Meditation (Jesus, ritual, gospel, creation, scriptures)

[Master Vigil]

To clear the mind? to focus the mind? to get rid of the self? to achieve enlightenment?

How do you meditate, and what is your desired outcome (normally)?

[Jaymes]

When I meditate, I do so to clear my mind and open myself up to the 'unseen world.' I don't really have a desired outcome when I meditate.. Just whatever happens, happens.

[dolly]

To clear the mind, to focus, to reduce stress, to calm down, to prepare for other activities, to boost my immune system, to reach gnosis, etc.

I don't meditate just for one reason. ; ) My "desired outcome" varies as well.

[Scott1]

Catholics meditate??????...... why yes, we do!



2705 Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is asking. The required attentiveness is difficult to sustain. We are usually helped by books, and Christians do not want for them: the Sacred Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or season, writings of the spiritual fathers, works of spirituality, the great book of creation, and that of history the page on which the "today" of God is written.

2706 To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. We pass from thoughts to reality. To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern them. It is a question of acting truthfully in order to come into the light: "Lord, what do you want me to do?"

2707 There are as many and varied methods of meditation as there are spiritual masters. Christians owe it to themselves to develop the desire to meditate regularly, lest they come to resemble the three first kinds of soil in the parable of the sower.5 But a method is only a guide; the important thing is to advance, with the Holy Spirit, along the one way of prayer: Christ Jesus. 2708 Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.

My personal meditation is with the rosary...... the repetition some time forces a dream like state for me...... I just get lost in the prayer. I don't think enough Christians use meditation as a form of prayer..... in fact, I have been attacked on OTHER forums for encouraging the use of mediation in the Christian faith..... was told it was "too Eastern, too heathen"....... oh boy, some of us have a long way to go!

Peace be with you all,
Scott

[Ardhanariswar]

ya. mantras help. for christains is the rosary, and hindus and buddhists have several, including Om mani padme hum and aum nama shivaya.

[Mephideus]

"Too Eastern"?...::shakes head::

Meditation for me is completely imformal and impromptu; I'll be going about my day and then just decide to stop everything. It works this way because if I try to sit down and meditate (concentrating on it), I'll ne'er accomplish anything.

[Ardhanariswar]

u dont physically acomplish n e thing. but you clear up inside, spiritual/mental cleansing. you can also concentrate and send out positive energies. its very good and promotes health. it helps you to concentrate better for those tough exams.

[Bastet]

I don't meditate as much as I used to (or as much as I need to!). I find it a great way to de-stress and re-energize. Usually I meditiate while doing yoga...but sometimes not. It depends on the day and my mood.

[Master Vigil]

The student asked the master, "why do we meditate?" The master showed the student a pail of water, stirred the water up with his finger and asked the student what he saw in the water. The student replied, "ribbons of light." The master than said "wait." When the water had become still and calm, he then asked the student the same question, the student then said, "I see the moon."

This is the reason for meditation, not for hindering physical achievements. But for allowing one to focus clearly and understand which achievements are worth achieving.

[Engyo]

Why meditate? For all the reasons you mention, and more. To release attachment.

How? My tradition/school uses mantra chanting as our primary meditation form, with silent sitting as a secondary form; these are formulated as standard services. We also practice writing meditation, copying our mantra or the sutra(s), or occasionally the image of the Buddha. An individual is free to meditate in any form he/she desires.

When we chant, we recite Na Mu Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo as our mantra. We also recite portions of the Lotus Sutra, either in english or in shindoku (Japanese pronunciation of classical Chinese).

Desired outcome? Peace, calm, rhythym, centeredness, wisdom, discipline, awakening, compassion, health, more.