This foundational talk on mindfulness offers insight into why and how to practice mindfulness, the science behind it, what makes meditation difficult, the qualities of a mindful mind, and the fruits of the practice.

In our first morning, you are guided to slow down, settle, and turn toward your breath as your faithful anchor for the meditation.

Q1 I've been living with unpleasant piti stuck in my head for 13 years. I've accepted it but I'm curious and would not want others to suffer this. I think my willfulness and forcefulness in my meditation, not knowing what to look for is a problem. Can you comment please? 11:53 Q2 With samadhi deepening would you recommend any kind of inquiry or to stay receptive and view how experience naturally unfolds; 15:12 Q3 If samadhi is being in the whole of the body, is there still room for samatha practice using a one-pointed object like the breathing? 17:46 Several similar questions on protecting oneself: Q4 a) There is protection around the heart because it's afraid of being attacked with insults or aggression. How could I manage situations like these? b) Could you please elaborate on how to avoid other people's emotions getting stuck in your system? c) Could you please talk more about breaking the patterns of acquired behaviours from other people or society in general. 42:32 Q5 The inner tyrant shows up during meditation telling me I'm not doing enough and that I should be more mindful, more dedicated. How can I distinguish from what might be encouragement to practice more, from criticism? 46:36 Q6 Can you say more about bringing the energy of thoughts into the body?

Q1 What is meant by the knowing the body, internally /externally from the Satipatanna sutta? 26:01 Q2 When observing the breath, should the meditator focus on the touch, the movement, the energy or the knowing? 19:09 Q3 I experience rushes of heat when sitting which finds tense areas, making them more tense and me angry. What is your advice? 21:27 Q4 You mentioned that the hands are a good place to release energy. Is this true for deep patterns arising in the heart? How do you move energy through your hands? 26:36 Q5 Yesterday you said that piti cannot be generated. I've been taught before to try to develop it. Is there a problem with trying to intentionally develop it? 30:38 Q6 Is cetana only dependent on the karmic blend and the conditions it meets? Are there other factors at play? 41:25 Q7 What can you say about the existence of devas... gods in Buddhism in general. 42:00 Q8 How important is it to collect punya? 44:40 Q9 How can we practice to dissolve the ego and with not noticing the ignorance of the ego?