MN-10 Part 1 21-Feb-06 The Satipathana Sutta (Four Foundations of Mindfulness)

Synopsis
 
This talk was given at the Joshua Tree 1 retreat. 
 
(1:31:09)
 

• The Instructions for the Breath Meditation as taught by the Buddha.
• “Knowing you are breathing” vs. concentrating on the breath, taught by other teachers.
• The most important step that has been left out which makes this meditation unique. Mahasi method is missing this.
• “ Tranquilizing the bodily formations” What does this mean?
• Distractions -They are your friends- How to learn from them.
• Stress, fear, depression; What are they?
• The solution and its not drugs.
• Dependendent origination and how it works.
• You have to cultivate “Beginners Mind”.
• Story about stubbing toe in Asia. How to work with Pain. What NOT to do.
• Your natural endorphins are 10X more powerful than Morphine.
• Mahasi Method tells you to watch all the tiny little movements of body ...but leaves out mind.
• Experiencing Jhana while walking. Bringing meditation to your daily routine.
• Chickens can sit for hours but they are not enlightened.
• 3 kinds of personality.
• Cultivating meditation on foulness.
• Charnel ground meditation.
• Explaining the 4 elements. Have you ever tried “feeling” water?
• What are worldly feelings vs unworldly feelings?