Four channels: a glimpse of the Satipatthana teachings for a change not as meditation exercises but as a model of human experience.

Brief overview of the 6 satipatthana sections on contemplation of the body

Bhāvana is more than technique. Myths and misconceptions around methods. Understanding personal temperament in our choice of method.

Descriptions: Temporal continuity and spatial stability as the two ways of practicing attentional focus across Buddhist Traditions. Four commentarial similes for mindfulness of breathing.

Looking at right view, which is essentially understanding the truths of existence upon which our lives revolve.

What it is and how to practice with it in the context of Satipatthana

What citta means in the discourses; key qualities to be inquired into from the cittānupassanā-section of the Satipatthana-Sutta

A look at Sati’s friend: role and references in the discourses

Description: We don’t approach our meditation practice neutrally. Understanding need, bias, inclination in our approach to practice. About labeling as a sampajañña practice; Practical suggestions on questioning the breath and a glimpse on commentarial suggestions on how to go about mindfulness of breathing (Vism)

Follow-up on Contemplation of mind from previous week. Need to clarify the "how“ of being mindful rather than habitually resort to a – possibly unconscious – way of doing so. (Examples) How to find an entry to Contemplations of mind-states and learning to understand them rather than marinate in them.

Meditation instructions – between the basic outline and the detailed cut-out: On informed choices, defaulting to wrong options – and learning anyway.

On dukkha and what it means, on sati and its seed quality in the development of stillness, wisdom, brahmavihāra and ethics. 3 specific ways in which mindfulness transforms the experience of dukkha.

Last night’s talk in a nutshell with a few added practical reflections. A brief interpretation of a somewhat enigmatic passage that occurs many times in the Suttas together with the Awakening-Factors and the 8-fold Path.

Structural difference of the 4th satipaṭṭhāna in comparison to the other three. Focusing on the nivāraṇa (hindrances) and bojjhaṅga (awakening factors) as possibilities for inquiry and investigation.

(A) Short exposition of S 53,3 / S v 112: When to practice which particular awakening factors. (B) Exposition of S 51,1 / S v 102-105: a look at a terse text and a commentary’s helpful suggestions.

The "bases of power“ or the 4 paths to empowerment a) in the context of the suttas and b) in the context of everyday life. A non-canonical detour that maps the pattern of the "empowerment won by ardency, perseverance and concentration of desire / energy / mind / discernment“ with the archetypes; a and a possible reflection on the pattern of seeking success and empowerment in our own life.

On having a relationship with one’s mind: About the necessity and the limitations of technique, the role of skill and attitude in the meditative process. The (false) myth of "now“ and the difference between 'the present moment' and a 'presently arisen state‘. (Verses of M 131-134)