Apaṇṇaka Dhammas

Apaṇṇaka dhammas are ways of practicing that the Buddha described as incontrovertible. By practicing them, we can be sure of being on the right path and that they will lead to awakening. These teachings are: indriya saṃvara, restraint of the senses; bhojane mattaññutā, moderation in eating; and jāgariyānuyoga, devotion to wakefulness.

Once we start working with the apaṇṇaka dhammas, we begin to see how they highlight the challenging aspects of the mind: aspects associated with greed, hatred, and delusion. This is exactly why the apaṇṇaka dhammas are such excellent practices to bring up for reflection and investigation when we are on retreat and there are fewer distractions.

The apaṇṇaka dhammas, however, are not extreme or ascetic practices. It is all about balance, the middle way. These practices are based on skillful restraint and application of energy. We need to learn when to pull back and when to push forward. Ultimately, the apaṇṇaka dhammas help free us from compulsive behaviors that lie at the root of suffering.

… They are very simple and basic practices, but they have many implications. Apaṇṇaka dhammas don’t just illuminate habits that keep the mind ensnared by desire; they also give us the opportunity to retrain the mind and liberate the heart.

So take these fundamental practices and make excellent use of them.

This reflection by Luang Por Pasanno is from the book Don’t Hold Back, (pdf) pp. 71-72, 81.