Recollecting the Buddha’s awakening, we also sit, firmly, simply. When the forces of thought and feeling come, we sit peacefully, refusing to fight, run away or get involved. Letting it all move through, where is the stillness? Clarity is the mark of awakened ones, knowing exactly what is arising – naming it, sensing it.

Training in renunciation helps us know that nothing belongs to us except for kamma. What’s important is knowing what is skillful and unskillful, and to keep setting aside what’s not skillful. Come to know when the mind is coming from purity or confusion. Faith is a support in the midst of confusion and overwhelm.

Different maps are given to track the trajectory from suffering to non-suffering. The themes are similar – finding resources to come into the present, meet what arises, not get stuck, know that no matter how pleasant or unpleasant this will pass – and we’re left with this openness. Trust the openness, where things end by themselves. This is the deathless.