This is how I practice mindfulness of death as part of each morning's meditation. Having given praise to the Blessed One and taken refuge in the triple gem, I recollect: This body which belongs to nature is subject to illness, injury, and aging. It is also of a nature to heal and be healthy under th...

I think one of the foremost things that meditators need to understand is that the brain secretes thoughts. That's just what it does. The saliva glands secrete saliva, the stomach secretes gastric juices, the brain secretes thoughts. You cannot make the brain stop it's secretions through force of wi...

All of the commentaries, books, and dhamma talks referenced above may be of use in developing mindfulness of breathing as taught by the Buddha. At the risk of sounding too simple, my recommendation is to use the instructions given in Majhima Nikaya 118. Key phrases include; developed and cultivated,...

Changed answer from #2 to #4. Have great respect for the entire Pali cannon. Not a scholar or an intellectual, but strive to practice the Buddha Dhamma based on right view. Having studied the Manual of Abhidhamma under the guidance of a Burmeese monk, I found much wisdom and insight in the sections ...

Voted other = both
As well explained above by Pondera and skandha.

I guess everything does change,
except what you choose to recall.

Merle Haggard

Though intended for monastics, this excellent collection is very inspirational for lay persons as well.
Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu

Thank you for all the helpful responses :thumbsup: It is amazing to be able to post a question and receive thoughtful answers from experienced practicioners around the world. It may be possible to teach an old dog a new trick. For the last few days, the object of mindfulness in my sitting meditation...

We are near Cobleskill, 40 miles west of Albany.
Going for retreat at Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent, NY

Will soon be attending a 10 day retreat at a local monastery. I am looking forwards to the opportunity for uninterrupted practice in a supportive environment and keeping 8 precepts. Attended the same retreat last year. The teaching is Vipassana with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditat...

Have also been reading the forums for about a month and was just able to register today. My intro, briefly. 60 year old man. Back in the 70s read Alan Watts, Ram Dass, Yoga Suttras of Patanjali, etc and did some meditataion. Many years went by, raising 6 kids and workin for a living. Always remember...