Meditation: Focus on the Present Moment in Early Buddhist Practice

Much of Buddhist meditation practice involves a focus on the present moment. We'll look at the history behind such ideas with help from one recent paper by Anālayo that takes a look at mindfulness practices in early Buddhism. Then we'll turn to a look at some other early texts that discuss both the benefits and dangers of a present-focused practice.
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✅ Books mentioned:
Gil Fronsdal, The Dhammapada amzn.to/3fZh9qs
Bhikkhu Bodhi, The Suttanipāta amzn.to/3wTcBc3
Eckart Tolle, The Power of Now amzn.to/3ySnvka
✅ Video mentioned:
A Short History of Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation -- • A Short History of Bud...
✅ Suttas mentioned:
suttacentral.net/mn131/en/sujato
suttacentral.net/mn132/en/sujato
suttacentral.net/mn133/en/sujato
suttacentral.net/mn134/en/sujato
suttacentral.net/mn38/en/sujato
✅ Other materials:
Bhikkhu Anālayo, “The Emphasis on the Present Moment in the Cultivation of Mindfulness,” in Mindfulness (2019) 10:571-581. www.buddhismuskunde.uni-hambu...
www.themindingcentre.org/dhar...
00:00 Intro
03:53 Mindfulness isn’t all present-focused
04:29 Present focus of the Foundations of Mindfulness (Anālayo’s Paper)
07:42 Other suttas on the present moment
12:52 Faltering in the present
15:13 The present as the arena of practice
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[@DougsDharma]

🧡 If you find benefit in my videos, consider supporting the channel by joining us on Patreon and get fun extras like exclusive videos, ad-free audio-only versions, and extensive show notes: www.patreon.com/dougsseculardharma 🙂

[@Pathtracker]

I read the power of now by Eckhart Tolle 10 years ago, and it changed my life. It helped me change the way, I see life. I will go as far as saying, that the power of now is one of the reasons, that I practice Buddhism today. I can highly recommend this book.

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to hear it Rumlee!

[@chriskaplan6109]

I credit that book with the same, quite life changing 🙌

[@RustyJoe]

I tend to see Nirvana as existing in the present moment. If we are in the present moment we cannot cling or pine. As we move from one moment to the next we should strive to let our attention move in unison with time. Sitting meditation can help us learn and experience present mindfulness, but actively focusing on the moment at hand, as we move through our day is the essence of nirvana as I see it.

[@firstname7769]

💯 🙏🙏

[@HIIIBEAR]

Walking meditation is something I’ve been practicing and it’s been so rewarding internally.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes exactly so Russell, freedom is something to be experienced here and now.

[@KyawThurein]

This video has answered all the burning questions that I have in my mind. Thanks for sharing! May the light of Dhamma shine upon you day and night.

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful. 🙏

[@samyaksamudre384]

You are My favorite youtuber and favorite Buddhist teacher Doug Sir thank for information Jay Bhim Namo Buddha 💙☸🙏🏻

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure! 🙏🙂

[@johnhaller7017]

What a pleasant exposition of the focus upon the present moment as a Buddhist meditational practice. Thanks Doug. You mention one of the sublime moments of Buddhist literature, which I first read in Walpola Rahula's Zen and the taming of the bull, publication. The Dhammapada passage "let go in the front, let go behind , let go in the middle" @7:44" I believe was attributed to one of the Buddha's lay followers, namely Uggasena, the acrobat. One evening when performing in public(his specialty was balancing vertically on a pole) he achieved his still balance point(concentrating on the preset moment) and hears the passage that you mention, in the form of the Buddha's voice, instructing him to let go. At that moment he is fully awakened. Superb!

[@DougsDharma]

Oh cool, that makes a lot of sense John. Thanks!

