Every moment has flavor tone of experience: pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. Typically, we react without thinking and act from attachment, aversion or delusion-the seeds of suffering. When we bring mindfulness to the moment we have the choice to respond with non-greed, non-hatred and non-delusion. Those are the seed of true happiness.

A discussion of what mindfulness is and what it isn't.

Brief introduction to mindfulness and guided mindfulness of breathing, beginning with short body scan - inviting relaxation.

1. Is aspiration (not the chanda type) the same as becoming? How can we not make aspiration into bhava tanha (craving for becoming); 2. (12:30) How do we have skillful mindfulness or more effective awareness of sensations? I find my mindfulness is rather superficial; 3. (18:25) How can we abstain from killing living creatures when doing daily duties? For example finding ants in what needs to be swept in the kitchen; 4. (25:22) Is it possible to be aware and work fast at the same time - like in the kitchen? 5. (43:10) Please talk about spiritual by-pass and how to avoid it, especially as it relates to the idea of not self.

Sati-sampajañña, mindfulness and full knowing, are the basis of mindfulness. These are the holding and handling in meditation. Sati is the foundation for samadhi (unification), sampajañña is the foundation for pañña (wisdom). Sense of ground is generally the necessary starting point. [Instructions end 9:52]

1. I am not able to get the breath at the nostrils. What should I do?; 2 (19:20) Could you discuss body energy more?; 3. (46:17) How can I deal with my many mental proliferations in mindful daily life, in interacting with the surrounding environment and other people? 4. (53:54) Have you been introduced to tantric Theravada practice? 5. (57:05) Is it useful to develop psychic skills?

First foundation of mindfulness

The Five Spiritual Faculties explain the unfolding of practice as well as highlight major issues in practice: Faith leads to making the effort to be mindful leading deepening concentration and wisdom.

Laying the groundwork for retreat, yogis are encouraged to stay in touch with qualities of mindfulness, persistence and right energy. Such steady practice fortifies the citta, rather than the thinking mind, as the source of stability in an inherently unstable world. 30:35 Guided Meditation: Guidance for getting grounded, establishing safety in the space around, making the space you’re sitting in your refuge.