"Satipatthana - Meditation course, Independent Study. Body

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Satipatthana Sutta Study
Summary of Sutta
Introduction
Body
Mind or Mind States
Dhammas or Phenomena
Conclusion

Satipatthana Sutta Study

Body and Elements

Dharma Contemplation

Sit silently before doing your Satipatthana practice.
Settle into the body, just breathe for a while, easing into the moment

Read the passage slowly and mindfully, letting the words seep into your mind and body as you start your sitting.

Then read again, listening to this audio file as you read. - elements.mp3
(In this recording the masculine pronoun is used. Some passages are recorded with feminine pronouns. The original text was masculine only)

[ELEMENTS]

Again, monks, s/he reviews this same body, however it is placed, however disposed, as consisting of elements thus:

'in this body there are the earth element, the water element, the fire element, and the air element'.

Just as though a skilled butcher or his apprentice had killed a cow and was seated at a crossroads with it cut up into pieces;

so too s/he reviews this same body however it is placed, however disposed, as consisting of elements thus:

in this body there are the earth element, the water element, the fire element, and the air element'.

[REFRAIN]

In this way, in regard to the body s/he abides contemplating the body internally, or s/he abides contemplating the body externally, or s/he abides contemplating the body both internally and externally.

S/He abides contemplating the nature of arising in the body, or s/he abides contemplating the nature of passing away in the body, or s/he abides contemplating the nature of both arising and passing away in the body.

Mindfulness that 'there is a body' is established in him/her to the extent necessary for bare knowledge and continuous mindfulness.

And s/he abides independent, not clinging to anything in the world. That too is how in regard to the body s/he abides contemplating the body.

During the day stay with the words that resonate for you.

Satipatthana Sutta Study - © 2005 Mary Rees
Sutta text modified from translation by Analayo*
Dharma Contemplation inspired by Greg Kramer Contemplative Practice and Lectio Divino

*Modifications of translation in small segments with permission by Analayo for practice purposes. Please see his original translation and excellent commentary: Satipatthana : The Direct Path to Realization. Birmingham, UK: Windhorse Publications, 2003.