Donate  |   Contact


The greatest gift is the
gift of the teachings
 
Retreat Dharma Talks

Buddha’s Teachings on the Body: The 32 Parts Practice

The body is not just a vessel for our experiences, it serves as the basis for the first foundation of mindfulness, as outlined in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, supporting deep insight into the nature of not-self (anattā) and leading to liberation. The practice of systematically contemplating the 32 parts of the body is calming and grounding, offering the opportunity to stabilize the mind and develop concentration (samādhi). By gradually shifting our perception of the body into its parts, we loosen our attachment to it through recognition of its impersonal, ever-changing nature.

Throughout this practice, we also cultivate insight into anattā, fostering equanimity and wisdom, allowing the body to become a profound path to freedom. In this retreat, we will explore the body both internally and externally, guided by the Buddha’s teachings. Our approach will be grounded in gentleness, incorporating ease and lovingkindness (mettā) as we turn mindful attention to the body.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

2025-10-01 (5 days) Spirit Rock Meditation Center

  
2025-10-02 Talk: How to practice the 32 Parts of the Body Meditation. Meditation: Head Hair, Body Hair, Nails, Teeth, and Skin (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:18:07
Nikki Mirghafori, Bob Stahl
2025-10-02 Talk: The 32 Parts Practice within the Context of the Satipatthana Sutta; Meditation: Flesh, Sinews, Bones, Bone Marrow, Kidneys (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 2:13:31
Nikki Mirghafori
2025-10-03 Talk: The 5 Hindrances and wise ways to support practice. Meditation: Heart, Liver, Diaphram, Spleen, Lungs. (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 68:43
Nikki Mirghafori, Bob Stahl
2025-10-03 Talk: From Meal to Mind -- A Process, Not Me, Mine, Myself; Meditation: Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Stomach, Feces, Brain (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:15:14
Nikki Mirghafori
2025-10-04 Talk: Why we practice the 32 Parts of the Body Meditation. Meditation: Bile, Phlegm, Pus, Blood, Sweat, Fat (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:18:14
Nikki Mirghafori, Bob Stahl
2025-10-04 Talk: The Humble Miracles: Seeing the Three Marks in the Final Six of the 32 Parts; Meditation: Tears, Grease, Saliva, Mucus, Oil of the Joints, Urine (Retreat at Spirit Rock) 1:14:42
Nikki Mirghafori
Creative Commons License