Buddhism Meditation: Bringing Up And Clearing Up

Janna Order Monastery
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PREFACE We are living in a busy and turbulent world, where stress and anxiety easily invade the mind. Meditation, a concept that is no longer strange, has been mentioned in many schools of thought and religions around the world. From the quiet prayer in Christianity, the meditation of Taoism, the Sufism of Islam, to Dhyana in Hinduism, each tradition has its own approach. However, meditation is still considered a characteristic forte of Buddhism, with countless highly enlightened Zen masters culminating in the Arhats who have attained complete non-self (Anatman).

  1. 20h ago

    QUESTION 131: WHEN REFLECTING ON THE IMPERMANENCE OF THE BODY...?

    QUESTION 131: WHEN REFLECTING ON THE IMPERMANENCE OF THE BODY, IMAGES OF THE BODY DECAYING WITH WORMS AND ROT CONTINUOUSLY APPEAR. WHAT SHOULD I DO?ANSWER: If such images keep appearing, they can exhaust the mind, create tension, and provoke constant wandering thoughts. In this case, stop reflecting on the impermanence of the body for now—it is enough for the moment. Shift your focus to Meditative Technique by directing attention downward, observing the breath, and keeping it slow, little, and gentle.Doctrine Contemplation helps us realize the reality of things, leading to mindfulness. However, overusing such contemplation can overstimulate the mind and trigger wandering thoughts. Therefore, a balance between Meditative Technique and Contemplation is essential. The Six Steps of Mindfulness are designed to maintain this balance, avoiding excessive reliance on either aspect.When you find the appropriate volume of the breath—where the breath and mind connect—you will feel as though you have discovered a sturdy wooden stake to hold onto amidst a storm. At this point, Meditative Technique and Doctrine Contemplation will merge into one.In this state, you will understand the Buddha's teaching: “Whoever sees the breath sees the Dharma.”#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth,

  2. 1d ago

    QUESTION 130: SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF THE MUSCLES IN MY BODY ARE TIGHTENING AND TWISTING STRONGLY...?

    QUESTION 130: SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF THE MUSCLES IN MY BODY ARE TIGHTENING AND TWISTING STRONGLY, YET I FEEL LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY SENSE OF TENSION. I FEAR THIS IS AN ILLUSION AND DO NOT FOLLOW IT, INSTEAD RETURNING TO AWARENESS OF THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN WHILE REFLECTING ON MY FAULTS. THAT FEELING PERSISTS, BUT I STAY VIGILANT AGAINST CURIOSITY. IN MEDITATION, THERE ARE COUNTLESS ALLURING ILLUSIONS. HOW CAN WE OVERCOME THEM?ANSWER: The sensation of the body contracting or pulling inward occurs when vital air begins to manifest, and the mind gains some calmness. This is a sign to focus your attention on the lower abdomen to prepare for further progress in meditation. If you allow your attention to expand outward, the feeling of contraction will persist until it eventually fades away, which would be a missed opportunity. When this contraction arises, remember that it is a cue to direct your attention toward the lower abdomen. Focus on finding the volume of the breath that allows the breath and mind to connect at a subtle point in the lower abdomen, reducing your attention to a very small focus.In meditation, many types of illusions can arise:1. Illusions caused by imagination: These are dangerous as they can lead to mental imbalance or confusion.2. Illusions created by a partially calm mind: These emerge from subconscious activity. Paying attention to such illusions will cause you to lose the fruits of your practice.When illusions appear, immediately focus your attention at the lower abdomen, especially at the Huiyin Acupoint. This will effectively counteract illusions and restore stability in your meditation.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

  3. 2d ago

    QUESTION 129: WHILE MEDITATING, SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF MY BODY IS SWELLING, EVEN THOUGH MY EYES...?

