Re: Question
O.k. great, i'll make a few comments about each of your answers and then give a general summary of what meditation is to me; take it with a pinch of salt, since my views might be considered a little controversial.
Originally Posted by
Vitani
Namaste ZarryT, I'm sorry. I will answer your questions directly.
1. Why are you meditating?
I am meditating to become closer to God; though, I am sure there are other reasons for meditation, but that is why I do it right now.
A further question: what do you think it means to become closer to God? Perhaps it might be worth considering that if emptying your mind and staying focused isn't the chief goal of your meditation, then it might also be the case that it's o.k. for your mind to wander!
And what do you mean by God?
2. What are you meditating on / about?
I meditate on Shiva, mostly as Linga, and I usually recite "Namah Shivaya" on Malas.
when you say you meditate on Shiva, what do you mean precisely? What sort of thoughts are you bringing to mind, what details? What is it exactly that you do other than mantra recital?
3. What do you think 'meditation' is? / What exactly are you doing when you meditate?
Hmm. Well, I think meditation can be controlling the mind, the breath, and may even be a form of prayer. As I said, when I meditate, I chant the mantra above on mala beads
Pranams
Vitani
There is a great distinction between control and observance. For me, meditation is all about one thing: the way in which you actively direct your attention. Meditation is about paying attention to particular things.
If you want closeness to god, then direct your attention towards every element of your sensory experience; pay attention to every detail in your vision, every sound, every feeling of every inch of your body. Starting this way instantly calms the mind, since it's something we so rarely do; it's a new activity, and new activities are compelling and absorb our attention.
Start by focusing on your vision. Then add sounds; start seeing what you can hear in each moment. Notice the transience; how everything constantly changes, even those things which appear static / still. You'll see that the very manner in which you observe / notice / pay attention changes; the lines and corners of objects shift and move whilst staying the same...
"the more it changes, the more it stays the same".
As for breathing; perhaps try to pay attention to your breathing, rather than trying to control it. Watch and feel your breathing, but don't concern yourself with trying to "breathe correctly", as this is silly - you breathe! you're a human! we do this regardless!
Watch how sometimes, you are actively breathing... you are doing the breathing - watch also how sometimes you are not doing it, it happens on its own. Watch this contradiction, contemplate it's possibility, try and spot the distinction.
The biggest thing is don't try to do it "correctly" - just absorb. Meditate for the sake of meditation.
I have lots more to say but i'm trying to keep it relevant, ask more questions
If you found out that you were god, dreaming a life for yourself, and that you were identical with the external world, you would ask yourself: "So, what would I have happen to me in my life? what would be my perfect drama?":cool1:
You died, and death was complete freedom from suffering - bliss. But it very quickly got lonely and repetitive in bliss, so you decided to be born once more. You've been doing this forever.
Bookmarks