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Right
understanding (sammā diṭṭhi) is the first step on
the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path. The English word
understanding means, literally: 'to stand under,' to be very close to
something so as to get to know it well. The Pāḷi word
diṭṭhi literally means 'vision'. Therefore, Right
Understanding is to cultivate those qualities of mind which will
allow one to have a complete and realistic apprehension of things, or
as the Buddha often put it: 'a knowledge and vision of things as
they really are' (e.g. S.III,59). Some of the attitudes that can help
the development of Right Understanding include trying to get a direct
experience of something rather than relying on the opinions of
others, not having preconceived ideas, not jumping to conclusions,
being open to different explanations, taking time to draw
conclusions, being ready to change one's opinion when presented with
facts that contradict it, not mistaking a part for the whole, etc.
All these attitudes are mentioned by the Buddha in one or another of
his discourses. Sāriputta mentioned that listening to others,
paying careful attention, discussion, virtue and having a peaceful
mind can all help develop Right Understanding (M.I,294). Very
clearly, Right Understanding is a process rather than a fixed idea,
belief or opinion. And the culmination and finality of this process
will be enlightenment. | |
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