    QUESTION 129: WHILE MEDITATING, SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF MY BODY IS SWELLING, EVEN THOUGH MY EYES ARE OPEN AND I KNOW MY BODY IS STILL HERE. I FOCUS ON THE IDEA THAT "THIS IS AN ILLUSION," AVOID FOLLOWING IT, AND RETURN TO THE FULL¬BODY AWARENESS, KNOWING THE BODY IS FLEETING. HOW SHOULD I CONTINUE PRACTICING?ANSWER: The sensation of the body swelling is caused by tension in the brain, leading to vital air rising to the head. In such cases, gently shake the body to dispel the illusion, then check for any tension and release it.Most practitioners unintentionally suppress thoughts to block out distractions, but even unintentional suppression harms the brain. The fundamental principle of meditation is gentle effort. Wandering thoughts persist for two reasons:1. Insufficient Merit: Merit needs to be cultivated further.2. Incorrect Technique: There may still be errors in the method being practiced.You should never confront wandering thoughts directly. Instead, focus on practicing the correct method, and the wandering thoughts will naturally subside. Correct practice involves two paths:1. Meditative Technique: Techniques that stabilize the mind.2. Doctrine Contemplation: Reflecting on Dharma principles.Each of these paths has multiple stages, from basic to advanced. Practitioners should carefully and patiently integrate both Meditative Technique and Doctrine Contemplation, alternating and combining them as needed. This gradual and thorough approach ensures that wandering thoughts naturally subside. #Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

  4. 3d ago

    QUESTION 128: WHEN PRACTICING THE SIX STEPS OF MINDFULNESS, THE MIND BECOMES SOMEWHAT CLEAR...?

    QUESTION 128: WHEN PRACTICING THE SIX STEPS OF MINDFULNESS, THE MIND BECOMES SOMEWHAT CLEAR, BUT WANDERING THOUGHTS STILL QUIETLY ARISE, MAKING ME FORGET. ONLY LATER DO I REALIZE I WAS CAUGHT IN WANDERING THOUGHTS. WHY DOES THIS STRUGGLE CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE MEDITATION SESSION?ANSWER: Everyone practicing meditation goes through this constant struggle, and this process defines the value of meditation practitioners. It is a test of your willpower and your karmic conditions. Rarely does anyone progress smoothly and effortlessly in meditation. Challenges are necessary to repay past karma, gain experience through difficulty, and later provide effective guidance to others.If you have mastered all the techniques but still cannot stop wandering thoughts, it might be because you are not yet attuned to the volume of the breath. When discussing breath as Slow-Little-Gentle, we are referring to an approximation of the ideal breath, not the exact standard.The ideal breath is one whose volume resonates with the mind. The breath is a bodily process but also reflects mental activity. If the breath is too shallow, it can lead to oxygen deprivation and heart strain. If the breath is too strong, excessive, or rapid, it becomes disconnected from the mind, making it difficult to anchor your focus.The volume of the breath involves the following aspects:• Much or Little• Strong or Soft• Long or ShortYou need to breathe in a way that aligns the volume of the breath with the mind. When this alignment occurs, focusing on the breath also anchors the mind.What is the ideal breath volume that connects with the mind?This question has no definitive answer; each person must discover it for themselves. Once you find it, even though it is an intangible concept, you will have a solid, unmistakable sense of certainty: "This is it. This is where the breath and the mind are connected."#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

  5. 4d ago

    QUESTION 127: WHEN PRACTICING THE SIX STEPS OF MINDFULNESS, WHY DOES AWARENESS OF THE CHEST...?

    QUESTION 127: WHEN PRACTICING THE SIX STEPS OF MINDFULNESS, WHY DOES AWARENESS OF THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN OR THE BREATH INEVITABLY RISE TO THE HEAD OR NOSE EVEN IF I DON'T WANT IT TO?ANSWER: When you apply even slight force or suppression, the vital air naturally rises to the head, causing your attention to be pulled upward. While you may intend to focus on the chest or abdomen, the practice inadvertently becomes tense rather than gentle. In meditation practice, everything must be done with great gentleness. Many practitioners become frustrated with persistent wandering thoughts and, as a result, apply forceful effort, which causes vital air to rise to the head, potentially leading to illness.It is essential to remember the principle: practice gently, even if wandering thoughts persist. Wandering thoughts by themselves will not cause illness, but suppression will. Additionally, past karma may play a role. If your merit is insufficient, you are more prone to practicing incorrectly, even if you have received detailed guidance.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

  6. 6d ago

    QUESTION 126: WHEN THE BREATH BECOMES APPARENT, I FOCUS ON IT, BUT THERE IS A TENDENCY TO CONTROL THE BREATH INSTEAD OF OBJECTIVELY OBSERVING IT...?

