Meditation
What is the meditation?
Meditation is a technique of mind training which allows us better to focus the mind.
Everybody is familiar with meditation, even if not by name, because it is something which we already do in everyday life. It allows us to focus on the task at hand.
However, the depth of such meditation is superficial -- the events around us in the world soon rob us of our attention and our concentration is gone. The mind that wanders outside our own body is the source of all types of suffering. By deepening our meditation until our mind comes to a standstill we can unlock the potential and unused ability within. During meditation we maintain a balance of mindfulness and happiness for ourselves bringing contentment and direction to life in a way not possible through any other technique.
Why might meditation be of use to me?
Human endeavour all down the ages has sought to improve our quality of life, whether it be in the medical, the technological or social spheres. We have possibly come as far as we can in overcoming the problems solvable by material solutions. The problems that remain unsolved in spite of our material progress alert us to the fact that we need alternative strategies if we are to attain true quality of life in our world.
Often we forget that behind every problem is a human face, and humans are more than just mechanical automatons governed by technological knowhow -- humans have emotions, intentions and minds. If we are to upgrade our quality of life, we have to upgrade our quality of mind alongside our material standard of living.
In answer to the question "Why Meditate"? the obvious importance of meditation is that it serves as the most direct and practical means to upgrade the spiritual quality of our lives. Meditation serves as a way to integrate spiritual well-being in step with our material well-being.
Some people are attracted to meditation as a means to solve health problems. Several "modern-day" illnesses which present complications for western medicine, such as stress, depression and insomnia can be improved by meditation which helps to re-balance body and mind. Meditation has also been scientifically proven to assist in the speedy recovery from illness1.
It is only a minority who meditate as a result of their problems. Most meditate because they want to improve or enrich themselves, their personality or their lifestyle in the spiritual dimension. To this end, meditation can enhance one's potential for study, sporting performance, self-confidence and decision-taking.
Beyond this, are those who meditate with a deeper spiritual vocation to learn more about themselves or to explore the 'eternal questions' of life and the world.
Meditation: Not so difficult, but not too easy either!
Meditation is not so difficult to learn because it builds on skills and abilities which we already have. Meditation is already something we do in our everyday life allowing us to focus on the task in hand -- but the depth of the meditation is superficial because our mind is cluttered by thoughts. By developing our meditation formally, we can free our mind of unwanted thoughts, allowing the mind to come to a standstill -- at which point the depth of concentration is increased.
The difficulty with meditation is that we have to do it by our own efforts -- no-one else can do it for us. Furthermore, one will never become skilled just by talking about it or reading about it. Expertise comes only by doing it Thus, we have to rely on our own self-discipline to integrate meditation into our life as a daily practice. Moreover, progress in meditation is gradual. Reversing the mental habits of a lifetime doesn't happen overnight. Consistent diligence is rewarded by success in the long-term. In our modern-world of 'instant gratification', sometimes we have to engage a new level of patience in order to adapt ourselves to the pace of meditation progress -- so be warned!
Discover The Benefits
Why Dhammakaya Meditation is Good for Everyone?
Emotional pain and discomfort is something none of us can avoid—regardless of our age, social background and religious belief. While we cannot prevent death, illnesses, rejection, separation and a host of other unwanted events, we can also strengthen our mind with regular practice of meditation so that it is less susceptible to pains brought by all these uncontrollable events.
This does not mean that meditation will harden your mind so that you become a heartless person. Rather, it cleanses the mind so that regular Dhammakaya meditators become calmer, gentler, kinder and feel increasingly uncomfortable about harming anyone either by speech or action.
The village chooses to provide lessons on the Dhammakaya meditation as it is the only technique in the world that teaches about the center of the body as the natural home of the human mind and an unlimited source of joy.
Many have found regular practice of this meditation method helped them overcome physical ailments and emotional illnesses. Others have expressed satisfaction at increased self-esteem, better work performance, and improved relationships with colleagues and family members.
Whether you are happy or sad, looking for the real meaning of life, or wishing to discover more about yourself, the Dhammakaya meditation has the answer for you.
