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The Essentials: Meditation/Relaxation => Different Forms of Meditation and personal Relaxation practices. => Topic started by: guest88 on Aug 08, 2016 07:48 pm



Title: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Aug 08, 2016 07:48 pm
i thought this would be a nice way to ask more experienced members here some basic questions...

i've joined the virtual meditation hall brock thank you for pointing this out

so first question,

do you meditate with your eyes open?


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: ding dong on Aug 09, 2016 06:09 am
I do both, really. I guess my favorite way is with eyes like half opened. That just feels very natural to me. The point is the keep the mind from being stimulated by objects. For some who have wild imaginations, closed eyes may only stimulate fanciful imaginings which are no better than normal, everyday distractions. Sooo....

:)


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Aug 10, 2016 06:31 pm
i have a wild imagination... when i first started i would do eyes closed and either gently focused down or up... i think eyes half opened is a good idea


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: ding dong on Aug 10, 2016 07:51 pm
You can't really close your eyes, you can only put eyelids over them.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Aug 10, 2016 10:46 pm
i guess from an anal i mean, technical perspective then you should consider the eyelids separate from the eyeballs.

of course, i'm just a dumbfounded redneck tryin to get by.   :)

in either case, it would appear even with having the ability to see that most of us our blind regardless 


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Aug 10, 2016 10:57 pm
You can't really close your eyes, you can only put eyelids over them.

 8) You can do a lot with the eyes whether there are lids over them or not. Consider their position and the relative state of consciousness.

i guess from an anal i mean, technical perspective then you should consider the eyelids separate from the eyeballs.

of course, i'm just a dumbfounded redneck tryin to get by.   :)

in either case, it would appear even with having the ability to see that most of us our blind regardless 

Most people do not even recognize how blind they really are. It is only upon some degree of gaining spiritual insight that there is some awakening to this truth.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: ding dong on Aug 10, 2016 11:28 pm
Daemoon, that's just to say that shutting the eyes doesn't necessarily shut off the visualizing, objectifying part of the brain.

The mind is always chasing objects. It even looks for God or the Self as an object. Perhaps...the fundamental mistake.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Aug 10, 2016 11:34 pm
very interesting ding dong, i'm just pullin yer leg. =)

in either case, i would say i do tend to make faces out of shapes or... even with my eyes closed, i will see lines and flickering lights when meditating at times

the mind can be tricky i suppose


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: ding dong on Aug 11, 2016 04:38 am
Yes, I used to subconsciously try make such things appear as I was expecting visions. It wasn't until later on that I figured out that visions, no matter how wonderful, are still mental phenomena and therefore distractions.

I remember Sri Yukteswar said that many people renounce worldy attractions only to seek them on the spiritual plane. I now understand what he meant.

Ramana said, "In truth there is nothing visual." He also once said there was silence of speech, silence of the eyes, silence of the ears, and silence of the mind. The last one being the mauna state.

 8)



Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Aug 11, 2016 08:10 pm
when i used to meditate regularly i would also have images flash before the mind... it was different from creating images out of shapes and colors... it wasn't something you held onto and explored. it was quick...

one night time meditation i saw the moon with my eyelids closed. it came very clear with a white glow.

one time while in a park meditating i had the image of a vibrant flower and a baby's face emerge from out of the bflower.

it's a little cartoony thinking back on it... this happened 5 or 6 years ago.

do you notice a difference between trying to make things appear versus experiencing distinct images while meditating?

also, do you ever feel any activity around your brow when you meditate?

i'm thinking it may be best to let it come and go as these images... not something to hold on to rather, simply experience


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: ding dong on Aug 12, 2016 12:07 am
when i used to meditate regularly i would also have images flash before the mind... it was different from creating images out of shapes and colors... it wasn't something you held onto and explored. it was quick...

one night time meditation i saw the moon with my eyelids closed. it came very clear with a white glow.

one time while in a park meditating i had the image of a vibrant flower and a baby's face emerge from out of the bflower.

it's a little cartoony thinking back on it... this happened 5 or 6 years ago.

do you notice a difference between trying to make things appear versus experiencing distinct images while meditating?

