Eyes open or eyes closed?

ClayTheScribe

So I know Shambala encourages its practitioners to keep their eyes open and downcast because we're supposed to be completely awake and not too "dreamy," while Insight Meditation Society encourages eyes closed. I've found I have difficulty keeping my eyes open because my mind fixates on whatever is in front of me and creates thoughts about it. However, sometimes I have the temptation to get sleepy, especially at night, and that's the opposite of what you want in practice. What works best for you?

compassionate_warrior

Didn't we just have a thread on this a week or ago? Was that yours, or someone else's? Come to think of it, it may have been MindGate's.

ClayTheScribe

I guess I missed it. Could you please refer me to the link?

compassionate_warrior

"Can You Meditate With Your Eyes Open?", posted by StoicBuddhistAlex. Go down the topic listings under the "Meditation" category, you'll see it.

ajnast4r

eyes closed works best for my... open is a million times more difficult. I've heard it recommended either way.

what I do to combat sleepiness is just leave a bright light on (but keep my eyes closed)

Floating_Abu

"Can You Meditate With Your Eyes Open?", posted by StoicBuddhistAlex. Go down the topic listings under the "Meditation" category, you'll see it.

Per cw -

http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/13067/can-you-meditate-with-your-eyes-open#Item_18

misecmisc1

in my view, eyes should be closed during meditation.

seeker242

>I've found I have difficulty keeping my eyes open because my mind fixates on whatever is in front of me and creates thoughts about it.

Why is that a problem? You are learning how your mind functions to make suffering when that happens.