Exploring Consciousness with Vikas Pandey

Previously I was a big proponent of 'positive thinking'; yes, it may be useful, like an elastoplast, covering over any sadness or suffering. But by definition, it takes you away from the present moment into the realm of imagination where anything goes...

What if you were told that peace was always available. At every moment. In every circumstance. Well the good news is that it is. The bad news is that due to our conditioning, this peace is constantly being veiled. It is obvious to us at moments when mind activity stops (for example in total presence with a loved one or in awe of outstanding beauty) but it is there always. This episode is about recognising that space so you can abide there more and more.

"I don’t envision a single thing that, when unguarded, leads to such great harm as the mind. The mind, when unguarded leads to great harm."

This quote from the Buddha, taken from the Aṅguttara Nikāya is the central topic for this mornings podcast.

Present moment awareness is the only reality. I could stop right there.

Have you noticed that now, the present moment is the only thing there is. The past no longer exists except in imagination. The future no longer exists except in imagination. Stepping out of present moment awareness is one of the factors for psychological suffering, abiding there is the way to find peace.

"Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

We are breathing every moment of our lives but how often are we conscious or aware of it. In Vedic philosophy, the breath is said to be the link between the body, the mind and soul.

Note how it is impossible to be breathing consciously and not be in the present moment - just try it!

Back to the basics with this straightforward mindfulness practice. Ideally try to do this sitting, either on a floor or on a chair with the back straight - good habits like this will pay dividends in the long run! The essentials to using the breath as an anchor.

This episode serves as an introduction to self observation as a form of meditation - a very effective form!

This episode was recorded in response to the fear that was present in the hospital around April. Although the situation was dire and not without hazard, the fear was palpable and out of proportion to the danger we faced, worst of all it was contagious. Fear is another emotion that arises when thoughts take you away from the present moment. Not saying that we should not be vigilant but just be aware that the collateral damage can often be worse than the precipitant.

You've just had a lovely relaxing weekend, it's a new week and before you've even gone back to work anxieties start to build about the perceived challenges that you may face. This is such a familiar situation to us and it comes as a result of projecting anxieties about a possible future. A future that at the moment exists only as a thought form and serves only to take you away from the peace of the present moment. This episode is about finding that peace that seems to have come to an end with the weekend.

Doing always seems to require some effort even if its trivial. Just being, on the other hand seems rather effortless. What if you could achieve the same, allowing your actions to arise more spontaneously. Mindfulness helps us to achieve the state of 'just being'.