Let us be aware of the movements of the body, for example, while we are blinking, be aware; while we are breathing, be aware. When thought arises, be aware. This is what we call Sati or self-awareness.
Self-awareness is invaluable. We cannot buy it, nor can anyone cultivate it for others. For example, when I am clenching my hand, is anyone conscious of my feeling? No one is. Outwardly, you can see I am making a fist, but you are not conscious of my feeling. Similarly, when someone is making a fist, I can see but I am not conscious of his feeling.
There are certain techniques to do certain jobs in order to achieve the end. In the same way, the cultivating of self-awareness to achieve Sati-Sam?dhi-Pa??? (Awareness-Attention-Insight) needs technique too.
Do not sit still. Move rhythmically all the time.
Do not close your eyes.
You can sit in any position or on a chair, stand or lie down.
Now I will suggest the method to you.
Rest the hands palm down on the thighs.
Turn the right hand onto its edge, be aware; do it slowly, then stop.
Do not say to yourself “turn the right hand”, being aware is enough.
Raise the right hand up, be aware, then stop.
Lower the right hand to rest on the abdomen, be aware, then stop.
Turn the left hand onto its edge, be aware, then stop.
Raise the left hand up, be aware, then stop.
Lower the left hand to rest on the right hand, be aware, then stop.
Move the right hand up to rest on the chest, be aware, then stop.
Move the right hand out, be aware, then stop.
Lower the right hand onto its edge on the thigh, be aware, then stop.
Face the right palm down, be aware, then stop.
Move the left hand up to rest on the chest, be aware, then stop.
Move the left hand out, be aware, then stop.
Lower the left hand onto its edge on the thigh, be aware, then stop.
Face the left palm down, be aware, then stop.
This is a practical way of cultivating self-awareness. We do not have to study
the Scriptures because they are only words. Studying the Scriptures is no the way to Enlightenment. This practice is the way to Enlightenment.
There are 8 steps of rhythmic movement in standing, 7 steps in sitting down.
We should also be aware in other positions, such as lying on our left-side, right-side or laying flat on our back; getting up form the left-side, from the right-side and from laying flat on our back.
You should cultivate self-awareness frequently.