Below is what some highly successful people have said about the Dhammakaya Meditation:
" I’ve been practicing the Dhammakaya meditation for five years now and I found it to be a perfect match for who I am. It is quite simply the most profound, powerful meditation I have experienced. I have 30 years experience of practicing various meditation techniques. Meditation is the most important aspect of my life as I meditate daily, sometimes sitting hours upon hours at a time.
The Dhammakaya technique is very simple for everyone. Yet, as you continue to meditate in this method, your results and experience can only be called supernatural. It is something that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It is the meditation technique that I have permanently embraced as my own. I would love everyone to try the Dhammakaya meditation and discover its many benefits for yourself. "
Eric Levine
Founder of California Fitness, Chairman/CEO of California WOW Xperience and Planet Yoga
" I have discovered and verified for myself, personally, the marvelous benefits the Dhammakaya technique of meditation has provided for my life. It is an elegantly simple method of Meditation that can be practiced and mastered by children as young as six years of age! Soaring creativity, incredible clarity and peace of mind, along with a genuine sense of well being are just a few of the many lasting results I’ve experienced first hand! Regardless of one’s religious orientation, the Dhammakaya method of meditation will add a greater depth and sense of fulfillment to your life”.
Rev. Richard Salvatore Esposito, Ph.B., L.O.C.M.
Ordained Christian Minister, Professor of Comparative World Religions
Benefits for Your Health
" In June 2003, I was diagnosed with blood cancer. I felt shocked when the doctor told me there was no cure for this illness. So, my friend suggested me to try the Dhammakaya meditation.
The first time I meditated, my mind wandered a lot, and I felt stressed and had a headache. But the monk asked me to try again, so I did. I tried to relax my entire body and used the mantra ‘summa arahung’ to keep my mind from wandering. After awhile, my mind became increasingly peaceful, and I felt indescribable joy.
As I continued to practice meditation, my blood quality continued to improve, which surprised my doctor a lot. Five months later, I went to the hospital again for a blood test, the doctor was puzzled to see the result. My blood quality was back to normal. And, now I meditate for two hours everyday. "
Boontern Saechiang
47-year-old housewife, Hong Kong
" I’ve been meditating the Dhammakaya way for eight years. But when I was diagnosed with blood cancer, I devoted more time to meditation. My doctor told me that other patients in similar conditions would have died long ago. He was surprised that I was not worried about my illness, and even though I had chemotherapy several times, my hair did not fall off and I felt fine. "
Iam Dhammasujarith
69-year-old retired public official, former advisor to the Mayor of Chicago, USA
" For years, I’ve been suffering from a bone disease, and I cannot sit in one position for very long. Before I had to take three pills a day, but after continued practice of the Dhammakaya meditation, I’m now taking just two pills a week. This is just amazing! "
Flemming Buus
40-year-old factory supervisor , Denmark
“Before practicing the Dhammakaya mediation, I often got stressed out by work demands. Now I’m more cool-headed and gentler. I’ve discovered that when we open the eyes, we only get the kind of ‘happiness’ that is adulterated with some amount of problems or suffering. But when we close the eyes and still the mind, we experience pure happiness—not a tiny bit of suffering. "
Kadum
News correspondent, Oman
Benefits for Your Mind
" My life has changed in many miraculous ways since I started doing the Dhammakaya meditation in August 2005. At that time I was traumatized by the loss of my precious 21-year-old son. My life then was filled with tears, pain and devastation. Nothing seemed able to stop my heartache. At a friend’s suggestion, I began to meditate the Dhammakaya way, and found the center of the body a place of refuge, bringing me to a core of love, comfort and healing within. "
Pat Gaoski
52-year-old registered nurse, USA
" After practicing the Dhammakaya meditation for some time, I began to look at things from in a different perspective. I use my ‘mind’ to look at whatever is happening around me, instead of my ‘naked’ eyes which tend to be deceived from ‘truth’. "
Chan Poi Koun
40-year-old charity official, Singapore
" It changes me from anger to calm, from sadness to happiness. Also after I mediated I felt peaceful, happy, calm, and I smiled a lot. Every time I meditate I feel very, very happy. It makes me feel good! "
Pantira Suyasri
9-year-old student, USA
" Since birth, my life had always been filled with problems and suffering so much so that I hardly believed there was such a thing as happiness. Now that I practice the Dhammakaya meditation, I’ve found that this is the real happiness I’ve been searching for--all my life. It’s right there within me. When my mind comes to a complete standstill, I feel continuous streams of happiness gushing out from the center of my body. I won’t trade this great experience for anything. "
Monnut Soonyeekhan
47-year-old business owner, Thailand
Benefits for Your Professional Life
" I’ve never felt this much serenity in my life until I had successful experience with the Dhammakaya meditation. It makes me very happy—extremely happy. Meditation also helps me in my job. Concentrating on the center of my body in difficult teaching situations--like trying to deal with many students at once or trying to reach a particularly resistant student--helps me to stay calm and focused. "
Bob Baker, Ph.D.
