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INTRODUCTION TO THE TOPIC OF MEDITATION
This section speaks to meditation and the art thereof. It may be a long stretch for some to consider the practice, but with all the exposure it is getting these days, as well as the growing amount of celebrities currently practicing it, the modern-day popularity of meditation is here. Hopefully to stay.
ATTN: This website is NOT, I repeat NOT, meant to replace a living breathing qualified instructor.
For beginners it is important to have a guide, someone you can trust to help guide you to you. Although many people today are emphasizing a Kumaré outlook on spirituality where they don't need an external guru to find truth, I personally find this to be a false and moreover dangerous premise. Whatever instructor one chooses, make sure they are qualified and meet the marks. Find someone you vibe with, and study with them fully. After you have become proficient with that style and technique, then move on if called to do so. Spiritual supermarket shopping for meditation will essential block and confuse you in the future. As one of my mentors says, "best to focus on one thing and get really good at it". These words ought to be taken to heart.
I find it is very important when discussing meditation with others to first talk about the definitions of meditation, as it is the operative word. Meditation can have a variety of meanings and connotations. There is good information out there on the web. There is also a lot of misleading information.
I find it is very important when discussing meditation with others to first talk about the definitions of meditation, as it is the operative word. Meditation can have a variety of meanings and connotations. There is good information out there on the web. There is also a lot of misleading information.
Since the advent of "Guru Google", many people use Wikipedia as a standard of measure for accuracy. Let's take a look at what they write there (as of 2021):
"Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique - such as mindfulness, or focusing the kind on a particular object, thought, or activity - to train the attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Scholars have found meditation elusive to define, as practices vary both between traditions and within them.”
The points is, there are many different types of meditation methods. Each has a different technique and a different purpose. Different faiths have different spiritual goals, and should you hold a specific faith you would want to find a meditation that clarifies your world and life view rather than lessen it. Therefore, it is essential to decide what you want and need in your life right now.
This Wikipedia introduction compiles various traditions, so it ought to be viewed as very general and incomplete. My goal is not to become an authority on meditation, rather, I would like to help motivate people to give it an honest try, find proper guidance with appropriate instructors, and shed some light ton the art in a practical and approachable way.
For me, to clarify our understanding of meditation we need to look at the word meditation and where it comes from. Google defines 'meditation' is as:
This Wikipedia introduction compiles various traditions, so it ought to be viewed as very general and incomplete. My goal is not to become an authority on meditation, rather, I would like to help motivate people to give it an honest try, find proper guidance with appropriate instructors, and shed some light ton the art in a practical and approachable way.
For me, to clarify our understanding of meditation we need to look at the word meditation and where it comes from. Google defines 'meditation' is as:
1. think deeply or focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation
2. think deeply or carefully about (something).
3. plan mentally; consider
Occidental etymological origins come from the latin word meditari, which means "to measure", and meditat "to contemplate".
Why is this even important? The definition of something helps us to understand exactly what it is, and/or - if applicable - what to use to properly do it. If we don’t know what it means “to meditate” we run the danger of just sitting around on our cushion doing it the less optimal way.
To look back at meditation’s etymology, if we measure or contemplate something, it involves using a thought processing and analysis. This would mean that we need to utilize the thinking process in order to meditate. The Eastern view of meditation is very different. This is a very important point right here. This difference, even before discussion specific techniques, is very very important and in this case is not just a matter of “all rivers lead to the ocean” mentality.
A foundational step to understanding meditation is understanding another word used in the Buddhist, Vedic, and Yogic traditions: samādhi. Google defines samādhi as:
Why is this even important? The definition of something helps us to understand exactly what it is, and/or - if applicable - what to use to properly do it. If we don’t know what it means “to meditate” we run the danger of just sitting around on our cushion doing it the less optimal way.
To look back at meditation’s etymology, if we measure or contemplate something, it involves using a thought processing and analysis. This would mean that we need to utilize the thinking process in order to meditate. The Eastern view of meditation is very different. This is a very important point right here. This difference, even before discussion specific techniques, is very very important and in this case is not just a matter of “all rivers lead to the ocean” mentality.
A foundational step to understanding meditation is understanding another word used in the Buddhist, Vedic, and Yogic traditions: samādhi. Google defines samādhi as:
a state of intense concentration achieved through meditation.
We should not be surprised to see that word 'meditation' again. This is because ‘meditation’ and ‘ samādhi’ are interrelated. As I mentioned above samādhi is a very important word to know, especially in the meditation world, nevermind modern Yoga world. In order to reach samādhi once must be able to bring their thoughts, internal emotional atmosphere, and focus to a standstill. This takes a lot of behavior change, as we are used to - and love- being in motion, if not turmoil. Where and how one focuses depends on the technique and tradition.
Expanding macrocosmically, the definition of meditation really depends on the diṭṭhi (dṛṣṭi in Sanskrit) - or "view" and belief system - that one is studying and moreover that the practitioner personally holds. Each meditation technique has a specific goal, or desired result. It is ESSENTIAL for a meditator to familiarize themselves as much as possible with what that goal / result is. As you may already know, there are many types of meditations. As the definition of meditation itself is both vague and all-encompassing I prefer NOT to limit it. Meditation is universal. There are meditations in all religions. This is because meditation goes beyond the limitations of religion, and into our humanity. Moreover our place in the cosmos. Creating a mental construct in categorizing meditation as "Buddhist" or "Hindu" or "Monotheistic" is both limiting and very dangerous. Why? Because once someone sees 'Buddhist' or 'Hindu' anything, they already put a label on it and compartmentalize it as - "this" - in their mind. To someone in the Bible belt of the United States of America, seeing the words 'Buddhist' or 'Hindu' will likely cause them to automatically reject it because of the fear that it may go against the 'Christian' faith - aka diṭṭhi. This would be sad because the truth is that any Christian - or anyone from any religious association - can meditate. Moreover, they should meditate.
That being said, the framework of how meditation has really come to be known in the western is through the East. Buddhists are often labeled as the world's leading 'mental scientists'. Because it came from the East, we see a lot of Eastern vocabulary. This should not deter the newbie. It is like learning a new language. Somethings are better left untranslated in English. It also adds to the word’s appeal. Also, there is something to be said when referring to common techniques like Mindfulness or Vipassana or Dzogchen or Śamatha, it is important to view them in the lens of their tradition, diṭṭhi, and goal. What I mean is that I do not believe it is a good practice to cut and paste techniques and beliefs from various faiths, especially when one does not fully understand the system in its entirety. One gains understanding through experience and under qualified guidance that can encompass or scope the 'view' that that system or tradition holds. The danger arises when we try to mix and match things just to feel chuffed at ourselves or appear more knowledgeable to others.
All this traditionalism aside, ‘meditation' can briefly be categorized in two ways.
1. Use of directive thinking, contemplation, analysis, visualization; either singularly or on a few select topics, emotions, ideas, etc.
2. No use of thought. Stopping the attention / awareness still and absolving the momentum of the thinking process and
mental aggregates, either in one location or without location, either with subject/object (dualism) or without subject/object.
Meditation is often interchanged with the word concentration. Indeed meditation takes concentration. The word 'concentration' - also 'focus' - connotes a specific function of the mind, which also makes it easier to grasp and apply. So, keep the word 'concentration' in mind, as it can be easily put into either definition just listed.
Expanding macrocosmically, the definition of meditation really depends on the diṭṭhi (dṛṣṭi in Sanskrit) - or "view" and belief system - that one is studying and moreover that the practitioner personally holds. Each meditation technique has a specific goal, or desired result. It is ESSENTIAL for a meditator to familiarize themselves as much as possible with what that goal / result is. As you may already know, there are many types of meditations. As the definition of meditation itself is both vague and all-encompassing I prefer NOT to limit it. Meditation is universal. There are meditations in all religions. This is because meditation goes beyond the limitations of religion, and into our humanity. Moreover our place in the cosmos. Creating a mental construct in categorizing meditation as "Buddhist" or "Hindu" or "Monotheistic" is both limiting and very dangerous. Why? Because once someone sees 'Buddhist' or 'Hindu' anything, they already put a label on it and compartmentalize it as - "this" - in their mind. To someone in the Bible belt of the United States of America, seeing the words 'Buddhist' or 'Hindu' will likely cause them to automatically reject it because of the fear that it may go against the 'Christian' faith - aka diṭṭhi. This would be sad because the truth is that any Christian - or anyone from any religious association - can meditate. Moreover, they should meditate.
That being said, the framework of how meditation has really come to be known in the western is through the East. Buddhists are often labeled as the world's leading 'mental scientists'. Because it came from the East, we see a lot of Eastern vocabulary. This should not deter the newbie. It is like learning a new language. Somethings are better left untranslated in English. It also adds to the word’s appeal. Also, there is something to be said when referring to common techniques like Mindfulness or Vipassana or Dzogchen or Śamatha, it is important to view them in the lens of their tradition, diṭṭhi, and goal. What I mean is that I do not believe it is a good practice to cut and paste techniques and beliefs from various faiths, especially when one does not fully understand the system in its entirety. One gains understanding through experience and under qualified guidance that can encompass or scope the 'view' that that system or tradition holds. The danger arises when we try to mix and match things just to feel chuffed at ourselves or appear more knowledgeable to others.
