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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".
One thing that I find important when discussing meditation with others is to first talk about definitions of meditation, as it is the operative word here. 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.
One thing that I find important when discussing meditation with others is to first talk about definitions of meditation, as it is the operative word here. 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 the source on Wikipedia as a standard of measure for accuracy. Let's take a look at what they write there:
"Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or as an end in itself.
The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices (much like the term sports) that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration, single-pointed analysis, meant to enable its practitioner to enjoy an 'indestructible sense of well-being' while engaging in any life activity."
"Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or as an end in itself.
The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices (much like the term sports) that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration, single-pointed analysis, meant to enable its practitioner to enjoy an 'indestructible sense of well-being' while engaging in any life activity."
There are many many different types of meditation. 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 attempts to compile 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 help explain the art in a practical and fun-loving light.
And so, I sum meditation up in another way. The work 'meditation' is a western word that has certain limitations and connotations to it. In looking at the roots of the concept of 'meditation', Google defines it as:
This Wikipedia introduction attempts to compile 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 help explain the art in a practical and fun-loving light.
And so, I sum meditation up in another way. The work 'meditation' is a western word that has certain limitations and connotations to it. In looking at the roots of the concept of 'meditation', Google defines it 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
Western etymological origins come from the latin word meditari, which means "to measure", and meditat "to contemplate". Why is this even important. Well, the definition of something helps us to understand exactly what it is, and/or - if applicable - what to use to do it. If we measure or contemplate something, it involves using a thought processing and analysis. This means that we utilize the thinking process in order to meditate. The Eastern view of meditation is very different. Indeed, the East has more types and style of meditation that you can shake a stick at.
As a foundation, let's dive into an important word used in the Buddhist, Vedic, and Yogic traditions: samadhi. Google defines samadhi as:
As a foundation, let's dive into an important word used in the Buddhist, Vedic, and Yogic traditions: samadhi. Google defines samadhi as:
a state of intense concentration achieved through meditation.
There's that meditation word again. Really, the definition of meditation really depends on the diṭṭhi (dṛṣṭi in Sanskrit) - or "view" and belief system - that one 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. There are many types of meditations, and I do not like to limit something that is universal by creating a mental construct in categorizing meditation as "Buddhist" or "Hindu" or "Monotheistic". 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 who is from the Bible belt in America, they may automatically reject it because of the fear that it may go against the Christian faith. That would be sad, because the truth is that any Christian - or anyone from any religious association - can meditate. Moreover, they should meditate.
Indeed, when referring to common techniques like Mindfulness or Vipassana or Dzogchen or Śamatha, it is important to view them in the lens of their 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 through experience and under the scope of the 'view' that that technique's system holds. Even moreso when such a person does so just to feel good or appear more knowledge to themselves and others.
So, given the overview here mentioned and to try to avoid such blending, I decided to broad-stroke sum up 'meditation' in two ways.
1. Use of directive thinking, contemplation, analysis; 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
Many times I find meditation interchanged with the word concentration. I feel that the word 'concentration' - also 'focus' - connotes a specific function of the mind, which I think makes it easier to grasp and apply. So, I will use the word 'concentration' as it can be easily put into either definition just listed.
Indeed, when referring to common techniques like Mindfulness or Vipassana or Dzogchen or Śamatha, it is important to view them in the lens of their 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 through experience and under the scope of the 'view' that that technique's system holds. Even moreso when such a person does so just to feel good or appear more knowledge to themselves and others.
So, given the overview here mentioned and to try to avoid such blending, I decided to broad-stroke sum up 'meditation' in two ways.
1. Use of directive thinking, contemplation, analysis; 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
Many times I find meditation interchanged with the word concentration. I feel that the word 'concentration' - also 'focus' - connotes a specific function of the mind, which I think makes it easier to grasp and apply. So, I will use the word 'concentration' as it can be easily put into either definition just listed.
from: http://www.arcadianlife.org/archives/1049
Concentration is an everyday part of life. As everyone has a body and a mind and the art of meditation deals with concentration using body and mind - or rupa and nāma - everyone can concentrate to some level or extent.
Other word to get familiar with is Sati. It is commonly translated as 'mindfulness', though mentors of mine prefer to describe its meaning as the ability to recollect or bring something to mind, as that is the action needed for daily practice and thus mindfulness. Sati also is closely related to the word 'awareness', which I think is a good common word that people can somewhat easily grasp when trying to understand what their mind is doing in meditation. Sati also is related to the ability to bring something to mind, thus it is often associated with recollecting or remembering one's meditation object-technique throughout the day.
I stand with the viewpoint that we just have to get familiar with, get used to, the skill-set or tools of how to meditate. That said, what that 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?'
So let's talk about meditation from that common place.
The following metaphor may seem ridiculous at first. 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 get 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 both 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. That is a futile endeavor as everyone is different. Everyone has different dispositions. We may not all like the same flavor of ice cream, but we're still eating ice cream. Ice cream comes in many flavors. So does meditation. Enjoy meditation like you enjoy ice cream. Enjoy the process.
Other word to get familiar with is Sati. It is commonly translated as 'mindfulness', though mentors of mine prefer to describe its meaning as the ability to recollect or bring something to mind, as that is the action needed for daily practice and thus mindfulness. Sati also is closely related to the word 'awareness', which I think is a good common word that people can somewhat easily grasp when trying to understand what their mind is doing in meditation. Sati also is related to the ability to bring something to mind, thus it is often associated with recollecting or remembering one's meditation object-technique throughout the day.
I stand with the viewpoint that we just have to get familiar with, get used to, the skill-set or tools of how to meditate. That said, what that 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?'
So let's talk about meditation from that common place.
The following metaphor may seem ridiculous at first. 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 get 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 both 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. That is a futile endeavor as everyone is different. Everyone has different dispositions. We may not all like the same flavor of ice cream, but we're still eating ice cream. Ice cream comes in many flavors. So does meditation. Enjoy meditation like you enjoy ice cream. Enjoy the process.
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 big picture and overall-spectrum standpoint. 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 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 one that I do not impose on anybody. Thank you for reading. I'm grateful you took the time 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 big picture and overall-spectrum standpoint. 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 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 one that I do not impose on anybody. Thank you for reading. I'm grateful you took the time and hope you enjoy!
from: http://www.mrwallpaper.com/view/shaolin-meditation-art-2560x1600/
