Session Four: Can Meditation Help Me Let Go? "Breathing in, I observe the impermanent nature of all dharmas. Breathing out, I observe the impermanent nature of all dharmas."— Ānāpānasati Sutta {A note on the word "dharma": In this teaching, dharma (Pali: Dhamma) can be understood simply as the phenomena or experiences we encounter—everything that arises Read More
Tag: Anapanasati Sutta
Ten Minutes with the Buddha #3
Session Three: How Can I Understand My Mind During Meditation? "Breathing in, I am aware of the activity of my mind. Breathing out, I am aware of the activity of my mind."— Ānāpānasati Sutta If you have practised the first two sessions, you may have noticed that your breathing settles more quickly than when you Read More
Ten Minutes With The Buddha #2
Session 2 How Can I Find Joy and Peace in Meditation "Breathing in, I experience joy. Breathing out, I experience joy."— Ānāpānasati Sutta If you have practised the first four contemplations, you may already have noticed something beginning to change. Perhaps your breathing has become quieter. Your shoulders have softened. Your body feels a little Read More
Ten Minutes With The Buddha #1
Session One: How Do I Begin a Simple Breathing Meditation? "Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out."— Ānāpānasati Sutta Many people ask me how to begin meditation. The internet is full of advice. Some suggest counting breaths, others recommend visualising peaceful places or listening to relaxing Read More
Joy or Happiness? A Puzzle From the Ānāpānasati Sutta
“Breathing in, I experience joy. Breathing out, I experience joy.Breathing in, I experience happiness. Breathing out, I experience happiness."— Ānāpānasati Sutta One of the pleasures of my Buddhist practice is that the more I read, the more questions I seem to discover. Recently I have been reading Awakening of the Heart by Thích Nhất Hạnh, Read More