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Help with Meditation
I have been reading about buddhism but still have trouble meditating. I still consider myself a beginner and welcome any insight that fellow members can provide.
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Comments
When thoughts, feelings, noises, etc. arise just note mentally that they've arisen, are impermanent and not you, and let them be. Don't go chasing them. If you find yourself not focusing on your breath, simply turn your attention back to the breath.
See everything as it arises and falls, just as it is.
I would suggest only doing metta bhavana until you can find propper guidence into other types of bhavana. (by a real life teacher) You really do not need to meditate in the beginning. What you need is to understand the theory and everyday practise.
You are a Buddhist when you yourself think that you are. So so much for transition.
I am a theravada buddhist and always suggest reading "The Word of the Buddha" and "Sutta ni pata". Google them if you like. The first one is to understand Buddhism with your mind and the second one is to understand Buddhism with your heart.
Good luck
"Mindfulnes in Plain English" is concise, clear and no-nonsense, and it's free online
http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma4/mpe.html
many run on donations.
Btw, unless you can get a private teacher or attend an introduction to meditation half-day/daylong session, I highly recommend reading before dropping in on a regular class. In those classes there people of a variety of experience levels, and you may not get adequate attention.
I feel that I may have lost my way in the deeper studies of Buddhism. Can anyone offer me some guidance?
It is mindfulness based meditation all of it. The goal is not progress it is to wake up to the moment as it is rather than be on automatic pilot. For example often we are on errands and so forth and it is uncomfortable or even downright stressful. By waking up to the present moment mind and body become more unified and we are more fully aware of what our lives are. We can appreciate the whole thing rather than those few vacations or special times.
But if you really want to get practical, you should visit some actual sanghas. Don't worry about the requested fees. If a place is any good, they will not pressure you for money when you show up to their weekly meetings. And showing up and participating in their practices won't be construed as a commitment. I understand that there is a notion in Tibetan Buddhism that one shouldn't commit to a teacher until you've practiced with them for at least three years.
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Don't overdue the book reading. Definitely spend a lot of time meditating and following simple instructions at first. Definitely meditate more than you read.