How to Learn Four Elements Meditation For Samatha Cultivation

Meditation
1

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 concentrate using Goenka’s technique than with mindfulness of breathing, and there seems to be a different response completely than mindfulness of breathing. It makes me curious and inclined to try four elements meditation for developing samadhi.

I’m thinking of picking up Shaila Catherine’s “Wisdom Wide and Deep” Chapter 12 “Explorations of Matter: Four Elements Meditation” + this Pa Auk meditation manual for reference, and begin there to try to apply the instructions.

2

I don’t see how Goenka’s technique makes any difference, it is outside orthodox Theravada and therefore blasphemy, not real or helpful.

Anyway, I am not familiar with the book you mentioned but I am familiar with the book “Practicing the Jhanas: Traditional Concentration Meditation as Presented by the Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw” by Stephen and Tina, the whole concentration portion of Visudhimagga is there in plain English.

3

This is the root pa-auk text:

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4

Thank you, Bhante!