A lay man asks the Buddha how lay people can have welfare and happiness in this life and in lives to come. the Buddha answers with four accomplishments for welfare and happiness in this life and four accomplishments ensuring welfare and happiness in future lives.
This practice is the first of the Four Protective Meditations, which show us the potential as well as the limitations of a human life. These are reminders of what is true, real and possible.
The Mangala Sutta (Highest Blessings) as another version of the gradual training as it applies to lay life and also reaches the highest goal: realization of Nibbana.
Guided meditation on the water element, internally and externally, and meditating "like water" so "arisen agreeable and disagreeable contacts will not invade the mind and remain."
