__ධර්ම මාර්ගය "Dharma Margaya"__

6. Mindfulness of Elements in the Four  Establishments of Mindfulness You have now learned about several methods of meditation and are becoming familiar with the four establishments of mindfulness meditation. These methods include mindfulness of breathing meditation or ānāpānasati, walking meditation, and satisampajañña or sustained awareness meditation. We have also learned about asubha bhāvanā or the meditation of the impurities of body. There is another meditation method within the four establishments of mindfulness meditations; that is “dhātu manasikāra” meditation or ‘mindfulness of elements.’ If we consider the different meditation methods, loving kindness meditation is one we should be doing all the time; mindfulness of breathing meditation can be somewhat difficult for us initially. If this is the case, mindfulness of the impurities of body or mindfulness of the elements would be very beneficial to you as a precursor to mindfulness of breathing meditation. ...

5. Mindfulness of Impurities of Body in the Four  Establishments of Mindfulness You are now getting basic step by step instructions needed in your life to develop mindfulness, effort, and wisdom. You gain such knowledge from the teachings of the Buddha. Therefore, I am teaching you what the Buddha disclosed and not something that I discovered. I teach you these as a follower of the Buddha. This method is wholly attributed to the Buddha who discovered it. One day someone asked arahant Uttara thero, “Venerable Sir, you preach the Dhamma beautifully. Is this Dhamma originated within you? Or do you preach this Dhamma by learning from someone else?” Then, arahant Uttara thero answered, “Dear friend, if there’s anything that’s well-said, all of it belongs to the words of the Supreme Buddha. We just abstract those words when we speak.” Furthermore, an example was presented to realize the Buddha’s Dhamma. “Let’s say there is a heap of grains, and anyone could get as much a...

4. Mindfulness of Postures in Four Establishments of Mindfulness In this chapter, we will explore mindfulness on postures or “iriyāpata” meditation. There are four main postures identified by the Buddha, namely, standing, walking, sitting, and lying down. We can use any of these postures for meditation. Walking is a common posture used for meditation. Walking meditation is particularly useful to many meditators for they come to realize Dhamma points most often while practicing walking meditation. Therefore, even if at the start we are hampered by the hindrances, we should take care not to be discouraged. We should persevere in this. At the time of the Buddha, there was a monk who tried to meditate; he was very sleepy. Now think what we would do if we felt sleepy. We would most probably put off meditating and go to bed thinking it would be no use meditating as we would waste time sleeping anyway. This monk was very persevering and did not give up. He decided to try walk...

3. Satisampajañña (Awareness) Meditation in the Four Establishments of Mindfulness Living in awareness Now you have some knowledge about mindfulness of breathing meditation, ānāpānasati. You have gained this knowledge through the Buddha’s teachings. When you practice this meditation according to the great teachings, you will be feeling a natural respect coming from your heart for the Buddha. This respect will help you further develop this Dhamma. Now you will learn another method of meditation. This is called satisampajāñña. It is about living with clear mindfulness and awareness. The Buddha has introduced us to ‘Sampajānakārī hoti.’ What is the advantage of living with clear mindfulness and awareness? One advantage is that when we are conscious of every moment we can prevent unwholesome mental states creeping into our lives and simply let in wholesome mental states. A person who is ready to meditate should already be living a good moral conduct by observing the five p...

2. Breathing Meditation under Four Establishments of Mindfulness 2.1 From Breath to Nibbāna In the last section, we talked about satipatṭhāna or establishment of mindfulness. We now know that right mindfulness can only be established through sammā ditthi, or right understanding, which derives from initial knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. Inversely, knowledge of the Four Noble Truths gives us sammā ditthi, which is necessary for right mindfulness in realizing the true nature of life. The Buddha, with great compassion, clearly shows in Mahā Satipatthāna Sutta that for all of us the Establishment of Mindfulness will result in purification of the mind; the eradication of grief, sorrow and lamentation; the expulsion of physical and mental pain, and profound understanding of life leading to ultimate bliss, Nibbāna. Since the Buddha taught the results of practicing satipatṭhāna at the very beginning of the discourse, we should have no doubts about the satipatṭhāna or its r...

1. Basic Facts of Meditation 1.1 Let us Meditate Meditation enriches and gives more meaning to life. Meditation is a specialized technique to improve the mind. It was the Buddha who first taught us that the mind could be developed. He developed his mind to the highest level and taught us the way to develop our minds. We call this technique of mind development meditation. If you could practice this technique, you too could improve your mind rapidly. For this, you need the capacity to think and analyse. If you are unable to do this, it is not possible to improve your mind. Only a few people in this world can train and improve their minds. You, too, could count yourself among the select few. Learn and practice this with much commitment and attention. We can show you how to enjoy a new depth to your life. The initial qualification for a successful meditation is your confidence in the Buddha’s knowledge. It is called “saddhā”. We believe that Buddha is the greatest teacher ...