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Do you meditate every day?
rivercane
Veteran
Just wondering how many people here meditate every day or more than once a day? I wanted to set this up as a poll but didn't see that option.
For the past couple of years, I could only manage to meditate a few times a week. Then sometimes I would not meditate at all for weeks at a time. It's really been a struggle for me to learn to discipline myself enough to mediate. It's as if I wanted to do it, but had to force myself.
Now I seemed to have turned a corner around the start of the new year and I find it fairly easy to meditate every day. It's something I look forward to. So far this year, I've only skipped a few days and some days I will meditate two or three times throughout the day. I usually meditate for about 40 minutes in the evening but will sometimes go for an hour or longer. I find it is more difficult in the morning and usually I will only meditate for about 20 minutes in the morning and then maybe a quick 10 minutes around noon.
So far I can count the number of "deep" meditation experiences I've had on one hand, even after trying for a few years, but I've found that meditating every day has really helped me learn to settle my mind much quicker than when I first started to meditate. I've gotten used to letting go of thoughts as they arise whereas in the past my entire meditation session was spent dealing with trying to clear my mind of thoughts.
For the past couple of years, I could only manage to meditate a few times a week. Then sometimes I would not meditate at all for weeks at a time. It's really been a struggle for me to learn to discipline myself enough to mediate. It's as if I wanted to do it, but had to force myself.
Now I seemed to have turned a corner around the start of the new year and I find it fairly easy to meditate every day. It's something I look forward to. So far this year, I've only skipped a few days and some days I will meditate two or three times throughout the day. I usually meditate for about 40 minutes in the evening but will sometimes go for an hour or longer. I find it is more difficult in the morning and usually I will only meditate for about 20 minutes in the morning and then maybe a quick 10 minutes around noon.
So far I can count the number of "deep" meditation experiences I've had on one hand, even after trying for a few years, but I've found that meditating every day has really helped me learn to settle my mind much quicker than when I first started to meditate. I've gotten used to letting go of thoughts as they arise whereas in the past my entire meditation session was spent dealing with trying to clear my mind of thoughts.
2
Comments
Ironically, it was before I became a Buddhist, so the intent of the meditation varied; sometimes it was for de-stressing, or to relax and think about a problem or issue without distractions, sometimes it was part of (Pagan) ritual, sometimes it was just because it was enjoyable and made me feel renewed and recharged.
Since officially becoming a Buddhist (a few years ago), I honestly haven't felt the need nor desire to make meditation part of my 'practice'.
I have somewhat ... well... let's just say non-mainstream opinions when it comes to meditation. I've seen too many people cling desperately to how often, how long, how 'productively' they meditate... and then fail to incorporate the basic Buddhist principals into their everyday lives; making the meditation pretty pointless, IMO.
I often keep a mindfulness bell cycling every 15 minutes on my computer when I am at home, as a kind of "mental recalibration."
A couple years ago, I used to do zazen almost every day (usually 25 minutes) and it really was having quite an "effect" on me (in a positive way!).
Currently meditating maybe 3x a week, just for 30 minutes each time (give or take - I don't count precisely). I think what @vinlyn said above is relevant to where I am now:
(sorry, I couldn't help myself!)
I then try to sit meditating for 'as long' as i can before bed! Again, very late so its very still and quiet , therefore i dont have any restrictions..
My meditations can last between 20 mins to 60 mins...
Im wanting to attend a silent retreat soon. I want to find one that concentrates on just meditation (and not necessarily 'buddhism' etc)
:om:
It's been really interesting to read the replies here. A lot of really good feedback!
Every morning I do a set of prostrations and some chanting though.
It's not called a meditation "practice" for nothing. The reason why people may be "cling[ing] desperately" to the efficacy of their meditation is because, like any other practice, they want to improve. That being said, there's a fine line between clinging to a perceived goal or "end result" and skillful right effort.
And @MaryAnne, perhaps you're not telling us the whole story, but I don't see why the perceived faults of others is a reason for you to not meditate. Just because other drivers on the road may be inconsiderate doesn't mean I should stop driving.
I don't mean to argue with you or say that you're wrong - it's your own practice after all - but I just don't see how one can be a Buddhist and not meditate (unless one is a Pure Land Buddhist I suppose, but that's a totally other thing). Sure, the 4NT and 8FP are the core of Buddhism, but just reading them and going "Yeah I'll do that" just makes it an intellectual exercise. A concerted effort at having a meditation practice helps bring the Truths and the Path to light, in my experience.
In metta.
Raven
I also try to practice mindfullness while I'm "out in the world". I do that fairly regularly when I commute to work, perform simple tasks (such as the classical washing the dishes), walk or grocery shop. This is probably where it matters the most, practicing in daily life, but this is also something I struggle with the most. But I'll keep working on it, as it's sort of the whole point, isn't it?
@invincible_summer
Well, I'll try to clarify (and somewhat separate) the two statements you quoted...
