|
I know we are supposed to meditate as part of Buddhist practice, but I am having trouble meditating. I find it very hard to clear my head of all thoughts like the books say. Do you have any advice? ~Sujin
3 Comments
Tony Tsai
11/13/2019 05:59:04 pm
Buddha taught that meditation is integral to attain nirvana. However, I find that meditation as described in many places is not necessarily what the Buddha was discussing. A lot of sources teach that meditators should try to empty their minds of all thoughts. But I think while an "empty" mind can be the pleasant byproduct of meditation it should not be the goal or requirement of successful meditation. Rather the goal of meditation should be to train the mind as described in the Noble Eightfold Path of right concentration, right effort and right mindfulness. To do this a meditator should not clear the mind of all though but instead focus the mind on one thought while still ridding the mind of distraction. Naturally, the thoughts the Buddhist meditator should be focused on should be the various dharma that the Buddha taught. It is through meditation that once difficult to grasp content will suddenly become clear to the mind. The Buddha dharma is the utmost truth, it is only difficult to grasp because our minds have become clouded by illusions. While the Buddha helps us with his teaching and support, the truth is available to all who are able to open their minds.
Sujin Shin
11/25/2019 07:43:24 pm
I've failed so many times trying to completely blank out my mind as I tried to meditate. It always went like this:1) Don't think 2) But aren't I thinking right now? 3) What can I do to shut myself off and not think? 4) And I'm thinking like present progressive. 5) This only reminds myself how impossible to not think. 6)Medication is impossible because I can't stop thinking. 6/19/2025 09:56:34 am
It can be helpful to focus on your breath during meditation. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorArchives
January 2020
Categories |
RSS Feed