Mahasati Meditation FAQ
The questions are written the way people ask them; the answers paraphrase the book's Q&A. Anything on sleep or emotions only repeats the book's reply and is not medical advice.
What is Mahasati meditation?
A method handed down from the Thai teacher Luangpor Teean that builds awareness through a fixed sequence of hand movements and walking. Mahasati means "complete awareness" (p. 2).
Can I do it if I know nothing about Buddhism?
Yes. Age, job, education, nationality and religion do not matter, as long as you can follow how to practise (p. 15).
Do I close my eyes?
No, keep them open. Daily life is done with open eyes, so practising that way is what carries over (pp. 17, 49).
Should I note the movements in my mind?
No. No noting and no labels; simply know the hand is moving (pp. 54 to 55).
Do I match the movements to my breath?
No. Breathe naturally and know one thing at a time (p. 51).
What if I have too many thoughts?
Do not suppress and do not follow; return to the movement when you know the thought. As awareness strengthens, thoughts lessen (pp. 59 to 60).
What does feeding the cat mean?
Awareness is a cat and thoughts are mice. You only feed the cat by keeping on knowing the body's movements, and you do not chase the mice (p. 24).
Is repeating the movements self-hypnosis?
No. The point is knowing. Falling asleep or moving without knowing is the wrong way (pp. 19 to 20).
Do I need to concentrate hard?
Not too much. A light fist is awareness and a tight fist is concentration. Be moderate and comfortable (pp. 52 to 53).
What is the difference between knowing a thought and seeing it?
Knowing is weaker awareness and you still follow the thought. Seeing is strong awareness and the thought can stop right then (pp. 32 to 36).
Why not meditate on the breath?
The book says it is not recommended, because you easily stick to the pleasant calm, like ice in a fridge (pp. 25 to 26).
What if I feel sleepy?
Drive it off at once. Switch to walking, washing your face or sweeping, and sit again when clear (pp. 68 to 69).
My head goes blank and I feel like I will fly. Is that awakening?
The book says it is not seeing but forgetting yourself; return to the present movement (p. 70).
Can this go wrong?
The book says not if you do not forget yourself and the body's movement. The danger is too much concentration without awareness (pp. 71 to 72).
How long should I practise each day?
As long as you can, the more the better (p. 79). On a busy day one round still counts, but do not do none.
How do busy people practise?
Pick one movement at a time: dishes, driving, typing, and at red lights move your fingers. If it breaks, start again (pp. 76, 79).
Can I practise when I cannot sleep?
The book's reply is to lie down and turn one palm, the left hand if lying on the right side, until sleep comes (p. 83). This is the book's Q&A, not medical advice.
What should I do when I am angry?
Return to a movement of the body. Knowing that you are angry, the anger stops there (p. 80).
How long until results?
It varies. If awareness continues without a break it is quick; the scriptures record people taking from one day to seven years (p. 42). This site promises nothing.
Do I need to read scripture?
The book says practice does not depend on reading scripture; doing it matters most (pp. 5, 7).
Will I stop being able to think or work?
No. Work, thinking and planning need ordinary thought; just think with awareness (pp. 33 to 34).
Should I keep a feeling of joy or calm?
Do not cling and do not forbid. Let it come and go and keep knowing the movement (p. 73).
More: common mistakes, Mahasati vs vipassana and breath, daily life.
Source: Luangpor Thong, The Principles and Method of Mahasati (Chinese title 正念動中禪的原理與方法; the English title is my translation), Q&A compiled by the Taiwan Mahasati association, Religious Culture Press, 2013. "p." means a page of that book; page numbers are to be verified against the book. Paraphrased, not quoted at length.