Lesson III: The Qualities of the Buddha
The first protection offered by dharma teachings is contemplation of the buddha and the qualities of buddhahood. For those who experience moments and feeling states of low self-esteem and low confidence, it is helpful to prompt the meditator to direct focus to the characteristics and qualities of the Buddha. For those who wish to take a more secular spiritual approach, you may consider this as a prompt to focus on a role model or mentor who represents the skillful qualities that you wish to embody or strive to develop.
From my travels in Thailand, I was introduced to the practice of chanting the nine qualities of the Buddha for a series of 108 times in order to generate perseverance and self-empowerment during difficult moments of practice. These nine qualities together are a foundational mantra in Thai Buddhist culture and is commonly known as Iti Pi So. This mantra delineates the nine noble qualities of Buddha, representing the skilled disciplines of enlightened nature.
Iti’ pi so bhagava araham sammasambuddho vijjacaranasampanno sugato lokavidu anuttaro purisadammasarathi sattha devamanussanam buddho bhagava’ti.
Common Translation:
"Thus indeed is the Exalted One (1) an accomplished one, (2) a fully-enlightened one, (3) endowed with knowledge and good conduct, (4) well gone or gone to bliss, (5) a knower of the world, (6) an unsurpassed leader of persons to be tamed, (7) a teacher of humans and devas, (8) the awakened or the one who knows, (9) the sublime or exalted."
These nine qualities are meant to inspire and uplift you as you practice. Interpret the words as you feel inclined. When unwholesome mental states arise, focus on the qualities you are generating and learning as you practice. This protective mantra of noble qualities and character traits remind us of what we are training to embody. Within Mahayana Buddhist traditions these notable qualities are believed to inherently reside within each of us as our inborn “buddha nature.”
During your insight practice, if feeling states arise which attack your confidence, consider reciting a mantra that reminds you of the qualities you strive to embody or align with your values. The effect of this recitation will neutralize self-doubt and remind you of who you truly are. If the provided mantra is not your preferred practice, you may consider reciting motivational language that is relevant to you. I have many times turned to a motivational speech delivered by Janaya Future Khan called “Be the Light” for inspiration of guiding principles and future states to be attained through practice and repeated action Anything that reminds you of purpose, meaning and qualities worth striving for can be used as a protective tool during insight practice.
Equip yourselves with motivational material. Begin to collect quotes that inspire you, mantras, videos, memes and other media that ignite your passion for living. Keeping these things at your reach will prove useful during moments when you encounter the more challenging aspects of your own consciousness and psychology. Practice and repeat this material on a regular basis and incorporate it into your daily practice.
