I've a very religious Buddhist...But I'm not exactly sure how to meditate? I listen to music softly, sit on a pillow in a corner, burn inscense, sit as straight as I can, sometimes close my eyes, and just think about my problems and try to solve them..Is that correct?? I need to know!
2007-04-01 12:43:26 · 8 answers · asked by L.A. Women 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, that isn't quite the way I used to do it. But that doesn't mean it's wrong. But I think if you consider your problems then you are hardly 'calming' the mind are you?
I was taught to follow my breath. Sit comfortably (cross legged / lotus position is traditional, but not essential). I suggest no music at first, it can be distracting. Just become aware of your in and out breaths. If your mind wanders onto something else (as it will!) just return to the breath when you become aware of it. 10 minutes can be tough at first! See if you can get it to half an hour in time.
I also practised 'mindfulness' meditation. Here anything you do (washing dishes, preparing a meal) can be used for meditation. Just concentrate fully on the task in hand. As above, if the mind wanders, just return it to the task when you realise.
I hope that helps. And, just a thought, why not see if there are any meditation classes near you? They don't have to be 'Buddhist' ones to be useful!
2007-04-01 12:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by Nobody 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The actual way to meditate is to keep the mind focussed on "nothing" literally i.e to attain a state of blankness.This is very difficult to achieve as we're constantly distracted by one thought or the other.
For beginners,it is recommended to focus on any 1 thing,absolutely anything...it may be imaginary or even a blank screen of your tv and avoid (or try to avoid) any other thoughts.Remember,don't rudely reject any thought that comes to your mind but gently keep it aside...Don't think of your problems when you meditate..if you meditate right,you probably won't feel it to be a problem at all..
Oh,and music is fine at the beginning,but for clarity of mind silence is good..
2007-04-02 04:58:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not meditate if you cannot master your mind. In Buddhism, you must achieve some requirements in the conscience before you meditate. You must be free from desires, anger, hatred, over joy, sadness, and worries. You have to train from the basic first. Like this: when you see a spider get lost in your house, your mind have to think how to free it. If the thought of finding insect-killer pops up first, you will never be able to meditate!
2007-04-02 04:45:10 · answer #3 · answered by holyfire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about trying to solve your problems...when a thought comes up, just observe it instead of trying to solve them. This might help.
2007-04-01 12:48:02 · answer #4 · answered by scottr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
www.buddhanet.net has instructions and guided meditation
FPMT.org I believe has directions to the same if you're Mahayana...
_()_
2007-04-01 12:47:27 · answer #5 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
By reading and thinking upon the Word of God.....that is the only way taught in Scripture.
2007-04-01 12:49:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Read Psalm 1 in the Bible
2007-04-01 12:48:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
No--you are supposed to free yourself of thought--not mull over your problems with thoughts!!--
2007-04-01 12:54:05 · answer #8 · answered by huffyb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