Guide to Ānāpānasati

Step One
Sit upright. You may choose any sitting posture you like. If you
find it difficult, you do not need to sit cross-legged. You may also sit
with both legs side by side on the floor (neither pressing the other).
Sitting on a cushion of a suitable thickness helps you feel comfortable,
and allows you easily to straighten your upper body.
Then relax your body part by part, from head to foot. Make sure
there is no tension in any part of your body. If there is tension, try to
release it, and remain relaxed and natural. Otherwise, the tension will
eventually cause discomfort and pain. So be sure to relax your whole
body every time you start your sitting meditation.

Introduction to ānāpānasati (mindfulness- of-breathing)

Hi friends,

Today I like to share with you some basic instructions on how to
develop concentration with ānāpānasati (mindfulness- of-breathing).
There are two kinds of meditation: Samatha and Vipassanā.
Samatha is the development of concentration, and Vipassanā is the
development of wisdom. Samatha is a very important foundation for
Vipassanā.

This is why beginners are greatly encouraged to practise first
Samatha, so as to develop deep and powerful concentration. Then can
they practise Vipassanā, to see the true nature of things.
There are forty Samatha meditation subjects, but ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing)is one of the more popular ones for beginners.

In the Sa§yutta Nikāya, the Buddha praises ānāpānasati:

Bhikkhus, this concentration through mindfulness of breathing,
when developed and practised much, is both peaceful and sublime.
It is an unadulterated blissful abiding, and
it banishes and stills evil unwholesome thoughts as soon as they arise.

Will be introducing the steps for you to follow in the upcoming postings.

Cheers

Craving- Powerful Defilement

This is one of the defilements we have to overcome. We are constantly craving for things and that in turn will lead to suffering. We must not let craving control us therefore constant mindfulness must be maintained at our six sense doors. Just watch your craving and face it squarely. Your craving will weaken if you understand that nothing is permanent and even if you succeed in the end you will still be thirsty for more. So where does this end?

Contemplate on this. See for yourself.

Mindfulness of Breathing

Anapanassati is one of the most effective meditation subjects for developing concentration quickly. It is much praised by the Buddha and is used in many meditation centres as the special meditation subject for developing concentration. If properly practised according to the Buddha's instruction, it can develop the mind up to the fourth rupavacara jhana in the fourfold jhana method.

Buddha's Words

Hi all,

here is one of Buddha's teaching that I think is meaningful for all;

To avoid all evil,
To cultivate good,
To purify one's mind,
This is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Thank you again for visiting my site. I hope this will benefit you.