Shamatha Meditation

Question 1

The 5 Faults

Answer 1

1) Laziness
2) Forgetfulness of the instructions
3) Laxity and excitement
4) Non-application of the remedies
5) Over-application of the remedies

Question 2

2 Types of Meditation

Answer 2

1) Analytical meditation/ Vipassana - sharpens the mind and changes perception of the object of meditation

2) Shamatha Meditation - stabilizes the framework of the mind

Question 3

3 Principle Paths

Answer 3

Commit no evils
(1. Renunciation)

Accumulate as great a wealth of virtues as possible
(2. Bodhicitta)

Tame your mind
(3. Wisdom of emptiness)

This is the teaching of the Buddha.

Question 4

The 8 Remedies

Answer 4

1) Faith
2) Aspiration
3) Effort
4) Pliancy
5) Mindfulness
6) Introspection
7) Application of remedies
8) Equanimity

Question 5

The 4 Fruits

Answer 5

1) The fruit of stream entry

2) The fruit of once returner

3) The fruit of no more returner

4) The fruit of arhatship

Question 6

The 8 Sangha Members

Answer 6

The 4 Enterers of the 4 Fruits
+
The 4 Abiders of the 4 Fruits

Question 7

9 Stages (Settings)

Answer 7

1) Mental Setting
2) Continual Setting
3) Patch-like Setting
4) Close Setting
5) Controlled Setting
6) Pacification
7) Complete Pacification
8) Single-pointed Setting
9) Equal Setting

Question 8

The 6 Powers and Corresponding Stages

Answer 8

1) Power of Hearing - stage 1
2) Power of Reflection - stage 2
3) Power of Mindfulness - stage 3 + 4
4) Power of Introspection - stage 5 + 6
5) Power of Joyous Effort - stage 7 + 8
6) Power of Complete Familiarity - stage 9

Question 9

The 4 Engagements and Corresponding Stages

Answer 9

1) Tightly Focused Engagement - stage 1 + 2
2) Interrupted Engagement - stage 3-7
3) Uninterrupted Engagement - stage 8
4) Effortless Engagement - stage 9