The Four Foundations Of Mindfulness Introduction

This is the first of an extensive series of in-depth explorations of one of the core teachings of Buddhism-the Satipatthana Sutta.  Tonight’s discussion covers the basic structure of the discourse, referring to Bhikkhu Analayo’s “Satipatthana-The Direct Path To Realization” as well as other resources.  The intention of these talks is to foster deeper conceptual understanding of the teachings along with a strong commitment to meditation practice to realize the benefits that can be gained from this process.

Here are the notes prepared for this talk:  Understanding the Satipatthana Sutta

Here is a copy of the translated Sutta:  Nanamoli Satipatthana Sutta

Next week’s discussion will begin exploring the First Foundation, Mindfulness of the Body, with specific emphasis on mindfulness of breathing practice.

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Four Tetrads And Four Foundations Talk

This recording follows the Guided Four Tetrads And Four Foundations Meditation recording posted just prior to this posting.  During the talk, Peter reviewed the 16 stanzas/four tetrads of the Anapanasati Sutta, explaining that the first three tetrads focus on the cultivation of samadhi/passadhi (concentration and tranquility), primarily through using the first and second foundations of mindfulness (mindfulness of the breath/body and mindfulness of feelings) to set aside the five hindrances to samadhi/passadhi.  The fourth tetrad involves the cultivation of vipassana, that is, the direct knowledge of impermanence, which, along with samadhi/passadhi, develops dispassion, liberation from craving/clinging and letting go of the misperception of a secure, enduring self.

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Four Tetrads And Four Foundations

During this talk, Peter reviewed the four groups of four stanzas in the Anapanasati Sutta as they relate to the four foundations of mindfulness.  The four groups of stanzas are called the four tetrads.  The intention in this presentation is to foster an integration of mindfulness of breathing with the four foundations as they appear in the sutta.

Next week’s discussion will explore practical applications of mindfulness of breathing to the cultivation of the four foundations.

The next post will contain the notes prepared relative to this talk

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Mindfulness of the Body

During this dialogue, Judy reviewed kayanupassana, mindfulness of the body, from the Satipatthana Sutta, which is usually translated as the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.  She explained that the “body” referred to is the aggregation of all the parts of the body, including the senses and breath awareness–in Pali, kaya can apply to a group of people, a bunch of bananas, etc.  She placed emphasis on the aspect of kayanupassana called satisampajjhana, which can be translated as mindfulness/clear comprehension of how the body moves during the experience of moving, that is, while standing, walking, eating, reaching, etc.  Additionally, the value of awareness of a worthy goal, suitable means for achieving the goal, the field of awareness that’s applied to maintain the suitable means–all in the context of non-greed, non-aversion and wisdom.

[s3mm type=”audio” files=”wp-content/uploads/2013/03/11130526/Judys Talk On Mindfulness of the Body.mp3″ /]

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