So, what is everyone's technique's to get into a meditative state? Personally, I have been sitting in the lotus position, because it makes it easier for me to sit with my back straight. I fold my fingers together up to the middle finger, and point with my index fingers together, my thumbs are in the same manner but towards me instead of away. I close my eyes and focus on breathing for a little while until I'm breathing steadily. I then open my senses and just "observe" as it were, taking to personal value to anything, and my senses increased. It was a wild experience and very relaxing. Last night I sat on a porch swing in this same position, as it was moving. I stayed in the position and focused on my breathing until the swing was very still. (something I usually can't do, due to muscle spasms) After it was still the experience was amazing. I could hear all the birds and the chimes for about a block, along with anything else going on around me, I could kind of visualize what was going on with just hearing alone, bugs zooming past near or farther. What are some of anyone else's experience's while meditating?
If I am meditating I typically adopt the Japanese seiza position and do much as you do Joe. However, I have also adopted a standard practice of Chinese Zhan Zhuang Qi Gong, an excellent standing meditation. It forces you to relax in strenuous positions, thus developing your mind's power and endurance. I am currently learning from a book named "The Way of Energy" by master Lam Kam Chuen.
This website ([url=http://www.qigonghealer.com/zhan_zhuang.html]http://www.qigonghealer.com...) provides an interesting explanation of zhan zhuang and adds an oriental spin to what could only be identified as chinese psionics.
- Johann
I generally sit in the buddha position with my hands on my crossed legs
I keep my spine straight and concentrate on an imaginary point with my eyes closed
This is my way of meditating
I dont know about lotus position
Is it the same?
Possibly, the lotus position is when you are sitting with your legs crossed, but not indian style. right foot on left thigh, left foot on right thigh. How are your legs positioned in the Buddha technique?
Right foot is between left thigh and leg and vice versa
So the Terms Buddha and Lotus are the same in this situation it seems. Do you prefer to meditate in a quiet dark place or a bright place with many things going on around you? Personally I have to have a quiet, dark, and cool (as in temp), place to meditate. I have a place that is perfect, even if it is trespassing. On some nights its almost ethereal.
I like completly dark place with no sounds at all
But there is no such place in my house
So I prefer meditating at night
I don't often do calming meditations, unless I'm astral projecting. My primary meditations are for increasing energy/power (chakra working), and firing the nerves, and activating dormant brain cells. I'm well enough practiced that I don't require any special positioning or mantra. I've actually done full meditations while walking down the street. Even during calming meditations, I usually only need to be comfortable and still. This way I can send my mind where it needs to be.
Learning to meditate in situations that would normally not permit it is a big step in the right direction if you ask me (nothing stupid though, like while driving). It teaches you to be mentally strong with unwavering focus.
I agree with you fully. I can't really advance very fast in meditation, It's pretty difficult for me to focus at times.
Motionless meditation :P
Logic dictates that the longer i sit the calmer and more focused I will be .. my goal is one hour of pure nothingness.
My schedule and family do not permit much time to be still. I started using a bookmark method to nearly instantly go into a relaxed state. This isn't trance state, just physical relaxation. Even while I am performing difficult tasks mentally. Or getting a haircut.
[quote="Wyndle"]
My schedule and family do not permit much time to be still. I started using a bookmark method to nearly instantly go into a relaxed state. This isn't trance state, just physical relaxation. Even while I am performing difficult tasks mentally. Or getting a haircut.
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If your looking to do trance meditations with your schedule, I recommend doing them whilst in bed. Because it usually ties into other skills to make use of the meditation, such as lucid dreaming, or astral projection.
If only... I cannot trance meditate except under specific conditions due to sleep apnea and the narcolepsy effect it brings. The minute I am neither physically or mentally active I slip into a sleep state. I have literally fallen asleep in the shower and while marching in formation (thank you muscle memory).
[quote="Wyndle"]
If only... I cannot trance meditate except under specific conditions due to sleep apnea and the narcolepsy effect it brings. The minute I am neither physically or mentally active I slip into a sleep state. I have literally fallen asleep in the shower and while marching in formation (thank you muscle memory).
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That is shitty, though the meditation for astral projection requires brain activity, I would give it a go. In this case, void meditation would be really bad for you. There are many kinds of meditation. Meditation is not necessarily synonymous with "calm" or "empty of thought". Frankly meditations can be very intense. There are a wide assortment of meditations for people with all preferences, schedules, and perhaps conditions.
Indeed this is true. Last night instead of doing motionless meditation, I did something like Tai Chi I guess. I've never learned anything about the art but it was similar atleast. Instead of only using my body, I added a 7-8ft iron rebar(?) some metal bar in my backyard anyways. At first it was heavy and not easy to hold still. So I balanced it on my spine, and got in a general Horse Stance and waited until it was motionless upon my back, and evenly balanced. Then I started doing some bo staff techniques I learned in Tae-Kwon-Do and did them fluidly, trying not to strain anything and just let it flow together. It was a very calming experience, even though it was heavy, after a few minutes of balancing and breathing, it became a part of me in some strange way. I don't feel sore today like I usually do after a bo staff practice session. I think I might pursue this type of meditation first, before going further into motionless meditation. I will also look up Tai Chi and see what that is all about.
I find Lotus position of meditation suiting me. It's a perfect calm meditation posture. Although after some time I tend to slip into sleep mode with it which is a big problem for me. :(
Maintaining focus during while being calm is one of the primary functions of calm meditations. It's something that is developed over time with practice.
Yes, you are so right with your points. It really ask for patient practice with calm mind.
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