Meditation

Details : 

Publisher : Winsome Books India
Author : Dr. Mohan Makkar, Ph.D. (A.M.) & Dr. Geeta (Naturopathy)
Pages : 375 (Illustrated throughout in Black & White)
Cover : Paperback
Dimension : 21 cm X 13.5 cm
Edition : 2007
ISBN : 8188043494

The Fundamentals of Meditation

The Fundamentals of Meditation are- · The Mind is thinking carefully about thinking and thinking: pondering about this, wondering about that, turning over assorted problems. Indulging in these suppositions and notions gives the mind no rest.

· Being aware of the thinking mind is defined (by the Lord Buddha) as mindfulness (sati).

· The knowledge of the mind occupied in thinking about something is clear comprehension (sampajanna) and judgment.

· We need to train mindfulness and clear comprehension so that they become swift enough to keep up with the mind. If mindfulness is still weak it will be unable to match up against the speed of the mind, and samadhi can't then progress. The mind can't be brought together with the selected meditation object; it can't concentrate on the in-and out-breathing.

· Instead it continues on its own way with mindful awareness lagging behind, unable to catch up. We almost manage to bring it in but it then slips away to (thought of) 'America', and upon following it we find its already back in 'Thailand'… or 'Germany' and so on. We can but chase after yet never catch up because mindfulness remains undeveloped and immature. It can't match the mind. This is the source of problem in the development of our meditation practice. It is therefore essential to improve and cultivate mindfulness.

The Cultivation of mindfulness starts from being aware of the current bodily posture. If standing, be mindful of that. Walking, sitting or lying down- be present with that movement and posture. Bathing, eating or excreting be fully aware of what is going on. This constant awareness of bodily actions brings mindfulness and clear comprehension to the forefront.

Once this skill is developed you will become aware of changing postures as different activities occur: working on the job, washing clothes or dishes, reading or writing, sewing or knitting. Whatever you are involved with be present with that activity while you are doing it. Don't allow the mind to wander away. This is how mindfulness develops is daily life.