I've had a bunch of friends trying to teach me how to meditate but it seems very difficult. I know the position i want to try its called the "Full Lotus" im just wondering how can i achieve meditation? Do i just "obvserve" my thoughts, and if so how do i do that?
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P&S Moderators: JackARoe | Cheshire_Kat
Can some one help me meditate?
- Thread starter Ecstuhcy
- Start date
Meditating, to me, is simply finding eternity in every moment. It's losing oneself in thought and losing any sense of time. It's really quite simple. Just go outside, sit on the grass and stare at the trees, the sky, the ground. Breathe the air, and sit in thought. When I do this, it can feel like an eternity because I lose any sense of time, I lose any perception of time going by. Not only that, but it's about you controlling you're thoughts, not you're thoughts controlling you.
People have this idea that meditating is something specific, but really it's just find peace and comfort in ones own thoughts. That's what it is to me. What is it to you?
People have this idea that meditating is something specific, but really it's just find peace and comfort in ones own thoughts. That's what it is to me. What is it to you?
hiphophippy
Bluelighter
Stop trying. Stop thinking about it. that's the only way
panic in paradise
Bluelighter
find a Mantra that literally resonates with you.
a Bija-Mantra.
we all have an Octave of "sound" that we are more drawn towards, because we put of the same vibration/octave.
finding which one works for you personally, will be of great help...
sit still and comfortable, 'stop thoughts' and clear your mind, then reciting the mantra you feel the most comfortable with, 108 x. even if its only hehe, OM. or GAM.
make or buy a Mala/Rosary to help keep count.
http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/bija_mantra.php
a Bija-Mantra.
we all have an Octave of "sound" that we are more drawn towards, because we put of the same vibration/octave.
finding which one works for you personally, will be of great help...
sit still and comfortable, 'stop thoughts' and clear your mind, then reciting the mantra you feel the most comfortable with, 108 x. even if its only hehe, OM. or GAM.
make or buy a Mala/Rosary to help keep count.
http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/bija_mantra.php
Changed
Bluelight Crew
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2006
- Messages
- 2,974
Practically, you won't be able to sit in the full-lotus position from the get-go-- your body won't stretch that much.
The form of meditation you're probably thinking of would be called zazen in the Zen Buddhism school: You sit in the lotus/half lotus/"Indian style"/whatever way you want, take a few deep breaths, form your hands into a 'mudra', then focus your attention on the 'hara' (basically the lower abdomen). Typically people count their breaths to focus their mind, or simply observe the breath entering and exiting your body. By focusing on this one constant, the mind (hopefully) is able to quiet the endless stream of unconscious thought blastIing through it. You'll be amazed how difficult it is to quiet the voices in your head; also, you'll be amazed how slow time goes when you're just sitting. 20 minutes is typically the threshold for any sort of actual calming of the mind...
Two useful books for insight into the meditation process: Mindfulness in Plain English and Zen Mind, Beginner Mind.
Depending on where you live, there may be a seated meditation group that meets to meditate together-- you could learn the nuts and bolts of the process there, with guided instructions.
The form of meditation you're probably thinking of would be called zazen in the Zen Buddhism school: You sit in the lotus/half lotus/"Indian style"/whatever way you want, take a few deep breaths, form your hands into a 'mudra', then focus your attention on the 'hara' (basically the lower abdomen). Typically people count their breaths to focus their mind, or simply observe the breath entering and exiting your body. By focusing on this one constant, the mind (hopefully) is able to quiet the endless stream of unconscious thought blastIing through it. You'll be amazed how difficult it is to quiet the voices in your head; also, you'll be amazed how slow time goes when you're just sitting. 20 minutes is typically the threshold for any sort of actual calming of the mind...
Two useful books for insight into the meditation process: Mindfulness in Plain English and Zen Mind, Beginner Mind.
Depending on where you live, there may be a seated meditation group that meets to meditate together-- you could learn the nuts and bolts of the process there, with guided instructions.
modern buddha
Bluelighter
You really shouldn't aim to achieve meditation. When we create aims, we think of the future. It's what we want to accomplish.
Start from the ground up. The insight Changed is talking of can, indeed, be found in those books.
What meditation or, for that matter, Zen is all about seems to be a focus on a minimization of your mind's thinking. Just stop thinking and enjoy. I guess it's where "stop and smell the flowers" comes in.
Start from the ground up. The insight Changed is talking of can, indeed, be found in those books.
What meditation or, for that matter, Zen is all about seems to be a focus on a minimization of your mind's thinking. Just stop thinking and enjoy. I guess it's where "stop and smell the flowers" comes in.
stonerfromohio
Bluelighter
Instead of trying to end your thoughts or stop them just watch them... see how these thoughts and concepts create a story which creates a sense of self... just observe simply notice this. Also notice that all the sensations in your mind and body arise and pass away even the idea of mind and body comes and goes.... notice how all things come and go... people, conversations, highs, lows, depression, happiness... thoughts... seeing this where can we find anything static that we can say specifically that it is sold, independent, concrete that is me. See how when we believe thoughts this can cause our suffering, we got lost in our mind we go towards things away from things we desire constantly... see if you can observe this process. Noticing this simply brings your attention back to this moment, and not stories in your head which your project onto life. Who is it that watches thoughts? Can the see-er be seen? All things arise and pass away. All things must pass. Cling to nothing
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the wingèd life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity's sunrise.
He who binds to himself a joy
Does the wingèd life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity's sunrise.
fieryslash
Bluelighter
- Joined
- May 22, 2010
- Messages
- 89
Maybe your soul has no need for meditation for the current state you are in. We meditate to cleanse our bodies from pain, suffering, and grief and so that when we meditate, we practice the same techniques to achieve enlightenment from meditation. I believe there is something more about meditation that meets the eye. Does this make sense? We all have the ability to meditate I believe, but when one needs it most is most crucial for it to act upon it. You might be missing something in your life that you are seeking. Maybe a raise, a healthy diet, or visit your relatives you haven't seen in years? All these factors play into the concept of happiness. Buddhism is a peaceful religion but once you truly understand it and master it, you are on a whole nother level of enlightenment.
thesoundofmotion
Bluelighter
- Joined
- May 1, 2007
- Messages
- 104
Just let things be as they are. Try to harness your attention on your feelings.
All you need to do is watch your breath for a while. Keep watching it and notice the thoughts that are coming up in your mind. Now just keep watching those thoughts but don't pay them any attention. Just let them be. Count each breath. Just keep focusing on your breath and notice your thoughts coming in and out of view.
That is how I meditate.
All you need to do is watch your breath for a while. Keep watching it and notice the thoughts that are coming up in your mind. Now just keep watching those thoughts but don't pay them any attention. Just let them be. Count each breath. Just keep focusing on your breath and notice your thoughts coming in and out of view.
That is how I meditate.
hiphophippy
Bluelighter
Pretty much the best explanation on here. though watch/focus is a little to direct. Be one with your breath, but do not think of it.
modern buddha
Bluelighter
More often than not, I prefer a moving meditation to help me focus on what's going on right now.
AfterGlow
Bluelighter
I highly recommend reading Mindfulness In Plain English