Definition Of Meditation
Meditation is a mind that is single-pointedly focused on a virtuous object, and whose function is to make the mind peaceful and calm.
A virtuous object is one that causes us to develop a peaceful mind when we analyze and concentrate on it. (1)
This video explains different methods to help us control our negative states of mind –
How To Do Meditation
There are two types of meditation: analytical meditation and placement meditation.
Analytical meditation involves contemplating the meaning of a spiritual instruction that we have heard or read.
By contemplating such instructions deeply, eventually we reach a definite conclusion, or cause a specific virtuous state of mind to arise.
This is the object of placement meditation.
We then concentrate single-pointedly on this conclusion or virtuous state of mind for as long as possible to become deeply acquainted with it.
This single-pointed concentration is placement meditation.
Analytical meditation is often called ‘contemplation’, and placement meditation is often called ‘meditation’.
Placement meditation depends upon analytical meditation, and analytical meditation depends upon listening to or reading spiritual instructions. (1)
This video shows the benefits of meditation –
The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid.
This can be accomplished by practising a simple breathing meditation.
We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position.
We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable.
If we wish, we can sit in a chair.
The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.
We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing.
We breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath,
and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils.
This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.
At first our mind will be very busy, and we might even feel that the meditation is making our mind busier;
but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is.
There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise,
but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath.
If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath.
We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath. (1)
Benefits of Meditation
By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enable us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances.
Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time,
rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency. (2)
The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful (1)
Happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind,
so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions. (3)
Meditation on love is very powerful. (3)
Meditation For Happiness
If we train in meditation, our mind will gradually become more and more peaceful, and we will experience a purer and purer form of happiness.
Eventually we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances. (1)
Through meditation we can extend and deepen our compassion until it transforms into the mind of universal, or great, compassion –
the sincere wish to liberate all living beings from suffering permanently.
Through improving this mind of universal compassion it will eventually transform into the compassion of a Buddha,
which actually has the power to liberate all living beings. (3)
Meditation For Healing
At the beginning, even if our meditation does not seem to be going well,
we should remember that simply by applying effort to training in meditation, we are creating the mental karma to experience inner peace in the future.
The happiness of this life and of our future lives depends upon the experience of inner peace, which in turn depends upon the mental action of meditation.
Since inner peace is the source of all happiness, we can see how important meditation is. (1)
When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. (1)
Meditation Quotes
By training in meditation, we create an inner space and clarity that enable us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances.
Gradually we develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time,
rather than an unbalanced mind that oscillates between the extremes of excitement and despondency. (2)
Happiness is a part of the mind that experiences inner peace, or peace of mind, so the real source of happiness must lie within the mind, not in external conditions. (3)
Problems, worry, pain and unhappiness are types of mind; they are feelings and do not exist outside the mind.
If we cherish everyone we meet or think about, there will be no basis for developing jealousy, anger or other harmful thoughts,
and our mind will be at peace all the time. (3)
What To Do Next
- Try visiting a Kadampa Meditation Centre –
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Cumbria – click here for details
Tara Kadampa Meditation Centre, Derbyshire – click here for details
London Kadampa Meditation Centre – click here for details
Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre, Brighton – click here for details
- Try an audio guided meditation at home –
‘Meditations For Relaxation’ – click here for details
‘Meditations For A Clear Mind’ – click here for details
‘Meditations For A Kind Heart’ – click here for details
- Download A Free eBook –
‘How to Transform Your Life’ – click here for details
‘Modern Buddhism – The Path Of Compassion and Wisdom’ – click here for details
References
- “How to Transform Your Life” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Tharpa Publications
- “The New Meditation Handbook” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Tharpa Publications
- “The New Eight Steps to Happiness.” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Tharpa Publications
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