A Simple Guide To Meditation

ELIMINATING STRESS AND TENSION: THE CLEANSING POWER OF SILENCE

Why do we meditate?

Look around, how well are you doing. and how wonderful is your life.

     Is your world in chaos and there is much suffering

We are searching for answers, solutions to our suffering

     Knowledge has created this mess – it is mind's contents.

          To go beyond, we have to go beyond the mind.

What is meditation?

Process of entering into the silence (silent mind)

     Try it for one minute

     Close eyes, get comfortable, begin now...

It is an opportunity to shed the noise of the mind.

     Silence is what we need and desire.

          It gives us an opportunity to rebuild ourselves.

     Some try to get into meditation, into the calm silence.

          We do this when we watch TV or movies.

          We try to do this when we go on a vacation.

          We do this with drugs.

          We do this with exercise and sports.

     We usually don't become calm, we become numb.

Programmed minds - unfortunately, most of these also program us.

     Movies, TV program fear, violence, hate, lust, etc.

     Vacations do not vacate the mind.

          We run around, and need to end vacation to rest.

     Drugs chemically alter brain's perception of reality

          Brings silence and good feelings.

          Forget worries, problems, fears, etc.

          Without drugs, we crave what's missing.

               We become addicts to drugs.

     Sports and exercise high also result of empty mind.

          Endorphins is created to make us feel good.

               Your thoughts are programming you.

When the mind is silent, it is open to change and realizations.

     It creates endorphins and makes us feel good.

     It allows the body to rejuvenate itself.

Forms of meditation?

Posture is simple.

     Straight back

     Don't do it lying down © sleep too easy

     Be comfortable

Meditate with an erect posture, keeping body steady

     When body is steady, then mind can become steady

     Except when playing, we should always be steady

Meditation with seed

     Concentration of object or thought (remaining still)

          Sounds made by self – chanting mantra or singing

          Listening – music, sounds, bells/gongs

          Seeing – flame, waterfall, waves, birds flying, fishes in aquarium

          Feeling – sitting under waterfalls

          Movement – Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga, hiking, working

Meditation without seed

     True meditation is constant concentration on God,

          Silent, limitless, formless, and timeless

          Zen – Zazen or just sitting

     Meditation goes on continuously

Results of meditation?

     People have physical changes – it happens

     People have psychological changes – it's true

     People have super or transcendental experiences – it can happen

     True goal is – Oneness with God

          Peace of mind

          Bliss and Joy

          Love

What about the reports of phenomena?

     Don't get caught up in them

     Things may or may not happen

     We are only quieting the mind chatter

Wisdom gained from inner inquiry is superior to meditation

     Inquire on nature of worldly activity – gain peace and bliss

What is true meditation?

     The gradual, slow, steady control of all desires

     Daily silence, to rest the mind from words and thoughts

     Many find it beneficial to repeat the name of their God

          Some find it beneficial to concentrate on their God

     Mind needs silence and peace

Does diet affect meditation?

     Yes - some find that occasional fasting for a day or two helps

     Eat a simple diet, vegetarian if possible

          It's cheaper and healthier

     Animals act in accordance with their diet

          Vegetarians are calmer

          Carnivores are more aggressive

          These are suggestions - not hard and fast rules

     Offer food to God.

          Then it becomes sacred gift of God

Benefits of meditation?

Ability to remain calm in times of stress

Clarity - the ability to see clearly

Action - the ability to take action quickly

In the silence, all separations disappear

     All of life merges into one

     There is only divine consciousness and eternal bliss

          Sense that everything is the one and same entity

     Treat all people equally.

Steps in Meditation

     Sit in comfortable position

          Chair or floor, back straight (back support)

     Close eyes (nothing to see)

     Deep breathing to relax

     Seed meditation

          Meditation on object

          Lead meditation

Highest wisdom comes when we realize that everything in creation is the manifestation of divinity.

   Copyright © 2004 by Gary K. Yamamoto.

All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the author.