Fears in Buddhism

[LampunHenki]

Today I became interested in Buddhism and meditation seems to be its main practice. If I understood right, during meditation thoughts are meant to be ignored. But I started to wonder that fears are also products of mind, so the meditator should also ignore them too, shouldn't (s)he? For example I'm horrified of heights. So should I try to meditate high on a tree branch for additional challenge?

And fear also empties mind from other thoughts, so I think it might help the practice.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

Today I became interested in Buddhism and meditation seems to be its main practice. If I understood right, during meditation thoughts are meant to be ignored. But I started to wonder that fears are also products of mind, so the meditator should also ignore them too, shouldn't (s)he? For example I'm horrified of heights. So should I try to meditate high on a tree branch for additional challenge?

It's more like thoughts and feelings are allowed to pass, rather than being dwelt on, there is the sense of letting go and calming down. As the mind begins to calm one can see more clearly what these thoughts and feelings really are, how they arise, and what they lead to.

What kind of meditation are you doing, and have you had any instruction yet?

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Today I became interested in Buddhism and meditation seems to be its main practice. If I understood right, during meditation thoughts are meant to be ignored. But I started to wonder that fears are also products of mind, so the meditator should also ignore them too, shouldn't (s)he? For example I'm horrified of heights. So should I try to meditate high on a tree branch for additional challenge?

And fear also empties mind from other thoughts, so I think it might help the practice.

until you're used to meditating, I wouldn't try to add stressors like that. Meditate where you are comfortable.

 

[LampunHenki]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll meditate in a nice environment without stress.

I meditated a little in the past. Now I’m starting again. I'm planning to count breaths that "flow out" in series of 10. I read that from one Zen-book a couple of years ago. I guess that counting breaths is a good practice for me, because I can’t see any pictures in my mind. Not even foggy pictures. I remember from my little experience that anxiety to open my eyes and to move bugged me much more than random thoughts. I remember that that anxiety became less powerful back then, but I stopped meditation anyway, unfortunately. I also will never be able to sit even in lotus posture, so I’ve chosen Burmese posture. I’d be grateful for any additional advice.

 

[BSM1]

Thoughts and fears during meditation will pop up. They should be acknowledged and, like Spiny says, be allowed to pass.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

I’d be grateful for any additional advice.

There are many different approaches to meditation, and to some extent it's trial and error, trying things out to see what works for you. For example, you could try counting breaths for a while and then try dropping the counting - see which works best. Mostly people are taught to meditate with their eyes shut, but in some traditions you are taught to meditate with eyes open, of half-open - but again there is no harm in experimenting, it isn't a case of one size fits all. Try it and see.
One of my favourite meditation teachers is Ajahn Brahm, there are lots of his talks on Youtube. But again, look around and see what different teachers say, get a sense of the big picture, see what these different methods have in common.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

There are many different approaches to meditation, and to some extent it's trial and error, trying things out to see what works for you. For example, you could try counting breaths for a while and then try dropping the counting - see which works best. Mostly people are taught to meditate with their eyes shut, but in some traditions you are taught to meditate with eyes open, of half-open - but again there is no harm in experimenting, it isn't a case of one size fits all. Try it and see.
One of my favourite meditation teachers is Ajahn Brahm, there are lots of his talks on Youtube. But again, look around and see what different teachers say, get a sense of the big picture, see what these different methods have in common.

I have successfully meditated with eyes open gazing at water, even moving water, and gazing at a candle flame in an otherwise darkened place, and into the embers of fire. I've tried clouds, but tend to get distracted. Otherwise, I do darkness with eyes closed.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

I have successfully meditated with eyes open gazing at water, even moving water, and gazing at a candle flame in an otherwise darkened place, and into the embers of fire. I've tried clouds, but tend to get distracted. Otherwise, I do darkness with eyes closed.

I'm a big fan of experimentation when it comes to meditation, and it's interesting to experience the different results from different methods. Though of course it depends what you are trying to do, and being clear about that. Sometimes people get taught a particular method then think they have to stick with it, even if it isn't working for them, which is a shame.
In any case discussion with other meditators is always valuable, particularly with those who are more experienced.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Today I became interested in Buddhism and meditation seems to be its main practice. If I understood right, during meditation thoughts are meant to be ignored. But I started to wonder that fears are also products of mind, so the meditator should also ignore them too, shouldn't (s)he? For example I'm horrified of heights. So should I try to meditate high on a tree branch for additional challenge?

And fear also empties mind from other thoughts, so I think it might help the practice.

Well instead of ignoring them. Its more akin with running straight at them at a full run.

Sorta like Siddhartha facing Mara. There's acknowelegment, then let go like a passing cloud.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I'm a big fan of experimentation when it comes to meditation, and it's interesting to experience the different results from different methods. Though of course it depends what you are trying to do, and being clear about that. Sometimes people get taught a particular method then think they have to stick with it, even if it isn't working for them, which is a shame.
In any case discussion with other meditators is always valuable, particularly with those who are more experienced.

That's good advice.

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Loads of good advice ...

I found an interesting page about fear -

https://meditationinsantabarbara.org/dealing-with-fear/

All the best with your practice!

Namaste

 

[Aupmanyav]

I have successfully meditated with eyes open gazing at water, even moving water, and gazing at a candle flame in an otherwise darkened place, and into the embers of fire. I've tried clouds, but tend to get distracted. Otherwise, I do darkness with eyes closed.

What for? What was your aim in doing this?

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

What for? What was your aim in doing this?

To see if I could meditate that way. Over the years, various people have suggested trying this, and I've read a few sources that suggested the possibility of this being productive; I find it has been. For me, at least, visual and audio stimulation is distracting, but meditating with limited external stimulation I can handle now, whereas when I started I couldn't.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Meditate with no external stimuli.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Meditate with no external stimuli.

thank you for the advice. I do both. I believe that it has improved my ability to stay focused on being in the moment, on opening my senses while stilling the internal turmoil.

 

[Osal]

To see if I could meditate that way. Over the years, various people have suggested trying this, and I've read a few sources that suggested the possibility of this being productive; I find it has been. For me, at least, visual and audio stimulation is distracting, but meditating with limited external stimulation I can handle now, whereas when I started I couldn't.

Not a bad idea. Using visualizations can be helpful. I sometimes sit beside a small stream near my house, or meditate beside a pond using reflections on the water as the object I rest on. I find it a useful exercise to reveal the impermanence of phenomena and their illusory nature. I've been taught that there's nothing that can't be brought to the cushion, so to speak. Plus, you can't learn to be present in the face of distracting, external stimuli, if you don't take it to the cushion.

So carry on. You're doing fine.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Not a bad idea. Using visualizations can be helpful. I sometimes sit beside a small stream near my house, or meditate beside a pond using reflections on the water as the object I rest on. I find it a useful exercise to reveal the impermanence of phenomena and their illusory nature. I've been taught that there's nothing that can't be brought to the cushion, so to speak. Plus, you can't learn to be present in the face of distracting, external stimuli, if you don't take it to the cushion.

So carry on. You're doing fine.

Thanks!. In reference to the OP, I was thinking that rather than trying to start meditating around things that cause fear, start without distractions, and maybe eventually move to those situations. I however, still can't relax enough to meditate anywhere near a cliff, for example, because of a fear of heights. Too distracting for me. Interestingly enough, I find the sound of fairly nearby traffic sometimes helpful in reaching a good state...