    QUESTION 126: WHEN THE BREATH BECOMES APPARENT, I FOCUS ON IT, BUT THERE IS A TENDENCY TO CONTROL THE BREATH INSTEAD OF OBJECTIVELY OBSERVING IT. I ALSO FORGET THE WHOLE BODY AND AM QUICKLY SWEPT AWAY BY WANDERING THOUGHTS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?ANSWER: The tendency to control the breath and lose awareness of it is influenced by past karma. If you cannot maintain stable attention on the breath or the lower body, and your attention frequently drifts into wandering thoughts, it indicates insufficient merit and the influence of past karmic obstacles disrupting your focus.The key principle of breath meditation is to be aware of the breath without controlling it.• Awareness of the breath involves observing it with focused attention.• Controlling the breath is an action of the mind (Volitional Formation or Control Function). Using such action to manipulate the breath activates more wandering thoughts.The correct approach is to use the tool of attention to stabilize the mind, rather than using the mental action, which can exacerbate wandering thoughts.Initially, when observing the breath, your attention may be broad or diffuse, with a “large scope.” Over time, as you skillfully maintain a slow, little, and gentle breath, the breath will naturally become smaller, and your attention will also narrow and refine. This narrowing of attention is a sign of increased concentration and fewer wandering thoughts.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

  7. Oct 28

    QUESTION 125: WHILE MEDITATING WITH THE INTENTION TO RELAX THE WHOLE BODY,...?

    QUESTION 125: WHILE MEDITATING WITH THE INTENTION TO RELAX THE WHOLE BODY, WHY DOES THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN FEEL TENSE, AND SOMETIMES THE NECK AND SHOULDERS AS WELL?ANSWER: Many people make the mistake of trying too hard to relax, unintentionally creating tension and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, chest, or abdomen. This is a psychological rebound effect—trying to relax ends up causing strain, just as trying to be gentle can result in harshness, or trying to be humble can lead to conceit. To address this, one must be skillful, subtle, gentle, and, importantly, possess sufficient merit to truly relax the whole body.Some people can relax effortlessly, while others struggle and inadvertently create tension. This difference often stems from whether they have sufficient merit and subtlety. In daily life, if you are attentive and subtle in helping others with even small matters, this trait will carry over into your meditation practice, allowing you to skillfully and precisely engage in the practice. Merit is closely tied to meditative progress in this way. Additionally, if you frequently practice forgiveness, avoid nitpicking, and adapt flexibly to help others without rigidly clinging to rules, you will develop the subtle wisdom necessary for successful meditation practice.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

  8. Oct 27

    QUESTION 124: WHY DOES RELAXING THE WHOLE BODY BRING ON DROWSINESS AND CAUSE THE BODY TO SWAY AND LOSE STABILITY?

    QUESTION 124: WHY DOES RELAXING THE WHOLE BODY BRING ON DROWSINESS AND CAUSE THE BODY TO SWAY AND LOSE STABILITY?ANSWER: Relaxing the whole body induces a sense of ease, but if you haven't had enough sleep, or if you don't maintain an effort to keep the body still, or if past karma is still heavy, drowsiness (lethargy) may arise.When sitting in the full lotus posture, practitioners must stabilize and align the body by keeping it both relaxed and motionless, avoiding extremes.• Focusing too much on relaxation causes movement and instability.• Focusing too much on stillness causes tension and rigidity.The correct approach is to maintain a balance where the body is both relaxed and immovable, requiring skillful practice.Practitioners should ensure they get enough sleep because, without adequate rest, as soon as the mind calms during meditation, the brain will demand repayment of the sleep debt, and drowsiness will immediately follow.There is also a type of drowsiness caused by past karma. In this case, simply crossing the legs to meditate can lead to nodding off and losing alertness for practice. If this is due to karma, it is essential to engage in repentance, perform many acts of merit, and support fellow practitioners in their spiritual efforts.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind, #ThepathofMind, #SpiritualLogic, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #BeliefAndUnderstanding, #FirstPrinciples, #Metaphysics, #ConsciousEvolution, #Mindfulness, #AncientWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth

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PREFACE We are living in a busy and turbulent world, where stress and anxiety easily invade the mind. Meditation, a concept that is no longer strange, has been mentioned in many schools of thought and religions around the world. From the quiet prayer in Christianity, the meditation of Taoism, the Sufism of Islam, to Dhyana in Hinduism, each tradition has its own approach. However, meditation is still considered a characteristic forte of Buddhism, with countless highly enlightened Zen masters culminating in the Arhats who have attained complete non-self (Anatman).

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