SHORTY: the 8 wordly winds

The sutta on the 8 wordly winds starts with a question. A person asked the Buddha if he was subject to pleasures and pains in the outside world? Gain and loss? Fame and disrepute? Praise and blame?

I remember the first time I heard the story, i thought for sure the Buddha rose above all this.

But no. All people experience those same 8 winds. The difference is that Buddhas and Arahants are no longer blown around by them.

Three short videos on breathing games

These are good videos for new meditators or experienced meditators about how to play and work with the breath.

1. (3mins) Breath Games 1: DIDO, double in-double out, with detailed instructions
2. (10mins) Breath Game 2: FFF, five finger fist breath meditation. Good for little kids
3. (13mins) Breath Games 3: Somatics, somaticizing the breath, ways to connect with the breath w hand gestures

I have found that making my breath comfortable and enjoyable have helped me maintain concentration on the breath. It's fine to play with the breath to help maintain focus. Props to Thanissaro Bhkkhu's work, which I have benefited greatly from and build on.

SHORTY: understand or smash

"What we don't understand, we don't like. And what we don't like, we smash."

Aisha Tyler, from self inflicted wounds.

End of chapter 3.

I highly recommend the audiobook.