Bhikkhu Bodhi: Maharahulovada Sutta: The Greater Discourse of Advice to Rahula, Part 3 | Bhikkhu Bodhi's most recent Dharma talks (Dharma Seed) | Podwise
This podcast explores the Maharahulovada Sutta, where the Buddha imparts lessons on mindfulness of breathing (Anapanasati) to his son, Rahula. Instead of directly answering Rahula's question, the Buddha introduces several foundational meditation topics, including the concept of non-self, the Brahmaviharas, the meditation on foulness, and the idea of impermanence. He then elaborates on the sixteen aspects of Anapanasati, which are organized into four tetrads that focus on the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena. This journey begins with calming the mind through concentration (Samatha) and progresses toward gaining insight (Vipassana). With dedicated practice, one can achieve profound awareness, even at the moment of death, although attaining full enlightenment may require multiple lifetimes.
