[bestcigsnick]

Hello tijampel,

Knowing that I am a newcomer into sutta study and practice and maybe I will give some misapprehensions.

In accordance to this teachings we are the result of the five aggregates.

The unaware mind of a non Noble Disciple understands Khandas as the self, or the self in the Khandas.

The Noble Disciple understands each of the five Khandas as not ours, not mine, not yours.

Consciousness is just cognition but we are not cognition... it just cognizes. So consiousness not being mine, me or my self its nature is to fade and the Noble One lets it go.

Cessation is about quenching the fire of desire in each aggregate, thus, quenches craving for more... feeling, perception, fabrication and consciousness events.

This doesn't mean that the Noble Disciple is a dead body walking around like zombies... is about a mental disposition, an emotional reaction that is free from craving, clinging in absolute contentment.

The fire of I am, this is mine, this is my self... is quenched.

The Noble One and much more the Arahat... can't kill, can't lie, etc... and he relates with the world in absolute peace bringing happiness, being compassion to all sentient beings, her/his actions are dispassionate. He is not burn with the fire of craving for each Khandha.

Of course it is recommended to verify this through practice and evaluate the result because it is not about believing.

Having let go of all desire regarding each aggregate, what's left regarding mental processes ("disposition" is the word you use), once consciousness/cognition ceases; Of course a Buddha functions perfectly and answers questions and teaches and is compassionate, etc. In psychology, we have difficulty understanding how a higher being (such as human) can function without any cognition.

For example... (I use "Buddha to refer what you call Noble Disciple, but I am referencing ANY being who has achieved the same mind)

If you say "no mental processes" does this mean the brain is inactive in a Buddha (or does something other than the brain allow the Buddha/Arahant to function---I think you would surely say NO). If you say that the brain is active and mental processes occur then does something occur without any consciousness, with regard to any of the 6 types, without feeling (in response to stiumuli), etc.

There is clearly no fabrication, no desire, no craving, no becoming; we all agree. But what brain functions allow the Buddha to do all of the wonderful activities that a Buddha engages in? What arises for a Buddha that can't be said to be consciousness? What equivalent of physical form is perceived by a Buddha that is not form (a Buddha lets go of form...there is a cessation). Cessation is where something ceases to occur or function. If consciousness (all 6) cease to function then what does function and how? It's been said that a Buddha can smell with his eye, see with his toes, etc. What does that mean? Does anyone believe that?

And can we find these activities in the brain and then find a way to produce the same for others without them having to meditate for years?

Please understand, I am not requesting that you answer any of these. I'm just throwing things out that concern me (kind of thinking out loud). And of course best to just practice (I am off to meditate right now!).

I also apologize as well for any harshness in my tone, previously. I am hoping to understand things better for the benefit of myself and anyone else who is interested in this topic.

take care;

tj