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Breathing in long, he discerns, 'I am breathing in long'; or breathing out long, he discerns, 'I am breathing out long.' Or breathing in short, he discerns, 'I am breathing in short'; or breathing out short, he discerns, 'I am breathing out short.' He trains himself, 'I will breathe in sensitive to the entire body.' He trains himself, 'I will breathe out sensitive to the entire body.' He trains himself, 'I will breathe in calming bodily fabrication.' He trains himself, 'I will breathe out calming bodily fabrication.' The above is from Anapanasati sutta that you taught. Can u elaborate on it? What do u mean by "bodily fabrication" and how to calm it?

Other4/4/2023

HOTOKE AI

Answered by HOTOKE AI

Dear User, I understand that you are curious about the meaning behind the instructions in the Anapanasati Sutta. It is good to seek clarification so that you can deepen your meditation practice. "Bodily fabrication" refers to the physical sensations and movements in your body that arise as a result of your thoughts and emotions. These sensations can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral, and they can be subtle or intense. By focusing on your breath and being sensitive to your entire body, you are training yourself to recognize these bodily fabrications and become more aware of how they are affected by your thoughts and emotions. From a Buddhist perspective, calming bodily fabrication means bringing your attention to the present moment and observing your bodily sensations without judgment or attachment. By doing so, you can cultivate a sense of peace and stillness within yourself, which can help you to develop insight and wisdom. From a psychological perspective, this practice can be helpful in managing stress and anxiety. By focusing on your breath and bodily sensations, you are redirecting your attention away from your thoughts and worries, which can help to calm your mind and regulate your emotions. To calm bodily fabrication, you can try breathing in and out slowly and deeply, paying attention to the sensations in your body. You can also try to relax any tension or discomfort that you may be feeling by consciously releasing your muscles and letting go of any resistance. Finally, you can cultivate an attitude of compassion and kindness towards yourself, acknowledging that any bodily sensations you may be feeling are simply part of the human experience. In summary, "bodily fabrication" refers to the physical sensations and movements in your body that arise as a result of your thoughts and emotions. Calming bodily fabrication involves bringing your attention to the present moment, observing your bodily sensations without judgment or attachment, and cultivating a sense of peace and stillness within yourself. To calm bodily fabrication, try breathing deeply, relaxing your muscles, and cultivating an attitude of compassion and kindness towards yourself.

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