[@johnwhittaker311]

You mentioned The Power of Now, I found it a very interesting and useful read for someone who’s still learning the ropes of Buddhist beliefs and how to practice, especially how to practice in a practical and western world, which can sometimes be difficult to realise. It’s one of those books where you’ll either read it and it’ll be incredible and may even change your life or viewpoints, or you’ll think it’s a load of rubbish. It’ll be more effective for those who are new to Buddhism like I was, whereas for those more experienced it likely won’t say anything you don’t already know and do

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that's the sense I got of it too John. I haven't read it yet, just skimmed a few pages that seemed very reminiscent of some Buddhist teachings.

[@chriskaplan6109]

It had the former effect or changing my life and breaking me of many paradigms and wrong perception. It came to me as I was first engaging with Buddhism, too

[@aronmindfulman7727]

I'm coming to realize that trusting in self-view (a conditioned self) has resulted in a lifetime of suffering. Abiding in the present moment allows pure awareness to be a different view point from which one can understand how things really are, impermanent and non-self. Then, the task at hand is a matter of letting go of the old self-view in order to live a more peaceful and less burdensome existence.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes that's right Aron. It lifts a great burden from us when we can see through such notions.

[@chakravartiasokasamrat]

@@DougsDharma Hello Mr. Doug, first of all I would like to thank you for videos. I'm a Theravada Buddhist and wanted to ask you that : The Vedas which are basically about Rituals, Sacrifices completely predate Buddha. But, The Upanishads which deal with Philosophical Concepts like Karma, Rebirth are from the same time period as The Buddha. Because now we're getting evidence that Buddha lived in 6th Century BC, earlier than previously thought : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LapnacbLeYjrM What do you think? How can Buddha and The Upanishads teach same Metaphysical Concepts at the same time? Clearly, there must have been some exchange of ideas. Were Karma, Rebirth in Upanishads copied from The Buddha? Or did The Buddha get influenced by these concepts of Upanishads? I think it is the former. But if the latter turns out to be true, how are Buddha's Teachings any different from Upanishads? Please note that, Upanishads started before Buddha but were compiled during Buddha's lifetime as well. I'm eagerly waiting for your response through a reply or maybe a video? As this discussion is not so simple. Thank you once again Mr. Doug! Namo Buddhaya! ☸️

[@waitingforparts57]

Thanks Doug. A lot in this video. I will need a few more listens to fully appreciate the work you have done to create it. Stay safe and well

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks for watching and commenting! 🙏

[@sonamtshering194]

One of the highlights of the video would be that it points out the potential pitfall of excessive focus on the present moment

[@DougsDharma]

Yes if we cling to the present moment, we're in the same soup.

[@moonmissy]

The longer I practiced meditation and read on Buddhism meditation, the more I find the teachings of early Buddhism the most simple and direct towards the meditation practice towards cessation. The mind makes it complicated. After reading hundreds of Buddhist books and 30 years of meditation practice, the Nikayas stands the test of time. The most simple and direct time tested meditation teachings.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes I think so too, it's very clear and direct.

[@karunathereversedpath6594]

Thank you Doug for the inspiration 🙏🏽

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure!

[@chakravartiasokasamrat]

@@DougsDharma Hello Mr. Doug, first of all I would like to thank you for videos. I'm a Theravada Buddhist and wanted to ask you that : The Vedas which are basically about Rituals, Sacrifices completely predate Buddha. But, The Upanishads which deal with Philosophical Concepts like Karma, Rebirth are from the same time period as The Buddha. Because now we're getting evidence that Buddha lived in 6th Century BC, earlier than previously thought : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LapnacbLeYjrM What do you think? How can Buddha and The Upanishads teach same Metaphysical Concepts at the same time? Clearly, there must have been some exchange of ideas. Were Karma, Rebirth in Upanishads copied from The Buddha? Or did The Buddha get influenced by these concepts of Upanishads? I think it is the former. But if the latter turns out to be true, how are Buddha's Teachings any different from Upanishads? Please note that, Upanishads started before Buddha but were compiled during Buddha's lifetime as well. I'm eagerly waiting for your response through a reply or maybe a video? As this discussion is not so simple. Thank you once again Mr. Doug! Namo Buddhaya! ☸️

[@Wha____]

Coincidentally I really needed a video on this subject. Thanks, Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

Glad it was helpful!

