ABSTRACT
In Chapter I we noted that Gotama’s overt doctrine, as we find it in the Tipiṭaka, is incomplete and unclear at the very places where full, clear explanation seems most needed. The path of practice is adequately explained as far as the jhānas (right concentration); however, the insight practice that should follow mastery of the jhānas is rarely discussed, and such descriptions as are given are expressed in cryptic, seemingly symbolic language. Our analysis of the three knowledges and of the maṇḍala and cakras has, as anticipated, helped fill this gap. It has indicated that mastery of the jhānas should be followed by a course of introspective practice in three stages, which brings a progressively deepening insight into the nature of thought processes.
