Meditation, for the beginner (mystic, Buddhism, hell, Buddhism, Zen)

[lordjord]

Hello all. Ive recently taken a great interest in buddhism and I have been reading the basics in books and so on. Id like to meditate but I dont have the slightest clue of when, where, or how. what sorts of things should I be thinking about and so on. any information is appreciated. thank you

[Engyo]

Lordjord -

When is whenever you can clear a quiet space in your day, without interruptions for the period you want to meditate.

Where is any location where you won't be distracted or interrupted; if you can find a place where you are comfortable and relaxed that helps.

How can take a number of different forms. Perhaps the simplest one is sitting and watching the breath. Sit somewhere sturdy; sit with your back erect, your head centered over your body, and all your muscles relaxed. Your knees should be lower than your hips if you are sitting on the floor/ground. Close your eyes, then open them just slightly, but look through the back of your eyelids rather than the open slits. Breathe in slowly through your nose, filling your lungs diaphragm as deeply as you can. Pause for a few seconds when your lungs are completely full. Exhale through your mouth, again slowly, as if someone is pulling a piece of string out. Exhale fully, and again pause when your lungs are completely empty for a few seconds. When thoughts arise, just watch them. Don't hang onto them, or follow them; just watch them arise, and pass on, and return to watching the breath.

This can be done for anywhere from 5-10 minutes at a time up to hours, although I would recommend rather shorter times to begin with. Remember that this isn't something you are being graded on, but it is a practice. It is far more beneficial to continue meditating imperfectly than it is to meditate perfectly one time. The continuation and repetition is what will bring you the positive outcomes.

I hope this is helpful.

[lordjord]

that was a lot of help thanks a lot

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by Engyo

Lordjord -

When is whenever you can clear a quiet space in your day, without interruptions for the period you want to meditate.

Where is any location where you won't be distracted or interrupted; if you can find a place where you are comfortable and relaxed that helps.

How can take a number of different forms. Perhaps the simplest one is sitting and watching the breath. Sit somewhere sturdy; sit with your back erect, your head centered over your body, and all your muscles relaxed. Your knees should be lower than your hips if you are sitting on the floor/ground. Close your eyes, then open them just slightly, but look through the back of your eyelids rather than the open slits. Breathe in slowly through your nose, filling your lungs diaphragm as deeply as you can. Pause for a few seconds when your lungs are completely full. Exhale through your mouth, again slowly, as if someone is pulling a piece of string out. Exhale fully, and again pause when your lungs are completely empty for a few seconds. When thoughts arise, just watch them. Don't hang onto them, or follow them; just watch them arise, and pass on, and return to watching the breath.

This can be done for anywhere from 5-10 minutes at a time up to hours, although I would recommend rather shorter times to begin with. Remember that this isn't something you are being graded on, but it is a practice. It is far more beneficial to continue meditating imperfectly than it is to meditate perfectly one time. The continuation and repetition is what will bring you the positive outcomes.

I hope this is helpful.

Yes, this is the meditation that I practice myself, as I am also a beginner. I would recommend it. It will grant you better control of your attention, and it will build the discipline required for greater methods of meditation.

[finalfrogo]

Originally Posted by lordjord

Hello all. Ive recently taken a great interest in buddhism and I have been reading the basics in books and so on. Id like to meditate but I dont have the slightest clue of when, where, or how. what sorts of things should I be thinking about and so on. any information is appreciated. thank you

Your situation is similar to mine. I, too, have researched Buddhism to basic degrees. I am currently reading The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh. It has cleared up many obscure topics in Buddhism, and I would recommend it to any beginner.

For meditation, I am reading Meditation for Beginners by Stephanie Clement, a good source for learning various meditation positions, the best times and places to meditate, and the different types of meditation you can execute. Or, visit http://www.cosmeta.com/. Although it's classified as New Age, the meditation of this site may give you a few helpful pointers on meditating.

From my own knowledge, I would recommend meditating not at night before you go to bed (as I usually do... this is I am attempting to fix) but during the morning or afternoon, when you are totally awake and can thereby be totally aware.

For position, I recommend lotus position if it is comfortable if you can do it. I can't (though I'm trying to attain it through stretching... this may take a while... For now, I'm settling for Indian Style sitting.

If you use the iTunes music store, I suggest searching for some meditation iPods. I have found two valuable.

[lordjord]

why is the posistion so important when meditating

[MysticSang'ha]

Position is important because you need to have a stable base in order to support your body for your desired length of time to meditate. One would have difficulty quieting the mind while balancing on a pogo-stick (I know you wouldn't do that, but I brought up an exaggeration to make a point).



You also need to be in an upright position for meditation in order to suppress the desire to go to sleep, which can easily happen if you're lying supine and meditating.



Engyo gave a very good basic meditation practice that is just fine for everyone! Just read his post and follow his advice, and you'll be well on your way to establishing good meditative habits.




Also, anything by Thich Nhat Hanh is valuable to learning about Buddhism. He is a Zen monk, but he carries the essence of the dharma in his writings IMO. His works were the first for me when I began studying Buddhism 11 years ago.





Peace,
Mystic