# Meditation **URL:** https://classicaltheravada.org/c/meditation/12.md [Latest](https://classicaltheravada.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://classicaltheravada.org/categories.md) · [Tags](https://classicaltheravada.org/tags.md) --- ## [About the Meditation category](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/about-the-meditation-category/33)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0
Anything related to meditation, usually samatha or vipassana meditation. --- ## [The six recollections](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/the-six-recollections/2681)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2026, 2:18pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/the-six-recollections/2681 "2026-10-22T14:18:38Z")
I wrote a little about other objects of samatha here, Six Recollections Samatha bhavana and Vipassana bhavana Aṅguttara Nikāya 11.12.2. Recollection with Mahānāma Mahānāma, you should develop this recollection of t… --- ## [Anapanasati in Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw tradition](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/anapanasati-in-pa-auk-tawya-sayadaw-tradition/2679)
**Author:** [@Phaeton](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Phaeton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2026, 3:44am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/anapanasati-in-pa-auk-tawya-sayadaw-tradition/2679 "2026-10-22T03:44:54Z")
Why, in the Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw tradition, is anapanasati used as the primary kammatthana for developing the jhanas, even though the Visuddhimagga states that it is the most difficult kammatthana of all, in which only v… --- ## [Samatha and Vipassana](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/samatha-and-vipassana/2637)
**Author:** [@kaburu254](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/kaburu254)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2026, 11:01am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/samatha-and-vipassana/2637 "2026-09-22T11:01:46Z")
Namo Buddhāya :folded\_hands: I have been practicing Samatha meditation based on Pa-Auk instructions. The method is detailed and impressive. I haven’t attained jhāna yet though I have had some deep moments of serenity … --- ## [Is there any value to generating "great doubt" while meditating on text as recommended in Zen koan meditation?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-there-any-value-to-generating-great-doubt-while-meditating-on-text-as-recommended-in-zen-koan-meditation/2541)
**Author:** [@Zans](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Zans)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 9:10pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-there-any-value-to-generating-great-doubt-while-meditating-on-text-as-recommended-in-zen-koan-meditation/2541 "2026-08-03T21:10:58Z")
Some Zen things, such as their shikantaza, have at least some utility in Theravada, and may even be said to be related to beneficial Theravada mind states. What about Zen koan study where one is to generate a ball of “g… --- ## [Meditation guidance](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/meditation-guidance/1991)
**Author:** [@Mrunal\_Mhatre1](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Mrunal_Mhatre1)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/meditation-guidance/1991 "2026-07-29T18:43:20Z")
During meditation, as a practitioner gains experience, they are often able to sit for longer and longer periods. Sometimes I wish to remain seated longer, but my mind does not allow it. Other times, my mind is willing, … --- ## [How to Learn Four Elements Meditation For Samatha Cultivation](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-learn-four-elements-meditation-for-samatha-cultivation/2521)
**Author:** [@iulspop](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/iulspop)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2026, 7:04am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-to-learn-four-elements-meditation-for-samatha-cultivation/2521 "2026-07-13T07:04:53Z")
Hello, Can someone share advice for learning four elements meditation for the purpose of developing concentration? Especially for someone with a background of practicing Goenka’s technique. I often find it easier to co… --- ## [Walking Meditation](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/walking-meditation/2526)
**Author:** [@bksubhuti](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/bksubhuti)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2026, 5:18pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/walking-meditation/2526 "2026-07-12T17:18:13Z")
I recently came across this while testing the new feature of TPR on “walking meditation”, and it found me this. I thought this was very deep. I remember intuitively practicing like that (but I knew abhidhamma). If you… --- ## [30 min meditation only](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/30-min-meditation-only/2519)
**Author:** [@Mrunal\_Mhatre1](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Mrunal_Mhatre1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 8:47am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/30-min-meditation-only/2519 "2026-07-09T08:47:41Z")
I am thinking that I will meditate for only 30 minutes. Even if, at the 29th minute, I start seeing light or preliminary signs, I will end the session at 30 minutes. The reason is that I have a very busy schedule. If I … --- ## [The rapidity of the rise and fall and are the actual individual realities known?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/the-rapidity-of-the-rise-and-fall-and-are-the-actual-individual-realities-known/999)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2026, 5:33pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/the-rapidity-of-the-rise-and-fall-and-are-the-actual-individual-realities-known/999 "2026-06-02T17:33:35Z")
