Contemplation of the four elements is outlined in the original teachings on mindfulness in the Satipatthana Sutta. This post is a continued exploration of these teachings.
The next instruction in mindfulness of the body relates to contemplation of the four elements: earth/solidity, water/liquidity, fire/temperature, and wind/motion related to body composition. Again with this instruction on mindfulness of the body, the intention is to develop a healthy attitude of detachment that allows us to release clinging to or grasping at what we believe to be true.
…he abides contemplating the nature of arising in the body, or he abides contemplating the nature of passing away in the body, or he abides contemplating the nature of both arising and passing away in the body.
–Satipatthana Sutta
For those of you who have been trained in a more Westernized version of mindfulness that emphasizes stress reduction, what is the feeling tone of your response to this instruction—pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral? What arises in your practice when you contemplate the four elements?
Sign up for Jen Johnson’s email list to receive mindfulness in your inbox.