…we begin with the anatomical body in order to establish posture and set up the body as a foundation for mindfulness. Then, when mindfulness is established within the body, we notice the body occupies a field of fluctuating sensations – the ‘sensation-field’ –and the contours and measures of the anatomical map become more charged. The sense of having a visual shape recedes and the body is experienced in terms of varying intensities of felt experience. This does relate to the anatomy, but the felt shape is different: for example, a sensitive place like the hand generates a fuller sensation-field than the entirety of your back does. Your attention is also drawn to uncomfortable sensations and in so doing, magnifies them. So this sensate body gets us in touch with what the heart gets bound up with, and with what it struggles. This encourages a careful and kindly response: be patient, don’t fight; your felt body can change if you widen your focus and soften your energy.
Ajahn Sucitto
Recorded Teachings
GM - Review of the four postures (33:47) Buddhist Retreat Centre, South Africa; 12 Feb 2024
The Wound that Seeks an Arrow (57:45) Villa St Martin Centre, Montreal, Canada; 3 Jan 2017
Ajahn Sucitto explores the unskillful tendency to create an ‘I am’ with reference to mental programs (saṇkhāras), despite the unwholesome effect that this identification creates. We can learn to release the process between perception and activation so these programs no longer have a place to stand.
Dhamma Stream Online Sessions
Saturday, August 30, 14:00 UK/21:00 Singapore
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