[@soundhealingbygene]

well spoken Doug!

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@soundhealingbygene]

i really wish i could support but many bills and such @@DougsDharma

[@nicholasteo1996]

Thank you Doug! Great sharing!

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure Nicholas!

[@stormyphillips]

Thank you for the great video and thank you for including all the links to the sources.

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure! Yes I always try to include links.

[@shivakumar.h.b6237]

Thank so much Mr Dough , Ur unconditional compassion towards human kind 💐

[@DougsDharma]

You are very welcome! 🙏😊

[@canal8181]

Thank you, I had been waiting waiting for this

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome Juan Andres!

[@ardentenquirer8573]

Very interesting ... Thank You

[@DougsDharma]

You're very welcome!

[@rin-ix6ub]

i remmember one of buddhist saying past is depression present is peace while future is anxiety so you should stay in present

[@DougsDharma]

Where is that from?

[@rin-ix6ub]

@@DougsDharma i seen it google while learning from buddhist quotes sir

[@sophieyinyin]

Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@DougsDharma]

My pleasure Sophie! 🙏

[@callistomoon461]

Thank you for this video. I recommend you read „The Power of Now“. It helped me very much.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, I've read a bit of it.

[@hersonpuman3316]

Thanks Doug, really inspires me to sit.... Thankyou

[@DougsDharma]

Glad to hear it! 🙏🙂

[@chakravartiasokasamrat]

@@DougsDharma Hello Mr. Doug, first of all I would like to thank you for videos. I'm a Theravada Buddhist and wanted to ask you that : The Vedas which are basically about Rituals, Sacrifices completely predate Buddha. But, The Upanishads which deal with Philosophical Concepts like Karma, Rebirth are from the same time period as The Buddha. Because now we're getting evidence that Buddha lived in 6th Century BC, earlier than previously thought : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LapnacbLeYjrM What do you think? How can Buddha and The Upanishads teach same Metaphysical Concepts at the same time? Clearly, there must have been some exchange of ideas. Were Karma, Rebirth in Upanishads copied from The Buddha? Or did The Buddha get influenced by these concepts of Upanishads? I think it is the former. But if the latter turns out to be true, how are Buddha's Teachings any different from Upanishads? Please note that, Upanishads started before Buddha but were compiled during Buddha's lifetime as well. I'm eagerly waiting for your response through a reply or maybe a video? As this discussion is not so simple. Thank you once again Mr. Doug! Namo Buddhaya! ☸️

[@gianlucabarbetta2816]

I suggest Thanissaro's essay "The present moment is not the goal" to balance this view. It was really important to improve my sati (which is not mindfulness as we intend it, but remembering and discriminate between what is good and what is not good, the chief examples are the cook, the gatekeeper and the counselor of the king)

[@DougsDharma]

Yes there are many aspects to mindfulness. Thanks Gianluca.

[@xiaomaozen]

Splendid video - as always. Thanks for that. 😊🙏🏻 Your voice sounds as if you have a cold. If so, I hope it's nothing serious and you get well soon. In any case, take care... 😊

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks xiao mao, all's good fortunately! 🙏😊

[@Sodaholic6502]

I was scrolling through the comments here on my phone (the view is pretty small), and I was wondering, is your avatar supposed to be an optical illusion or is it just my imagination? At first I thought it was a muppet mobster wearing sunglasses from a side profile with a receding hairline. But upon closer inspection, I can see that it’s actually a really cute cat poking their head out from under a blanket. I know this has absolutely nothing to do with Doug’s video, but I couldn’t help myself in commenting on your avatar lol.

[@xiaomaozen]

@@Sodaholic6502 Haha, no problem! 😹 Yes, it's a cat poking his head out from under a blanket. It looks a bit as if he was wearing a hooded cloak - like a wizard. But actually he's a Zen Master. The only one I've ever met in my life. 🤭 You can see some short videos on my channel if you like... 😼

[@yongjiean9980]

Use non-self to LET GO to be in the present moment.