All this traditionalism aside, ‘meditation' can briefly be categorized in two ways.
1. Use of directive thinking, contemplation, analysis, visualization; either singularly or on a few select topics, emotions, ideas, etc.
2. No use of thought. Stopping the attention / awareness still and absolving the momentum of the thinking process and
mental aggregates, either in one location or without location, either with subject/object (dualism) or without subject/object.
Meditation is often interchanged with the word concentration. Indeed meditation takes concentration. The word 'concentration' - also 'focus' - connotes a specific function of the mind, which also makes it easier to grasp and apply. So, keep the word 'concentration' in mind, as it can be easily put into either definition just listed.
Concentration is an everyday part of life. As everyone has a body and a mind, the art of meditation deals with concentration using body and mind - commonly known in meditation circles as rupa and nāma - and everyone can concentrate to some level or extent. Even people with ADD or ADHD can concentrate - often intensely - for moments of time. Building concentration or focus is like building muscles. A good meditation program is like a good exercise program. That’s why we need a qualified trainer, they help jumpstart our practice and can be sources if we are not getting the results we should be.
Another word to get familiar with is sati. It is most commonly translated and taught as 'mindfulness'. This is not incorrect but it is not complete. My mentors prefer to add to the description of sati as the ability to recollect or bring something to mind. Recollection is the base action needed for mindfulness, which in short is simply sustained attention/focus/concentration on one thought/technique/idea/etc. This is one's daily practice. By remembering their meditation technique or object throughout the day, the practitioner begins rewiring their mental processes. They thus begin to take control of their inner environment, which is what dictates their external environment and literal outlook on life. In this way they are rewriting themselves.
Sati also is closely related to the word 'awareness'. Some people find that the term 'mind' is a term too illusive and vague when trying to understand what the 'mind' is doing in meditation. Awareness is like a transluscent luminous sphere that one brings an attention to something within. It is associated with sati as it deals with recollecting or remembering. The proper practice and application of meditation is learning to replace one's mental content or subject matter with something beneficial, productive, and wholesome throughout the day. This is akin to fishing. One is fishing in the deep waters of their own mind. Using wholesome beneficial bait, or lures, draws-in/attracts/magnetizes wholesomeness into one's mental awareness. This then magnetizes that into one's life. What we eat is what our body becomes. What we think about and care about is what our mental atmosphere becomes. So as you can see it is essential to choose what thoughts and emotions we engage in and thus cultivate wisely. Our current mental disposition, content, mood, etc. is a sum accumulation of the mental and emotion states we have chosen to give time and attention and energy to. If we want change we have to take that step inside and understand the process.
We just have to get familiar with, get used to, the skill-set or tools of how to meditate. That said, what this means is that there will be a grace period, a romance, where these useful parts of ourselves are getting to know each other. In Thailand, there is a famous phrase that practitioners work to accomplish:
Atta Hi Attano Natho, 'One is one's own refuge (one's own master).'
Ko Hi Natho Paro Siya, 'How could anyone else be one's most reliable refuge?'
This refers to self empowerment and the ability to take control of one's own mental behavior. So let's talk about meditation from that common place.
The following metaphor may seem ridiculous at first, but hear it out. The word 'hello' serves its purpose when greeting people. There are so many ways to greet someone depending on the mood, situation, familiarity with, country, culture, vibe, and person or people you intend to connect with. The same goes for techniques of meditation. There are so many. So many that it can quickly become confusing! Yet, each one serves a purpose. By saying 'hello' you are initiating the building of a relationship. If you want to build a good relationship, communication matters. What we choose to verbalize should depend on what the situation requires or could benefit from. In meditation, you are building a relationship with yourself, with who you are inside at the surface and more importantly deep down. How you choose to communicate and engage with yourself at that level is therefore vital.
The technique of meditation we should choose is akin to how we want to say hello to ourselves; in the way we connect with the most and that best suits our style - demeanor - and purpose. You could simply not say 'hello', and that is also your choice all the same. Too many people do that to themselves their whole life.
It is not my purpose to try to prove one way to be the best. People don't know what's best for them even when it is in front of their face. Moreover, everyone is different. Everyone has different dispositions. We may not all like the same flavor of ice cream, but those people eating ice cream are all nevertheless still eating ice cream. Ice cream comes in many flavors. So does meditation. Enjoy meditation like you enjoy ice cream. Enjoy the process. Don't worry about the end result.
