Dhamma Letter No. 78
Dhamma Letter No. 78
Satipatthana 3 : Q&A 24 How to keep the sati (mindfulness)?: Sati 3
How to keep the sati(mindfulness)?
In English translation, sati is called ‘mindfulness’. When we practice satipatthana(4 foundations of mindfulness meditation), people try hard to be mindful if we say that one should be mindful.
Sayadaw u tejaniya describes ‘re-mind’ as Sati, rather than ‘mindful’. As soon as trying mindfulness, one has a tension and too much focus on the mind as mind-full. It is against the purpose of the meditation.
If the mind is getting tired during or after the practice. Something is wrong with the way you are practicing.
Just remind yourself ‘what is the mind doing right now?’ ‘Am I thinking? Or being aware?’ ‘Where is the mind now?’ ‘Observing the mind or holding an object?’ ‘What kind of object is with the mind?’ If you ask like that, a sati is already there. Then the mind can be in the present at the moment.
As mentioned in Dhamma letter no.74, when the mind always takes on an object, it keeps changing the objects and sustains the mind.
Therefore, if you do not keep an eye on your mind at every moment, you will be drawn to your karma and take the object, so it is difficult to maintain a healthy and wise state.
The Buddha left a will of the importance of Sati until just before his death.
Conditioned things are perishable; (vayadhammā sankhārā)
with vigilance strive to succeed; (appamādena saṃpadethā)
May you cultivate your Sati continuously!
May you achieve the Samma-Sati through vipassana meditation!
with Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Euna Bonovich
If you have any questions related to dhamma & meditation, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at Bhikkhuni.Kosalla@gmail.com.
법에 대한 질문이 있으신 분은 위의 이메일 주소로 질문을 남겨주세요.
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The Korean Dhamma Letter is here 담마레터.
Bhikkuni Kosalla Vipassini resides in Mahabodhi Meditation Vihara in AZ. Donations are gratefully accepted, whether you provide needed requisites for the monastic, or offer funds. If you are inspired to donate, you may do so.
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Contact: mahabmedi@gmail.com
Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !