how to control the mind and create awareness of the present moment.

Sampajana is observing mental object(dharma) and associated perception and feeling.and its part of all 4 foundation. It seems there are two different types of dhamma.One is for Sampajana and other is for dhammanupassana. So what is the dhamma in dhammanupassana and what is dhamma in sampajana.

When a person enters into Jhana (particularly 2nd onward): 1. What is he mindful of? 2. What kind of meta awareness or introspective awareness(Sampajānakārī) is there? Note: it says that the 2nd onward is without vitaka and vicara. So my doubt is, if there is no object of attention, then what is one mindful of? And what is one peripherally aware (Sampājano) about? Tripitaka, and even no person, is referring to "co-existence of mindfulness and Jhana". Am I missing something very obvious?

I read a course entitled ' Meditation without exertion' which was purportedly based on Tibetan teachings and methods. It discussed methods of developing concentration and imagination leading to Samadhi. Buddhism seems to present a practical method which leads to discipline and non attachment something which is lacking, at least in my experience, in the the western traditions. I'm looking for direction to these methods and ways of applying these methods to myself and my experience. Your guidance and input will be greatly appreciated

This question is in context of practicing mindfulness in one's day-to-day activities (e.g. walking, talking, washing dishes etc.), where one is supposed to be "aware of" / "observe" / "be mindful of" these activities. But how does one be "mindful" during thinking, since the very act of "observing" thinking would interrupt the thought process? And, say, if the thought process is about solving a specific problem, the very act of "being aware of /observing" the thoughts would result in one being unable to effectively solve that problem - when compared to not observing/ not being mindful about those thoughts. Or, be unable to solve it all. The same question for when reading something very interesting, or studying, where one is fully engrossed? Wouldn't being mindful about these activities interrupt the reading/study? New to mindfulness here. Apologies if the question sounds foolish, or irrelevant due to my misunderstanding of mindfulness. Thanks in advance.

When I try to concentrate when studying, I end up with a wandering mind, but when I'm watching a video, I forget all the other things. Why is it hard to focus on things I really need? Is it some kind of practise? This was a lot easier to do for Lord Buddha, Ven. Arahant Moggollana. Is focusing on Akusala than Kusala in samsara the problem? Do I have to build up practise of focusing to overcome this?

I want to know how to prolong the knowing factor in my life .I face hindrances when thinking about solving a problem for example which is different than contemplating the receptions in mindfulness.How can it remain and become **unfabricated**.

I read that after careful mental noting of experience in mindfulness .One reaches a state of effortless effort and choiceless awareness .So I want clear out if awareness can direct itself without deciding or should it always be consciously directed ?. For example what decides that now awareness has to be shifted from the breath to the body ?.If this decision is unconscious then it isn't wise .And if it's based only on information coming from the breath, then its not a well educated decision. So shouldn't awareness be directed on "**where should it be directed**"?.

In Vipassana meditation ,it is emphasized that one should not force the mind to concentrate on certain object or force anything to happen in particular.Its kind of letting things unfold and just watching them as they unfold .But for an untrained mind isn't watching by itself a kind of doing and if it shouldn't be a doing and is the natural state of restful alertness ,how can it be initiated without the mind feeling forced to do it.If one is driven by conditioning in a non doing state. Ardency as I understand is an important aspect of the practice ,but doing it on the razor's edge of not falling into forcing the mind,is tricky.What is the best way to initiate it so it becomes right mindfulness?.

I want to start with this Buddha quote from the Dhammapada > As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, passion will break > through an unreflecting mind. Ch. 1: The Twin Verses, verse 13 Last night I was playing chess with a close friend and he beat me 4 times consecutively .The first time I almost beat him but my performance worsened linearly .The last time my performance was the worst. Aside from realizing that each time I lost the more I wanted to beat him ,I realized that while playing I was constantly **thinking** about the possible moves and wasn't mindful or aware during the game.Its almost like I was constantly surprised by unanticipated moves Its **during** the game that the feeling of defeat struck me and during this I was thinking about the plan . How can watching and strategic thinking occur,if when I watch there is no thinking?. A fellow here stated that thinking and watching are antagonistic .I think this has some truth as when I watch the thread of thoughts subsides. I think this leads to a more general question and that in any sport or activity that requires a certain skill .How can mindfulness be incorporated during that activity?. I know there are already related questions but,there doesn't seem to be a clear cut answer.

