GATHER ’ROUND THE BREATH

Measuring Progress November 28, 2010 This is a path that we’re following. The Buddha’s first teaching was about the noble

Evaluating Your Practice January 12, 2012 When you try to bring the mind into concentration, there are two mental faculties

Good & Bad Meditation February 6, 2008 Meditation is supposed to work. It’s supposed to make a difference. That’s why

Judging Your Meditation February 3, 2008 Meditation is supposed to work. It’s supposed to make a difference in your mind.

The Power of Perception November 9, 2009 There is a Pali word, nimitta, which is often translated as “sign,” meaning a visual

Perceptions of the Breath March 23, 2010 To bring the mind to the breath, you need to have a perception—a

Strengthening Conviction January 1, 2012 Meditating, strengthening the mind, is very similar to strengthening the body. You have some strength

Take the One Seat November 22, 2012 I was reading a guide to breath meditation tonight. The author’s recommendations were

Insight into Pain June 5, 2010 Pain is a fact of consciousness. It’s probably what distinguishes us from robots. They

Pleasure & Pain July 31, 2012 We’re practicing the middle way—between indulgence in sensuality on one side and self-torture on

Part II : Common Problems Pain Is Not the Enemy May 23, 2012 Ajaan Suwat frequently made the point that

Mindful Judgment March 28, 2010 We meditate because the mind needs to be developed, or the good qualities in the

Centered in the Body May 8, 2007 In one of the suttas on mindfulness of the body, the Buddha gives

A Mirror for the Mind January 21, 2012 There’s a passage in one of Ajaan Lee’s talks where he says

Equanimity September 27, 2011 When the Buddha lists the factors for awakening, equanimity comes at the end of the list,

Training Your Minds April 10, 2011 Close your eyes and focus on the breath. Take a few deep, long in-and-out

Ekaggata April 22, 2005 Alertness—the Pali word is sampajañña—has a special meaning when you’re meditating. It means, specifically, being alert to