Many of us have a tendency to be critical and judgmental of ourselves and others. In meditation, this habit can seem quite strong and can create a lot of suffering. But mindfulness is a wonderful tool to enable us to see these thoughts for what they are, so we can begin to bring wisdom and understanding to them. they then no longer dominate our heart and mind.
We examine the first part of Madhupiṇḍika Sutta, The sweet essence (MN 18), where Mahā Kaccāna unpacks a brief teaching by the Buddha on how we construct our dukkha. We begin with the six sense fields and the vedanā that arises from them, and then construct a world though obsessive thinking (papañca), to the point where we find ourselves living in a world of concepts about our experience, rather than the experience itself.
Overview of the foundations of mindfulness. The hindrances are observed as part of the 4th foundation. Understanding the hindrances both in terms of how they need to be kept in balance as as expressions of development.
Dealing with the human form and its physical, emotional needs requires care and discernment. Two instructions- observe what is arising and go where you feel comfortable. How do you know when to observe and when to be proactive?
