Chapter 26. Liberation (Vimutti) in Buddhism
Vimutti or liberation in Buddhism can be
classified in many ways. To classify it
in a juxtaposition approach is the contrast between Ceto-Vimutti (meditation
power) and Panna-Vimutti (wisdom power).
Normally, each of the two approaches can be achieved by way of trading
off or balancing one-another.
The Ceto-Vimutti is to liberate one’s mind
from clinging defilements with meditation power where one can do so with jhana
or meditative absorption which enables mental unification (unification of
magga) altogether with adequate merit cultivation. Hence, one can uproot the defilements in
one’s mind and become liberated. This
approach allows one to also have supernormal power from meditation including
the 3 Vijja and 8 Vijja, such as the divine eye and ear.
The Panna-Vimutti can be contrasted with
Ceto-Vimutti as Panna-Vimutti or wisdomful liberation requires the wisdom power
to comprehend the Dhamma, especially Vipassana.
However, this can be done with the wisdom from learning and thinking
where one’s mind is in a state of more or less mindfulness and
concentration. With such accurate
knowledge and understanding in the state of mindfulness, the mind can be
powerful enough to diminish ignorance and attain enlightenment. Thus, the mind is liberated without supernatural
power from jhana or meditative absorption.
According to our graph, we can see how the
Ceto-Vimutti and Panna-Vimutti are juxtaposed.
Followingly, we can contrast how cultivation of meditation and wisdom
can be traded off. However, it is still
possible that a Dhamma practitioner can balance between the two by practicing
meditation and cherish Vipassana in meditation to promote Adhi-Panna or sublime
wisdom in meditation.
The Four Noble Truths are beneficial for ‘the
trained ones’ who have been through merit cultivation until meeting the period
of qualification. Thus, they can become
aware of the truths and prosper their Dhamma practice towards enlightenment
whereas ‘the untrained ones’ may disregard these truths. Notwithstanding, the Four Noble Truths always
remains true irrespective of either regarding or disregarding.
By Pirajak T. Suwapatdecha (formerly Pittaya
Wong)
17 June 2020
