The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana

The great discovery of the Buddha is that the truth is within us. The entire Dhamma that he taught is based on this realization. When we look inside, we come to understand the significance of the Four noble Truths—the Buddha’s essential first teaching. Where do we find suffering? We experience it within ourselves. and where is the cause of our suffering, craving? it, too, is within us. and, how can we reach the end of it, the cessation of suffering? We find the way within ourselves. And where do we develop skillful understanding, thinking, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration, the Buddha’s noble eightfold path—the method for ending suffering?

We develop all of these qualities within our own body and mind. The roots of suffering are within us. and the method for eliminating suffering is within us as well.

When we practice mindfulness, we follow the Buddha’s example and look inside. We become aware that our own greed, hatred, and delusion are the causes of our unhappiness. 

When we replace these poisons with generosity, loving-friendliness, compassion, appreciative joy, patience, cordiality, gentleness, and wisdom, we find the happiness and peace of mind we have been seeking. As I always remind my students, “The meditation you do on the cushion is your homework.

The rest of your life is your fieldwork. To practice mindfulness, you need both.

From - The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana
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