There is an obvious difference when you are not wanting to see these images. It is like you can finally relax. Involuntary images also come. The mind is capable of producing an infinite variety of these images just as it is capable of producing an endless variety of dreams. Images part of our brains program but the desire to see them is way less for me now. 

Quote
also, do you ever feel any activity around your brow when you meditate?

Occasionally but it is not a focal point for me as it is in some meditation practices.

Quote
i'm thinking it may be best to let it come and go as these images... not something to hold on to rather, simply experience

We really have no choice.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Jan 29, 2017 10:23 pm
gratitude for all the replies to this thread...

something i've noticed about myself... as i increase my efforts to stay tuned to a greater love i also notice more often i am not that love. i even feel the harder i try, the more i react to unsavory circumstance or events. i'm not trying to complain here... maybe i'm just becoming more aware of my own insecurities in the process... i am witnessing my anger but am still reacting to things with anger, jealousy, the desire to control, etc. etc.

what a conundrum



Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Sep 11, 2017 08:17 am
I think this has something to do with samskara, I read up briefly on the subject. Are samskara the same as neural pathways?


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Nov 06, 2017 03:01 am
I tried to meditate outside today with a straight back but could not take my mind off the discomfort. Instead I layed down and gazed through the leaves of a tree and into the sky... eyes were half open
Great stuff ding d- thank you and Steve both for the replies


Title: Meditate While Walking?
Post by: guest88 on Jan 14, 2018 05:18 pm
I think I’ve read of those who could pace back and forwarth, meditating at the same time. I was wondering, is it possible to meditate while walking around outside?


Title: Re: Meditate While Walking?
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Jan 15, 2018 01:29 pm
I think I’ve read of those who could pace back and forwarth, meditating at the same time. I was wondering, is it possible to meditate while walking around outside?

Some people will say they meditate by fishing or playing golf as well. However we must ask the question do you also make a living by playing games on the internet all day while closing financial deals? The point is that meditation requires focus and attention. A Master can give focus, attention and awareness to any situation therefore they are in a state of meditation always. Being in that state of awareness is not something that can be accomplished by keeping the body in a constant state of restlessness and motion. Silence and spiritual awareness develops from within and slowly becomes a part of ones conscious awareness at all times even in most exacting duties.

There are many ways of accomplishing this including what the Buddhists describe as walking meditation practice. However we must also recognize that those practicing this type of walking meditation do so between long periods of 'sitting' meditation in which the body in all its distractions is quieted so that the consciousness can experience inner realization and higher awareness without sensory distraction.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Feb 12, 2018 04:46 am
Thanks for the reply.

I tried meditating today but my thoughts really seemed to take over. At one point my back hurt so I layed on my back. At another point I drifted off into the past and tried to relive really sweet moments thinking I could send love and gratitude. I would keep coming back to my breath but after 40 minutes my leg fell asleep and I had to start moving around. I am grateful for the experience but noticed my mind was very chatty this time around. I also started to daydream where I hadn't much awareness of the thoughts playing, kind of like they started having a life of their own and I felt too drained to recall what was going on.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Feb 13, 2018 12:22 pm
Thanks for the reply.

I tried meditating today but my thoughts really seemed to take over. At one point my back hurt so I layed on my back. At another point I drifted off into the past and tried to relive really sweet moments thinking I could send love and gratitude. I would keep coming back to my breath but after 40 minutes my leg fell asleep and I had to start moving around. I am grateful for the experience but noticed my mind was very chatty this time around. I also started to daydream where I hadn't much awareness of the thoughts playing, kind of like they started having a life of their own and I felt too drained to recall what was going on.

