Potentials
Sep 11, 2026 · 12 min · 6 segments
A talk by Thanissaro Bhikkhu entitled "Potentials"
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Sep 11, 2026 · 12 min · 6 segments
A talk by Thanissaro Bhikkhu entitled "Potentials"
One aspect of the Buddha's teachings that tends to be underappreciated here in the West is the teaching on dhātu.
It can be translated as element, translated as property, translated as potential.
Physical events in the world are explained by the provocation of the different elements or properties or potentials.
One is of the potential for sensuality, the potential for form, and the potential for formless.
As we're meditating, we're trying to provoke and sustain the provocation of the potential for form, for our sense of the body as we feel it from within.
How do you feel your head right now? How do you feel your shoulders as you feel it from within? Your arms, your torso, your legs.
You can pay attention to these things and then drop it right away and go back to your old sensual provocations if you want.
But if you're trying to develop concentration, you want to provoke your awareness of the body and then sustain your awareness of the body as you feel it from within.
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One aspect of the Buddha's teachings that tends to be underappreciated here in the West is the teaching on dhātu.
It can be translated as element, translated as property, translated as potential.
Physical events in the world are explained by the provocation of the different elements or properties or potentials.
One is of the potential for sensuality, the potential for form, and the potential for formless.
As we're meditating, we're trying to provoke and sustain the provocation of the potential for form, for our sense of the body as we feel it from within.
How do you feel your head right now? How do you feel your shoulders as you feel it from within? Your arms, your torso, your legs.
You can pay attention to these things and then drop it right away and go back to your old sensual provocations if you want.
But if you're trying to develop concentration, you want to provoke your awareness of the body and then sustain your awareness of the body as you feel it from within.