chapter on Sense Bases) as outlined in the Dhammānupassanā Satipaṭṭhāna.

The 6 pairs of Sense Bases (Āyatana) (eye-form, ear-sound, nose-smell, tongue-taste, body-touch, mind-mental objects) are the stage where suffering arises. Sammā Sati watches the interaction of each pair (contact or Phassa) without liking or disliking. This observation results in the Deconstruction of the world of perception: we see that the Āyatana is merely a natural process, empty of "self" or "mine."

• Dukkha is determined as impermanence and emptiness that appears at the point of contact.
• Samudaya is identified as the driving energy that causes attachment at this point, which constitutes the initial Samyojana (fetters) binding the mind. These include Sakkāya Diṭṭhi (view of self), Vicikicchā (doubt in the Dhamma), and Sīlabbata-parāmāsa (attachment to rites and rituals). The direct knowing of the Āyatana thus dissects and reveals the most subtle source of defilement.

2. The Path: Samādhi, Ñāṇa, and the Destruction of Fetters (Magga Sacca)

Once Sati has acted as the vanguard in deconstructing and establishing Dukkha at the sense bases, Sammā Samādhi (Right Concentration) assumes the role of the "main army" with the power to destroy Samudaya Sacca and initiate the Reconstruction process.

Sammā Samādhi is the unwavering stability of the mind, which is the essential foundation for severing the remaining 7 Samyojana (fetters). Concentration at this level will "subdue conceptual thought" which was the fuel for defilement, bringing the mind into the state of “only knowing leads to understanding” or knowing according to reality (Yathābhūtañāṇadassana).

When the mind is fully purified and stable through Sammā Samādhi, it inevitably gives rise to Sammā Ñāṇa (Right Knowledge). Sammā Ñāṇa is the wisdom that truly comprehends the Four Noble Truths, manifesting Nirodha Sacca (the cessation of suffering) as a result of the complete destruction of the Samyojana.

3. Reconstruction Complete: The Relinquishing into Vimutti (Nirodha Sacca)

The apex of practicing the Path is Sammā Vimutti (Right Deliverance or Emancipation), which is the fruit of Nirodha Sacca (the complete cessation of suffering). When all 10 Samyojana (fetters) are permanently cut off by Sammā Samādhi and Sammā Ñāṇa, the mind enters the state of deliverance.

In this state, Sammā Vimutti is the mind’s act of relinquishing both the Saṅkhata Dhamma and Asaṅkhata Dhamma:

• Saṅkhata Dhamma (Conditioned Phenomena) are things that are composed or conditioned, including the world and the entire structure of perception arising from the Āyatana. Relinquishing this means non-attachment to any conditioned thing.
• Asaṅkhata Dhamma (Unconditioned Phenomenon) is the unconditioned state, such as Nibbāna. Relinquishing this is not the rejection of Nibbāna, but the letting go of attachment even to the state of Nibbāna itself, allowing the mind to be truly free and ending all forms of clinging.

This attainment of Sammā Vimutti marks the completion of the Reconstruction of wisdom, freeing the mind from all Samyojana fetters, allowing it to transcend the framework of the Āyatana, and achieving the highest form of enlightenment according to the Buddha’s teachings.

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