[egexgfczc]

So I saw a video today where a monk talked about just saying to oneself rising, falling as you breathe in and out. It made me think about my practice and whether counting the breaths was actually hindering me. I thought I'd try something different. I've just sat for twenty minutes trying to focus on the rising and falling of the breath in my belly. Not saying rising or falling, just trying to give the breath my whole attention.

Things somehow seemed calmer and clearer when I finished and I was content to just and be with my practice for many minutes, something I usually struggle to do.

I would appreciate your thoughts and observations.

[huntbytnkbel]

I just observe the sensations associated with the breath, although they are something different every time. No expectations. No judgement. No right or wrong, just being with it.

[Nurfzerne]

hi L.T.

it sounds like you were listening to a teacher of the 'Mahasi' method, such as Bhikkhu Yuttadhammo

noting 'rising' and 'falling' is a preliminary practise, just like counting, but more subtle

the ultimate aim is to simply observe or be with the 'rising' and 'falling' of the in breathing & out breathing

so it seems like you have advanced well through these stages:

1. counting

2. noting rising & falling

3. observing rising & falling

as you discovered for yourself, the practise of the most subtle method provided the best outcome

the earlier stages are like 'training wheels' on a bicycle. the mind can return to using the earlier stages if it is overly distracted

but if not, then the goal is to practise mere observation & quiet attentiveness


kind regards

element

[KignPeeseeamn]

Thanks for the input, folks, very helpful.

[XzBZB2UV]

For me this works best early in the morning out on the balcony right at sun raise. It gives one direct energy and peace of mind for the day ahead. Before my large family is getting up, preparing morning tea etc. etc and the noise in the neighborhood is raising.... I can keep this little treasure of peace inside me....

[Andromino]

I've been experimenting with the Mahasi technique, and its had a definite result, normally while practicing, thoughts have usually gone past before I've noticed I'm thinking, this practice has enabled to catch certain thoughts and notice there quality.

Thanks element for pointing me in its direction.

[excholza]

I propose an alternative for doing this. You may sit, stand, walk or lay down. Do it naturally as you normally do when you do not practice. Then you breath in and out, in and out as normal. During breathing, you practice to aware of your mind and your body.

When you breath in, you aware that your body is breathing in (not you breath in).
When you breath out, you aware that your body is breathing out (not you breath out).
Question is who aware that your body is breathing. The answer is your mind.

After doing this for a short period. Then your mind will move to think.
If your ‘Sati’ is sufficiently fast, you should know immediately that your mind moved (from aware of breathing) to thinking. After your mind aware so, it may continue thinking, confusing, upsetting or whatever, aware it as it happens. Then, come back to aware that your body is breathing in and out.
Repeat the above process......

If your mind is calm, aware that your mind is clam.
If your mind is calm and you like it, aware that your mind likes.
If your mind is not calm, aware that your mind is not calm.
If your mind is not calm and you do not like it, aware that your mind does not like.

If your mind thinks something good, and you like it, aware that your mind likes.
If your mind thinks something bad, and you do not like it, aware that your mind does not like.

Aware whatever happens as it is. No need to adjust it.
We need to know the truths of our body and mind.
If we adjust them before knowing, then we would know only the fake.

By practicing this, when you come to use normal life daily, you may see that you have more ‘Sati’ in each day. And when all Moha (delusion), Dosa (angry) and Lobha (wanting) come to your mind, you would see them clearer and easier.

[BipiewExifese]

By practicing this, when you come to use normal life daily, you may see that you have more ‘Sati’ in each day. And when all Moha (delusion), Dosa (angry) and Lobha (wanting) come to your mind, you would see them clearer and easier.

Anumothana Sadhu

[RichardFG435]

Thankyou Ngodngam

[RBJamez]

Anumothana Sadhu

Hello, Sukitlek. I have no idea how far is your practice na krub. However, you and I know that you have much better oppotunites than many other people. You can access to many and various useful resources easily. So, forgive me na krub to remind that please do not be negligent and do not waste those oppotunites. (It is my duty as a buddhist to remind my friends.) You know what and how to do na krub.

Luangpu Mun taught that 'without doing it, all dhamma is useless'.

[intmarkworkk]

Hello, Sukitlek... please do not be negligent and do not waste those oppotunites... Luangpu Mun taught that 'without doing it, all dhamma is useless'.

Hi, ngodngam. I'm appreciate your reminding. This time is the "Golden time on Samsara", if we miss this time, we can't see when we will be found Dhama again.

Luangpu Doon also taught "Dhamma is not difficult but difficult for a person who don't do".

[vekiuytyh]

Hi, ngodngam. I'm appreciate your reminding. This time is the "Golden time on Samsara", if we miss this time, we can't see when we will be found Dhama again.

Luangpu Doon also taught "Dhamma is not difficult but difficult for a person who don't do".

Anumothana Sadhu




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