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