This talk focuses on the Fourth Tetrad of the Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. Peter emphasized how the first three tetrads cultivate sufficient stability and tranquility in the mind to support the practice of vipassana, the goal of which is to realize the Three Characteristics, anicca (Inconstancy), dukkha (Dispassion) and anatta (Cessation). This practice can be realized on a mundane level, achieving mental clarity, emotional tranquility and behavioral effectiveness, as well as on the supramundane level through the experience of Relinquishment (the fourth characteristic mentioned in the Fourth Tetrad), that is, experiential realization of the Unconditioned, Nirvana. This explanation was followed by discussion regarding how mindfulness of breathing can be applied in the practice of vipassana.
Here are the notes prepared for this talk: Anapanasati and the Three Characteristics
Next week’s talk will focus on the next section of the Anapanasati Sutta regarding the application of anapanasati to the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
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