In the Satipatthana Sutta on the foundations of mindfulness, the first area of practice is the body. The Buddha gives us many different practices and ways to investigate the body. This talk explores these practices, beginning with the breath, but going on to other practices that we don't often teach, such as the four elements, the 32 parts of the body, and corpse contemplations. Each of these practices can be a powerful doorway to wise seeing and freedom. This talk is the first of a series of four on each foundation of mindfulness.

Breath - Breath Energy - Four Elements

In this talk, the path of gradual cultivation is discussed, starting with establishing a container of Metta/Loving-kindness. Then, we calm and unify the mind, followed by investigating the body (through four elements meditation) which leads to investigating the mind and mental factors. Recorded at Spirit Rock at "Examining Reality as a Path to Freedom: Insight Meditation Retreat for Experienced Students"

A review of instructions on the four elements, followed by investigation of the mind and mental factors. Followed by open Q/A.

12 characteristics of the four elements and Q/A

Shaila Catherine gave the second talk in a four-week series titled "Cultivating Mindfulness." Shaila explored a number of ways to practice mindfulness of the body according to the Buddhist teachings. These methods include (1) using the body as a way of grounding our attention in the present moment, (2) working with mindfulness of the breath as an aspect of the body, (3) working with sensory experiences, (4) reflecting upon death, (5) seeing the body in terms of the four elements (earth, fire, wind and water) and (6) observing the body as anatomical parts. Methods 5 and 6 allow us to view the body as material constructions. From this perspective we no longer conceive our body as "I" or "mine;" thereby, attachment and ignorance dissolve.