Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Learning to Meditate

Years ago, I had promised Lord Maitreya, a Spiritual Teacher, that I would make an effort to meditate every day in order to become more aware of the messages I needed to hear.  It was a pact really -  if You let me live, I will undertake this incredibly difficult task of meditating.  At that time, I had very little patience for sitting still and just being.  I found it to be a frustrating endeavour, with five minutes  feeling like an eternity.  My body would fidget with restless energy, and my mind was filled with thoughts of things I should or would be doing. I started training myself to stay seated by visualizing a seat belt fastened around my hips. I also visualized a tiny broom gently sweeping away any thoughts that engaged me. I look back on this image with fondness, but that was how I began.  Like anything else that is worthwhile, it took much practice to improve, but I am so glad that I persevered because without meditation, my life would be much less rich and meaningful. 

3 comments:

Gena said...

On Friday night, I went to hear Alan Clements speak. (He was the first American ordained as a monk in Burma, years ago). His practice in the monastary involved 14 hours a day of meditation, 8 hours sitting, interspersed with 6 hours of walking and an hour for lunch and dinner. His method was to "follow the breath" which I think is the tradtional approach. He was really funny though, and said whatever works for you,is whatever works for you. Just do it! Once again, my sweet sister, you amaze me.

Vera said...

I'm fairly sure I saw him at the main VPL a few years ago with World Dharma - I like spiritual leaders who believe in keeping it real.

learning to meditate said...

learning meditation is good for us..as it provides spiritual power, provide you relief from problems...