Our general mode follows a track called becoming. It’s a track that keeps moving, flavoured with craving that never arrives at satisfaction. The Buddha presented a more natural way – step-by-step, chart the course, with friendliness and purity of intention. Mindfulness of body and contemplative thought (vitaka-vicara) support a wider, wholistic mode.
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.
On the full moon night of the month of December, Ajahn Ahimsako reflects on the many blessings to be found in the monastic life. He points out the many opportunities that are available to a practitioner who makes good use of what’s available.
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.
On retreat we can develop a frame of reference which becomes a reliable way of filtering – not controlling – experience. Retreat structure, silence and participation are key ingredients.
Steady the citta by replenishing it with good food. These include the fruits of friendliness, goodwill, ethical sensitivity, stability, and a steady resolve. These become a drip feed.