Module 2: Foundations of Buddhist Meditation I: Shamatha · The Buddha’s Path
The Nine Stages (1-4) and Dzogchen Approach to Mindfulness of Breathing
David Oromith · 65 minutes · recorded February 20, 2024
The guided meditation follows Lama Alan's Dzogchen approach to mindfulness of breathing: we rest awareness openly with eyes open and only peripherally note the breath's rhythm rather than holding it as an object. David then works through the first four of the nine stages of shamatha, directed, continuous, resurgent and close attention, describing what is achieved at each and what still gets in the way. Discussion afterwards is brief, just a quick check on how the practice landed.
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 the Dzogchen Approach to Mindfulness of Breathing. This practice is primarily about sustaining the flow of awareness, while peripherally noting the rhythm of the breath.
Distraction and attention Dzogchen Mindfulness of breathing Shamatha (calm abiding)