III) Cultivation (Bhāvanā)
This part of the exercise will be emphasised only at the advanced retreat because this is the cultivation of the “Seven Steps to Awakening” (sapta bojjhanga), which is the main practice at the advanced retreat.
Cultivation is the systematic cultivation of calm introspection unhindered by emotional arousal. This is achieved by firstly withdrawing attention from external objects and memories, as it was done at the first two exercises above, and secondly focusing attention on the experience within, which is the emotional reaction to external objections and memories. This means focusing attention on the emotional reaction to an object, rather than focusing attention on an object to which one reacts. This will also be practiced during this retreat, although the main focus on this practice will be at the Level III retreat.
The reaction to the object, which we focus on in this exercise, is in four stages:
1. Physical manifestation of the reaction in the body – (kayanu passana)
2. Sensual manifestation of the reaction as a feeling in the body – (vedananu passana)
3. Affective manifestation of the reaction as anger, fear, or lust – (cittanu passana)
4. Cognitive manifestation of the reaction as the interpretation of circumstances – (dhammanu passana)
In observing the reaction, we first observe the active phase or the physical manifestation of the reaction. It can be seen as movements of the body, the movement of breathing, and tension in the body.
Next we observe the reaction as sensations in the body such as comfortable, uncomfortable or neutral sensations. Tension is felt as an uncomfortable sensation. Relaxation is felt as a comfortable sensation. All movements of the body can be felt as neutral sensations.
Thirdly we observe the emotional states or moods (citta). We watch for the kind of emotion carried in the mood? Is it anger, fear, lust, or worry?
At the fourth stage we observe the thought that started the emotion. It is the thought that interpreted and gave meaning to what occurred outside in a particular circumstance. That meaning is what started the emotion. That is what needs to be seen and changed.
At first we change the mood by broadening our mind. This means we begin to see the other person’s point of view, or inquire into other possible ways of interpreting the same situation. This is taking a broader perspective.
As we advance, however, we begin to become aware of the fact that our interpretation is only a concept and not a truth. We begin to examine how a concept is formed. As our mind calms down, we are able to observe the process of perception, by which we form the concept. We then realize that there are no truths in the world other than mere concepts, which may be logical or illogical. Even a logical concept is only a concept and not a truth. Therefore we do not need to take any concept too seriously. There are only good concepts and bad concepts. Good concepts bring happiness to oneself and others, and bad concepts bring unhappiness to oneself and others.