How do I meditate?

Question

I would like to ask this question only to people who actively meditate. I would like to learn how to meditate but I don't know how to begin. I am not able to sit cross legged on the floor, does it matter? I am overweight (and on a diet), so some positions are uncomfortable for me. Does it matter? Can I still meditate, and how do I do it? I am over 50 y.o., does it matter when it comes to meditating? I would like to do Buddhist meditation, is zazen the only option? Can I use candles (music, chanting, whatever you wish to add....)as a focus instead of breath? I have tried breathing meditation and it doesn't seem to work for me. I promise that I will practice each method mentioned to me before choosing the best answer. Thanks.

Some VERY good suggestions here, it will be hard to choose just one best answer! I have bought two books to read before meditation now, the "Upanishads" and "The Buddha's Golden Path". I also plan to use "The Bhagavad Gita " which I already own. I read for about twenty minutes, which does get my mind into a kind of "overload", and then I "just sit" and let my mind try to absorb on it's own what I have just read.

Answer 1

The only purpose of meditation is to train the mind. To become awake in the present moment. Take each breathe like you took your very first breathe at birth. Try one.

There!

Your physical position or condition cannot impede you. You must begin where you are.

After a bit, you will begin to notice your thoughts. Do not attach yourself to them. Refrain from embarrassment over them or belief in them as being you. You are like the clear blue sky and your thoughts are the clouds that drift in and then out. You will then be able to see more clearly the source of those thoughts, and that will make it easier to be unmoved by them.

Awareness is the only goal. I remember reading in some Buddhist Scriptures something to the effect that if you can realize that beyond awareness, there is nothing to be gained, and you are not disappointed by that, you're okay.

Answer 2

The best way to meditate is to contemplate first. Get a good spiritual philosophy book, try the Upanishads, and think deep about the concepts they are implying. For instance, think about the concept of a body, mind, and soul, think about the fact that you have all three of these, and how they interact. A book really helps in guiding your thought patter, and eventually you will notice that you can control things with your mind that you previously have not been able to do before, i.e. mentally breathing in and out, or bringing forth light in your mind. One very concrete result is something called "head wind" or "wind horse," and it feels like wind is blowing through your head. It is a physical thing, so it is without a doubt real, and can be done mostly after waking up or eating. But either way, after a while you will be able to meditate without the need for concepts or ideas, you'll just be able to do it in your natural surroundings.

I see meditation more as a mental thing than a physical thing, so I don't consider postrue or candles to be very important.

There is a very good website with a buddhist meditation manual. It's on http://www.attan.com the second page, scroll down a bit, and it's a link called "The original buddhist meditational manual." It is a very excellent start for beginners.

Answer 3

The word meditate simply means to think. Thats all, no special rituals are needed, no special and uncomfortable positions are necessary. Its often difficult for us westerners to meditate because we have trouble with focus. I don't know about you, but I find it impossible to shut out the world around me. So I use sensory overload to achieve the same thing. Headphones, with music you like but doesn't distract you, for hearing, a candle, stare into the flame to overload the optic nerve. (Its not bright enough to damage the eye.) Burn a little incense that you like to stimulate smell and taste, Either a piece of silk held in the hands, or just sit with palms up, touching nothing, as suits you best. All this can be done sitting in a chair, but you should be mindful of posture, you want your spine straight. You can choose to focus on something specific, or just let yourself fall into a deeper and deeper trance. After a time, for me, vision recedes, the smell of incense fades, I no loner hear the music, although its still playing in my ears. This is when the interesting stuff happens. Journaling it is a good idea, but don't bother trying to relate it to anyone else, you can't do it justice and you will just sound crazy. What you learn in the place you go is for you alone. Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

No. You don't have to cross your legs. A comfortable chair will do. Just not so comfortable you nod off to sleep!

Soto Zen (as opposed to Rinzai Zen) focuses on 'just sitting'. Maybe that would suit you.

Yes, you can use a candle, point in space (or traditionally the wall!) as a focus. Just remember, it is your mind you are being aware of though. The 'focus' is to bring you back when your mind wanders (as it surely will!)

I also found mindfulness meditation helpful. There you 'just' focus on whatever you are doing. When washing your teeth just do that, don't think about what's next. When washing up, just wash up, don't think about shopping, TV or that cup of coffee you're going to have when you're done.

Good luck (and remember, there are people in their 80s who meditate. 50's not so old!) (I'm 50)
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Answer 5

Sit comfortably in a chair with your back straight. Hands on knees. Close your eyes and concentrate on your third eye area between your eyes and slightly above. Try to keep your mind clear. If thoughts come let them float away and think of nothing. After a while you will see light and dark patches in your mind. Concentrate on them and after doing this meditation for a few weeks you will begin to see a clearer vision of a circle of light. This is your internal sun. When you see it you will probably get a feeling of peace and possibly joy. This is when I first discovered for myself that there was a higher power. Keep focusing on this light in your meditations and it will become bigger and clearer. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Try this Raja Yoga techniq of Meditation on Heasrt.. it works for me and I love it.

More info : www.sahajmarg.org

Answer 7

Meditation is taught personally since people are unique in themselves and different from others and have their own special attributes, constitutions and needs.

Answer 8

I sit on the edge of my bed and love the Lord with all my heart, he said to seek him in truth and Spirit, when we do this, things happen in the Spirit.

Answer 9

this may help you for another choice

http://www.11meditation.co.nr

there are breathing method and gazing method in the website.

hope it helps