Day Fourteen: 20 January 2006

9.05
Final Interview

Very important is to obsever the mind—note the wandering mind, note the thinking mind, note the lusting mind, note the intending mind. whatever you do, note the mind. IF you can do that, then the noting of bodily sensations and the hindrances to practice should be easy to note.

Realise the law of cause and effect. When there is anger, the mental cause results in bodily sensations as you described. When there is pain, the bodily sensation results in mental agitation, restlessness and desire to end the pain. This is the law of conditionality.

In daily life, continue with the practice you have learnt here. This is not the Goenka method: you can practice anywhere and in any condition. Aim to be mindful of every thought, of every intention, of every action. Aim to practice at one hour of sitting, walking and/or standing. When you lie in bed, practice lying meditation, and you can fall asleep easier. Do metta meditation everyday before each sitting to calm yourself and send loving-kindness to all beings.

Be mindful and practice whenever the opportunity arises. Whether in the car, on the plane or walking, there are many moments to calm and watch your mind. You will notice that what made you worry or angry before will be less troubling if you watch your body and mind processes.

Whether at work, at home or in daily life, note everything that goes on inside of you and note everything that is affecting you from outside. You will feel happier, lighter, healthier, and more at peace. Even if this body ages and falls ill, your mind will be healthy and still vital and full of life.

Practice every opportunity you have to be mindful and to note the mind. It will help you wherever you are and in whatever you do.

Living is practice, and every waking moment gives you countless opportunities to practice. experience yourself and realise yourself the teachings of the Buddha and Dhamma.

20.05
Just sat almost two hours without changing posture. Such concentratin: ‘Rising, falling’; ‘sitting, sitting’; ‘(hands) touching, touching’.

A few moments I felt drowsy and nodded up and down, but I continued with more vigour, and carried on with renewed concentration. Even the loud creaking insects or the squealing dogs didn’t bother me. And there were much fewer mental distractions too.

Just note this is impermanent. Don’t cling onto this elation and joy at having sat this long and at having had deep concentration. For all will pass, all is unsatisfactory, all is beyond this I-personality. For this is the Dhamma, this is the nature of all phenomenon and all experiences.