Mahesi Caplan was interested in the big questions at an early age. When others were on the playground, young Mahesi was sitting on the stairs wondering where he had come from, and what was the meaning of this life?

He felt a connection with something much more expansive, something that exists beyond the noise of everyday life.

You can say he was born suited for contemplative life. And he did spend fifteen years ordained as a Theravada Thai Forest tradition monk. And now, he continues his practice and counsels others, helping them to navigate spiritual emergencies in their own lives.

It is with his relationship with Ānāpānasati and the four foundations of mindfulness that Mahesi asks us to move beyond watching the in and out-breath through our nose. He urges us to consider that the Buddha was teaching more than to focus on our physical breath.

He thoughtfully walks me through his approach, helping me to see that we can focus on both the internal and the external. That the intention of the teachings is bigger than feeling the breath coming in and out of my nostrils.

This is part 1 of 3 episodes.

Visit him at https://sati.co/