Bodhicharyavatara Chapter 8 Outline
Chapter Eight: Meditative Concentration
II. A full explanation of conditions conducive to meditative concentration
A. A brief summary (2)
B. A detailed explanation
1. Abandoning worldly things
a) Why we must abandon worldly things (3), (4)
b) Giving up attachment to beings (5) to (16)
c) Giving up attachment to worldly gain (17) to (24)
d) Having given up all attachments, how to rely on the excellent qualities of solitude (25) to (38)
2. Letting go of discursive thinking
a) A brief explanation (39)
b) A detailed explanation
i) Abandoning craving for a lover
- (a) The difficulties involved in getting a lover (40) to (42)
- (b) A reflection on the unclean nature of the human body (43) to (70)
- (c) A reflection on the many harm that results from attachment (71) to (78)
ii) Giving up attachment to wealth and possessions (79) to (84)
iii) A reflection on the excellent qualities of solitude (85) to (88)
III. Actual meditation
A. A short explanation that links to the previous topic (89)
B. A detailed explanation of how to practise meditation
1. Equalizing self and other
a) A brief explanation (90)
b) A detailed explanation
i) How to meditate on equality (91) to (103)
ii) Response to possible objections (104) to (106)
iii) The benefits of the practice (107) to (109)
c) Conclusion (110)
2. Exchanging self and other
C. Advice on how to practise samadhi (185) to (187)
[WORK IN PROGRESS!]