First Insights, Moral Guardians and Freedom from Self

Knowing the conditions of the mind and the body as distinct, due to their different functions and processes; and also knowing each of them as possessed of similar natures. Each, though distinct in one, yet they share the ultimate characteristics of all conditioned phenomena of the sense realm, namely, anicca, dukkha and anatta. They are impermanent, imperfect and impersonal – possessing no manifestation of solidity or of a self that can be known. These  make up the paving stones of our path of liberation. Seeing clearly, understanding right effort,  and overcoming the hindrances, we uphold these fundamental moral pillars of the path which bring us to the Gates of the Deathless. Waking Up to the Peace in Our Hearts Monastic Retreat, Insight Meditation Society, USA 2013.