Is it normal to cry during meditation? (Question for Buddhists)?

Question

I've begun meditating and some thoughts are very emotional (happy, with the idea of enlightenment, that there is a way to break free) and sometimes I cry, its hard to keep focused. Is it normal to do this and if so, how do i keep focused?

Answer 1

I'm not Buddhist, but I do meditate, so I can tell you that a lot of things come up in meditation. It's different for different people, and nothing is "wrong" if something like that happens. Just do your best to remain patient and mindful, and observe what is going on, whatever it might be, without getting "caught up" in it.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

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Answer 4

Congratulations on starting to meditate. You are doing just fine. people think that they need to have an blank and clear mind when sitting. You don't. Yes you must acknowledge the feeling and try to let it go. IF you can't don't get down on yourself keep trying.

We have what we call the Monkey mind and the Horse mind when sitting. The monkey mind runs rampant tearing apart everything it sees jumping from thought to thought. Keeping us very distracted. The horse mind takes one thought and goes and goes and goes and goes with that one thought.

Yes you need to acknowledge those thoughts and let them go but this can be hard. Even for seasoned practitioners. Try to do this and Eventually you will see that there are very tiny seconds of emptiness. Celebrate those and you will start to see more and more of them. Sitting will become easier.

If you need a picture or a mantra to keep focused try that too. And it doesn't have to be a Buddhist mantra.. it is what ever saying calms you.

If you are interested in learning more, see if there is a Zen center or a Buddhist temple in your area. Also there are groups that just meditate for calming reasons not religious.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I don't cry when I meditate. Usually I am raised up into higher reality. weird experiences.

I'd say it is different for everyone, the energy behind such ideals is felt at a much greater frequency in meditation since these ideals are becoming actual creation. However meditation is not a means to an end it is means to practicing consciousness. You, having a single ideal and flooded with such thoughts, the energy is felt at a much higher level. Thought is energy after all. Whereas when you are awake the physical consciousness basically is the forefront, in meditation this is subdued. Generally speaking, this is the flood rush from the emotional centers in the lower regions of the body.

Answer 6

There is nothing normal or abnormal about occasionally crying while meditating.
Many people, especially while practicing Lovingkindness Meditation for others, as well as for oneself, cry.

If you think this is a somewhat abnormal response, then put a little more time into the practice of the Mindfulness of Breathing, and
Insight Meditation.

I spend 15 - 20 min. a day practicing Lovingkindness Meditation, 30 min. a day practicing Shamatha Meditation and 30 min. a day practicing Insight Meditation. There are so many, many benefits from the daily practice of these forms of meditation. Remember our ultimate goal from the practice of meditation is for the benefit of helping mankind, inner stable peace is secondary.

But there is really no set time limit. It is different for every person. Set small goals, and as time passes, increase them, but do so gradually. Patience is the Key.

Guilt and shame are not wholesome factors which Buddhists choose to entertain in their thoughts.

You are doing just fine. You are on the Path of the Purification of your Mind, as are all Buddhists. Be patient with yourself, and continue to bring your thoughts back during meditation when they wander through distractions.

With Metta

From a Mahayana Buddhist who cares.

Answer 7

Okay. First of all, don't try to empty your mind. That's not possible anyway. Instead think of your mind as a brilliant azure sky. Your thoughts are clouds. Watch your thoughts arise, form, then dissolve into the emptiness of the mental sky. Then, and this is very important, let your thoughts dissolve. Let them go. Make sure your breathing is relaxed and continuous. Its easy while meditating to forget to breathe. Now, about those spasms. Sometimes it's normal for muscles to get playful, especially if you've been sitting in one position for a long time. It's nothing to be worried about, but I do recommend you check your posture and make sure you stay physically relaxed without getting too relaxed. You don't want to fall asleep! Anyway, this should correct your problems. If you wish to learn more, contact the website below. om mani padme hum

Answer 8

It's not just Buddhists. Anyone who gathers emotional thoughts, either through meditation or just mere reflection, is bound to cry. I do it all the time.

Answer 9

Tears of joy, from your soul, inside where God is. Focuse on your emotional freedom, it is good to cry and let out, you will feel refreshed. Crying is normal, and this is my opinion, I cry too and then I feel strong and happy and continue to meditate, do not force on one thing, just clear your mind, like looking at a wall, and let your inner soul teach you. Speak with your family, happy thoughts should be shared with all your beloved. I do. Oops sorry, this is how I also communicate. Just try once, but if you fail, remember we all have our time, try again next time, maybe something is happening to this particular person, be very patient with yourself, family, friends, etc.., and me the most. Too much, sorry. Only tryiing to relate to you. Happy thoughts

Answer 10

I'm not a Buddhist, but I meditate.

Yes, it is. I do it all the time.