About This Teaching
Walking meditation, caṅkama (jongrom in Thai), held a central place in how Ajahn Chah trained meditators. The account lists the benefits the Buddha gave, including endurance, good digestion and samādhi that carries more easily into daily life. Walking suits times after meals or when the body cannot sit, and its varied sensations can foster investigation of Dhamma once the mind is calm.
Each kuṭi at Wat Pah Pong had a path of twenty to thirty paces. Ajahn Chah asked for a normal pace and hands clasped in front; hands behind the back, he said, suited a general inspecting troops. Meditators paid homage, set an intention, then walked reciting "Bud" and "dho" with each footfall. If fear or courage arose, they were to see both as changeful and not chase happiness or suffering. He advised against obeying the first urge to stop and urged mindfulness in every posture, even falling asleep on the right side with Buddho.
It closes with his simile of the mind as a water buffalo near rice plants. The knowing is the owner who keeps watching and steps in when needed.