[DoterrFor]

This is very inconsistent. Can you explain this?

Theory does not help. Method helps.

One must distinguish between theory and method.

When the SS and AS say to contemplate body, feelings, mind, etc, this is theory.

When it is stated there are four jhanas, this is theory rather than method.

When it is said vipassana directly see the three characteristics, this is theory rather than method.

Method places the mind in a state to reach the sign post of jhana and to experience vipassana.

When Bahiya was advised to merely see, merely hear, merely cognise, this is method.

When the Buddha advised craving is to be abandoned, this is method.

When the Buddha advised right concentration has relinquishment as its sole object, this is method.

In short, MN 117 is method not theory.