The Simple Path to Inner Peace: Mindfulness of Feelings (Vedana) (ai generated)

 

Vedananupassana Satipatthana is one of the most powerful and profound mental training exercises from the Mahasatipatthana Sutta16. While the name sounds complex, the practice is a simple, daily-use tool: it is the practice of

observing all feelings (Vedana) as they truly are in the present moment17.

The 3 Core Feelings You Encounter Daily

In our lives, all feelings that arise can be categorized into three main types:

  1. Sukkha Vedana: Pleasant or happy feelings.
  2. Dukkha Vedana: Unpleasant or painful feelings.
  3. Adukkhamasukha Vedana: Neutral feelings—neither pleasant nor unpleasant.

The practice involves diligently observing all

9 types of feelings in the present moment 18, specifically noticing whether a feeling is

tainted by 'Aamisa' (a feeling caused by external or material stimulation) or

not tainted by 'Aamisa' (a feeling rooted in spiritual or skillful states).

The Easy Way to Observe Feelings (Just Knowing)

The most crucial principle in contemplating feelings is to practice

"seeing it just as it is"21. This means acknowledging the feeling without becoming

delighted or distressed by it22.

  • When there is happiness: Simply notice, "This is pleasant feeling," but do not cling to it or wish for it to last forever23. See it as a phenomenon that arises and passes.
  • When there is pain: Simply notice, "This is painful feeling," without resisting it or creating secondary suffering about the pain24.
  • When it's neutral: Simply notice, "This is neutral feeling," which is often the most subtle to catch25.

As we continuously observe these 9 types of feelings in the present moment 26, the mind begins to see the

emptiness (Sunnatihara) within them27. We begin to see the ultimate truth that everything arises dependent on causes and conditions (Paticcasamuppada Adappaccayata)28.

This clear seeing generates

Vipassana Panna (Insight Wisdom)29. The actual meditative base for this insight is

momentary concentration (Khanika Samadhi) sharp enough to perceive the arising and passing of feelings in that very instant30.

The Benefit of This Practice

Contemplation of Feelings is a vital foundation for mental liberation. It is the

principle of mental development (Bhavana) 31that transforms intellectual knowledge into

Bhavanamaya Panna (wisdom born of practice)32. When we understand that all feelings are merely impermanent phenomena dependent on causes, we are no longer helplessly dragged by the highs of happiness or the lows of suffering.

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