It helps to have techniques for bringing energy up and down your astral spine and centering energy in the chakras. It is much like driving a car...in the sense that u never can drift off to long because u would cease to be driving.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Feb 14, 2018 06:22 am
 ;D ;D nice explanation  :D :D


Title: Musical Aid?
Post by: guest88 on Mar 13, 2018 04:59 am
Today I felt more tapped into a meditative state while listening to music with lyrics as opposed to the silence. Is this proper meditation? I don't know because I felt more tapped into a particular emotion actually but it was calm and there was room to explore in this state.


Title: Re: Musical Aid?
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Mar 13, 2018 06:07 pm
Today I felt more tapped into a meditative state while listening to music with lyrics as opposed to the silence. Is this proper meditation? I don't know because I felt more tapped into a particular emotion actually but it was calm and there was room to explore in this state.

Lyrics distract me in meditation but maybe that's because i channel poetry. But if i listen to new age music and some classical music i often get pulled into that restful state between sleep and meditation. If i can just stay focused then... sometimes i go deeper then without the music.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Mar 14, 2018 06:27 am
Thanks Steve, I know I’m going deeper but certain melodies heighten a specific emotion which I’m beginning to think, while it may be healthy for me it isn’t necessarily a successful meditation ???


Title: Under the Influence?
Post by: guest88 on Oct 01, 2018 02:41 am
I was curious what others think about meditating while under the influence? Have you heard anything about this? And similar, what about meditating when you're sick?

Thanks  :)


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Oct 30, 2018 07:16 am
Recently I went without meditating for a while and as a result noticed the restlessness in my mind. One morning I wanted to do so many things at once because I was looking too far ahead and imagining what pleasures I might expect from various, fixed activities with others- I was in an extremely irritable state for being so far reaching and the plans I ended up making were to many. Immediate gratification caught me blindsided which caused my impulsive nature to run rampant and impart suffering on myself and worse, on others. Fool I am, when the answer is obvious. Things aren't as bad as they seem, forgiveness and sincerity are transcendental but the chaos in the mind needed settling- I have since applied some meditation but often feel the pangs of that restless nature looking to escape- if given the time and energy, that chaotic feeling begins to leak forth. My question here is, for those who have made meditation a regular practice- do you think you've conquered your restless nature? Am I just becoming more aware of the consequences of not meditating?




Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Oct 30, 2018 10:40 am
Recently I went without meditating for a while and as a result noticed the restlessness in my mind. One morning I wanted to do so many things at once because I was looking too far ahead and imagining what pleasures I might expect from various, fixed activities with others- I was in an extremely irritable state for being so far reaching and the plans I ended up making were to many. Immediate gratification caught me blindsided which caused my impulsive nature to run rampant and impart suffering on myself and worse, on others. Fool I am, when the answer is obvious. Things aren't as bad as they seem, forgiveness and sincerity are transcendental but the chaos in the mind needed settling- I have since applied some meditation but often feel the pangs of that restless nature looking to escape- if given the time and energy, that chaotic feeling begins to leak forth. My question here is, for those who have made meditation a regular practice- do you think you've conquered your restless nature? Am I just becoming more aware of the consequences of not meditating?

If you do not notice it immediately in your own mind you will notice in the minds of others you spend time with that do not meditate. Their minds are in constant turmoil over one thing or another and it is difficult to not be separated from their vibrations unless you consciously take a moment to extract yourself from them and find your own peace again.

It can be seen in the inability to not let go of the past and constant insecurities, addictions to the ups and downs of pleasures, a fight or flight conflict, controlling tendencies, all about me syndrome, OCD tendencies, defensive attitudes, reactions from addictions... and the list is endless. Without some introspection and peace from Prayer or meditation the mind is at constant battle with the world and others and most importantly with ourselves; that’s where it all starts.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Nov 01, 2018 09:12 am
Thank you Steve,

I am beginning to see what you're saying. Every day is a battle for Peace... It isn't necessarily anyone else that disturbs my mind, it is my mind that is disturbed... Taming such a beast has been most difficult. Namaste Brother.


