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Vipassana: Noting/Mahasi Style

How should I be noting?

How should I be noting?
Answer
12/9/09 7:24 AM
Hello all, I'd just like to say a big THANK YOU for the books, websites and podcasts created by the members of the Dharmaoverground Sangha.

I've been attempting the Mahasi noting technique, but reading Practical Vipassana Exercises has left me confused.
In one part he says we shouldn't mentally repeat the noting (ie. "rising" "falling"), just note it with our awareness, but in another part he says we should (of course I may have been reading it wrongly).

Could someone clear up my confusion please?

Many thanks,

Matthew

RE: How should I be noting?
Answer
12/9/09 8:04 AM as a reply to Matthew Letten.
Hi Matt,

I am far from an expert on these issues. However my understanding is that you start by noting mentally, and when you become more adept at the technique you can switch to 'just hit it' with your awareness.

Salam
Abdou

RE: How should I be noting?
Answer
12/9/09 12:02 PM as a reply to Abdou Abed.
Hi Abdou,

Cheers for that, I thought that would be the case, but thought it would be better to check than start off on the wrong foot.

Peace out,

Matthew

RE: How should I be noting?
Answer
1/2/10 12:09 PM as a reply to Matthew Letten.
I agree with that answer. The mental words help initially, and when concentration is strong, then just the blip of hitting things with your attention does just fine, particularly when things get faster and the words would just slow you down.

RE: How should I be noting?
Answer
3/3/10 11:20 AM as a reply to Daniel M. Ingram.
As I've since found!

Many thanks to you both,

Matthew