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.