Sis. Nandinī Tan delivered an insightful talk during the Gimhāna Full-moon Uposatha service on the “Iddhipada – The Four Bases of Power”.

On Tuesday 10 June, Sis. Nandinī Tan delivered an insightful talk during the Gimhāna Full-moon Uposatha service on the “Iddhipada – The Four Bases of Power” which make the mind powerful.

1. CHANDA – WHOLESOME DESIRE, ASPIRATION, ZEAL

Sis. Nandinī shared that chanda is the wholehearted willingness to cultivate the Dhamma.  It becomes a spark of inspiration and happiness which can be cultivated by associating with inspiring spiritual friends and reflecting on the benefits of the practice.

The evening services started with offering of lights and water to the Three Jewels.

Fellow devotees focusing on the evening chanting.

The devotees pondered upon what Sis.Nandinī had shared.

2. VIRIYA – EFFORT, ENERGY, DILIGENCE

One’s aspirations have to be supplemented by persistent and energetic effort.  Without viriya, we may start strong but do not sustain it.  With viriya, we persevere, stay resilient and keep going even when it is not easy.

3. CITTA – CONCENTRATION, FOCUSSED ATTENTION, ENGAGEMENT OF THE HEART

The effort we put in has to be focussed and engaged fully, which means Dhamma practice is not just learned at an intellectual level but plunges deep into our hearts and mind.  Without citta, we are distracted, forgetful and half-hearted.  With citta, our mind is calm, steady and deeply present.

4. VĪMAṂSĀ – INVESTIGATION, DISCERNMENT, WISE REFLECTION

To balance the other powers, one has to develop vīmaṃsā, which is the ability to reflect, investigate and question wisely.  This allows us to avoid mistakes or fall prey to habitual tendencies, letting us learn and grow continuously.  With vīmaṃsā, we turn information into transformation.

We thank Sis. Nandinī for this insightful and inspiring talk.  Sādhu anumodāna!