Sīlānussati Meditation
We will discuss another noble quality that must be developed by a noble disciple who has taken refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. In contemplation of virtue, also known as “sīlānussati bhāvanā”, one investigates on one’s own virtue developed through disciplining bodily and verbal actions. Having seen the virtue, one exalts and enjoys it. By practicing sīlānussati, one gets the opportunity to examine one’s strengths and weaknesses with respect to observing the precepts or sīla.
A disciple wakes up in the morning and determines to pay attention to bodily actions and verbal actions mindfully throughout day and night to avoid breaking precepts. At the end of the day, by contemplating on the precepts, one would be happy thinking, “Today, I didn’t use my body to commit any evil deed; I did not kill or hurt living beings; I did not take what was not given; I did not engage in sexual misconduct; and I did not take intoxicants”. Also, that person would be happy thinking, “Today, I didn’t deceive others with lies; I didn’t hurt others with harsh words; I did not speak malicious words to break relationships or to hurt others; and I did not speak meaningless idle words to waste time of others and mine.” In this way, one will be glad about one’s virtue and if there are lapses clearly identifies any blemishes in virtue just as seeing a stain on a clean white cloth. Any failure to comply with precepts shall be identified; broken precepts shall be re-observed with a strong determination to protect them from that moment onwards. In this manner, a disciple develops his or her virtue through contemplation.
A disciple cultivates virtue by thinking, “I do not engage in bodily misconduct; I do not engage in verbal misconduct; I am a person committed to observe precepts; and I develop peace and calmness in me”. In this manner, gradually, one becomes virtuous and consequently, others will trust his words and deeds. No society accepts indecent, corrupted people, liars or criminals. By investigating one’s own virtue, by contemplating on one’s virtue, a person can purify one’s bodily and verbal conduct. This process of recollecting one’s virtue is known as sīlānussati. The disciples of the Buddha frequently practice sīlānussati. Recollection on virtue develops peace and eliminates remorse, confusion and restlessness of mind. Tranquility of mind, thus acquired, will establish concentration (samādhi). One easily develops concentration (samādhi) through sīlānussati, which is a noble gain. We must strive to cultivate sīlānussati as the Buddha has taught.
Sīlānussati Meditation
My great teacher, the Supreme Buddha, is virtuous.
The Supreme Buddha disciplined his body and his speech.
The Supreme Buddha led a life free from all defilements.
The Supreme Buddha mindfully investigated and eradicated all defilements of the body.
The Supreme Buddha mindfully investigated and eradicated all defilements of speech.
The Supreme Buddha avoided wrong livelihood and practiced right livelihood.
The Supreme Buddha fulfilled the noble virtue.
Having attained noble virtue, the Supreme Buddha taught about virtue with great compassion for gods and humans.
I will practice virtue as instructed by the Supreme Buddha.
I will practice virtue as a noble disciple of the Supreme Buddha with the intention of realizing the Four Noble Truths.
With the intention of attaining Nibbāna, I observe the precept of abstaining from killing beings.
Mindfully, I strive to observe the precept of abstaining from killing beings.
I practice loving kindness to all beings. I do not intentionally hurt beings, large or small.
Because I observe the precept of abstaining from killing beings, I am free from fear.
May all beings be free from fear! May all beings live happily!
I observe the precept of abstaining from killing beings and I encourage others to observe the precept of abstaining from killing beings. In doing so, I experience joy.
This joy will help to concentrate my mind.
With the intention of attaining Nibbāna, I observe the precept of abstaining from taking what is not given.
Mindfully, I strive to observe the precept of abstaining from taking what is not given.
By any means and anywhere, with a mind to steal, I do not take what is not given, big or small.
As I adore my property, valuables and money, others too adore their possessions.
I do not take what is not given by deceiving others through fraud or with a mind to steal.
Because I observe the precept of abstaining from taking what is not given, I am free from fear.
May all beings be free from fear! May all beings live happily!
I observe the precept of abstaining from taking what is not given and I encourage others to observe the precept of abstaining from what is not given. In doing so, I experience joy.
This joy will help to concentrate my mind.
With the intention of attaining Nibbāna, I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct.
Mindfully, I strive to observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct.
I do not engage in sexual activity with a man or woman who is not my husband or wife.
I am trustworthy to my spouse.
I am trustworthy to my children.
I develop unblemished conduct.
Because I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct, I am free from fear.
May all beings be free from fear! May all beings live happily!
I observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct and I encourage others to observe the precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct. In doing so, I experience joy.
This joy will help to concentrate my mind.
With the intention of attaining Nibbāna, I observe the precept of abstaining from lying.
Mindfully, I strive to observe the precept of abstaining from lying.
By any means and anywhere, I do not deceive others by lying. I do not hurt others by lying.
I speak the truth. I stand for the truth.
I speak pleasant and kind words.
Because I observe the precept of abstaining from lying, I am free from fear.
May all beings be free from fear! May all beings live happily!
I observe the precept of abstaining from lying and I encourage others to observe the precept of abstaining from lying. In doing so, I experience joy.
This joy will help to concentrate my mind.
With the intention of attaining Nibbāna, I observe the precept of abstaining from taking intoxicants.
Mindfully, I strive to observe the precept of abstaining from taking intoxicants.
I do not take any intoxicant that leads to impaired mental activity and unwholesome bodily and verbal actions.
I do not take any intoxicant as a way to celebrate my happiness or when I am depressed.
I abstain from taking intoxicants that leads to affliction, that harms my wealth and safety, and that causes diseases.
Because I observe the precept of abstaining from taking intoxicants, I am free from fear.
May all beings be free from fear! May all beings live happily!
I observe the precept of abstaining from taking intoxicants and I encourage others to observe the precept of abstaining from taking intoxicants. In doing so, I experience joy.
This joy will help to concentrate my mind.
These precepts that I observe diligently and mindfully delight me.
These precepts that I observe diligently and mindfully help my wellbeing here in this life and in future lives.
These precepts, that I observe diligently and mindfully, develop right effort in me.
These precepts, that I observe diligently and mindfully, develop right concentration in me.
These precepts, that I observe diligently and mindfully, will help me to realize the Four Noble Truths.
Mindfully, I maintain these precepts.
May practicing meditation on virtue develop joy, rapture and concentration in me and help me to realize the Four Noble Truths!
(One may practice sīlānussati for eight-precept and ten-precept as well, by appropriately modifying the content.)