Meditation

Trojan

I'd like to know more about meditation, either related to Buddhism, or from people who don't consider themselves Buddhist but meditate regularly. Can you tell me your experiences with meditation, why you took it up, how you learned, how often you practise, where you do it, pretty much anything you can think about telling a newbie about.

Cheers,
Al.

scojones

I've only ever practiced zazen a few times, while reading books on zen. I practiced it sitting on my wooden floor of my bedroom in the posture shown by the books - which i couldn't get right hehe, and with a mat underneath me. I found it great for relaxing me during the height of exam time. After doing zazen i found i could take alot more in when studying.There are some great links to zazen in the charter. Check 'em out!

kenmobrien

I'm practicing Shinay meditation at the moment(awareness of breath) at the moment. I had instruction from Gelong Thubten about 6 weeks ago.

I'm finding it hard to settle into a routine, and find that I easily get distracted by my friends and girlfriend from meditating. Any advice?

Thubten talked about dedicating the meditation, and I have not been doing this. Does it make that much difference?

I suffer from time to time, with negative emotions and thoughts towards myself. I'm looking to find a meditiation that I could practice in regard to this, as well as continuing Shinay.

Earthhorse

Hello Trojan,

I have some experience with mediation and although I would not consider myself a Buddhist, I do subscribe to, and have been influenced by, many of their teachings and beliefs.

I first took up meditation when I was in the UCD Shaolin Kung Fu Club. Although Kung Fu is obviously a martial art there was a heavy focus on the importance of correct breathing and every practice began with a full meditation . It took me a while to fully appreciate the benefits of the various meditations they thought me but the benefits were manifold.

Meditation clears the mind and relaxes the body. Sometimes I would feel more energised coming out of a class than going in. There are other benefits as well but you mightn't realise them until you have been pracitising for quite a while and it is difficult to articulate them without sounding mystical. Primarily the benefits are that you will have more mental, physical and spiritual energy about you after a meditation.

Unfortunately, due to an illness, I slipped out of my practice of Kung Fu but have since taken up medical hypnosis for relaxation. Obviously this isn't readily available to everyone and I would strongly encourage you, if you do choose to pursue this route, to ensure you learn from a fully licensed medical practitioner. That's how I've learnt.

There is not much of a difference in the principles involved but the hypnosis is less physically involving than the Kung Fu pattern. I have to say I do not practice regularly but this is due to laziness and impatience on my part. I usually practice when feeling particularly tense or tired.

As a beginner I would suggest you find out about Yoga, Tai Chi or internal Kung Fu classes in your area and perhaps, if you have the time, ask to sit in on a class. With regards to choosing one of the above I would suggest that it's unlikely any of them are significantly better or different, in terms of principles, than the others and you are better off going with the instructor whom you feel you will learn most from or be most comfortable with.

sjones mentioned learning from a book and though I can't discount this you will find an instructor most useful at gently correcting you until you can practise alone at home in your room or indeed waiting for a bus. Eventually you will probably be able to clear your mind and relax while walking down the street or sitting at your desk just by taking a few deep breaths.

kenmobrien, I do not know anything about Gelong Thubten but I would agree that dedicating yourself to the meditation is key. A proper meditation is all about focus but it will take time to harness this ability. At first you might ask your housemates to not disturb you for the next 10 - 15 minutes or leave the phone off the hook to ensure as few external intrustions as possible.

Apologies for rambling on for so long. I never mean to but I must just like the sound of my own voice! Sorry for not replying sooner, I did mean to but comms were down while Eircom sent out our broadband modem.

If you have any questions relating to what I've said just post!

god's toy

I do a walking meditation as much as I can and I find it helps me to stay focused and awake to what’s going on around me. It’s simple as all you have to do is think of every step you take and the feeling of the ground meeting your feel and so on, it’s a good way to relax (well for me anyway!)





Peace