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Study Guide
 
Mindfulness Sutra
The Mindfulness Sutra, in its earliest extant form, dates back to the Pali Canon, preserved in Sri Lanka within a relatively isolated and undisturbed branch of the Theravadan tradition. In some form, however, it is found in every branch of Buddhism – a foundational text conveying a rich resource for Buddhist practitioners at every stage of practice. "Thus have I heard..." this sutra begins. And at the beginning Buddha describes this way of mindfulness, or present moment awareness, as the "one way", the "only way" or the "ultimate way" to overcome suffering and realize freedom. The first step is mindfulness of body, including extensive attention to the breath. Then mindfulness of feelings, consciousness and mental objects -- each defined in conceptual categories specific to Buddhist psychology. In these talks Zoketsu brings a broad understanding of the Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources of the Mindfulness Sutra and their application in the craft of Buddhist practice.
Books
  Title
Description
Author
Date
Download
Mindfulness in Plain English
A clear and useful commentary to the Mindfulness Sutta.
Henepola Gunarajana
September 24, 2002
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
A good commentary by an Asian Theravadin monk who taught in the West. Includes extensive use of traditional commentaries.
Ven U Silananda
January 25, 2003
The Heart of Buddhist Meditation
A classic by the pioneering and very learned German monk who was aware of contemporary Western needs. Very good book.
Nyanaponika Thera
June 1, 1973
Transformation & Healing
Thay’s beautiful translation and discussion of the Mindfulness sutra.
Thich Nhat Hanh
July 28, 2006
Audio
  Title
Description
Author
Date
Download
Mindfulness 1 - Metta Institute
First of two part talk on Mindfulness given to the Metta Institute
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
July 30, 2007

Mindfulness 2 - Metta Institute
Second talk on Mindfulness given to Metta Institute.
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
July 31, 2007

Mindfulness Sutra 1
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part One)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Mindfulness Sutra 2
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part Two)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Mindfulness Sutra 3
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part Three)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Mindfulness Sutra 4
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part Four)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Mindfulness Sutra 5
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part Five)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Mindfulness Sutra 6
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part Six)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Mindfulness Sutra 7
A series of talks on the Mindfulness Sutra (Part Seven)
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
January 1, 2001

Texts
  Title
Description
Author
Date
Download
Mindfulness 1 - Metta Institute
First of two part talk on Mindfulness given to the Metta Institute
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
July 30, 2007
Mindfulness 2 - Metta Institute
Second talk on Mindfulness given to Metta Institute.
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
July 31, 2007