All the songs which I have been listening since childhood are constantly popping up in my mind even the songs which I listened in the childhood. Shall I now stop listening any song altogether providing I want to uncondition my mind completely? Are there benefits to stop listening them? Also what shall I do when these old songs pope up again in the mind? Note: If it's helpful to answer let me inform you that I have been practicing mindfulness along with anapansatti.

I was reading about mindfulness here . At the end I found this paragraph > Let alone seven years, anyone who develops these four kinds of > mindfulness meditation in this way for six years … five years … four > years … three years … two years … one year … seven months … six months > … five months … four months … three months … two months … one month … > a fortnight … **Let alone a fortnight, anyone who develops these four > kinds of mindfulness meditation in this way for seven days can expect > one of two results: enlightenment in the present life, or if there’s > something left over, non-return.** Here Tathagata saying one keeping that kind of mindfulness for 7 days can get enlightenment? Is it exaggeration, translation problem or understanding problem or it's true?

I get the idea of recognizing mind states .Knowing their existence separates them from self but sometimes .I get this addictive Music like a recording in my mind that constantly restarts diverting my concretion from work .I recognize that it may come from states but dealing with it isn't as easy . - I tried 1. Knowing that its just music 2. knowing the reason why it came (maybe when I was listening I wasn't mindful. 3. diverting my attention ardently away from it All this didn't work maybe helps in understanding but it still doesn't stop it sometimes it gets even more energy.

It has been observed, all the egoic voices heard is same as the younger brother. When any positive resolution is made, for example, fasting on certain days, doing japa, abstaining from certain foods, going on pilgrimage & all positive things that will increase spirituality. This voice of younger brother is troubling since many years. Tried mindfulness, however this voice always triggers pain in the body, could see the soul very sad, as if any tantra is done. Please suggest any Buddhist way to get rid of these voices. **Edit**:Just wanted to add something more to this experience. It's not just voice sometimes, it is observed the body is overcome & actions of the body are controlled by another spirit(same as the younger brother). Kind of spooky, but it was observed many times.

I was thinking about [this comment](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/questions/28545/as-a-buddhist-how-shall-we-make-sense-of-the-notion-that-there-is-no-such-thing#comment47970_28548) ... > Yes, my target is to abandon the three fetters completely. I can make sense of 'Doubt' and 'grasping at precepts+practices', getting rid of the identity view is the hardest. ... and wondering about what "completely" means. I thought [this answer](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/9424/254) implies that identity view (abandoned at first stage) and conceit (abandoned at last stage) are somewhat on a continuum. In the context of the four stages of enlightenment would it be right to say that, without identity-view, there's no such thing as an "enlightened person": instead there are maybe "enlightened moments" or moments of enlightenment? I think that the Abhidhamma talks of "moments" (thought-moments), but that the suttas don't, so ... (knowing little of the Abhidhamma) I'm not sure whether this ("enlightened moments") is a good description. There was [also this](https://buddhism.stackexchange.com/a/28506/254) ... > The definition of a path is: A virtuous mind conjoined with renunciation. ... which, put me in mind of different moments (places, instants) along a path. If "enlightened moments" *is* a good metaphor e.g. for a sotapanna, I was wondering what the difference is between that and the "higher" stages of enlightenment -- and how to achieve or progress towards those, what (what practice and/or realization) is required? Is it right to say that the difference is more a matter of degree than a matter of kind? Something [like](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_enlightenment#Path_and_Fruit) ... > - A Once-returner (Sakadagami) has greatly attenuated: 4. Sensual desire 5. Ill will - A Non-returner (Anāgāmi) is free from: 4. Sensual desire 5. Ill will ... suggests this may be gradual, progressive? Does the "dhamma-eye" being associated with stream entry imply that "the Dhamma" is already seen at that stage, and thence can only become more ever-present (more of the same)? Is it 'only' that 'enlightened moments' become more continual, regular, longer, normal, without intervals? If that's so then is that related to so-called "mindfulness" -- which I imagine might mean "the ability to (more or less continually) remember the dhamma" and also "guarding the senses (to avoid getting carried away)". So, lastly, why does [Right Concentration (*samma samadhi*)](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca4/samma-samadhi/index.html) talk exclusively about [jhanas](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sacca/sacca4/samma-samadhi/jhana.html) ? Are they, how and/or why are they, at what point or stage are they, relevant and necessary for any (further) progress? Can you outline any connection between practising jhanas and living/acting/thinking in the world? Or are they unrelated, is a "seclusion" the only path and the ultimate goal (or at least through, i.e. up to and including, non-returner)?

