The First Turning:
A Zen Approach to the Satipatthana Sutta
The Direct Path of Realization
SELF-GUIDED STUDY
Class 2
LISTEN: Class 2 of The First Turning: A Zen Approach to the Satipatthana Sutta with Ryushin Paul Haller, recorded 06/14/21 at San Francisco Zen Center
So far we’ve discussed an overview of the four categories of sati:-
Awareness of physicality
Awareness of feelings
Awareness of mental states
Awareness of experience as teachings
As well as the four mental qualities engaged in awareness. Analayo translated them as:
Diligence
Clearly Knowing
Mindful
Free from Attachment
I suggested:
Deliberate (patient and benevolent)
Acknowledging
Letting the experience register
Acceptance that it is what it is
If you’re not familiar with the format of the Satipatthana Sutta, I’d encourage you to read the section called ‘Definition’ in Chapter 2 of Analayo’s book a couple of times.
The four modes of Observation - the Refrain
Internal-external
Awareness of before-during-after each experience
Bare awareness
Non-clinging
These are described in the "Refrain" Chapter of Analayo’s book.
The guided meditation during the class illustrates how mindfulness of breath can be engaged to promote an awareness of the four categories of mindfulness and how they can ‘progress’ from physical awareness to feelings to mental states to letting each experience illustrate the teachings of the Dharma.
The discussion during the class is about how this process can be applied to ‘everyday’ experiences and experiences that arise when the mind is settled and alert.
Lower your expectations— expect to be distracted and preoccupied despite your sincere intention to be aware.
Practice mindfulness of breathing while sitting, preferably daily, to experience directly how awareness of breath is can enliven awareness of the four physical sensations.
Notice how that influences awareness of physicality during the activities of the day. Notice, acknowledge, register, accept.
Notice how it influences feelings and mental states. Notice, acknowledge, register, accept.
With patience and attention to your well being and the well being of others (internal and external).
Suggested Practices
From: Satipaṭṭhāna: The Direct Path to Realization by Analayo
Chapter 2 - The “Definition” Part of the Satipatthana Sutta
Chapter 5 - The Satipatthana “Refrain” (section I & VI)
Chapter 7 - Feelings (Sections I & II)