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**Janarealiti** · 08-23-2011, 09:13 PM

I remember at least one Pali sutta in which the Buddha said that some monks are capable of the highest attainments through meditation and others through reasoning, and that both paths should be equally regarded. I'd have a hard time finding that sutta now, but I'll give it a try, if you like.

Edit: Or maybe my memory fails...

Edit 2: Related, I think-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana...the_Pali_canon

But I am straying off-topic a bit. The question was about realizing anatta, not nibbana. I'm not sure how anatta could be realized without reasoning, but I think I'll stop short of saying that it is sufficient in itself. I think the two kinds of knowledge are distinct, one cerebral and the other visceral, for lack of a better word.

What do you think, Deshy?

Can you quote the sutta please? As far as I know, vipassana is done on a mind already established in samadhi. The Buddha explained wisdom to be achieved in three steps. Sila (morality), samadhi (mental stillness), and then wisdom.

It can be possible to get a general idea of anatta through intellectual reasoning but this is like professing the taste of an apple without really tasting one. To actually know, you need to experience through jhana (according to suttas).

08-23-2011, 09:13 PM	#7
Janarealiti Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 569 Senior Member	I remember at least one Pali sutta in which the Buddha said that some monks are capable of the highest attainments through meditation and others through reasoning, and that both paths should be equally regarded. I'd have a hard time finding that sutta now, but I'll give it a try, if you like. Edit: Or maybe my memory fails... Edit 2: Related, I think- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana...the_Pali_canon But I am straying off-topic a bit. The question was about realizing anatta, not nibbana. I'm not sure how anatta could be realized without reasoning, but I think I'll stop short of saying that it is sufficient in itself. I think the two kinds of knowledge are distinct, one cerebral and the other visceral, for lack of a better word. What do you think, Deshy? Can you quote the sutta please? As far as I know, vipassana is done on a mind already established in samadhi. The Buddha explained wisdom to be achieved in three steps. Sila (morality), samadhi (mental stillness), and then wisdom. It can be possible to get a general idea of anatta through intellectual reasoning but this is like professing the taste of an apple without really tasting one. To actually know, you need to experience through jhana (according to suttas).
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