Title: Daydreaming
Post by: guest88 on Mar 02, 2019 06:51 am
Tonight my mind started drifting off in a day dream state while trying to meditate. I think it is because I am tired, I think it's fair to say my mind may have been tricked to thinking it was bedtime since we are slowing down particular rhythms in meditation. I believe because I was sitting up, I did not cross that threshold from daydream to sleep, my attention kept grabbing me from slipping into the feeling of having no control over the day dream as well. Yet in this delicate state, I wonder, what would happen if I let go... Would I have fallen asleep... Or is there something accessible, "in-between"?



Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Mar 04, 2019 02:06 am
Tonight my mind started drifting off in a day dream state while trying to meditate. I think it is because I am tired, I think it's fair to say my mind may have been tricked to thinking it was bedtime since we are slowing down particular rhythms in meditation. I believe because I was sitting up, I did not cross that threshold from daydream to sleep, my attention kept grabbing me from slipping into the feeling of having no control over the day dream as well. Yet in this delicate state, I wonder, what would happen if I let go... Would I have fallen asleep... Or is there something accessible, "in-between"?

The twilight zone!


Title: Balancing Consciousness & New Techniques
Post by: guest88 on Mar 14, 2019 06:15 am
As we fight on through the restless state I wonder, what techniques have you found helpful in overcoming the mental urges to repeat unwanted behavior?

My life as of late is centered around Balance and not getting caught up in regret after falling short from the days battle.

Meditation is surprisingly effective, surprising because the after-effects are becoming more apparent in my every day interactions. I feel less attached to the unexpected startling experience though I am certainly not aloof to confrontation and still get red in the face from loftier emotional exchange.

I find boredom and incessant longing bring me back to the psuedosoul described in GTWA, a desperate clinging to an old and flimsy existence often disguised as pleasurable or even therapeutic. Other days I am just childish in ignoring the greater call. It's harder to create new habits than to surrender to old. I think this has something to do with neural pathways, dopamine and samskaras.

Keep on keeping on my friends. Thank you for any advice. _^_

 


Title: Sleeping Leg
Post by: guest88 on Mar 17, 2019 12:46 am
In GTWA the importance of correct posture and proper technique are brought up frequently. Lately when I try to sit in a meditative position my leg falls asleep, it's about 20 minutes or so in and becomes very distracting. I wonder if anyone here has run into similar problems and what they have done to alleviate without compromising their form... ?


Title: Re: Sleeping Leg
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Mar 17, 2019 11:58 pm
In GTWA the importance of correct posture and proper technique are brought up frequently. Lately when I try to sit in a meditative position my leg falls asleep, it's about 20 minutes or so in and becomes very distracting. I wonder if anyone here has run into similar problems and what they have done to alleviate without compromising their form... ?

Yes when I was younger I ran into this situation constantly. First I must ask you this question; are you attempting to sit in some type of lotus position?


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Mar 19, 2019 05:16 am
Yes, usually.



Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: kingfisher111 on Mar 19, 2019 06:20 am
Yes, usually.



Lotus is hard.  I've heard Indian meditation teachers recommend only half-lotus for Westeners or anyone who didn't grow up practicing full lotus from a young age. 

I've also heard to be careful, that it can cause injury if your body didn't start doing it from a young age, and that it's best to not do for 10-15 mins at a time, if at all.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Mar 19, 2019 11:32 am
Quote
Everything is crowded out there even the events You go to. Which is a totally different subject. But I have a chance to mention it here...and that is the invasiveness of the human species on every level!!!


feast or famine

funny how LA is like that, and most cities in the US don't even have many group meditation options.  Although, this different forms of meditation are everywhere now...  I had to start my own meetup group for the type of meditation I practice, which I learned from Brock, Self-Enquiry.  Where Brock lives, there is no Self-Enquiry group either, so he attends the closest thing available, which is a Buddhist meetup group.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Mar 19, 2019 04:25 pm
Yeah I usually do a half lotus and haven't had this leg sleeping problem until I started meditating at a spot in my room more frequently. If I am outdoors I don't think I have this problem. If I lay down I drift off and lose concentration, sometimes falling asleep. I will try regular cross leg style but I'm not sure I know what that is LOL, my half lotus is my most natural pose where my knees are touching the ground. I will try your advice as well as relocating since the carpeted ground may be affecting this. Thanks!


