Buddhanusati

In the West, most of the focus in the Buddha's teachings is on developing mindfulness of the breath and other physical sensations. However, Buddhist monasteries offer a wide range of meditation topics that are little known here. These form a powerful arsenal of spiritual disciplines, designed for people with diverse skills and inclinations. One of these is Buddhanusati: mindfulness of the Buddha and his sublime qualities.

To many practitioners, the Buddha may seem like a distant and abstract figure, barely imaginable. Buddhanusati is an exercise where we use our imagination. The meditator focuses on the various exalted qualities of the Buddha and allows his mind to play with the meaning and importance of these aspects. In this way, his mind can reflect the depth and power of a Buddha's consciousness. It can be a light, joyful and calming meditation, dispelling the heaviness of doubt, fatigue and dissatisfaction. In addition, this approach shows the potential of the human spirit and the possibility of awakening itself. It contributes to confidence in the historical Buddha and in your own meditation path.

This workshop consists of an introduction, two guided meditations (one traditional and one contemporary), and sharing experiences. Together we explore how this theme can be a valuable addition to your meditation path. All participants will receive two audio files afterwards for further practice.

This practice reminds us that the search for liberation should not be an oppressive discipline, but a joyful spiritual journey. Progress unfolds through the development of the five spiritual faculties—faith, effort, mindfulness, concentration, and insight—which together form a “package deal.” Faith is the seed for the other four faculties and is in turn nourished by contemplation of the sublime qualities of the Buddha, who is both the guide to the goal and its visible embodiment. 

Bhikku Bodhi