0 votes
by (150 points)
Should one find a sort of middle ground between controlling the four nutriments and letting go of the five aggregates of clinging?

Speaking of the third noble truth, should one control the nobility of their sense impressions, edible consumption, will/aspiration, and air of consciousness; while letting go of form/matter, sensational feeling, mental perception, mental formation, and consciousness?

1 Answer

+1 vote
by (18.8k points)
edited by

Letting go of the five aggregates of clinging happens when one becomes an Arahath. As far as restraining yourself as a layman, you can keep to the five precepts or the eight precepts depending on how much you want to dedicate yourself to spiritual development. 

When it comes to meditation, instead of trying to control anything, practice the four foundations of mindfulness

by (150 points)
Thank you!

A zen book I read spoke of the four nutriments as something the Buddha recommended people to look into and somewhat control. Is this exclusively a zen approach?

I suppose I could've explained better, but when I practice sitting meditation, I don't try to control anything; I let go... and sit still. When I practice walking meditation, I mentally say "stepping" as my foot moves forward.

The nobility of the four nutriments is something I contemplate/control away from meditation.

The four establishments of mindfulness is also something I practice away from meditation, although to be honest, I have never gone through all of the 32 body parts or all of the 51/52 mental formations.

Would you say any of this is wrong practice? Should the four establishments of mindfulness be apart of meditation?
by (18.8k points)
I recommend you stick to Theravada texts and teachers. Trying other schools is not recommended
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