About This Teaching
Ajahn Chah tells meditators confused by many teachers and methods that, although there seem to be many ways, there is really only one. A tree grown from a cutting fruits quickly but is not resilient; one grown from seed is strong. He recalls that sitting once brought him to tears because he aimed too high or too low, never finding the point of balance.
His instruction is to stop thinking too much and simply resolve that now is the time to train the mind. Sweep attention from head to feet and back, then watch the breath without forcing it longer or shorter. Let sense impressions pass and return to the breath, which grows lighter until it seems to vanish, leaving a one-pointed knowing. Sati is the one who knows, watching over the mind. A calm mind is like a chicken in a coop: it can move around inside without getting into trouble, and feelings can arise without disturbing the calm. Pulling the mind back really means regaining sati right where one is.