THE CRAFT OF THE HEART

Two Levels of Concentration 1. Momentary concentration: the act of the mind’s growing still for a moment, like a person

On the Mind’s Levels of Becoming 1. A mind whose underlying preoccupation is coupled with sadness or pain is bound

Mental Phenomena as a Theme of Meditation Anything not visible to the eye but experienced as a sensation of the

Methods for Attaining Tranquility Use the body as a theme for attaining tranquility as follows: Focus on the properties of

The Two Themes of Meditation 1. Samatha-kammaṭṭhāna : tranquility meditation—techniques for stilling the mind; 2. Vipassanā-kammaṭṭhāna : insight meditation—techniques for developing discernment. The objects

The Six Propensities 1. Rāga-carita: a propensity to passion and longing. 2. Dosa-carita: a propensity to irritation and aversion. 3. Moha-carita: a propensity to delusion and

The Five Hindrances 1. Kāma-chanda: sensual desires; an attraction to sensual objects. For the mind to be attracted to sensual objects, a

On the Four Postures The purpose of meditating in four postures is simply to provide rest and relief for the

On Practicing Concentration Concentration should be practiced in a systematic and orderly way. The Buddha thus set down a civilized

On the Rewards of the Four Immeasurables The four immeasurable sublime attitudes are genuinely worth developing because they are qualities

On Radiating the Sublime Attitudes If you want to, you can radiate thoughts of good will, etc., in extended form,

On the Four Immeasurable Sublime Attitudes Mettā: Develop thoughts of love and good will, hoping for your own happiness and that

On Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem The Triple Gem is a potent refuge for those who have firm faith

How to Practice Concentration The first step is to kneel down with your hands palm-to-palm in front of your heart

Part II The Craft of the Heart When I first became aware of the conflicting views held by people who

Concentration: Questions & Answers 1. How does one go about practicing concentration? 2. What benefits come from practicing it? 3.

Virtue: Questions & Answers 1. What are the benefits of observing the precepts? What are the drawbacks of not observing