Resting in the Waves, Chapter 1, part 1:  This episode examines subconscious phenomena in the brain that influence how we perceive the world around us and our own sense of self. Resting in the Waves: Welcoming the Mind&apos;s Fluidity was written by Doug Kraft, published by Easing Awake Books, copyright 2020.   This portion is read by Amanda Kimball.   <a rel="payment" href="http://www.easingawake.org/donations.html">Support the show</a>

Senses of the Self

Sifting through the earliest records of the Buddha's talks, we find a simple, elegant, and powerful practice. When he died, his teaching became an “ism”, Buddhism. As it spread into other countries, cultures, and eras his teachings or “map” was copied and re-copied. Shortcuts and alternatives were added and deleted. Compared to the versions of his teachings most widely known, his original meditation emphasized: Tranquility: an open, receptive awareness favored over highly focused, one-pointed concentration; Simplicity: loving kindness, serenity and insight all integrated rather than treated as separate practices; Stages: the practice matures through stages, each of which builds upon and goes beyond earlier stages (or “jhana”); Ease: relaxing as more important than striving. These podcasts are dedicated to this approach to meditation and daily living. I call it “easing awake.”