3. Sammasana-nana. ( Mastering Knowledge )

At the previous yana, the yogi only realizes the cause (arising) of nama and rupa, but not the falling away -- because of the rapid sequence of rupa and nama. At that point, the wisdom of the practitioner is still weak.

If the yogi continues to see rupa and nama frequently in the present moment, he will soon see the falling away of rupa and nama. But this wisdom is still not strong enough to see the separation of santati (continuity). For example, when sitting, and then a change is made to standing , the yogi will see the falling away in the old position (sitting) , But when the yogi is sitting in the present moment he doesn't see the rising and falling away, because wisdom is not strong enough yet. He can, however, realize the three characteristics in rupa and nama. This is still not true present moment; this does not occur until the fourth yana.

Visuddhi Magga calls this tiranaparinna, "full knowledge as investigating"

In the Seven Purities this yana is termed Magga nanadassana visuddhi --- which means "purity of the knowledge and vision regarding path and not path" . This yana, then, leads to the path --- i.e., the next yana.