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 persons 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.