This is from a discussion I had on dhammawheel. Alex123: The issue is: In the “Discourse on Elements” (Dhatukatha) book, page XXVII it says commentary to Dhatukatha claims that 10^12 of cittas (a trillion! 1,000,000,… --- ## [How can I explain/describe 'mindfulness' to my friend?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-can-i-explain-describe-mindfulness-to-my-friend/2398)
**Author:** [@Hara](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Hara)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2026, 3:58am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-can-i-explain-describe-mindfulness-to-my-friend/2398 "2026-05-12T03:58:01Z")
A guy I meditate with, he keeps bringing this up at dhamma talks, “What really is mindfulness?” I know it sounds like a very basic question, but he’s not an idiot, says plenty of intelligent things about the dhamma. He w… --- ## [Pa-Auk Sayadaw simple Ānāpāna breath meditation](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/pa-auk-sayadaw-simple-anapana-breath-meditation/2245)
**Author:** [@renaldo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/renaldo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2026, 6:23pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/pa-auk-sayadaw-simple-anapana-breath-meditation/2245 "2026-05-11T18:23:52Z")
Pa Auk Sayadaw very simply explaining Ānāpāna breath meditation: R --- ## [What does dhamma mean in the context of the Four Foundations of mindfulness?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-does-dhamma-mean-in-the-context-of-the-four-foundations-of-mindfulness/2397)
**Author:** [@Hara](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Hara)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2026, 1:46pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/what-does-dhamma-mean-in-the-context-of-the-four-foundations-of-mindfulness/2397 "2026-05-11T13:46:14Z")
Dhamma is a word with multiple meanings. The Four Foundations are: body (kāyā) feeling-tone (vedanā) mind (citta) dhamma The Middle Length Discourses translated by Ñāṇamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi englishes ‘dhamma’ her… --- ## [doing versus not-doing](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/doing-versus-not-doing/2400)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2026, 7:21am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/doing-versus-not-doing/2400 "2026-05-11T07:21:09Z")
Someone wrote to Nina Van gorkom: dsg But now i’ve notice that to do nothing is much more beneficial than doing anything on account having more understanding or more sati. ------- Nina: First of all we have to find … --- ## [Problems with Goenka courses](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/problems-with-goenka-courses/719)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2026, 4:35am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/problems-with-goenka-courses/719 "2026-05-04T04:35:27Z")
This thread can bring up points on the Goenka techniques. --- ## [Sense objects during Jhana?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sense-objects-during-jhana/37)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2026, 4:47am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/sense-objects-during-jhana/37 "2026-05-03T04:47:31Z")
From Nina Van Gorkom Geoff: And so my question still is: What’s the canonical Tipitaka statement that explicitly validates and confirms that the object of jhanacitta is a counterpart sign (or whatever the commentators … --- ## [How long to master the jhanas?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-long-to-master-the-jhanas/2305)
**Author:** [@Hara](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Hara)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2026, 12:25pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/how-long-to-master-the-jhanas/2305 "2026-04-19T12:25:03Z")
Sorry if this breaks some rule about talking about attainments. I’ve heard of people ‘getting’ jhana in a matter of months. (I’m not sure if that means touching on the state of having on-demand mastery.) If a meditator… --- ## [White Kasina](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/white-kasina/2273)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2026, 4:03am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/white-kasina/2273 "2026-04-18T04:03:36Z")
I find the white kasina easier to concentrate on than mindfulness of breathing. My mind seems to wander more and become drowsy if I practice mindfulness of breathing even if I keep my eyes open. Should my main meditation… --- ## [Seeing paramattha in dry vipassanā](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/seeing-paramattha-in-dry-vipassana/2301)
**Author:** [@Muffin](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Muffin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2026, 12:35pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/seeing-paramattha-in-dry-vipassana/2301 "2026-04-16T12:35:56Z")
I have two questions: Should Paramattha be deliberately analyzed and categorized, or does it come to be seen naturally? Is it possible to see Paramattha even before entering samādhi? --- ## [Integrating Buddho Recitation with Vipassanā Practice or Technical Inquiry: Buddho Recitation as a Vehicle for Vipassanā](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/integrating-buddho-recitation-with-vipassana-practice-or-technical-inquiry-buddho-recitation-as-a-vehicle-for-vipassana/2297)
**Author:** [@Paulo](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Paulo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 4:48am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/integrating-buddho-recitation-with-vipassana-practice-or-technical-inquiry-buddho-recitation-as-a-vehicle-for-vipassana/2297 "2026-04-14T04:48:03Z")
My current meditation is Buddho recitation. I am seeking to understand how to use Buddho recitation as a vipassana practice aligned with Abhidhamma. That is, how can one apply Buddho recitation as a formal practice of vi… --- ## [Theorists vs. Practitioners - who is better?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/theorists-vs-practitioners-who-is-better/339)