By practising the eight fold path and meditation I have been able to get over lot of suffering as a result of my past created by my mind. I am able to get over self pity, hatered, anger by following the advise of friends in this forum... But now that I am over the past my mind has started playing new game...it starts painting pictures of grandiosness...like it presents me with illusions like i will be as great as the Buddha...I will be the Buddha and have followers...i will have super powers...i can fly etc etc... Its getting difficult to control these thoughts in meditation...its a kind of hindrance I didnt read in any book... I want to attain silent present moment awareness...is there any sutta which can help me with overcoming this maya of my mind? Is there any help?

9 Attitudes of mindfulness - Jon Kabat Zinn Jon describes these pronouns as problematic because who we actually are is far greater than that. How so? Please detail why the problem lies with the personal pronouns 'I, me and mine'.

May All Beings be Truly Happy! Is it possible that one can see that everything they have tried has failed, in a worldly sense, and has brought about suffering for themselves and others: has been completely selfish in motivation, at most times; and the times when help was extended to others, had little effect on alleviation of any suffering. Much contemplation has been gone into very deeply on this subject. I have found that without Right Loving Understanding, one is lost and is subject to confusion and suffering. So my question is that it seems logical to stop and address ones own suffering, and become free from suffering, so that one can be a beacon of peace and sanity in an insane world: so I am drawn to the monastic life ... but, have been told that this is a path of negative mysticism: that one should be a part of the world, and find time for personal peace while maintaining a householder's responsibilities? I have failed time and again attempting to achieve this goal. It seems that society and the way in which it functions is deeply corrupted. How does one remain uncorrupted unless one is free from it? The most important goal at this point is to be free from suffering so one can be liberated and be of service to humanity. Can this be achieved in a corrupted world? In a future that had a respect for all living things and lived at a humane level of consciousness I could see this being possible.

I am usually a calm person but lately my anxiety is off the roof. A little bit of background. I am a 28 year old female about to end my enlistment in the army and have put my resume out there. But I haven't heard anything back from the government. I am getting really stressed because it feels like i am diving into the unknown and the date of end of contract is really close. Worse case scenario, I will use my GI bill to pay for my rent but that hasn't stopped me from being anxious. Question: Is there something I can do to stop worrying and keep my mind at peace? Do you guys have any advice you can give me which made it easier for you to go through a difficult uncertain time in your life. Also, are there any mantras, or book or anything in the teachings of the Buddha which might help me. Thanks again

This question came up when I really thought back on both my and many others' spiritual journey. In the New Age community, especially, the sense of viewing things as illusions and making progress in one's spiritual path can easily steer you to be more condescending or arrogant (i.e viewing others as somehow lesser or more immature than you) and in the process, feed the Ego. Often you see this in spiritual teachers as well, who seemed to have, in their journeys to eliminate the Ego, fueled their Ego. Did the enlightened Buddha ever touch on this subject?