‘The Four Stages as described in the Pali Canon are reflective teachings aimed at getting perspective on our own experience.’
Ajahn Sumedho
Theravada
Evening Meditation: When we say that there is no self.
‘When we say that there is no self, people get worried, or angry. Their attachment and identification to this idea of a self is so strong.’
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Morning meditation — Followers of the way, we are all brothers and sisters.
‘Followers of the way, we are all brothers and sisters because we all share the same—old age, sickness, and death.’
Ajahn Sumedho
Morning Meditation: Work with an empty mind.
‘Whether one’s a thinker, scientist, or whatever, all must work with an empty mind. If least hint of ego sneaks in, things fall apart.’
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Morning Meditation: If we’re thinking only of pleasing the boss.
‘If we’re thinking only of pleasing the boss, of getting some reward.. there’s no way we will escape suffering.’
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Afternoon meditation — You don’t have to be all that precise.
‘You don’t have to be all that precise with terminology when you are looking at the reality.’
Ajahn Sumedho
Morning Meditation: Busy mind has trouble thinking things through.
‘Busy mind has trouble thinking things through and confuses things. Giving us an idea of how important it is to use wisdom in our work.’
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu
Morning meditation — There’s no Friendship with a Fool.
It’s better to live alone; there’s no friendship with a fool. Live alone and skilfully, carefree like an elephant in the forest.
The Dhammapada
Buddhism now 