- concentration should be focused on the breathing sensations at the nose tip
- concentration in this manner shall be maintained during all activities at all times of the day (sitting, standing, walking, eating, etc.)
- vipassana is utilized with constant contemplation of anatta with the breathing sensations ala "dry insight"
- mindfulness of feelings and thoughts are practiced when they do arise
- intense striving and utmost effort is utilized each day
On the other hand, I'm concerned about some statements that purport his method to be practiced in the past:
Where is the record of these wise folks who practiced this way? Was this lost in history? And where in the Buddha's teachings does he instruct to be with one object at all times during all activities? In the Maha Satipatthana Sutta (MN 10), the Buddha instructs to be mindful of the body through the breath, the four postures, all other activities during the day, body parts, elements, and corpses; there doesn't appear to be any guidance on focusing more on one object over another or doing two at the same time. Perhaps I'm expecting the focus on sitting, walking, standing, and laying down to be the object of focus as it is in the Mahasi Method, but this awareness appears to be on a more subtle level. My main concern is that he states that his method is "in accordance to the teachings of the Buddha" (page 12) but I and other folks haven't verified that the Buddha stated this; specifically, about picking one object (anapana in this case) and sticking with it in all activities. Another concern is that anapanasati was always practiced in the sitting position and never found to be practiced in any other position - but I hope I'm wrong.Wise people of the past have practiced this awareness of the breath as the Buddha instructed them, and because they passed on the teachings, you too have understood now. (Page 61)
It is impossible to teach every aspect of the Dhamma. But if you keep your attention focused on the spot and are aware from moment to moment, then you will reach your goal. The Buddha did teach this, and the wise people of old did reach their goal by this practice, and yet there are many things the Buddha realized that are not contained in this. But you can reach your goal if you keep knowing inbreath and out-breath at the spot. (Page 70)
The wise people of old practiced the teachings without allowing their efforts to diminish in any of the four postures, and they kept up such a perfect continuity of awareness that there never was any gap. You too have to practice in this way. The disciples of the Buddha established awareness of the spot and then did not allow their minds to shift to another object. (Page 78)
Lastly, is there really no other people who practice this method? I've only read of two other folks on these boards who practiced this in the past and definitely have not found any monks, teachers, or schools who use this approach. This may be an appeal to authority, but is there really no other people who practice this method to success other than the Sayadaw himself? I ask because it looks like he may be the exception to the rule and invites suspicion to the efficacy of the method itself.
I believe in Webu Sayadaw's attainment, but these doubts are enough to at least get some clarification from much more erudite folks here on this board and I hope to come across a better understanding - I know of one person who doesn't believe in his attainment, and there may be others. On the other hand, I'm starting to think that maybe there are multiple ways one can progress along this path that isn't word-for-word written in the suttas. Although I'm all for preserving traditions via dogmatic practice, I think there is a time and place to be pragmatic and perhaps Webu Sayadaw found an extremely simple and effective way to achieve peace that is perfectly suited for his main audience - the laity. I'm hoping some folks can chime in and tell me where I'm wrong in my thinking as I'm generally interested in spreading the word about this technique.
Thank you for all help.