I have taught concentration and the instructions to focus your mind for many, many years. I have taught this to myself and others. These instructions of course were coming from … Continue reading Curiosity and Concentration
Tag: mindfulness
The “N” of RAIN – Non-identification, Noting or Nurture
All the previous steps create the conditions to naturally turn towards our experience rather than turning away from it. We set up ease so that we begin to note or … Continue reading The “N” of RAIN – Non-identification, Noting or Nurture
The “I” of RAIN – Investigation
There are habituated patterns that I would like still like to release. As I observe these patterns, I’ve noticed the result is often in the category of numbing out or … Continue reading The “I” of RAIN – Investigation
The “A” of “RAIN” – Accept or Allow
What is the difference between resisting our karma and accepting it? By acceptance, I don’t mean passivity or ignoring. There is a way to receive what is happening, or karma, … Continue reading The “A” of “RAIN” – Accept or Allow
the “R” of “RAIN” – Recognize
Curiously for me, my practice has been returning to the basic question, “What’s happening right now?” I am using this question as my basis for my mindfulness investigation. I am … Continue reading the “R” of “RAIN” – Recognize
The Corpse in Decay
These are notes on the end of Chapter 10, mindfulness of physical characteristics, in Joseph Goldstein’s book Mindfulness. The last section of mindfulness of the body is the contemplation of … Continue reading The Corpse in Decay
Mindfulness of “I am”
Continuing to study Mindfulness by Joseph Goldstein. These are notes on the middle part of Chapter 10, “Mindfulness of physical characteristics” “Conceit” in its Buddhist usage, refers to the deeply … Continue reading Mindfulness of “I am”
Abiding Independently and the Bahiya Sutta
These are notes taken from studying Joseph Goldstein’s book, “Mindfulness.” This is the last part of chapter 6. The last sentence of the refrain is: And one abides independent, not … Continue reading Abiding Independently and the Bahiya Sutta
Satipatthanas sutta refrain
These are notes from Joseph Goldstein’s book “Mindfulness.” These notes are from Chapter 5 on Contemplating the Four Foundations. There is a refrain that occurs 13 times in the sutra. … Continue reading Satipatthanas sutta refrain
Concentration – The Collected Nature of Mind
These are notes from Joseph Goldstein’s book “Mindfulness”. It is the last of the section about the four qualities of mind: ardency, clearly knowing, mindfulness and concentration. One of the … Continue reading Concentration – The Collected Nature of Mind
Mindfulness, the Gateway to Wisdom
Continuing with notes from Joseph Goldstein’s “Mindfulness” book. We are working with the section on the four qualities of mind: Ardency, Clearly knowing, mindfulness, and concentration. Mindfulness is much more … Continue reading Mindfulness, the Gateway to Wisdom
Clearly knowing
Notes from Joseph Goldstein’s book “Mindfulness; a practical guide to awakening” Clearly knowing is one of the four qualities of mind: Ardency, Clearly knowing, mindfulness, and concentration. Clearly knowing – … Continue reading Clearly knowing
Book of Serenity #39 “Wash Your Bowl”
I love studying Joshu (Japanese) or in Chinese, Zhaozhou (778-897). He has been called the silver-tongued teacher because his koans are utterly simple and profoundly deep and instructive. Joshu’s instructions … Continue reading Book of Serenity #39 “Wash Your Bowl”
Mid-Practice period – Refinement
We have about three weeks left of the Clouds in Water Practice Period. This is an individualized at-home practice period of our commitments in spiritual life. It is a revision … Continue reading Mid-Practice period – Refinement
Awakened Awareness gone beyond individualized consciousness #5
What does it mean to be awake? To truly be in the present moment where the truth happening place resides? Awareness is to be present in each moment and to … Continue reading Awakened Awareness gone beyond individualized consciousness #5
Karen Maezen Miller’s “Weeds”
I am just going to quote what I found in Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly, in the summer 2014 issue. This is from Karen Maezen Miller’s book: Paradise in Plain Sight … Continue reading Karen Maezen Miller’s “Weeds”
Hurry corrodes Meaning
I have a teaching story or Koan from Tomoe Katagiri who is a teacher for many of us in her quiet way. She is Katagiri-roshi’s widow. Thursday, Sosan and I … Continue reading Hurry corrodes Meaning
The Deep Habit of Forgetfulness
From Thich Nhat Hanh, “Touching the Earth, Intimate Conversations with Buddha,” page 27: “Lord Buddha, I recognize my deep habit energy of forgetfulness. I often allow my mind to think … Continue reading The Deep Habit of Forgetfulness
Witnessing and self-sacrifice
I’d like to hold up a very interesting article I read by Ajahn Viradhammo in the most recent Buddha-dharma magazine, summer 2013, in his article “Unlimited Heart.” I recommend reading … Continue reading Witnessing and self-sacrifice
The household of the Buddha-ancestors is our house.
“The day to day activities in the household of the Buddha-ancestors, is our house, our life and our activity. This doing and not doing, is imbued thoroughly with the total … Continue reading The household of the Buddha-ancestors is our house.