Eight Masteries

Definition:

The Eight Masteries, or Eight Fields of Mastery, are listed in the Maha-parinibbana Sutta of the Pali Canon. The masteries are meditation exercises for mastering the senses. The Eight Masteries are:

1. Subjectively perceiving small forms external to oneself and mastering them.
2. Subjectively perceiving large forms external to oneself and mastering them.
3. Perceiving no forms subjectively, seeing small forms external to oneself and mastering them.
4. Perceiving no forms subjectively, seeing large forms external to oneself and mastering them.
5. Perceiving no forms subjectively, seeing forms external to oneself that are blue in color, and mastering them, being aware of knowing them as they are.
6. Perceiving no forms subjectively, seeing forms external to oneself that are yellow in color, and mastering them, being aware of knowing them as they are.
7. Perceiving no forms subjectively, seeing forms external to oneself that are red in color, and mastering them, being aware of knowing them as they are.
8. Perceiving no forms subjectively, seeing forms external to oneself that are white in color, and mastering them, being aware of knowing them as they are.

Also Known As: Eight Fields of Mastery, abhibhavayatana (Sanskrit), abhibhayatana (Pali)