(S2 Ep.26) Cankama Sutta (AN 5.29)

Walking the Path

Community

In the Cankama Sutta (AN 5.29), the Buddha provides profound insight into the practice of walking meditation, a practice that, on the surface, might seem simple but carries with it deep benefits for both the body and mind. Often, we think of meditation as a seated practice — a time to quiet the mind and cultivate insight in stillness. Yet, as the Buddha’s teachings reveal, walking, too, can become a form of meditation that aids in the development of concentration, health, and mindfulness.

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Key Insights from the Buddha

The sutta opens with a straightforward declaration by the Buddha:

“Pañcime, bhikkhave, ānisaṃsā caṅkame.”
“Bhikkhus, there are these five benefits of walking meditation.” (AN 5.29)

Here, the Buddha lists five distinct benefits of cankama — walking meditation — emphasizing that it is a practice with tangible results. The following exploration will delve into each of these benefits, seeking to understand their relevance to both the monastic life and to practitioners in the modern world.

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1. Endurance for Long Journeys

“Dīghaṃ addhānaṃ sahati”
“One is able to endure long journeys.”

The Buddha first highlights that walking meditation strengthens the body, making it more capable of enduring long journeys. This speaks to the physical aspect of walking, of course, but also carries a deeper meaning. On the spiritual path, the journey toward enlightenment is long and requires endurance. Walking meditation trains the practitioner to withstand the hardships of this journey — whether those hardships are physical or mental.

In modern terms, it could be seen as a practice of building resilience. The discipline of walking meditation trains one to persevere through discomfort, to continue moving forward even when the path ahead seems long or arduous.

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2. Developing Effort

“Vīriyaṃ bhāvanāya paccupaṭṭhitaṃ hoti”
“One’s effort is well developed.”

Effort, or vīriya, is a key quality in Buddhist practice. Without effort, meditation remains shallow, and insight remains distant. The Buddha emphasizes that walking meditation helps develop this quality of effort. The slow, deliberate pace required in walking meditation is a form of mental cultivation. Each step serves as a reminder to stay focused and engaged, reinforcing a sense of energy and dedication.

This benefit is also relevant to how we approach the Dhamma in everyday life. Much like walking meditation, our practice requires consistent effort. This sustained effort, over time, builds momentum in our spiritual development, fostering a deepening awareness of the present moment and a strengthening of mindfulness.

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3. Aid for Digestion

“Bhattaṃ paccanubandhati”
“It helps with digestion.”

At first glance, this benefit may seem mundane or even unrelated to meditation. Yet, this statement holds wisdom in its simplicity. The Buddha recognized that the body and mind are interconnected. By promoting physical health through walking meditation, the practitioner cultivates a sense of balance and well-being that supports mental clarity.

In a modern context, this can be understood as a reminder that our physical health has a direct impact on our mental and spiritual health. When the body is at ease, the mind has a better foundation for mindfulness and concentration. The practice of walking meditation, by improving digestion and overall health, fosters a more conducive environment for meditation.