The reason I don't meditate - in the formal, sitting meditation sort of way - is because I, personally, at this time and juncture in my practice, don't feel a need or desire to, (as I said). I believe mindfulness at random times, while doing mundane things throughout the day can be just as effective as formal, scheduled, sitting meditation. Depending, of course, on what your goals are for meditation. And our goals may not be the same. (Most likely they're not). That's OK, too.
Like I said, I know that's not exactly the mainstream (popular) western perception of meditation and its "importance". But I believe it's mostly the western Buddhists who insist that one can't possibly be a "good Buddhist" without formal meditation- and I find that rather odd to say considering the vast majority of lay Buddhists - all across the Asian countries - don't meditate on a daily or even weekly basis. Would we be correct in saying that they are not "good Buddhists"? I wouldn't even think of saying that about cultures who have been steeped in Buddhism for many many generations....
So that's really the main reason I don't feel the need to incorporate formal meditation in my Buddhist practice, now. I spend more time in mindfulness (probably 10 times more time per day) than I would or could spend in formal meditation. Doesn't mean that won't or can't change some time in the future.
As for my other comment; people sometimes cling to their meditation practice and get hung up on how many, how long and how productive their formal sits are ... yet THAT seems to be the only time they devote any time or mindfulness (or action) to the Buddhist path. It becomes ALL about meditation and nothing about LIVING the path.
That is not actually why I don't meditate myself, but it reinforces my opinion that meditation does not necessarily make a "good Buddhist".
I don't think the length of time in formal meditation is as important as the depths of ones willingness to surrender to it and as others have pointed out, either you work at allowing that meditation to flow into all other activities or it's benefits will becomes compartmentalized in your life.
Just as a matter of conversation-
Can a Catholic still be a "good catholic" through their actions words and deeds, even when they may not formally pray the rosary or observe Lent?
Can a Christian still be a "good Christian" through their actions words and deeds, even though they never go to church?
Can a Jew be a "good Jew" through their actions words and deeds even though they never go to temple or perhaps eat non-kosher foods?
Is it 'right' to judge who is and who isn't a good catholic/christian/Jew or Buddhist based solely on what one doesn't do, as opposed to what one does do?
from the 8 fold path:
8. Samma-Samadhi — Full, Integral or Holistic Samadhi. This is often translated as concentration, meditation, absorption or one-pointedness of mind. None of these translations is adequate.
Samadhi literally means to be fixed, absorbed in or established at one point, thus the first level of meaning is concentration when the mind is fixed on a single object.
The second level of meaning goes further and represents the establishment, not just of the mind, but also of the whole being in various levels or modes of consciousness and awareness.
This is Samadhi in the sense of enlightenment or Buddhahood.
(Italics, mine)
What is described there in italics can, IMO, be practiced / cultivated in other ways by 'good Buddhists' besides formal, sitting meditation. You may not agree... and that's fine, but that doesn't make me wrong. But I acknowledge it doesn't make you wrong, either.
I loved and appreciated the picture and feeling you 'painted' with your description of your early morning runs...
I used to LOVE getting up very early and walking (or jogging) to the beach to watch the sun rise over the water. Like you- no music, no singing or talking... just the sound of my feet on pavement, the birds and finally the waves lapping on the shore.
*Sigh* I miss that sooooo much. Thanks for the memory recall!
Ultimately no. Realistically we judge ourselves, others, sangha, teachers, the freshness of pomegranates etc.
In my judgement the only good 'catholic/christian/Jew', is the one practicing/converted to Buddhism :crazy:
Is the Pope a Catholic? Let's hope not.
Be kind in your judgement.
:eek: ::: swoons ::: *thud*................................
I don't think that is what the Buddha taught. You can't enter jhana just by being mindful during the day. It requires actual meditation practice. "Right mindfulness" is great, but it's not the same as "right concentration"
Mahayana Buddhist on the other hand practice making perfect the 6 paramitas. The 5th of which is "The Perfection of Concentration (Dhyana Paramita)" and this is always about actual meditation practice.
Buddhism without meditation is still "good" but it's still incomplete. The vast majority of lay Buddhists, all across the Asian countries, who don't meditate on a daily or even weekly basis, are only practicing some of what the Buddha taught, not all of it. The vast majority of them believe "enlightenment" is reserved for monks and only monks. They are practicing to make good karma and have a good rebirth, not to get enlightenment.
I'm not going to keep going back and forth on this. I've made my objection.
"and I find that rather odd to say considering the vast majority of lay Buddhists - all across the Asian countries - don't meditate on a daily or even weekly basis."
It wasn't me! Although I do agree with that.
#1 Of all the Buddhists in the world, few of them maintain a regular meditation practice
#2 Part of the N8FP is meditation
#3 According to the path, meditation is necessary yet many Buddhists do not practice it
#4 Those who do not practice it, are not practicing what Buddha taught one should practice.
