Module 2: Foundations of Buddhist Meditation I: Shamatha · The Buddha’s Path
Reaching Shamatha and Taking the Mind as the Path
David Oromith · 84 minutes · recorded March 5, 2024
David guides a meditation on taking the mind as the path: letting thoughts be rather than following them, picturing an object such as a mug, then staying with the space once it dissolves. He reads Lama Alan's account of reaching shamatha, the pressure on the head, the rush of bliss, and the five obscurations overcome by the five jhana factors, with the story of the warrior, the minister and the unruly prince. Questions cover open eyes, a quietened mind, and visualisation for difficult memories.
I encourage you to engage in this meditation practice, practising with your eyes at least partially open, once a day for the next week. The method is observing the mind and mental events.
Shamatha (calm abiding) Visualisation