Thread: Need Help With Meditation.

Meditation comes down to not moving and not thinking, but with exceptions to both.

http://www.sotozen-net.or.jp/kokusai/howto...todozazen01.htm
http://www.mro.org/zmm/meditation/index.html

Why do you want to meditate? (Somewhat rhetorical, but something to think about)

meditation is impossible unless one is capable of quieting the mind, and stopping the incessant flow of thoughts which characterize waking life for almost everyone. personally, i found this impossible when i was in an often uncomfortable sitting position.

i almost gave up until i was told of a simple, yet highly effective method for (some) beginners.

1. go for a walk- it seems walking helps to get thoughts flowing...this is likely why people unconsciously pace when they are mulling over something..

2. when a thought arises, instead of analyzing it, or thinking "oh shite, i'm thinking", imagine it is a helium balloon and simply let go.as soon as you release it it is gone. when another thought arises, release it in a similar way.

at first it might seem hard, or you might find that as soon as you aren't thinking, you automatically think "oh great, i'm not thinking...oh wait, now i AM thinking"


i did this exercise until i could go for a short walk without getting caught up in thought processes. only then did i try sitting meditation. try both and see what works for you...


dedication is key with meditation. to be honest, i haven't seriously meditated in weeks...it is very hard to stay motivated, especially at first, when it seems like "nothing is happening".

try to set a definite time each day to meditate for 5 or 10 minutes..then work your way up.

wombing, that's a good idea. I pace a whole lot.

Other than that, focus on breathing. Feel your diaphragm rise as you inhale, lower as you exhale. The best meditation sessions I have is when I completely forget everything, lose track of time. It starts becoming fun when you come out afterwards so unbelievably relaxed.

Sit, don't think. Align yourself with the universe, repeat.

Personally I use forced self-induced trance techniques while meditating, imagine your body sagging and relaxing every time you exhale, as if you were melting into a sea of warmth. Eventually your mind switches into the lower brainwave patterns more conducive to meditating.

I think transcendental meditation is the best style. I will tell you how to do it for free here so you don't have to pay Maharishi's fraud organization $300 to tell you your special mantra that thousands of other people have. (I found a list of Maharishi's ten or so mantras he gives people as their "own" private mantras. My mantra was on the list.) All they will teach you is this (after the part about coming up with your own mantra)...

Come up with a mantra, a nonsense word. MIne was "Ime". The most popular one with the Hindus is "aum". Sit straight up in a relaxed postition in a fairly quiet place. Just sit there with your eyes closed and relax for about a minute. Then, start thinking (silently) the word over and over in a gentle, almost effortless manner. Let there be pauses between each repeat of the mantra. Think it in the manner of just saying it, not humming it. Don't strain at all, and don't force yourself to concentrate. Your mind will wander, andt that is okay. Just gently go back to the mantra, but don't put up any kind of fight. This is all about relaxation for mind expansion. Glance at a clock or watch from time to time to know when 20 minutes have passed. At that point, open your eyes and sit there in the bliss. It works some times better than others. For me, it works best when I open my eyes and see wide open space, especially the sky. Doing this twice a day, with at least six hours between them, is what I recommend.

It is a beautiful practice, but I must admit that it sometimes leaves me in a bit loopy mental state for a few hours. I have read accounts of people ending up more neurotic and crazy than ever from doing this, but my theory is that being that way in the first place is what led them to meditation. I know that was the case with me. I just feel the need to tell you about that disclaimer so you will watch out just in case. For me, it works really well overall. It can create states of euphoria that no drug can take you to. Speaking of which, it works best when you have no drugs in your system. Check it out.

I sit in a quiet room by myself. I set the timer for however long I want to sit (sitting quietly trying not to think for even a couple minutes can seem like forever, the timer lets me let go of how dang long it seems). Then I try really hard to simply concentrate on my breathing. Sometimes I make it for about 6 breaths before I drift off into thought. . . occassionally i get right back on track and pay attention to my breathing and sometimes I get lost in thought, sometimes even dreams and then i remember that i'm sposed to be paying attention to my breathing and i do until i get distracted again.

I like the idea of letting thoughts go like a helium balloon, i'm going to try that.

the important thing is don't get mad at yourself for having thoughts, just be kind to yourself, let the thoughts go and focus on your breathing (or your mantra).