[@samtinyhouse4701]

Hi Doug! I loved this video, it really helped me understand present moment meditation 😊 If you didn't already do a video about it, can you talk about why Buddhism recommends meditating in certain positions? I find that I can meditate in different positions depending on how tired I am or how long I am able to meditate. Do the early buddhist texts detail the need for certain positions? Do positions vary across lineages? Did the buddha say that achieving enlightenment while meditating in certain positions was necessary?

[@DougsDharma]

Hi Sam! The Buddha talked about meditating while seated, standing, walking, and lying down. But he also talked about being mindful during everyday life, doing ordinary tasks. So really the position doesn't matter. Just be mindful of whichever position you're in.

[@samtinyhouse4701]

@@DougsDharma Thank you so much😊❤

[@user-ic4ce8xb5v]

🙏

[@DougsDharma]

🙏😊

[@LEONARDO-xs2ke]

This is great please keep going. Btw put the playlist in the i card

[@DougsDharma]

Thanks Leo! Which playlist and card do you mean?

[@chakravartiasokasamrat]

@@DougsDharma Hello Mr. Doug, first of all I would like to thank you for videos. I'm a Theravada Buddhist and wanted to ask you that : The Vedas which are basically about Rituals, Sacrifices completely predate Buddha. But, The Upanishads which deal with Philosophical Concepts like Karma, Rebirth are from the same time period as The Buddha. Because now we're getting evidence that Buddha lived in 6th Century BC, earlier than previously thought : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LapnacbLeYjrM What do you think? How can Buddha and The Upanishads teach same Metaphysical Concepts at the same time? Clearly, there must have been some exchange of ideas. Were Karma, Rebirth in Upanishads copied from The Buddha? Or did The Buddha get influenced by these concepts of Upanishads? I think it is the former. But if the latter turns out to be true, how are Buddha's Teachings any different from Upanishads? Please note that, Upanishads started before Buddha but were compiled during Buddha's lifetime as well. I'm eagerly waiting for your response through a reply or maybe a video? As this discussion is not so simple. Thank you once again Mr. Doug! Namo Buddhaya! ☸️

[@mattrkelly]

I really think you should have a psychedelic intro sequence...

[@DougsDharma]

😄

[@thetruthseeker5448]

How strange that all these new age gurus, therapies, therapists and academics have forgotten the source of their materials. Yes of course Buddhist origins did not mean to deal with our contemporary anxiety, depressive, ADHD or any other psychological disorders or perhaps to live through our lives gaining material gains and comforts but to lead the path to enlightenment by understanding the true reality of nature of our own existence Only a few scholars and academics who remind us of the origins, that is Buddha Dhamma

[@DougsDharma]

Yes it all comes from wisdom discovered a long time ago!

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

All clinging bring suffering.

[@DougsDharma]

Yes, the Second Noble Truth.

[@chakravartiasokasamrat]

@@DougsDharma Hello Mr. Doug, first of all I would like to thank you for videos. I'm a Theravada Buddhist and wanted to ask you that : The Vedas which are basically about Rituals, Sacrifices completely predate Buddha. But, The Upanishads which deal with Philosophical Concepts like Karma, Rebirth are from the same time period as The Buddha. Because now we're getting evidence that Buddha lived in 6th Century BC, earlier than previously thought : kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2LapnacbLeYjrM What do you think? How can Buddha and The Upanishads teach same Metaphysical Concepts at the same time? Clearly, there must have been some exchange of ideas. Were Karma, Rebirth in Upanishads copied from The Buddha? Or did The Buddha get influenced by these concepts of Upanishads? I think it is the former. But if the latter turns out to be true, how are Buddha's Teachings any different from Upanishads? Please note that, Upanishads started before Buddha but were compiled during Buddha's lifetime as well. I'm eagerly waiting for your response through a reply or maybe a video? As this discussion is not so simple. Thank you once again Mr. Doug! Namo Buddhaya! ☸️