He directly disagrees with the Buddha? That's interesting.Tom wrote:Since the context of the discussion was Tsongkhapa's views it might be useful to add that Tsongkhapa would not agree with the above statement. For him the initial cultivation of genuine insight must be proceeded by serenity. This is because, as he explains in the LRCM, without having first achieved the pliancy of serenity, analytical meditation is unable to bring about the pliancy required for it to qualify as genuine insight. So, for Tsongkhapa genuine insight requires serenity as a cause.Son wrote: At any rate, it is taught that of the four ways to achieve nirvana, three of them require both tranquility and insight in union. Tranquility preceded by insight, insight preceded by tranquility, or the two cultivated in unison. The fourth is a spontaneous realizing of self through calm recognition of dharma.
But I am curious now. Is he saying that one cannot accomplish insight meditation without first accomplishing tranquility meditation...? Or perhaps I'm just vague on the definition of "genuine insight" herein. From what I understand and according to common practice, samatha establishes serenity of mind, and vipassana establishes insight of mind. Is he suggesting that insight cannot be established without first practicing samatha per say? Or am I missing something? Because, for me and some renowned meditation masters I've spoken with, analytical meditation does provide serenity.
So I'm asking for clarification and elaboration.