How Satipatthana directs us to the development of not just being present but presence of Mind. Presence of mind support letting go. Anathapindika faces death directly and is given instructions of not clinging to anything. This Sutta changes the teachings of Buddhism for non-monsastics.
With the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as the framework, we reflect on what we believe to be ourselves and use mindfulness practices to see ourselves more clearly in relation to the body, feelings/emotions, thoughts and Dhamma. In doing this, we untangle our attachments to self and discover who we really are.
In this 2 part guided meditation, we begin with recieving the loving care from someone who loves us in an uncomplicated way. Which could, include our pets, a spiritual figure, a teacher, etc. The 2nd part is offering love and care to ourselves including what we find difficult in ourselves.
Life lived within the myth of a separate self that has dominion over nature, is to live a life of delusion and self-deception. This distorted mental perception can only be dissolved by the arising of wisdom.
The presentation of the satipatthana is of experience divided between ‘me’ and ‘the world’. Through practice, we see through this boundary and undertake the responsibility of participating in and co-generating a reality rooted in Dhamma.
How we understand death dharmically and in our personal lives holds the potential for mindfulness of death in ways that enrich and bring the fruits of the dharma into our lives.
The body is the first door to awakening. When the body is at ease, the mind more easily follows. We begin with intentional, kind attention to the body before turning awareness to an object of focus. Curiosity and investigation of the arisings and passing away of sensation in the body cultivates intimacy with habits of mind and corresponding body sensations.
