The flow to liberation isn’t a flash in the pan miracle, but a gradual, step-by-step process. Begin with the 4 establishments of mindfulness. When held carefully, steadily, with patience, the enlightenment factors develop. It can’t be done out of will power. Rather, nourishment for the process are restraint, mindfulness and careful attention. (Sutta reference AN 10:61)
Liberation is always a step-by-step process. Each stage flows into the next. It’s a natural process, according to Dhamma. Start on the right track, with virtue – relational sensitivity. Acting in this way gives rise to gladness, then concentration, leading to liberation. (Sutta reference AN 10:2)
Three key factors of the Noble Eightfold Path circle around and support each other: Right View, which scans to see which skilful qualities need to be developed; Right Mindfulness, which sustains attention on this development; and Right Effort, which provides the energy to complete the transformation.
On the Lunar Observance full moon night on March, Luang Por Sucitto offers the eight precepts to the assembled lay community. He then explores in detail the value, necessity and joy of keeping these virtuous qualities, and describes how they form a solid basis for spiritual development.
Ajahn Karuniko describes how his spiritual development began with karate training. He urges us to look after the basics, beginning with mindfulness of the body.
Could meditation be about living in an authentic and balanced way? And, as a guide to that way of experiencing ourselves, what could be more natural than walking …? This book teases out the details of how the Buddha taught walking as a means to find peace and stability in our lives, literally a step at a time.
A self-critical mindset can be a big obstacle to experience all the happiness and ease samadhi has to offer. But how to overcome that? Just breath it out…
Ajahn Ahimsako reflects on the Buddha’s teaching of the five spiritual faculties. He shows how the faculty of faith can help to balance discernment and how persistent energy can help to balance the stillness of concentration. He then details the role of mindfulness in this balance, and shows where the practise can lead.
On the occasion of Cittaviveka’s annual Kathina, Tan Ajahn Kevali, abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat in Thailand, offers reflections on celebrating generosity and wholesome goodness. He explains how the monastic tradition provides a safe haven for developing this basis of the Buddha’s teaching and for investigating the Four Noble Truths and realizing what lies beyond goodness.