Now, if someone chooses to judge those people based on that, that is a different thing entirely. People practice Buddhism for all sorts of different reasons. I don't know a single person who practices their religion 100%. That's why it's a practice. To those who meditate hours a day, the mere 30 minutes I am lucky to sneak in probably don't seem enough. To me, hours a day meditating seems excessive and unnecessary unless you are ordained. But we're all different, and we're all practicing Buddhism for different reasons, and that's a-okay.
Remembered seeing this so I looked it up:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lewis-richmond/most-buddhists-dont-medit_b_1461821.html
Hardly scientific data, but a good read regardless.
My view is, whatever works. Why should I care if someone sits every day for 10 minutes, 2 hours, weekly for one hour, or only on the full moon? If they feel they are meditating and getting more use out of daily mindfulness than sitting on a cushion, who am I to tell them they are wrong? Just having time to be quiet and still is a form of meditation.
if I want to understand Lutheran theology, I will study from Luther's books to get an idea. I won't observe the behavior of a Lutheran-dominated country, say Germany, to get an insight into Lutheran theology. Likewise, Buddhism does not rely upon what people in thailand do or believe - Buddhism is learnt from the Buddha's sayings.
I guess you could say that at this stage I am more into meditation than Buddhism itself. Although I still believe in the teachings and the meditation I practice is a Buddhist meditation, I would gladly use a completely secular meditation if it brought relief, and I have done so in the past.
I understand reaching the point where you do less and less formal sitting and instead remain mindful throughout the day - sort of meditating more or less constantly while one is awake. I've heard dharma teachers talk about this, but I don't think I'm at that stage yet.
I have come to realize, however, just how important it is to develop higher moral standards and to obey the precepts as a foundation for our practice and found myself nodding in agreement at some of the comments here. Not very long ago, I would have ignored that kind of advice but I can see now that it applies to me and everyone who wants to make progress on the path.
" If I miss a days piano practice I notice the difference.
If I miss two days practice my family notices.
If I miss three days practice the public notices "
Personally I have to practice meditation everyday..there may be those for whom this is unneccessary. But I am not one of them.
No matter how good my intentions, if I miss out meditation I become clouded.
"The vast majority of lay Buddhists, all across the Asian countries, who don't meditate on a daily or even weekly basis, are only practicing some of what the Buddha taught, not all of it. The vast majority of them believe "enlightenment" is reserved for monks and only monks. They are practicing to make good karma and have a good rebirth, not to get enlightenment. "
@seeker242, I'm pretty surprised at your reluctance to let go of the assumptions and judgements of others' practice (of Buddhism).
Did it ever occur to you that I am - like that vast majority of lay Buddhists all across Asian countries - only interested in 'making good karma', and living a peaceful, sympathetic life on this planet, and in this universe, with as little suffering as possible, for this lifetime?
Is the seeking of the Ultimate / Enlightenment the only "legitimate" goal of a Buddhist's Life?
I don't think the Buddha had any such delusion that all people, lay people in particular, would seek (and find) "Enlightenment" in one lifetime, a few lifetimes, and maybe not even in many lifetimes....
Are you really willing to stick to your notion that the individual, precise way a person (any person) practices their 8 Fold mindfulness and right concentration is the defining line between a real Buddhist and a "not quite" Buddhist? Really? You don't see a problem with making that judgement?
I've read this somewhere, at some time, but can't remember where; "meditation is a western word. There is no word for meditation in the (original?) Buddhist languages." We in the West apply our own understanding to the word and practice of "meditation"... nothing wrong with that, but let's at least acknowledge that it isn't the way ALL Buddhists everywhere define or practice mindfulness and 'right concentration'.
The final group come under the general heading of Samadhi..mental absorbtion and
consists of Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.
It is this last trio which are usually meant when we refer to "meditation "
It is clear from a hundred contexts that this mental absorption has particular qualities that for the overwhelming majority have to be learned ..they do not for most of us simply occur. Although in theory there is no reason to suppose that they cannot.
But in practice I know of no teacher in any school of Buddhadharma that does not see a formal period of stilling the mind on a regular basis away from day to day concerns as a prerequisite for the development of Samadhi.
There are many ways of approaching onepointedness of mind.
Ajahn Chan once said that one of the reasons that Buddhdharma is coming west is so that it can be re-exported to Asia in its fullness..stripped of the more folk-Buddhist accretions.
"The idea of a self is merely a concept, a convention-American, Thai, teacher, student, all are conventions. Ultimately no one exists, only earth, fire, water, and air-elements that have combined temporarily. We call the body a person, my self, but ultimately there is no me, there is only anatta, not-self. To understand not-self, you have to meditate. If you only intellectualize, your head will explode." ~Ajahn Chah
If you don't want to learn or know what anatta really is, then sure you don't have to meditate. However, if you don't, then you are only practicing some of what the Buddha taught, not all of it! The idea that this is "good or bad" is your judgment, not mine! It is neither good or bad, it's just the way it is.
Meditation is one pointedness of mind...collected , not scattered. Aware..
The means to arrive at that are many.