Resting in the Waves, Chapter 5: This episode features the prerequisites for spiritual practice and an overview of three branches of Buddhism.  It also examines three essential practices at the root of the Buddha’s teachings and the 6 R’s of wise effort. 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>

Fluidity of Practice

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.”