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Problems and Solutions
I decided that it might be better to dive into buddhism instead of read long winded, inaccessible books that get me no where. So I learned how to meditate (very easy to understand, but incrediably difficult to control, as it would seem) and the teacher at my local zen center, which I have visited twice, always says the same thing to me. "Concentrate on your breathing." I must admit, I'm getting a bit frustrated because I was hoping for a little more instruction then that, especially since the center asks for a ten dollar donation every time I attend, which I really can't afford.
But that aside, I'm seeking out other temples and centers to try and get a broader view of things. I didn't really choose Zen in particular, it just happened to have been the only center locally and that's the sect that they subscribe to.
I really wish I could find a teacher locally who I could seek out for some personal training. I don't know if I could pay them anything, but I would do anything just to do that. Meanwhile, I have been meditating every day and it's very frustrating because I don't feel like I'm getting anything out of it. I feel like I need something else, but I can't lay my finger on what it is.
Everyone at the center I go to seems to know a lot more then I do, and I feel really left out in the dark and nobody teaches me anything and it's quite disheartening.
But that aside, I'm seeking out other temples and centers to try and get a broader view of things. I didn't really choose Zen in particular, it just happened to have been the only center locally and that's the sect that they subscribe to.
I really wish I could find a teacher locally who I could seek out for some personal training. I don't know if I could pay them anything, but I would do anything just to do that. Meanwhile, I have been meditating every day and it's very frustrating because I don't feel like I'm getting anything out of it. I feel like I need something else, but I can't lay my finger on what it is.
Everyone at the center I go to seems to know a lot more then I do, and I feel really left out in the dark and nobody teaches me anything and it's quite disheartening.
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Comments
It is important to reflect on what you want out of meditation. I think that THATs what you should talk to your teacher about.
1. How to practice Zazen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csyCrcpDs58
2. Guided Meditation with Western type advice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwwKbM_vJc
The heart of Buddha's teachings:
1. Basic Principles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgtOL...eature=related
2. Application: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlIuO...eature=related
Those will help you greatly. Really though, all meditation is sitting and observing the emotions, thoughts and sensations that arise through your body objectively in order to rest as awareness. Find a quiet place and just sit. That's Zazen. Just sit and observe; be mindful.
You'll then realize that this practice will turn into constant mindfulness throughout your day. The whole universe will become your teacher.
I was just as lost as you and thankfully I still am. Funnily enough it's because I'm lost that I'm able to realize inner peace.
Oh and by the way, there are never any problems. Just situations.
You've received some good advice here already so I'll only add one thing: If you feel that you need more advice from a teacher face to face I would definitely advise checking out other centers. It doesn't sound like the Zen center you're currently going to is right for you.
Can you give us an idea of what centers you're close to?
Hi Blackflag,
I'm going to give you some great advice, because I'm in one of those kinds of moods :cool:
First of all, for beginners I do not agree with this "persistantly dull" practice of doing the same thing all the time.
There are advantages to focusing on the breath:
1) It trains concentration.
2) It's relaxing.
3) The breath is easy to find.
4) It allows a light focus so that you can develope an awareness of all the sensations/thoughts going on
5) It can cause emotions of "impatience" which you can then become aware of and adress with indifference.
However, it is much more important to keep up your enthusiasm for meditation. If you're getting "bored" of this practice, you need to try some new things.
At a more intermediate/advanced level you will begin to "welcome" your boredness, but that is very tough for a beginner.
So I would recommend that you try some new types of meditation.
My absolute favourite meditation is meditation on sensations in the body. It can be done anywhere, anytime, and you begin just by focusing on any sensations you have in the body. Treat the body sensations as your object of awareness, rather than the breath.
You can even change this so that your focus is "sensations of relaxation in the body" such that the meditation can become extremely enjoyable, and occasionally euphoric.
To get some 1-1 tuition on other types of meditation you'll have to shop another for another meditation teacher...
I recommend watching some Shinzen Young videos on youtube
Practice Well!
~Rich
I live on Long Island, New York.
Good luck!
Some people meditate routinely just to "center" themselves, and I'm not saying that it isn't beneficial, but rather that it's superficial. What you really want to do if you're serious about Buddhism is to study the teachings and then meditate upon them.
Yes, our teacher (a Tibetan & a monk) says that meditating on the concepts ("analytical meditation") is the goal of meditation. But that first, we have to be able to focus entirely without distraction. We will know we can do that when we can: breathe in and out of our right nostril 7 times, then our left nostril 7 times, then both nostrils 7 times ... all 21 times without a whisp of distraction breaking our focus. Only then are we ready for the concept meditation you describe.
Yes, methodology is very good for beginners.
I really dislike this "count your breath" because along with counting up to 21, you are supposed to begin at "1" whenever you lose your focus. It gets really frustrating, which is certainly losing one's focus! And that, too, is part of the training.
For those who don't like focusing on the breath, the alternative technique is to chose an object (simple or complex ... he usually recommends Buddha) and visualize it in all detaill, very small, about 4 feet in front of you. Not MY long suit!
'bo' with in breath
'dhi' with out breath
"bodhi' means 'awake'