Sayadaw U Tejaniya's teachings on meditation place less emphasis on a single, primary object and more on the observing mind itself, particularly the development of awareness and Right View throughout all daily activities.
While he doesn't define a fixed set of "only six objects" to focus on, his approach incorporates the potential objects of awareness that constantly arise through the six sense doors in the context of traditional Buddhist teaching:
- The Six Sense Doors and Their Objects:
- Eye and visible forms (seeing)
- Ear and sounds (hearing)
- Nose and odours (smelling)
- Tongue and tastes (tasting)
- Body and bodily sensations (touching/feeling)
- Mind and mental objects (thoughts, feelings, mental states)
The Core of His Practice
Sayadaw U Tejaniya emphasizes that the object of attention is not really important; what matters is the observing mind and the attitude with which the observation is done.
- Focus on the Mind: Practitioners are urged to pay attention to what the mind is doing while observing any object—is it chaotic, tense, relaxed, or contracted? They are encouraged to recognize the defilements (greed, aversion, delusion) in the mind as they arise.
- Continuous Awareness: Meditation is not limited to a formal sitting posture; it involves continuous awareness of the mind and body throughout the entire day, during every activity.
- Right Attitude: The practice should be done in a relaxed and natural manner, without forcing or striving, and with the intention to know what is happening with wisdom (Right View). The essential job is to be aware, know, and learn.
His primary instruction is to be aware of everything that is happening naturally at the six sense doors, and most critically, to be aware of the knowing mind itself.
You can learn more about Sayadaw U Tejaniya's style of practice by watching Introducing Sayadaw U Tejaniya's Practice Style | Lienchi Tran at Insight SD. This video is relevant because it provides an introduction to the specific approach to meditation taught by Sayadaw U Tejaniya.