A Refuge Within Uncertainty: The Four Protective Meditations

Ajahn Pasanno opens with news that Bhikkhu Bodhi has cut his visit to Abhayagiri short because of the coronavirus, then takes up a theme from the previous day’s Q&A: the four protective meditations. He says they will not magically shield anyone from illness, but give a footing in fear and uncertainty. He describes each: recollection of the Buddha, which builds confidence; loving-kindness and the other divine abidings; contemplation of the body, with a story from a Thai hospital library; and recollection of death, which he says brings urgency rather than gloom. He also recalls the skeletons in Ajahn Chah’s hall. Given live and streamed online.