Luang Pho Thian Chittasubho’s rhythmic movement practice is a method of cultivating awareness through bodily movement. The practice can be carried out as follows.

Preparation

• Sit in a comfortable position. You may sit cross-legged on the floor or sit on a chair with your feet resting naturally.
• Place both hands, palms down, on your knees.

The 14 Rhythmic Movements

The practice focuses on hand movements, with awareness maintained throughout each movement.

1. Turn the right hand onto its edge on the right knee. Be aware of the movement.
2. Raise the right hand.
3. Move the right hand inward and place it on the abdomen.
4. Turn the left hand onto its edge on the left knee.
5. Raise the left hand.
6. Move the left hand inward and place it over the right hand on the abdomen.
7. Raise the right hand slightly above the left hand.
8. Move the right hand outward to the side of the body.
9. Lower the right hand onto the right knee, resting it on its edge.
10. Turn the right hand palm down on the right knee.
11. Raise the left hand slightly.
12. Move the left hand outward to the side of the body.
13. Lower the left hand onto the left knee, resting it on its edge.
14. Turn the left hand palm down on the left knee.

The Heart of the Practice

• No mantra or mental recitation is needed. While practicing the movements, do not repeat words such as Buddho, rising and falling, or Samma Arahang. Simply feel and be aware of each movement as it happens.
• Stay with the present moment. If the mind wanders into thought, like a thief entering the house, return your awareness to the movement immediately. There is no need to suppress or stop thinking. Simply recognize the thought with awareness.
• Practice naturally. There is no need to tense the body or concentrate with strain. Keep the practice relaxed and allow awareness to arise freely, much like simply looking at or seeing something.
• Practice consistently. Continuous practice, for example over a period of one to seven days, can help awaken and strengthen mindfulness and clear awareness. It can also help transform the way we relate to suffering and anger, allowing us not to be overwhelmed by them.

This rhythmic movement practice can be understood as a direct approach to cultivating mindfulness. It anchors the mind in something concrete, the movement of the body, while helping us become aware of something less tangible, the thoughts arising within the mind. In this way, we can discover genuine inner peace without limiting meditation to sitting still with our eyes closed.