How does the knowledge precedes right view ? How knowledge or vijja arises even before starting to practicing the Noble Path ? What does knowledge here refers to ?
Thanks
Avijjāsutta
SN 45.1
Knowledge precedes the attainment of skillful qualities, with conscience and prudence following along.
Vijjā ca kho, bhikkhave, pubbaṅgamā kusalānaṁ dhammānaṁ samāpattiyā, anvadeva hirottappaṁ.
A sage, firm in knowledge, gives rise to right view.
Vijjāgatassa, bhikkhave, viddasuno sammādiṭṭhi pahoti;
The things one believes, perceives, understands, and thinks about as a Buddhist are derived from knowledge given in the Suttas and knowledge that is in accordance with the Dhamma, acquired by Buddhist Practice. Once someone gets the correct knowledge in Buddhism, Right View arises and comes into actualization. As Buddhists, we are all seeking knowledge in order to have the Right View in perceiving the Dhamma. Right View is put into Practice by correct knowledge of the Dhamma and Suttas, the Buddha’s Teachings.
The development of right view is a progressive process. Until full awakening there are always two forms of right view, 1) that which is held and 2) that which is newly developed through insight, known as ‘clear knowing’:
“Thus these three qualities — right view, right effort, & right mindfulness — run & circle around right view.”—MN 117
“Clear knowing is the leader in the attainment of skillful qualities, followed by conscience & concern. In a knowledgeable person, immersed in clear knowing, right view arises.”—SN 45.1, Thanissaro.
Both serenity and insight play a part in clear knowing (AN 2.30), which constitutes the vipassana process.
The Anapanasati sutta (MN 118) concludes with ‘clear knowing and release’ which refers to the progressive insight which develops right view.
But since right view hasnt developed yet , what Knowledge exactly it means ? I think clear knowing should be Sampajañña not Vijja ie knowledge per SN 45.1 .
If you can see the disparity .
One can have knowledge on how to view things properly, but it can be wisdom unused. Knowledge has to be clear in line with the conscience, to develop Right View, a vision of undeluded morality and understanding with the Dhamma’s clear knowledge being put into use by the Buddhist.
Conscience and concern are aspects of right resolve, while reading gives rise to right view (as does appropriate attention at a more advanced stage):
"And what is the treasure of conscience? There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones feels shame at [the thought of engaging in] bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, mental misconduct. This is called the treasure of conscience.
"And what is the treasure of concern? There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones feels concern for [the suffering that results from] bodily misconduct, verbal misconduct, mental misconduct. This is called the treasure of concern.
“And what is the treasure of listening (also reading)? There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones has heard much, has retained what he/she has heard, has stored what he/she has heard. Whatever teachings are admirable in the beginning, admirable in the middle, admirable in the end, that — in their meaning and expression — proclaim the holy life that is entirely complete and pure: those he/she has listened to often, retained, discussed, accumulated, examined with his/her mind, and well-penetrated in terms of his/her views. This is called the treasure of listening.”—AN 7.6
Hi, Virya. In my personal view which maybe wrong, a person was born with some knowledge from his or her past life. I called basic wisdom. And this very life more wisdom will accrued or even forgotten, filed deep in their consciousness. That is how also explained how people was born with different belief or religion.
Once again this is my own stupid logic. It maybe totally wrong.
The arising of right view is the straightening of wrong views already held. The essentials for progress:
"At Sāvatthī. Then Ven. Uttiya went to the Blessed One and, on arrival, having bowed down to him, sat to one side. As he was sitting there, he said to the Blessed One, “It would be good, lord, if the Blessed One would teach me the Dhamma in brief so that, having heard the Dhamma from the Blessed One, I might dwell alone, secluded, heedful, ardent, & resolute.”
“In that case, Uttiya, purify the very basis with regard to skillful mental qualities. And what is the basis of skillful mental qualities? Well-purified virtue & views made straight. Then, when your virtue is well purified and your views made straight, in dependence on virtue, established in virtue, you should develop the four establishings of mindfulness."—SN 47.16
How to straighten views:
"There are these five rewards in (reading) listening to the Dhamma. Which five?
"One hears what one has not heard before. One clarifies what one has heard before. One gets rid of doubt. One’s views are made straight. One’s mind grows serene.
“These are the five rewards in listening to the Dhamma.”—AN 5.202
