We are grateful to Bro. Tan Siang Chye for sharing with us the Factors of Awakening during the Uposatha Evening Service.

On Wednesday 25 June, Nalanda members and devotees gathered for the Uposatha Evening Service at Nalanda Centre which featured a Dhamma sharing on ‘The Seven Factors of Awakening’ by Bro. Tan Siang Chye.

The Buddha’s teachings enable one to see things clearly without bias, and give rise to understanding and wisdom.  This awakening of the mind, requires one to train the undeveloped mind and undertake Bodhipakkhiyā Dhamma, the 37 factors of enlightenment, taught in seven groups, namely – 4 Foundations of Mindfulness, 4 Right Efforts, 4 Bases of Success, 5 Faculties, the 5 Powers, the 7 Factors of Awakening and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Fellow devotees participated in the evening chanting.

Peaceful meditation session in the evening.

Devotees listening attentively to the sharing.

The 7 Factors of Awakening or Enlightenment – Mindfulness, Investigation, Energy, Joy, Tranquility, Concentration and Equanimity directly counteract the forces in the mind that keep us in delusion, namely the 5 Hindrances, in an experiential manner. He further shared the dynamics of the seven factors on each of its purpose, development and the insight angle.

The factors are to be developed in sequence as the earlier factor support the development of the next factor. It starts from developing mindfulness as the foundation and stabiliser which allows our minds to see things as they truly are.  With mindfulness, we can investigate and explore the phenomena to see the nature of reality.  Energy or effort then helps to activate the mind and overcome dullness and sustain the continuity of the practice. Through this development, rapture or joy will appear and uplift the mind, giving us a taste of inner freedom and joy that is not dependent on sensuality. Tranquility and concentration follow as we develop a calm, peaceful and focused state of mind.  Finally, we achieve equanimity where our mind is balanced and accepting to the truth.

Bro. Siang Chye encouraged us to be diligent with our practice to develop the mind as taught by the Buddha in order to gain insights on the true nature of reality and to liberate ourselves from sufferings.  We invite you to join us at Nalanda Centre for Asalha full-moon next Wednesday 9 July for the auspicious Dhamma Day Service at 8pm.  All are welcome.

Bro. Siang Chye encouraged everyone to be diligent with our practice to develop the mind as taught by the Buddha.