About This Teaching
Ajahn Chah opens by asking his listeners whether they are confident in their practice yet, since so many teachers now offer methods that breed doubt. He says nothing goes beyond the Buddha's teaching they are already practising. The factors of the eightfold path come together as sīla, samādhi and paññā, and sitting with eyes closed turns attention inward toward the mind.
He gives detailed instruction on the breath: imagine sitting entirely alone, let the breath be natural, and if agitated, fill the lungs fully and empty them a few times before re-establishing mindfulness. As the mind settles, the breath grows refined until it seems to vanish; then take the knowing itself as the object, and do not panic or fear dying. Unusual visions may arise and should simply be understood. True samādhi of even half an hour can leave the mind cool for days.
Sīla, samādhi and paññā then support one another in a circle that becomes the path. After sitting, practice must continue in every posture; a walk past dead leaves can show impermanence. Practice that stops and starts is like drops of water, while steady mindfulness becomes a continuous flowing stream.