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Basics of meditation

SimonSimon Explorer
in Meditation
The other members of the band I play with have started getting really into meditation, and have been encouraging me to do the same. It's the one area of Buddhism I really haven't looked into yet. I'm wondering if anyone on here could give the basics of meditation, or perhaps recommend a book or something on the topic?

Thanks

Comments

  • Invincible_summerInvincible_summer Heavy Metal Dhamma We(s)t coast, Canada Veteran
    Bhante Yuttadhammo has some great videos on meditation, in the Thai Forest tradition.

    Or if you want to check out Zen-style meditation, there's this video (you'll need to turn on subtitles).
    Inc88
  • shanyinshanyin Novice Yogin Sault Ontario Veteran
    I'm sure some people here could help you more than I can. I heard the Buddha recommended breath meditation for lay people, and that is the form of meditation that worked for me when I had a daily practice. I really believe in meditation and have experienced some of its many benefits. Another option is to go to a meditation center or monatestery near you.
    nenkohai
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    Here's a Zen how-to with pix.
  • JasonJason God Emperor Arrakis Moderator
    Simon said:

    The other members of the band I play with have started getting really into meditation, and have been encouraging me to do the same. It's the one area of Buddhism I really haven't looked into yet. I'm wondering if anyone on here could give the basics of meditation, or perhaps recommend a book or something on the topic?

    Thanks

    If you're completely new to meditation, I'd suggest starting out with this (text) or this (MP3).

    My advice is to start by reading through a bit of the former just to get a general idea of what meditation is all about and then try sitting while listening to the latter. Maybe begin by trying to sit through one talk, which is usually around 10-15min, and work your way up to listening to a talk and continuing to sit another 15-30min after it's over.
  • Jason_PDKJason_PDK Explorer
    edited March 2013
    I found this course on zazen very helpful:
    http://www.zenwest.ca/online-zen/84-online-orientation-to-zen
  • SimonSimon Explorer
    edited March 2013
    Thanks so much for the advice

    Could anyone give an idea of what you personally aim for when you meditate? To become more aware of the self? Or to distance yourself from it? Or is the centre of meditation something else entirely
  • BonsaiDougBonsaiDoug Simply, on the path. Veteran
    Invincible_summer said:

    Bhante Yuttadhammo has some great videos on meditation, in the Thai Forest tradition.

    Thanx for this. I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy his talks.
    Invincible_summer
  • misecmisc1misecmisc1 I am a Hindu India Veteran
    Simon said:

    Could anyone give an idea of what you personally aim for when you meditate? To become more aware of the self? Or to distance yourself from it? Or is the centre of meditation something else entirely

    The goal of meditation is to let-go. Meditation is not done to acquire something, rather to let go of everything which we seem to have acquired.
    blu3ree
  • lobsterlobster Crusty Veteran
    Could anyone give an idea of what you personally aim for when you meditate?
    Personally? Full Enlightenment.
    Meanwhile . . . you need to start with focus and stillness.
    Awareness and acceptance.

    . . . I am into month two of this course
    http://aromeditation.org/journey-into-vastness.html
    . . . gomtag required? No.



  • blu3reeblu3ree Veteran
    edited March 2013
    I'd recommend visiting a zen center with a sangha for the first time.

    It is not a practice for those that are egocentered.

    To first be mindful of things that cause unnecessary sufferings. Then through investigation find the causes of the mental sufferings. Then to let go of the things that cause unnecessary suffering.

    A common practice many people use is breathe awareness/ kriya yoga. breathing in with your stomach on the up breath start with 1 then hold for as long feels comfortable then breathe out with the gut and count 2. This will develop concentration and awareness.
  • blu3reeblu3ree Veteran
    edited March 2013
    Simon said:

    Thanks so much for the advice

    Could anyone give an idea of what you personally aim for when you meditate? To become more aware of the self? Or to distance yourself from it? Or is the centre of meditation something else entirely

    The goal of a Buddhist is to reach nirvana. Which is the state of pure mind. Then to share with others so they to will attain nirvana.
  • jlljll Veteran
    Try this.

    http://www.dharmaweb.org/index.php/The_Basic_Method_of_Meditation_by_Ajahn_Brahmavamso
    Simon
  • genkakugenkaku Northampton, Mass. U.S.A. Veteran
    Could anyone give an idea of what you personally aim for when you meditate? To become more aware of the self? Or to distance yourself from it? Or is the centre of meditation something else entirely
    Gather your determination ... practice ... and SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
  • hermitwinhermitwin Veteran
    check this out

  • hermitwinhermitwin Veteran
    check this out.

  • hermitwinhermitwin Veteran
    check this out

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