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on Apr 05, 2019 05:53 am
Do you ever feel like you are being called to meditate? Sometimes the calling is so great, like I am missing out on something if I don't take the opportunity to jump right into meditation. However, I may not always be in the most ideal place when the calling comes. Unfortunately I skipped out last night and ended up self-sabotaging a little bit. Though the entire time I felt God was with me, I think Spirit may have been trying to save me from repeating unwanted past behaviors. When the untrained mind wants a reprieve, it's rather peculiar how it will sometimes go as far as disregarding even the voice of Angels.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: kingfisher111 on Apr 05, 2019 10:19 pm
 Yeah man.  All a part of the journey.  I relate.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on Apr 06, 2019 02:06 am
I think the important thing about having friends that meditate is that you strengthen each other’s resolve and you have something in common to do that benefits both of you when you’re together. It is probably why I try to see friends that maintain a meditation schedule of their own. There are many things that are unscene in life. One of them Is the energy that is transferred from one individual to another when meditating. I Remember many long meditation’s On Friday night at the Hollywood temple i used to go almost every Friday. They were three hour meditation’s. I recall distinctly some Meditations there where I tapped into another dimension filled with stillness blissful peace. Since I rarely had those kind of meditations alone I attributed it to some of the deep meditation that was occurring from saintly souls in my presence. I have had similar experiences while meditating in the presence of Amma as well.


Title: Can meditation cure loneliness?
Post by: guest88 on May 12, 2019 10:19 pm
I find that even if I have what I want-
a loving partner, a steady income, good health, a supportive family and a wonderful group of friends that the occasional bout of loneliness will still find a way to creep in. What is loneliness? Is it human nature to always long for something more? We may not even know what that more is and sometimes we just get lonely when there's no apparent reason for it. Sometimes we think, I should like to be intimate with this person. Then when we finally get it, the idea becomes lost and over time the longing for something more comes back, as does the loneliness. Sometimes we will be in the middle of a family celebration and even then feel the creeping effects of loneliness, like something is missing and or a craving for something more that can not be easily explained. Is it not a sign that no one person outside ourselves can satisfy the deeper parts of our being?
Can meditation liberate us from feeling lonely?
What are some helpful techniques or things to concentrate on to help alleviate the feeling?
In truth we are so blessed if we take the time daily to find the blessings... So why do we long for something that escapes comprehension? Are we no longer aware while we are experiencing these run of emotions?



Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on May 14, 2019 06:44 am
Systemi-what now?
 :) Just teasing. Wow, thank you for the kind and in depth reply.
I read the lyrics to the song, they're kind of sad but I have a very large ego anyways... thus the need to meditate...
Interesting to note about St. Francis and the Donkey.
Sometimes unresolved desires bring about the lonely or depressed feelings. I think, even if one suffers, it's important to pursue a desire rather than thwart it. Spot on about the humbling effects of pain.
Take care...


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on May 15, 2019 11:32 pm
I think I may have been wrong. Though without the experience to know better, could one successfully thwart the pull of desire? I say this because I was lately plagued by a manic mind and have only recently been relieved of this feeling which is causing the initial desire to subside. The ego is mystifying, not always easy to spot these things...


