A reflection on the teaching of Ajahn Ganha:
"We have to do good for the sake of goodness. We observe the precepts for the sake of keeping precepts. When we practice samadhi meditation, we practice for the sake of meditation. When we cultivate our wisdom, it is just for the sake of cultivating the wisdom. Then we can gain the peacefulness of mind and wisdom at the same time."
Readings from "Stillness Flowing" (biography of Ajahn Chah by Ajahn Jayasaro) describing practicing with the three characteristics for insight into the true nature of reality ('Beyond the Monkey' pgs. 375-379) and how it takes us to the end of the path.
Observing phenomena in light of the three characteristics of existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and not-self and the arising of wisdom as described by Ajahn Chah.
Readings from "Stillness Flowing" - pages 201, 373-374, 534-535
Guided meditation (following Chi Gong practice) beginning at the root chakra paired with mindfulness, traveling up through the chakras and awakening factors for visualization and investigation.
These meditations were taught to the Buddha's son Rahula (MN 62) on the elements: earth, water, fire, air and space, followed by the advice to develop meditation like each of these of these elements so that whatever might be experienced by the mind, likeable or dis-likeable, that would not invade the mind and remain.
The Buddha's step-mother and most senior bhikkhuni, Venerable Mahāpajāpati, came to him for a teaching in brief that she could use for ardent practice. We can use this advice to guide our practice today and our relationship with the world.
We know there is a need for letting go when we experience suffering, but how do we do it? When we find that we can't let go just because we want to, we need to know how to put in the causes and conditions so the practice ripens in letting go.
