Walking meditation in the tradition of Luang Pho Thian Chittasubho is primarily intended to cultivate awareness while the body is in motion. The practice emphasizes simplicity and naturalness, with the following steps and principles.

Practice Instructions

• Preparation: Choose a reasonably flat and even walking path. It is recommended to walk barefoot so that the feet can make direct contact with the ground, allowing bodily sensations and awareness to be felt more clearly.
• How to walk:
  • Walk back and forth along a designated path.
  • Be aware of each step: Keep your attention on the movement and sensations of the feet as you walk.
  • No mental recitation is needed: As with Luang Pho Thian’s rhythmic hand movements, this method does not use repeated words or mental labels such as lifting the left foot or stepping. Instead, rely on direct sensation and awareness, allowing this knowing to reach the mind directly.

The Essential Principles of Walking Meditation

1. How to place the mind: Approach the movement as though you are simply watching or seeing the body move, freely and comfortably. This is described as sukha-patipada, a way of practice that is natural and at ease. There is no need to tense the body or force the mind into concentration, as excessive effort may create tension, tightness in the chest, or headaches.
2. Working with thoughts: While walking, thoughts will naturally arise. They can be compared to a thief entering a house. As soon as you become aware that thinking has occurred, simply recognize it and return immediately to the direct awareness of the body. Another analogy is to imagine yourself standing between two trees. One tree represents rupa, the physical body that is walking, while the other represents nama, the activity of thought and mind. Awareness stands between the two, observing both without grasping or clinging to either one.
3. Continuity of awareness: Try to maintain awareness continuously, whether walking quickly or slowly. The aim is to keep mindfulness and clear comprehension awake and active throughout the movement.
4. Alternating with rhythmic hand movements: In actual practice, walking meditation can be alternated with seated rhythmic hand movements as appropriate. Changing posture in this way can help sustain and strengthen continuous awareness.

This approach to walking meditation is regarded as a shortcut because it helps practitioners clearly observe the workings of rupa and nama, body and mind. More importantly, the practice does not have to remain confined to a meditation retreat or a formal walking path. The same awareness can gradually be carried into everyday life, one step at a time.