Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register
Examples: Monday, today, last week, Mar 26, 3/26/04
Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.

In the book I am reading

JennisJennis
edited October 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Mentioned in another thread, the book I am reading by Paul Brunton tells of a conversation Paul has (in or before 1934) with the Maharishee.

He (The Maharishee) tells Paul Brunton that behind all the everyday thinking there is a place in the mind where we can find peace and truth. He says the truth lies in knowing thyself (not an exact quote). He tells Paul that people new to practising meditation should meditate for one or two hours a day. He says people who have mastered it can find this peace while actually working and doing other things.

Just wondering what are people's thoughts on this?

Comments

  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Sounds right on the money to me. What he's talking about is also sometimes called Buddha nature. It's there in all of us. We just cover it up with stuff. But it's always there.
  • ravkesravkes Veteran
    edited October 2010
    I agree with Mtns. We're constantly 'unenlightening' ourselves... Meditation is simply there to show us that our concepts hold no weight when matched up to what actually is.
    1 to 2 hours is pretty intense though lol, maybe start off 15-20 minutes a day..
    Also yes, that's practical mindfulness.. the practice is there so you can be mindful when you're working.

    :)
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited October 2010
    I would say start off with around 15 minutes a day, then increase at a rate which you are comfortable. After you get to a point where you're meditating a good amount and seeing great results, then you can wind it back if you want. Although sitting meditation is always beneficial. You can, however, nearly always be in a meditative state. I think i'm getting to that point. It's really nice. I still should do more sitting meditation, though. in my opinion.
  • painpain
    edited October 2010
    I've been meditating for few years... and i couldn't meditate for more than 30min MAX...
  • ownerof1000oddsocksownerof1000oddsocks Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Personally I find the longer I meditate the easier it becomes to reside in meditation.

    Getting settled can be difficult.
  • pineblossompineblossom Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Jennis wrote: »
    Mentioned in another thread, the book I am reading by Paul Brunton tells of a conversation Paul has (in or before 1934) with the Maharishee.

    He (The Maharishee) tells Paul Brunton that behind all the everyday thinking there is a place in the mind where we can find peace and truth. He says the truth lies in knowing thyself (not an exact quote). He tells Paul that people new to practising meditation should meditate for one or two hours a day. He says people who have mastered it can find this peace while actually working and doing other things.

    Just wondering what are people's thoughts on this?

    Jennis - it matters not how long or short you meditation.

    What matters is the purpose you meditate.

    If anyone tells you they have mastered meditation, or any other spiritual practice, I would argue caution.

    Remember the old adage - those who tell don't know; those who know don't tell.

    If you are interesting in meditation please consider joining an establish Buddhist centre and learn from the teacher.
  • de_void_of_meaningde_void_of_meaning
    edited October 2010
    pineblossom wrote: »
    Remember the old adage - those who tell don't know; those who know don't tell.

    Those who know, do not speak. Those who speak, do not know
    -Lao Tzu
    Author of the Tao Te Ching

    I imagine that Meditation centers will give you good guidance.
    Although, I also imagine that people on this forum can also offer you some insight into their experiences and that some books are also very valuable.

    Best wishes. :-)
  • de_void_of_meaningde_void_of_meaning
    edited October 2010
    Those who speak, do not know. Those who know, do not speak.

    The passage above was from a book called the Tao Te Ching written by Lao Tzu, a Toaist monk and the father of Toaism. He lived in China 570-490 BC.

    He believed that many aspects of our mysterious existence are too profound to be put into words, and that those who can explain such things using mere words were perhaps imposters.

    I imagine that the people you may meet at a meditation center, as well as on this forum will have a lot of good advice and guidance to give you with regards to your meditation practice.

    I guess that not all the advice will be exactly the same, as human beings are as varied as the stars in the sky.

    I would advise you to listen, try out what they advise (within reason) and make up your own mind.

    I wish you well.
    Love and peace...
    :)
  • ownerof1000oddsocksownerof1000oddsocks Veteran
    edited October 2010
    de_void_of_meaning wrote: »
    Those who speak, do not know. Those who know, do not speak.
    Well, apart from those that do actually know and do actually speak if asked.

    Trust and trial should clear up any doubt.
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited October 2010
    "It", whatever it is, the truth behind reality, is unspeakable. That is why the buddha doesn't just tell us something that when we read will make us understand. Rather he guides us so we can figure it out for ourselves. So if someone claims to know the ultimate truth, or that what they're telling you is the ultimate truth, they do not know. When I first came into some knowledge I thought that I had learned the ultimate truth. Some people believed me. Alas, I was mistaken. Now I know that I don't know it all, and even if I did I wouldn't go around saying I did to get glory. My intentions weren't entirely selfish, mainly I just wanted to help people, but I agree with the quote that people keep quoting.
  • JennisJennis
    edited October 2010
    Thanks everyone.


    The nearest centre for me is a pretty long journey. I have purchased mindfulness CD's. I think the problem is me. I seem to have something holding me back. I have some time in the morning, but procrastinate. Why do I find it so hard to just breathe and be still?

    By the way, someone mentioned breathing and I have noticed since I have been a little more mindful, that I am often holding my breath. I even wonder if this breath holding has caused me to feel so very stressed
  • pineblossompineblossom Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Jennis wrote: »
    Thanks everyone.

    Thank you for your questions.
    The nearest centre for me is a pretty long journey. I have purchased mindfulness CD's.

    Have a look here. This is a well respect site in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Click on AUDIO and you will find a meditation course with respected teachers. You will also find some very useful books most of which are free.
    I think the problem is me.

    Yes - but we are all in the same boat.
    I seem to have something holding me back. I have some time in the morning, but procrastinate. Why do I find it so hard to just breathe and be still?

    Because it is hard to still still and concentrate on breathing. Incredibly difficult - that is why most people bail out of meditation.
    By the way, someone mentioned breathing and I have noticed since I have been a little more mindful, that I am often holding my breath. I even wonder if this breath holding has caused me to feel so very stressed

    Perhaps, but in all probability it is the first time you have focused on your breathing and the first time you have actually noticed what you are doing. Well done. You have learnt something.

    Meditation is like that - you begin to notice things which you have been too busy doing other things to notice.
  • pineblossompineblossom Veteran
    edited October 2010
    de_void_of_meaning wrote: »
    Those who know, do not speak. Those who speak, do not know
    -Lao Tzu
    Author of the Tao Te Ching

    I imagine that Meditation centers will give you good guidance.
    Although, I also imagine that people on this forum can also offer you some insight into their experiences and that some books are also very valuable.

    Best wishes. :-)


    Thank you.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited October 2010
    Jennis wrote: »
    Thanks everyone.


    The nearest centre for me is a pretty long journey.
    No it isn't..... Not really......;)
  • JennisJennis
    edited October 2010
    Federica, I think there is one in Berkhamstead and I will be going to the one in Hemel Hempstead when a friend can drive me. But I have to get the bus and its not on the bus route I don't think.


    Pine Blossom, that really helps, thank you.
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    edited October 2010
    I know.
    I have no car either.
    Bummer, isn't it........?:grin:
Sign In or Register to comment.