**Author:** [@jansen](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/jansen)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 7:17pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/theorists-vs-practitioners-who-is-better/339 "2026-04-08T19:17:55Z")
On the request of a good person, I am reposting the text of my old post in Suttacentral. I have made a little editing in it and then added some further information that I collected later. The battle between meditators … --- ## [Is there a nimitta in Metta Meditation?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-there-a-nimitta-in-metta-meditation/2246)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 1:34pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-there-a-nimitta-in-metta-meditation/2246 "2026-04-05T13:34:32Z")
What is the nimitta in Metta meditation? If we focus on one person and wish him to be happy and free from suffering, what nimitta should we expect to see? Is it possible to attain metta jhana by focusing on just one pers… --- ## [Approaching different teachers, trying different methods?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/approaching-different-teachers-trying-different-methods/2239)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 10:02am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/approaching-different-teachers-trying-different-methods/2239 "2026-03-07T10:02:02Z")
I sometimes see the idea that there are two valid ways of approaching Dhamma. One is to find a teacher and follow whatever they teach - often a technique - and stay with that method until one succeeds Another is tryin… --- ## [Visuddhimagga On Making One's Jhana Last Long](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/visuddhimagga-on-making-ones-jhana-last-long/2225)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2026, 4:01am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/visuddhimagga-on-making-ones-jhana-last-long/2225 "2026-02-27T04:01:51Z")
Here is something I found from the Visuddhimagga that I think will be useful for anyone trying to attain Jhana. It talks about how to reestablish one’s jhana attainment if lost or strengthen it if it is weak. It also tak… --- ## [Meditation Posture and Pain](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/meditation-posture-and-pain/2213)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 4:10pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/meditation-posture-and-pain/2213 "2026-02-26T16:10:18Z")
Can one succeed in meditation by sitting on a chair in the beginning? Can one be concentrated if they sit on a chair? I think it’s more comfortable than sitting leg crossed on the cushion Are we supposed to just sit leg… --- ## [Pariyatti (intellectual understanding)](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/pariyatti-intellectual-understanding/2154)
**Author:** [@Plum](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Plum)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 6:11am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/pariyatti-intellectual-understanding/2154 "2026-01-13T06:11:54Z")
Is there some method to discern wheter we actually develop pariyatti (instead of some delusion or something)? Like what if I make an contemplation and purely logically I see that something (that I have concluded) “techn… --- ## [Kasina meditation?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/kasina-meditation/2149)
**Author:** [@Plum](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/Plum)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 12:48am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/kasina-meditation/2149 "2026-01-12T00:48:24Z")
Hello, I have a question regarding a Kasina meditation. I wonder, can it be used as a development of samadhi instead of breathing (without yet developing jhana and to try develop jhana by kasina)? For example fire Kasin… --- ## [Is Anapanasati not for me?](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-anapanasati-not-for-me/1325)
**Author:** [@HappinessSeeker](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/HappinessSeeker)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/is-anapanasati-not-for-me/1325 "2026-01-03T12:07:34Z")
I think Anapanasati might not be for me because I can’t really feel the breath naturally in my day to day life. I have to control it to feel it. I used to think it was for me because I thought myself to be of deluded or … --- ## [Bhavana (development) in daily life: quotes from contemporary teachers](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/bhavana-development-in-daily-life-quotes-from-contemporary-teachers/2135)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2026, 11:16am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/bhavana-development-in-daily-life-quotes-from-contemporary-teachers/2135 "2026-01-02T11:16:12Z")
This topic can add any extracts/quotes from teachers who talk about daily life development of samatha and vipassana. And of course comments, and agreement or disagreement, on what they write is welcome. --- ## [Problems with Buddhist life (post on DW)](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/problems-with-buddhist-life-post-on-dw/2134)
**Author:** [@RobertK](https://classicaltheravada.org/u/RobertK)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2025, 4:43am UTC](https://classicaltheravada.org/t/problems-with-buddhist-life-post-on-dw/2134 "2025-12-23T04:43:28Z")
An interesting post on Dhammawheel. Fundamental problems amongst the Buddhist community Post by Karaniyametta » Wed Mar 09, 2022 11:51 pm Hi there Just a bit of background - I’m an Australian currently in Bodh Gaya. … [Next page](https://classicaltheravada.org/c/meditation/12.md?page=1)