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Meditation!

meh_meh_
edited November 2010 in Buddhism Basics
Yesterday, prior to going to sleep - I thought Ill have a meditation session!
Now Im inexperienced in meditation, and thought ill be simple and do some breathing meditation, with the counting etc. When I had finished one, long slow cycle (1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 1-10) I stopped for a bit. It really did feel quite strange, given that its one of my first times, and felt very - spacious? and clear headed, which is something i rarely experience.

Once I reach a clear state of mind, what should I be doing/thinking about/visualising/focusing on etc?

thankies in adv. (:

Comments

  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    edited November 2010
    Just notice the clarity and don't try to force it to persist or go away. When you find yourself having discursive thoughts about the clarity return to the breath.

    But it is not wrong to enjoy a good experience. Holding onto it on the other hand can hurt.

    You have this same clarity when you are confused. At least you notice the confusion (or dullness). There is always an awake quality. You just have to wipe the dust away. Like a drought river and then the rains come again and it is flowing.
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited November 2010
    If it is insight-meditation or Vipassana, focus on the breath but observe from moment to moment the sensations (physical), feelings, judgments about things, and thoughts that arise (all on their own even though you're concentrating on the breath!). Don't think the thoughts, just acknowledge that they have arisen. If you feel your mind is straying, or you forgot what you are doing, go back to the breath. Don't force it, just breathe naturally. Insight-meditation is all about observing. This seems simple enough, but if you stick with it you will likely learn some things about the nature of the mind that are not part of our usual assumptions about ourselves.
  • meh_meh_
    edited November 2010
    OKay, thanks, so can someone please tell me the purpose, in black and white, of meditation in buddhism?
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited November 2010
    To gain insight of reality, replacing ignorance with wisdom of the nature of all phenomena and leading toward full liberation of the mind from wrong-thought.
  • sukhitasukhita
    edited November 2010
    meh_ wrote: »
    OKay, thanks, so can someone please tell me the purpose, in black and white, of meditation in buddhism?

    This quote from the book "Experience Beyond Thinking" by Diana St Ruth:
    The Purpose of Meditation

    Ideas and concepts form pseudo-realities within the mind screening off the living truth and establishing us in ignorance. The nature of ignorance, of course, is such that we don't know that we are ignorant, otherwise we would not be so! It needs something to reveal it to us, and this is where meditation comes in.

    Meditation is the great antidote to ignorance. It allows us to see ourselves plainly as we are, as if standing before a large clear mirror. Nothing is hidden.

    No matter how much we think, debate, or philosophize, we shall never find truth. If we begin with a concept, we shall end up with a concept. And concepts are not truths; they are brain patterns projected on the screen of imagination. This is not to say that truth is not translated into concepts, but the conceptual mind has to be dropped totally before truth is revealed just as it is.

    Seeing into the mirror of the mind, therefore, is what meditation is all about.

    I hope this helps... :)
  • meh_meh_
    edited November 2010
    It certainly does help sukhita ^^
    So simply put: - I just do the breathing meditation, in the hope that something is revealed? Or do i need to be examinging my current state of mind, once im feeling "open"
  • sukhitasukhita
    edited November 2010
    meh_ wrote: »
    It certainly does help sukhita ^^
    So simply put: - I just do the breathing meditation, in the hope that something is revealed? Or do i need to be examinging my current state of mind, once im feeling "open"

    You start with breathing meditation (where the breath is the sole focus and everything else is distraction) to reach a state of calm and tranquility. But to "see the mirror of your mind" you need to open up to all experiences, not just the breath. This is insight meditation (vipassana).

    In insight meditation, observing the breath serves as the anchor. You allow the breathing to assume its own rhythm and unfold naturally. You can rest your attention on the air coming in and out of the nostrils or on the rise and fall of the abdomen.

    As you mind becomes calm, you can let go of the breath being the sole object of focus. Open up to all bodily and mental sensations. Observe whatever comes up in an intimate and unbiased way. Just sit, breathe, be yourself, and see what is there. Nothing particular is supposed to happen. Whatever is happening is perfect. We learn to observe our experience without holding on to what we like or pushing away what we don't like. Thoughts, moods, emotions will come and go. The body will feel a certain way; these feelings will come and go as well. The same will be true of sounds and smells as well. What aspect of all this do you attend to? Let life tell you!

    Different elements of the process of the mind and body will be distinctive, strong, and vivid. They will naturally capture your attention. The challenge is to open to experience exactly as it is, with mindfulness. All the while, conscious breathing will accompany and support you like a good friend.

    Wish you well in your meditation practice. :)

    These ideas are from Larry Rosenberg, a vipassana meditation teacher and author.
  • meh_meh_
    edited November 2010
    Perfect answer. Thankyou!!! Exactly what I needed. I have really enjoyed what ive experienced so far, unfortunately, I can never seem to get the time in the mornings before school, which is really a shame :(

    I will make the effort :D (The right effort of course ^^)

    BTW - If it makes you more mindful and concious, would this carry over into my day at school? Even a little?
  • seeker242seeker242 Zen Florida, USA Veteran
    edited November 2010
    meh_ wrote: »
    OKay, thanks, so can someone please tell me the purpose, in black and white, of meditation in buddhism?

    To get enlightenment. :)
    If it makes you more mindful and concious, would this carry over into my day at school? Even a little?

    Not just a little but completely and totally.
  • DavyDavy
    edited November 2010
    You can meditate anywhere at any time. ANYwhere, ANY time. ;)
    If stray thoughts start coming through, it's okay and normal. Just relax and don't try to pressure yourself, saying i MUST accomplish this or that in my meditation. Just relax and let go.
  • TheJourneyTheJourney
    edited November 2010
    meh_ wrote: »
    BTW - If it makes you more mindful and concious, would this carry over into my day at school? Even a little?

    Meditation usually has huge benefits during times when you aren't meditating.
  • Ficus_religiosaFicus_religiosa Veteran
    edited November 2010
    I use this simple guide for vipassana (when I'm done with anapanasati):
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kammatthana
  • meh_meh_
    edited November 2010
    thanks yall!
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