the 4 foundations of mindfulness:
my analogy is to compare them as 4 stepping stones
then, we level the first 2 stones for left & right foot
so that we can step into the 3rd & 4th foundation accordingly.
the 3rd foundation is not straight forward
it has a few fronts that we need to deal with.
I talked about 2 sides of the same coin before.
The first 2 foundations are for us to reduce the population of Jerry/thoughts
so that we can reach the 3rd home/foundation
which is inner peace or mental space
then straight to the 4th home/foundation which is 'innocent perception'.
When you clearly see mental space, you will be able to catch
or see single Jerry/thought
as if seeing a single drop of water touching the still surface of a pond,
you'll see the ripple clearly
you'll see the arising, existing & disappearing of each thought so clearly
In seeing the come and go of Jerry with
your mental eye is the very practice of the 3rd foundation.
Many practitioners face a problem:
once I've reached the peace & stillness, what should I do next?
So, initially, we reduce Jerry population first
because too many Jerry similar to a rough sea
It's impossible to spot a single dewdrop on such a rough & turbulent surface
So, the practice of the first 2 foundations:
observing your breath, movements & physcial sensations
They are aimed to reduce Jerry or the the number of your thoughts.
So that you can see your mental space clearly.
It doesn't mean Jerry will all disappear.
it means you'll be able to catch each Jerry or each thought easier.
It is as if you clearly see the ripple on the completely still water.
Likewise, you'll be able to observe the ripple effect of each Jerry.
what or how Jerry does to your inner self. You'll see the gory details.
of what & how Jerry do to you sending you up & down emotional scale.
Now, let's move on to the practice.
We're going to focus on the 1st & 2nd foundations first.
As usual, we're going to reduce Jerry so that we can see our mental space.
making the surface of our mind very still & quiet
just like a very calm sea.
So that we can catch each Jerry/thought later. Now, I will connect with Nirvana.
As you know, Nirvana is innocent perception,
they are the same experience.
So, mental space & innocent perception are merely 2 sides of the same coin.
So, let's assume 'mental space' be the nature of the 3rd home/foundation
Once you reach your mental space, peace calm & still within
that is the same moment you're having the innocent perception
- perceive everything as it is.
See? the 3rd & 4th foundation are merely two sides of the same coin.
You need to understand this before you commence your meditation practice.