STAGE I: RECOLLECTIONS (ANUSSATI)

Reflect on:

             (A). BUDDHA – who became perfect in purity of mind. 
            
            (B). DHAMMA – the technique of purification

             (C). SANGHA – the followers of the way to perfection

             (D). YOURSELF (a beginner on the way.)
We begin by cultivating good thoughts:

                  (1) Awareness of the realities of life,

                   (2) Dispassion,

                   (3) Compassion,

                   (4) Happiness,

                   (5) Tranquillity,

                   (6) In-sight into impersonality

At first, we consider these states of mind in concrete form as attributes of THE BUDDHA. Next we reflect on the nature of these attributes in abstract form as DHAMMA. Next we consider these attributes in imperfect and perfect form as present in the SANGHA, in variable degrees. They are also present within ONESELF in imperfect form, which is in the process of development.