SECRETS OF MEDITATION
(Ancient techniques for modern times)
There is no meditation without wisdom, and there is no wisdom without meditation. When a man has both meditation and wisdom, he is indeed close to nirvana. 37
The Dhammapada
Most people misunderstand the concept of meditation. They say they can’t meditate because they, “think too much….that their minds are too busy….too scattered”. What they don’t realise is that, “having the awareness of that busyness and scattered nature of the mind IS meditation“. The natural state of an “untamed” mind IS busy and scattered…… so this is the very reason why it is so important for us to meditate. We need to find a qualified teacher who can teach us the techniques and show us how to discipline and tame the mind. Everyone can meditate. We meditate all the time….but sadly… on the wrong things most of the time.
We need to tame this mind that is like a wild elephant constantly taking us to places we don’t want to be and causing us so much suffering. When the mind is scattered we can’t think properly. A scattered, foggy state of mind leads us to making decisions in life that are often unhelpful to our physical and psychological well being.
The mind is like this…. simply because it has been allowed to be like this for so long. It has developed, “the habit” of being able to wander aimlessly from one thing to another. By taking control of your mind you are making the intelligent decision of taking control of your own happiness and well being.
At the moment our well being is dependent upon everyone and everything, “out there”. When people, places and events are pleasing to us…we are happy. 
Then when people, places and events are not what we desire…we are unhappy. Such a powerless existence… is being completely at the mercy of everything, “out there”.
If we truly desire long lasting happiness we need to get serious about taming this wild elephant mind that is the driver of our whole existence. Every decision we make determines how positive or negative our life is…..how happy or unhappy we are is dependent upon how we think and what decisions we make…so it is logical that we get to know this thing that determines how our life will be….. If we are happy or not….It is important we become familiar with this driver of our destiny…….. our minds.
At the moment we spend much of our resources and time on understanding and keeping the body healthy and alive. What we neglect to see is that having a healthy fit body doesn’t do much when the mind is unwell by being both clouded and deluded in its thinking….. causing us suffering. We need both. We need a happy, healthy awake mind that is in harmony with a healthy body. One without the other is a pointless exercise. “What is the point of having a superb body if we are miserable or unhappy in our minds?”
Meditation is the technique of clearing the mind of its negative habits or habitual thinking…..clearing the space for us to get in touch with our inner wisdom. This enables us to develop new ways of thinking and developing better skills while dealing with the inevitable suffering in our lives.
We are creatures of habit. We develop habits very quickly. This is where Calm Abiding Meditation is so skilful in the way it very skilfully uses our natural habitual tendencies, in a very positive way to assist us in developing new positive habits, promoting new ways of thinking and being in our lives.
There is a smorgasbord of meditations out there. Most are wonderful techniques to momentarily feel relaxed. However, most don’t produce the long term effects we need to help us change our lives for the better. We need a meditation that gives us the clarity we need to make decisions that create good outcomes for us in everything we do, say and think in life. A meditation that produces a clear mind that contributes to a consistency in the peace and calm we experience….no matter what problems we have in life.
The most impressive aspect of Calm Abiding Meditation is how we can learn to train our minds to be calm and happy….. no matter what life throws at us….Such as the inevitable physical and emotional pain we all suffer. This is why the medical system is now recommending meditation for chronic pain and various other physical and mental ailments. The power of the mind is beyond our comprehension until we start to meditate.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama is working with science who is conducting extensive tests on Buddhist monks’ minds. The results are astounding.
Calm Abiding Meditation has a proven record in its ability to improve health, awaken happiness and give a clear perspective on life.
The meditator can integrate a sense of calmness into everyday activities and transform negative situations into positive outcomes.
To learn to meditate you need an experienced teacher and a well defined path.
Calm Abiding is a meditation technique (sometimes known as Shamatha Meditation or Single Pointed Concentration).
It will enable the practitioner to identify the real causes of negative states of mind such as stress, anxiety, anger, depression….etc. By identifying these negative patterns and how they manifest, you are able to transform these states of mind into more positive states such as lasting happiness, balance and a strong sense of well-being.
Meditation is not always easier in the beginning and has the reputation at The Oddiyana Dharma Sanctuary as “Buddha Bootcamp” by our young students.
The thing is it’s not the meditation that is hard, it’s more the fear of seeing who we really are that scares us. This is when we need to remember that when we go down deep inside ourselves we find that we possess exactly what we desire. From there we see very clearly we don’t need anything outside of us to be happy.
A life of only a single day spent in meditation conjoined with wisdom is better than “living a hundred years unbalanced and confused”
The Dhammapada
“May our joint effort of daily meditation bring all beings a long life and lasting happiness.
Choeying
Setting yourself up for daily meditation
1. Commitment
The aim is to develop a habit. As with anything we want to achieve in life we need to make a serious commitment to be successful. The first thing we need to do, is to make a firm commitment, to meditate each day. Even if you don’t feel like it sometimes stick to the designated time. Then you are not swayed by the emotions of the time. As with any discipline meditation only works if we do it consistently….. So we need to meditate daily in order to get the desired results. The benefits accrue just like money put into your bank account you have the money to draw on when you need it. There will be a store of calm and peace for more challenging times. No matter what is happening in your life, you know you can rely on yourself, on your steady daily practice.
2. Time
If we are to develop a new habit we need to meditate at the same time every day. This is very important. We need to carefully think about what time of the day fits in with our lifestyle. This is to prevent us from skipping the meditation. So make sure the time you decide on fits with your work…… and your social life. Early morning is the ideal time to meditate as we are much brighter and fresher after a sleep.
3. Place
Decide on a space which is conducive to your meditation. It is important to make your own special, sacred space. A place that is private while at the same time a space you see everyday to remind yourself of your new commitment to your well being.
Set yourself up a nice shrine or small table with a nice cloth. Place objects that will motivate you to meditate such as;
Picture
Can be a spiritual image from your own faith…. or someone you aspire to be like such as Mahatma Ghandi…. or a scene that makes you feel calm and inspired….. such as nature.
Flower
Can be a silk flower or a real flower. The flower is symbolic of…to blossom whatever qualities we aspire to have within us.
Incense
Is symbolic of burning all our negativities and developing more positive ways of being.
Candle
Is symbolic of …shining light on all our negativities…all our darkness…to see more clearly our true nature…….to lighten up .
Water bowl
Is symbolic of the clarity of mind we wish to achieve. Washing away all negativities for a more positive outlook.
Clock
Is symbolic of “time is running out- or impermanence”. How we can die at any moment so we must not waste precious time if we wish to live a happy balanced life.
Also for practical purposes we need a clock to time our meditation. It is important to time your meditation.
Comfortable Clothes; It is important to wear loose clothing that is soft and comfortable to allow easy air flow and to avoid cutting off circulation through clothes being too tight. Also for comfort so you enjoy sitting.
