Cultivating the Mind

Module 12 of An Introduction to Buddhist Practice Course home 1: Part 1: Buddhist Life2: The Buddha3: Generosity4: Harmlessness5: Purity6: Harmony7: Refuge8: Part 2: Buddhist Path9: The Higher Training10: Foundational Wisdom11: Perfecting Virtue12: Cultivating the Mind13: Disentangling the Mind14: Awakening15: Conclusion

In which we finally address the role of meditation!

Photo by Adityamadha, CC BY-SA 3.0

Homework

Chapter 10 from Buddhist Life, Buddhist Path – Bhikkhu Cintita (.pdf) (.epub) (.pdf)

Mental cultivation (meditation) in Buddhism – Kedar Nath Dwivedi (.pdf) (.pdf)

• A short brief in a psychiatric journal summarizing the psychotherapeutic potential of Buddhist meditation.

Instructions to Insight Meditation – Mahāsi Sayadaw (.pdf) (.pdf)

• A general introduction to meditation, these instructions are applicable to whatever meditation technique you do.
• Essentially: note whenever your mind wanders, and then gently return your awareness back to the body, trying to maintain a continuity of awareness as much as possible.

Psychological Aspects of Theravāda Buddhist Meditative Training: Cultivating an I-less Self – Peter Harvey (.pdf)

• An academic introduction to the purpose and styles of Buddhist meditation.

Sensual Pleasures are Painful – Ajahn Suchart (.pdf)

• One of my favorite talks by my own teacher, Ajahn Suchart, which beautifully sums up the path, encouraging us all to strive for a real, lasting happiness.

Lecture

The Three Trainings – Bhante Yuttadhammo (.mp3) (.mp3)

Continue to Part 13, Disentangling the Mind

...or go back to part 11