I started doing it 20 minutes a day. Now I usually go for 30 minutes and about once a week do it for about 40 minutes. That's very interesting.

good luck. Keep it up.

Here's a good link:

http://www.kadampa.org/english/practice/ho...to_meditate.php

(Use the navigation bar on the side to go through the various bits about meditation)

I've been meditating for a while now, and have really noticed a difference in my ability to stay peaceful in everyday life. It's good stuff!

Originally posted by wombing+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wombing)</div>

meditation is impossible unless one is capable of quieting the mind, and stopping the incessant flow of thoughts which characterize waking life for almost everyone. personally, i found this impossible when i was in an often uncomfortable sitting position.[/b]

Sorry but said like that (which it often is) can be very detrimental to beginners. Few can just quiet the mind for an extended period on the first try. New meditators, when they start to prictice mindfulness of the mind and body, usually see their distracting thoughts and sensations increase dramatically... they arent really, you are just becomming aware of them. When people have been told that meditation cant be done without a quiet mind at this stage they often give up thinking that they cant meditate if they arent told that this increased distraction stage is perfectly normal And a sign of progress (it shows that mindfulness is being cultivated)
<!--QuoteBegin-wombing
*2. when a thought arises, instead of analyzing it, or thinking "oh shite, i'm thinking", imagine it is a helium balloon and simply let go.as soon as you release it it is gone. when another thought arises, release it in a similar way.

Good technique, often the same is done but visualizing the mind as a mountain or lake and thoughts as passing clouds.

Originally posted by wombing
* at first it might seem hard, or you might find that as soon as you aren't thinking, you automatically think "oh great, i'm not thinking...oh wait, now i AM thinking" *

I'm not sure how you feel about religious meditation teachers but heres a few useful buddhist terms for your searches:
anapanasati meditation - the mindfulness of breathing (this type seems to be used by many people seeking LDs. It can be difficult at the start but is a powerful way to train the mind to focus on any object/subject you desire)
vipassana meditation - insight meditation (good for introspective analysis, so you can see whats going on in your head and come to terms/learn from it)
metta meditation - meditation on universal loving kindness (helps with anger, hate, perceived inadequacy, etc. in oneself and others. I've seen it help people with high blood pressure, nightmares, even weight loss)
samatha or shamatha - serenity meditation (its like those zen sayings like 'make your mind like a lake with no ripples' basically to mellow you out- lol)

Few links with free talks on these and guided meditations:
http://www.audiodharma.org/ (Gil Fronsdal is their main guy, smart man and good teacher)
http://www.bswa.org/modules/mydownloads/ (Ajahn Brahmavamso is their abbot, hes a wacky british monk- but wise. Ajahn Vayama is their head nun.)
http://www.abhayagiri.org/index.php/main/media#talks more talks and a english metta chant that I like to listen to when stressed.

Roxas, if you don't have anything constructive to say, don't bother posting.

Hello,

It's been quite awhile since I've posted, but I thought I'd offer some small insight for those who are completely new to any type of meditation.

I've assisted countless people over the years on "just where to begin" and have found that the best route is to begin not focusing on within, but without...as in outwardly.

Here's an example of what many *new" meditationites experience: They put on some etheric music, practice deep breathing and relaxation, whilst trying to clear their minds and/or focus on an energy within.

Not easy for newbies!!!

Supply list:

1) A small fan that simulates a very quiet ambient noise (no rainforest noisemakers or that type of thing).

2) An image about the size of your hand. Suggestions on what type of image below.

(that's all you need to begin)

If you have never meditated before, I suggest this protocol. Settle into a room that is NOT completely silent. Music is not necessary the first few times. Break the silence with the ambient sound of a small fan, for example.

Second, do not lay down. You want to keep yourself in an alignment, so instead of sitting up on your bed, sit with your back against the wall, placing your back and head against it, knees up, while still remaining comfortable.

Lastly, choose for yourself some type of abstract image about the size of your hand. It could be something you've printed out on the computer, anything 1 dimensional. I suggest a colorful fractal image. Then, focus on that image. Hold it in both hands and do not let your eyes stray from it. Try to select a point at the center of the image and maintain focus.

This builds up the ability to focus on images within the mind. When you've mastered outward, intense focus, moving inward is sooooooooooo much more beneficial.

Smiles,
Deja