HETTI PRASANNA -LTTCC

  Introduction Much has been said about the spiritual path. But rarely is it seen through the lens of modern psychology in tandem with ancient insight. In this article, we will explore a powerful parallel between three dimensions: The three stages of the Buddhist path — Puthujjana (worldling), Sekha (trainee), and Arahant (liberated one) The four stages of competence — from ignorance to effortless mastery The three distortions of self-view (Maññanā) found in the suttas — "I am" (mannathi), "mine" (mamanathi), and "I know" (namannathi) This integrated framework not only bridges traditional wisdom and modern insight but also offers a mirror to observe how deeply the illusion of self operates in our daily lives.     1. The Three Stages of the Path Puthujjana : The worldling — one who is unaware of the path and fully entangled in self-view. Sekha : The noble learner — one who has entere...

  Introduction In many spiritual traditions, the idea of "being in the now" or abiding in "presence" is considered the gateway to liberation. And rightly so. Presence dismantles the illusion of past and future and draws attention to the only place where life truly unfolds. But for the sincere seeker who dares to go beyond even subtle attachments, a radical insight emerges: Even the now must be let go. This article is a journey. from the illusion of time, through the freedom of presence, and finally, into that which cannot be named.   Reality is Now Let us begin with a simple, elegant truth I = Desire = Becoming = Change = Time Where there is a sense of "I," there is something to preserve or achieve. This births desire. Desire fuels becoming. Becoming brings change. And change constructs time. Thus, time is not a background reality. Time is the product of craving, identity, and perception. Wh...