..續本文上一頁arinibbana) of the Buddha and only full enlightened ones (arahants) were allowed to join the council. It was very important that the venerable monk Ananda, who was the secretary of the Buddha, would join the council, because he had the most knowledge of the Buddha”s teachings, but he had only reached the first step on the way to Nibbana (stream-entry) by that time. The Buddha himself stated that the venerable Ananda would reach Arahantship before the council should happen. So his fellow monks encouraged him to practice hard these three months to be able to reach enlightenment and join the council. The venerable Ananda, practiced very intensively for three months. The night before the council took place, he had still not reached enlightenment and felt very upset. He decided to do all night long meditation. Towards dawn he felt exhausted and his mind was restless thinking. So he thought – I give up and have a little rest before I continue. While he was mindfully lying down – his head had not yet reached the pillow – he attained enlightenment, and gained lots of supernatural powers. The next day at the Sangha-meeting some monks saw him coming out of the earth, some saw him coming through the air.

　　This shows, that as a meditator you have to practice mindfulness even while lying on. All four postures are important. Sitting, walking, standing and lying on. For the venerable Ananda it was the moment he could let go of all the pressure and all the expectations he had build up in his mind. He let go and reached enlightenment.

　　When you lay down know while breathe in “Bud-“, breathe out “-dho”. “Bud-dho”, until you sleep away. The moment you wake up, start immediately with “Bud-“ while breathing in and “-dho” while breathing out. When you wake up the mind is still pure – it”s not occupied by thoughts and so it can easily enter concentration. Some could see Dhamma the moment they woke up. Wisdom arose in that very moment. If you see the Dhamma you do not have to ask anyone anymore, the Dhamma will teach you. You are on the way to become a noble one.

　　While lying down, you think of the Buddha, while sitting, you think of the Buddha, while standing, you think of the Buddha and while walking, you think of the Buddha – “Buddho”. If the mind is prepared like that, then it is likely that you may reach Nibbana. So, try to keep up your mindfulness – while sitting, walking, standing and while lying on. Make the effort to follow these instructions. Then you will able to reach Nibbana like many before you. Don”t waste your time anymore with useless things. Know what comes and then let it go. Know and let go. Whatever thoughts may appear, you know them and let them go. Don”t care further about them. Know and let go. That”s the way to build up equanimity in the mind. If equanimity is not strong yet, continue, go on – know and let go.

　　If you could pass the hindrances – know it, if rapture and joy arise – know it, if you are able to let go – know it. Try to practice as much as possible. Know if the body feels light. If the body feels light, then the mind feels light too and you are on the noble path. Body and mind feel light, the noble path arises. If these factors come together, then the mind starts to know and see. You are someone who progresses in meditation.

　　If the hindrances appear – know it, if they disappear - know it. Know and let go. Follow these instructions and you will progress in Dhamma. Know and let go. These are only a few words, but their essence is deep. Never forget that you have to practice by yourself. You have to do it. No one can do it for you.

　　If you cannot see the breath anymore, you don”t have to look for it. Just sit still, know and let go. Know and let go with calm mind. If the breath wants to come in again – just kn…

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