What is Meant by “Experiencing the Body”(sabba kaya patisamvedi) in the Satipattana Sutta?

What is Meant by “Experiencing the Body”(sabba kaya patisamvedi) in the Satipattana Sutta?

Question: Ven. Sir, we are somewhat skeptical about the meaning, “experiencing the body” (sabbakaya  patisamvedi), in terms of the common interpretation at present. Could you kindly elaborate the meaning of this in terms the teaching of the Buddha.

Answer: The Buddha taught Satipattana Sutta in order to show the way to “Nibbana”. Nibbana can not be attained by mere wishing. It has to be uncovered through perseverance. If a person’s mind is devoid of greed (lobha) and aversion (dosa), his mind is tranquil to some degree. I mentioned earlier that one is unable to become aware of the breath due to the intense heat generated by defilements in the mind. As the practice of observing the mind progresses well, the mind reaches the state of “rassa” where there is less intensity of heat present in mind. At this stage, the meditator  realizes that he is experiencing calmness he never experienced before. Life becomes more contented. This is a result of the progress  made by being aware of the breath for an extended period of time and breath becoming shallower and calmer. In other words, one experiences shallow breathing, coupled with tranquil sensations. This stage is referred to as      “sabba kaya patisamvedi assasikkamiti sikkati / passa sikkamiti sikkati”.

First, tranquil sensations arise in the mind and the tranquility begins to permeate all over the body gradually.We need to understand the cause underlying this phenomenon. Blood circulation takes place from the heart to every nook and corner of the body. Mind arises in the pure blood stream associated with the heart base. When we practice anapana sati  meditation, we notice the mind which is based on short in breath and short out breath. Long respiration, which results from the intense heat present in mind, becomes shallow respiration as the intensity of heat lessens with the elimination of defilements. This tranquil state of mind with less intensity of heat is known as “rassa”. Also, this tranquil state of mind begins to permeate all over the body, making all bodily actions (sabba kaya-all actions)  tranquil too. The cause underlying this phenomenon is the transformation of atoms (rupa kalapa). The mind ,which arose based on coarse atoms generated by the intense heat associated with defilements, transforms into a tranquil state, as a result of coming into being of fine atoms with lesser heat, at the time of respiration becoming shallower during meditation. When a meditator experiences this tranquil state, he becomes aware that the tranquil state generated in mind, now, permeates all over the body gradually. 

In the Buddhist teaching, we find the terms kaya paasaddhi (quietude of body) and citta passaddhi (quietude of mind), which is a tranquil state of mind and body. Kaya paasaddhi, in terms of ultimate truth,  means “tranquil action” (of mind). The most common action of the mind is “grasping” of objects. When the grasping action of  mind becomes tranquil, it is referred to as “citta pasaddhi” When kaya passaddhi and citta passaddhi operate in unison, that process is identified as  “ sabba kaya patisamvedi assasikkamiti sikkati...”. This is a mental gain enjoyed by a meditator. This is also the stage known as “rassa” where a meditator is at the door step of jhanas (meditative absorptions). He is on the verge of entering the jhanas. So a meditator needs to understand, from the time he experiences shallow respiration through  meditation, that he has stepped into the stage of Samadhi (concentration). I hope this explanation on sabba kaya patisamvedi... would make sense to you now.