One Buddhist teaching that continues to influence my meditation practice is the concept of the five aggregates. At first, the teaching can seem abstract or philosophical. But over time, it becomes surprisingly practical when observed directly during meditation. The five aggregates describe the different processes that make up what we usually think of as a Read More
Tag: Non-self
Mindfulness of Feelings: Reflections from Practice
“When experiencing a pleasant feeling, the meditator knows: ‘I experience a pleasant feeling’; when experiencing a painful feeling, the meditator knows: ‘I experience a painful feeling’; when experiencing a neutral feeling, the meditator knows: ‘I experience a neutral feeling.’"Mindfulness of Feelings, Mahasatipatthana Sutra The Four Foundations of Mindfulness form one of the central teachings of Read More
A Buddhist Pilgrimage in Nepal: Temple Practice and the Five Elements
Pilgrimage Reflections #1 A personal reflection on Buddhist pilgrimage in Nepal, exploring temple rituals, mindfulness, and the five elements through direct experience. I was born a Methodist, grew up agnostic, despaired as an atheist, and eventually found a sense of peace in Buddhism—though not completely. Along the way, I married a Buddhist from Nepal. With Read More