Anusati vs Bhavana
Upvote:3
"X-Anusati" basically means "go over the memory of X" ("anu" is literally "under" but it has connotation of following something, in this case following a memory).
"X-Bhavana" means something like "generate X", "cultivate X", "produce X".
As you said, both involve the act of Calling something into mind (what you call "active thought") and then Mulling Over it (what you called "sustained thought").
The Mulling Over part is the same in both cases but the Calling part differs. In case of Anusati the emphasis is on recalling something we know from before, while in case of Bhavana the emphasis is on creating or manufacturing something new.
In practice, however, there is not that much difference, since in case of e.g. buddhanusati we have not actually experienced Buddha first-hand and have to manufacture his image from conceptual elements we know of. Conversely, in case of asubha bhavana it's not like we create the disgusting images completely from scratch, we assemble them from memories of disgusting things we have experienced before.
Why they are named differently? I guess, that's because in case of X-anusati that "X" refers to the source memory - while in case of "X-bhavana" that "X" refers to the target state.
Indeed, it would not make sense to call it "metta-anusati" or "asubha-anusati" - because we are not actually remembering metta or asubha, we're generating them. Similarly, it would not make sense to call it "buddha-bhavana" or "sila-bhavana" - because we are not cultivating Buddha or our sila, we are remembering them.
More post
- π Differently able people and their "Vinyana"
- π Why did Yamaka have wrong view in SN 22.85?
- π How to enter the second Jhana?
- π Does Mahayana Buddhism discourage attaining enlightenment under the Gautama Buddha Sasana?
- π Differences in attainments among Arahants
- π Is there any benefit in abstaining from listening songs?
- π Relationship with bad parents (kamma and issues)
- π What is prajna?
- π Why is Rupa (not) Ultimate Reality?
- π Should one literally think "I am breathing in long, I am breathing out long."
- π Is there a Buddhist equivalent to Lutheran doctrine of Justification?
- π What does love means?
- π What does Buddhism say about creativity and spiritual development?
- π If we have the law of karma, why do we need other laws, or do we?
- π Can you kill yourself with meditation?
- π Is modern capitalism inherently opposed to Buddhism?
- π Can the dharmakaya buddha be manifest as human?
- π Criticism of atman and the vessel analogy
- π Where can I read something more about Alara Kalama and Uddaka
- π Hard to breathe during meditation
- π Did anyone equate the tathagatagarbha with the past?
- π What is the "sensual desire" fetter?
- π Being more spiritual
- π Do we have to commit sins because of another's karma
- π Are there any alternative formulations of the five skandas?
- π False Speech for forming a non exist Buddhism Club
- π If the literal truth causes confusion, but a lie portrays the truth via a careful misunderstanding, is it really a lie?
- π Is it bad karma to think but not claim that one is enlightened, or just bad for your practice?
- π Mental Factor which Unites Other Factors
- π "The knowledge and vision to see things clearly" (yathΔbhΕ«taΓ±ΔαΉadassanaαΉ)
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- π Anusati vs Bhavana
- π Vipassana Bhavana
- π Satipatthana bhavana versus Vipassana bhavana
- π Is rebirth a delusional belief?
- π Can the Buddha ever be a woman?
- π If there is no soul, how can there be rebirth?
- π If a buddhist should not kill a mouse living in their home, what justification do they have to rid themselves of a parasite such tapeworms
- π Introductory books to Buddhism
- π Is killing vermin and insects justifiable?
- π What exactly differentiates Vipassana from Samatha meditation?
- π How to explain what Buddhism is?
- π Does illegal downloading or viewing of copyright material violate the second precept?
- π How does stream entry occur?
- π Is moderate drinking acceptable in Buddhism?
- π Do buddhists fall in love?
- π Are all Buddhists vegetarian?
- π Lust - How Can it be Overcome?
- π Should one give to beggars?
- π Where is the Buddha quoted as saying do not believe anything I say until you can prove it by yourself?
- π How not to kill the mouse in my house?
- π Is Jesus considered to be a buddha?
- π Any advice on leg numbing during sitting?
- π Is low self-esteem a Western phenomenon?
- π Role of belief in Buddhism
- π When were women first welcomed into Buddhist orders?
- π Is drinking coffee or tea against the fifth precept?
- π Did Gautama Buddha exist?
- π Masturbation: Does it break the 3rd precept?
- π What are the differences between vipassana and mindfulness meditation?
- π How to determine the end of a meditation session without a clock?