the True HeArt of Meditation…An Introduction
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the Wisdom of Silence -
A Connection to the present moment and the Spirit Source in all Life.
An Awareness of how our thoughts distract us from the present moment and how our attachments to these thoughts and feelings cause us suffering.
And when you practice being in the present moment,
You get really good at it!!
Meditation views Mind as the Sky - clear and vast, joyful. Not burdened by negativity or attachment.
You become the Witness of how thoughts appear as clouds in the sky. And how, just as easily, they disappear…if we let them go!
5 Basic Aspects
1/Posture:
Sit comfortably. be practical. if you have to move- move, but with awareness of what's happening.
Be gentle with yourself.
Eyes are closed, but not tightly. if you feel compelled to open your eyes, open them and notice what you are seeing without judgement..
Hands are comfortable in meditation... mudras (hand positions) are helpful to focus energy
2/Breathing:
Our breath connects us to the present moment. It embodies the sacred Spirit of Life and connects us instantly to our environment and the Source of all Life.
It moves the body and the mind. As we become aware of our breath, we feel that spiritual energy within us, giving life energy to every cell. Notice this space as you hold your breath briefly before exhaling. Feel your breath enter your Heart. Feel the energy open your Heart with Love. Feel that Love through your entire body before exhaling back out into the World.
Breathing in I am present ...breathing out I am present.
Breathing in I accept the Universe..breathing out I express my Compassionate intention and gratitude
Before you begin meditation, You may also want to practice alternate nostril breathing to enhance and balance the left/right brain centers.
Breathe in through the left nostril while holding close the right. Breathe out through the right while closing the left. Breathe in through the right and out through the left, closing the right. Start over with the left. Do 3 repetitions.
3/Sacred Mantra:
OM Mani Padme Hum (om-mahnee-paymay-hum) .....The Sacred Tibetan mantra of Compassion
It's meaning: the Jewel in the Heart of the Lotus…because The Heart is the center of our Spiritual Soul, the energy center of the One Source.
Watch your thoughts enter. Quietly introduce the mantra, breathing slowly. Allow the mantra to replace the thought streams. Realize the intentions of Compassion and Peace with every word.
Let the thoughts come and go. Have no judgement or expectation! When you notice that thoughts have replaced your mantra, gently repeat the mantra.
Becoming quiet with your body and mind takes practice. Give yourself time and space. Start slowly. Have patience.
4/Zen Walking Meditation (kinhin):
Walking brings you into the present moment with each step.
There is no going anywhere.
No destination......There is only walking.
If you are outside, Be aware of Nature, how everything is alive in its own way. Feel yourself as part of the Whole.
There is no struggle...it just IS! We can learn this from our Earth!
5/Universal Intention:
Ultimately, your practice is about your intention to create a Sacred Space of Silence for yourself, where you percieve the deep sense of awareness that is beyond thought..the eternal, indescribable Source essence of all creative potential and pssibility.
With gratitude and determination, grounding this awareness as Universal Compassion and Love, you can achieve unbounded Happiness and Freedom and Peace.
Practice is the Path !
Make this your own practice. However that looks...in front of an alter, under a tree, in your room or car…as long as you practice, everyday!
Create Balance and Harmony....we don't live in monasteries!
You compete with no one.... Only your inner world.
Like Life, this is a profoundly personal, yet a collective experience. It is both...
The Middle Way.
So, when do you reach Enlightenment??
You are already here
You have opened the door and taken the first step
You are on the Path!
As part of a daily devotional practice, this prayer will help guide your intention towards a more mindful daily life.
PRAYER FOR ENLIGHTENMENT
With mindful awareness
Of the interdependence of all Life,
I offer deep gratitude
For this precious human life
And vow to live each day
With generosity, compassion and patience.
Created from my own past causes and conditions,
Overwhelmed by attachment and fear,
I pray for forgiveness and wisdom
To erase all forms of negative karma.
With blessing and determination
And the power of Love pervading all realms,
May the Source of unbounded positive potential
Be clear and present in all my endeavors,
In this life and the next.
And with the guidance of all those gone before
And the Earth’s enduring power to heal
May I receive the perfect power of awakening,
Returning in perfect flow this gift of Love
To each part of the whole of all of life.
May I always meet those along Earth’s sacred paths.
May we practice together beyond space and time
So that all suffering beings, throughout the Universe,
Find infinite Happiness, Peace and Freedom.
Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum
Om Mani Padme Hum
You have just taken the first step along The Path. Blessings.Namaste.