The WINGS to AWAKENING

Translated and explained by Ven. Thanissaro, Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff)

[The Buddha:] So this is what you think of me: “The Blessed One, sympathetic, seeking our well-being, teaches the Dhamma out of sympathy.” Then you should train yourselves – harmoniously, cordially, and without dispute – in the qualities I have pointed out, having known them directly: the four frames of reference, the four right exertions, the four bases of power, the five faculties, the five strengths, the seven factors of Awakening, the noble eightfold path. Majjhima Nikaya 103

Contents

• Acknowledgments
• Abbreviations
• Preface: How to Read This Book
• Table of the Wings to Awakening
• Introduction: The Buddha’s Awakening & The Buddha’s Teachings.

Part I: The Basic Principles

A. Skillfulness
B. Kamma and the Ending of Kamma

Part II: The Seven Sets

A. The Treasures of the Teaching
B. The Four Frames of Reference
C. The Four Right Exertions
D. The Four Bases of Power
E. The Five Faculties
F. The Five Strengths
G. The Seven Factors of Awakening
H. The Noble Eightfold Path

Part III: The Basic Factors

A. Conviction
B. Persistence
C. Mindfulness
D. Concentration: Abandoning the Hindrances
E. Right Concentration
F. Concentration and Discernment
G. Equanimity in Concentration and Discernment
H. Discernment: Right View
i. The Four Noble Truths
ii. The First Truth
iii. The Second and Third Truths
iv. The Fourth Truth

Glossary

Pali Text References