Paying attention...a non-judgemental, non-manipulative, non-grasping, non-rejecting, kind of attention to the body in the body...just the body as such...not one's feeling, ideas, concerns, or interpretations about it. How do we know the body? How are we established in this first domain of mindfulness? Are you looking in the right place and in the right way for the happiness that you are seeking?
The five Spiritual Faculties describe the importance of balance as well as explain the process of intensive practice. Faith leads to effort which develops mindfulness, which cultivates concentration which flowers as wisdom.
We focus, in this record of two talks, on the nature of Papanca or “conceptual proliferation” its roots in compulsive craving and aversion, and a number of different ways to work skillfully with Papanca.
To be mindful is oftentimes perceived as a risk because it challenges our habits. By taking the risk of being present with all things, we move from the known to the unknown.
Mindfulness practice is a confrontation with what is true in each moment--we examine the ways we defend against painful experience so that we can open to the richness of being alive.