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us? on May 16, 2019 03:41 pm
Seems like the more I fight desire the more it attacks. My approach recently is to replace it when possible; Seeing and talking with friends that inspire me. Seeing saints and Masters that show me superior pleasures. Cultivating my mind with peace and meditation. Practicing the techniques the Masters give us. Keeping them in my thoughts as much as possible. Desire is always lurking in my mind but what the Masters have done for me and the practice of meditation has done for me constantly plays recordings thru my mind as well. I choose to listen because I know it brings me the greatest happiness. It is not that I do not recognize the desires and darkness of my mind and habits. I just don’t find it helpful to keep preaching to myself and feeling guilty. It’s better to redirect the minds and bodies activities.

At a certain point we begin to be more and more aware that what appeared to be thwarted attempts at satisfying desires was and is in fact the Masters blessings and protection. Practicing the presence and following the spiritual regimine outlined by spiritual masters does bring their blessings and discipline and can help us keep on track in our spiritual aspirations. This is inspite of the fact that we may work against our own spiritual progress. There are many ambiguities and paradoxes in human nature that we ourselves are quite helpless to work out without the blessings of the great ones. It no longer comes as a surprise to me that having had asked a Master for help and even being told that help would be forthcoming that it should be surprising to have discipline in the expression and satisfaction of desire.

We may find our job,career, friends and acquaintances all change as our spiritual aspirations become more focused to help gain more spiritual insight and progress.


Title: Re: Meditation Q & A
Post by: guest88 on May 20, 2019 03:59 am
Thank you both for the advice.

I will have to reread each... I also think both of these replies help me understand my next question.

Lately if I go deep I get tired. Again I'll notice a switch from actively thinking to passively watching thoughts play out on their own.

My more recent experience came from letting the mind go and observing. It was more of a, subconscious rest mode. Today however, when I noticed my mind beginning to switch to passive state, I found myself becoming quite disturbed the direction the mind was going. I felt the need to regain control of the thoughts and breathe in Love and Light, exhaling what this 'personality' understands as undesirable.

Somewhere in here is a delicate balance. Do you think it's better to let go and experience what comes or to concentrate on the breath and as Steve alludes, steer the course of the minds preoccupations?

...Thank you for all the contributions... There's much to reflect on.


Title: What is the point of meditating?
Post by: guest88 on Oct 02, 2020 09:20 pm
There's so much one can say, and I wanted to share that what I'm reading from Tich Nhat Hanh is that meditation is to help you reintegrate into society. Gurunath proclaims, "self peace for earth peace." So one may say we meditate to know Peace and in so doing, we share that with the world.

This is an excerpt form Being Peace-
Quote
We have many compartments in our lives. When we practice
sitting meditation and when we do not practice sitting, these
two periods of time are so different from each other. While
sitting, we practice intensively and while we are not sitting, we
do not practice intensively. In fact, we practice non-practice
intensively. There is a wall which separates the two, practicing
and non-practicing. Practicing is only for the practice period and
non-practicing is only for the non-practicing period. How can we
mix the two together? How can we bring meditation out of the
meditation hall and into the kitchen, and the office? How can
the sitting influence the non-sitting time? If a doctor gives you
an injection, not only your arm but your whole body benefits
from it. If you practice one hour of sitting a day, that hour should
be for all twenty-four hours, and not just for that hour. One smile,
one breath should be for the benefit of the whole day, not just for
that moment. We must practice in a way that removes the barrier between practice and non-practice.
When we walk in the meditation hall, we make careful steps,
very slowly. But when we go to the airport, we are quite another
person. We walk very differently, less mindfully. How can we
practice at the airport and in the market? That is engaged Buddhism. Engaged Buddhism does not only mean to use Buddhism
to solve social and political problems, protesting against the
bombs, and protesting against social injustice. First of all we
have to bring Buddhism into our daily lives. I have a friend who
breathes between telephone calls, and it helps her very much.
Another friend does walking meditation between business
appointments, walking mindfully between buildings in downtown Denver. Passersby smile at him, and his meetings, even
with difficult persons, often turn out to be very pleasant, and very
successful.
We should be able to bring the practice from the meditation hall into our daily lives. How can we practice to penetrate our
feelings, our perceptions during daily life?