I would like to learn to clear my thoughts and meditate.?

Question

I am in the middle of reading the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, and I was hoping there was some secret to meditation, because I keep finding that I'm thinking of stuff. I try so hard to just relax and clear my mind. I want to observe that clarity, but without clearing my mind, its impossible. Please help me.

Answer 1

First, let me compliment you on your choice of reading material. Sogyal Ripoche's text "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" is an excellent introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. It will open wide a door into understanding yourself.

I would not, however, discourage you from reading Buddhist texts. Do not put the books down. There is a great deal of information that you can obtain from them especially if you do not have a meditation center near you. This is frequently the case in the West since Buddhism is still relatively new in our society.

There are two types of meditation in Buddhism: vipassana (insight) and samatha (tranquility). Samatha meditation is what most people think of as meditation since one tries to become peaceful with oneself. In vipassana meditation one focuses on a topic for meditation: for example, a point read in a text. These, as well as some basic meditation techniques, are given on the website http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/practices/meditation.htm .

Meditation practice should be done in addition to and in conjunction with reading. There are many texts and CDs available which guide you in the meditation process. You may wish to consider these since you are in the initial phases of meditating. These are available from your local book stores as well as on the Internet.

Don't be overly concerned with the fact that you are finding yourself thinking about "stuff." This is normal when one begins to practice meditation. When this happens just say to yourself "thinking" and remove the thought from your mind. It's not impossible to clear the mind but it does take practice. Just don't give up.

I congratulate you on your interest in meditation and Buddhism. You are on an interesting journey that provides much rewards for the participant. I wish you the very best in your endeavor.

May all be at peace.

John

Answer 2

Our mind is like the WATER in a basin or a bowl. Shake the basin and the water surface will be full of ripples. Now, take a look at the TROUBLED WATER from the top looking down, as if you're looking at a mirror. Try to see the images reflected by the troubled water. Certainly, you will hardly recognize anything because the images are distorted.

Allow the water to settle down until no ripple is left on its surface. You can do this by placing the basin in a PLACE WHERE THERE IS NO DISTURBANCE, that is, no wind and nobody's touching it.

When the water is STILL, take a look at its surface as you did before. Now the surface of the SERENE (no longer troubled) water is like a mirror. You can see everything reflected onto it VERY CLEARLY.

This is the mind. When your mind is TROUBLED (just like the troubled water) you are confused and have a difficulty of focusing on what you are doing. Here are a few signs of a troubled mind:
1) Spending so much time studying, but learning nothing (lack of concentration).
2) Spending so much time reading a book, but understanding nothing (lack of concentration).
3) Trying very hard on something, but the harder you try the harder you get.

When your mind is serene (just like the serene water above), you will have a clear perspective in life. Hence, you will better be able to face the challenges ahead.

How do you achieve a SERENE MIND. The answer is MEDITATION.

There are so many kinds of meditation techniques, but in essence they are all the same and they are all good. But the best form of meditation is PRAYER and having time to commune with GOD. So choose one that suits you best.

CAUTION!!! - Never study meditation for the sake of the benefits that it brings. Rather study meditation as a means of having a close relationship with GOD. When something goes wrong with your life, you have a SUPREME BEING to lean on. Without God you have no one with a SUPREME POWER to lean on, then you start to panic and become anxious and eventually go back to a state of TROUBLED MIND.

Answer 3

"Please help me", are a human beings most powerful words!

Set the book you are reading aside.
The book you are reading will only create questions in your mind.
Set quietly and let the body become relaxed, and keep the eyes open. Become aware of everything around you.
When the body has become relaxed allow the eyes to close slowly. Don't force them closed, that will create optic nerve strain.
When the eyes are closed, direct your gaze and attention toward a small area above the nose and between the eyes.
This area is known as the (Kursi). Do not intellectualize this location, allow this to become natural. Allow everything to flow smoothly and freely, force nothing.
If you have trouble early, focus and think green. Eventually green will vanish and will become dark. This is a sign the mind is beginning to rest.
This is a long procedure and will not happen overnight. This is a beginning. This is the first stage of meditation. A person need not have a mantra to mediate successfully.

This is only a start in the art of meditation. As time passes you will find that you will need an instructor to proceed.
What I have told you is what is needed to start the process of
bringing the mind to a state of peaceful rest.

Answer 4

You are right that you can't meditate without clearing your mind. Sitting meditation is a temporary relief from our daily thoughts. True meditation means clearing your mind of all of your misconceptions, constructs, false beliefs, assumptions and delusions so that you can experience consistent clarity. That's where most meditators leave off because that is where the hard work begins. There are very few good resources for this and fewer true teachers. Still, there are some books which you will find if it is your hearts desire to really experience peace. And if you are really really fortunate, you will someday meet someone who truly knows the meaning of meditation. Even more fortunate, you will know it for yourself.

Answer 5

Yes it is. you have to make sure you use the right type of meditation. Just focus on you breath until you feel that you stress fade away. Your brain in very powerful in calm state. By meditating, it is like empty your glass full of worries. when your glass is empty, you mind is clear, you can put studied know ledges in and it will stuck in your head better. Do it now!!!

Answer 6

"...try so hard..."
"impossible."

There is no effort in mind; it is highly responsive, flowing. You are stifling its flow in and through you. Stop trying. Just close your eyes, and breathe deeply and slowly a few times, then forget about your breath. Just be. People make a big deal out of the simplest things. Your mind belongs to you. It is your power, your energy; if you "try so hard", you block your reception. There is no secret. Just do it, and don't give up.

Answer 7

I experienced an interesting event. I found that it is hard to clear you mind with all the garbage of modern society. Travel

Answer 8

I learned that you should go into the most darkest, quietest room you could think of alone and just relaxe and think of something or a place you enjoy. It's also mentally healthy too.

Answer 9

listen to...
black tape for a blue girl
their music should help you relax and what not.
clear mind.
infact im going to listen to them now.

Ashes in the Brittle Air (album)
its pretty old but its nice

Answer 10

i love you

easy duh moron