Another word to get familiar with is sati. It is most commonly translated and taught as 'mindfulness'. This is not incorrect but it is not complete. My mentors prefer to add to the description of sati as the ability to recollect or bring something to mind. Recollection is the base action needed for mindfulness, which in short is simply sustained attention/focus/concentration on one thought/technique/idea/etc. This is one's daily practice. By remembering their meditation technique or object throughout the day, the practitioner begins rewiring their mental processes. They thus begin to take control of their inner environment, which is what dictates their external environment and literal outlook on life. In this way they are rewriting themselves.
Sati also is closely related to the word 'awareness'. Some people find that the term 'mind' is a term too illusive and vague when trying to understand what the 'mind' is doing in meditation. Awareness is like a transluscent luminous sphere that one brings an attention to something within. It is associated with sati as it deals with recollecting or remembering. The proper practice and application of meditation is learning to replace one's mental content or subject matter with something beneficial, productive, and wholesome throughout the day. This is akin to fishing. One is fishing in the deep waters of their own mind. Using wholesome beneficial bait, or lures, draws-in/attracts/magnetizes wholesomeness into one's mental awareness. This then magnetizes that into one's life. What we eat is what our body becomes. What we think about and care about is what our mental atmosphere becomes. So as you can see it is essential to choose what thoughts and emotions we engage in and thus cultivate wisely. Our current mental disposition, content, mood, etc. is a sum accumulation of the mental and emotion states we have chosen to give time and attention and energy to. If we want change we have to take that step inside and understand the process.
We just have to get familiar with, get used to, the skill-set or tools of how to meditate. That said, what this means is that there will be a grace period, a romance, where these useful parts of ourselves are getting to know each other. In Thailand, there is a famous phrase that practitioners work to accomplish:
Atta Hi Attano Natho, 'One is one's own refuge (one's own master).'
Ko Hi Natho Paro Siya, 'How could anyone else be one's most reliable refuge?'
This refers to self empowerment and the ability to take control of one's own mental behavior. So let's talk about meditation from that common place.
The following metaphor may seem ridiculous at first, but hear it out. The word 'hello' serves its purpose when greeting people. There are so many ways to greet someone depending on the mood, situation, familiarity with, country, culture, vibe, and person or people you intend to connect with. The same goes for techniques of meditation. There are so many. So many that it can quickly become confusing! Yet, each one serves a purpose. By saying 'hello' you are initiating the building of a relationship. If you want to build a good relationship, communication matters. What we choose to verbalize should depend on what the situation requires or could benefit from. In meditation, you are building a relationship with yourself, with who you are inside at the surface and more importantly deep down. How you choose to communicate and engage with yourself at that level is therefore vital.
The technique of meditation we should choose is akin to how we want to say hello to ourselves; in the way we connect with the most and that best suits our style - demeanor - and purpose. You could simply not say 'hello', and that is also your choice all the same. Too many people do that to themselves their whole life.
It is not my purpose to try to prove one way to be the best. People don't know what's best for them even when it is in front of their face. Moreover, everyone is different. Everyone has different dispositions. We may not all like the same flavor of ice cream, but those people eating ice cream are all nevertheless still eating ice cream. Ice cream comes in many flavors. So does meditation. Enjoy meditation like you enjoy ice cream. Enjoy the process. Don't worry about the end result.
For me, the lens of expression that I most clearly have when discussing meditation is through my experiences with the Dhammakaya method. Is there a bias? As I am not yet enlightened, yes there will be.
That given, if I may, let me emphasize that my focus is looking at the art and process of meditation from the macrocosmic position. Each technique offers a different effect. Really, it is up to what result each meditator is individually, or collectively, looking for. Personally, the effect or goal that I focus on by practicing meditation is that towards self-enlightenment - Nirvana- as it is, and not as what I want it to be. This does not mean that I do not practice different techniques. It means that this is my personal goal and is not one I impose on anybody. Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy.
That given, if I may, let me emphasize that my focus is looking at the art and process of meditation from the macrocosmic position. Each technique offers a different effect. Really, it is up to what result each meditator is individually, or collectively, looking for. Personally, the effect or goal that I focus on by practicing meditation is that towards self-enlightenment - Nirvana- as it is, and not as what I want it to be. This does not mean that I do not practice different techniques. It means that this is my personal goal and is not one I impose on anybody. Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy.
from: http://www.mrwallpaper.com/view/shaolin-meditation-art-2560x1600/