45-year-old literature teacher, USA
" I enjoy doing the Dhammakaya meditation everyday. It clears my head before I start my work day. I use meditation to guide my life and plan my business strategies and work procedures. Before this, I was extremely stressed out, dealing with problems from customers and employees. But now that I meditate regularly, my mind is clearer and I can see solutions to problems. I’ve become more reasonable and calmer as well. "
Edbin Wettergren
Automobile parts designer, business owner, Denmark
" Now that I do the Dhammakaya meditation everyday, I feel I’m getting close to the best place in my life. No matter what religion you belong to or what kind of education you have, if you mediate before you start doing work, you are likely to be successful. "
Ben Frans
Solomon Islands
Benefits for Your Relationships
" My family life has improved a lot--not long after we started practicing the Dhammakaya mediation. My husband quit gambling and started to come home after work everyday. Now, he also gets up early to prepare breakfast for the whole family, and helps me get the kids ready for school. Before I had to do everything myself. "
Sakorn Duangchareonketh
OCCUPATION, Taiwan
" I became calmer and Chuck is no longer a nagging husband. My teenage daughter Kendal and I stopped shouting at each other when we disagree on something. Our whole family now practices the Dhammakaya meditation. It has brought us closer and we love each other more. Not that we did not love each other before, but we’ve become gentler and more willing to listen to each other. "
Terry Boyda
Writer, USA
" Before I did not like going to school because I had to study among people with normal eyes. My classmates would tease me and I had to use a walking stick. Now I meditate everyday, and I can see the brightness inside me, I like going to school. I want to have friends, and I’m no longer afraid of bullying "
Netnapha Kernklang
blind student
Example of a Simple Meditation Technique for Beginners
1. The sitting posture, which has been found to be the most conducive for meditation, is the half-lotus position. Sit upright with your back and spine straight -- cross-legged with your right leg over the left one. You can sit on a cushion or pillow to make your position more comfortable. Nothing should impede your breathing or circulation. Your hands should rest palms-up on your lap, and the tip of your right index finger should touch your left thumb. Feel as if you are one with the ground on which you sit. Feel that you could sit happily for as long as you like.
2. Softly close your eyes as if you were falling asleep. Relax every part of your body, beginning the muscles of your face, then relax your face, neck shoulders, arms, chest, trunk and legs. Make sure there are no signs of tension on your forehead or across your shoulders.
3. Close your eyes and stop thinking about the things of the world. Feel as if you are sitting alone -- around you is nothing and no-one. Create a feeling of happiness and spaciousness in your mind. Before starting, it is necessary to acquaint yourself with the various resting points or bases of the mind inside the body. The first base is at the rim of the nostril, on the right side for men and on the left side for women.
The second base is at the bridge of the nose at the corner of the eye -- on the right side for men and on the left side for women.
The third base is at the centre of the head.
The fourth is at the roof of the mouth.
The fifth is at the centre of the throat above the Adamís apple.
The sixth base is at a point in the centre of the body at the meeting point of an imaginary line between the navel through the back and the line between the two sides.
The seventh base of the mind is two fingersí breadths above the sixth base.
This base is the most important point in the body. It is the very center of the body and the point where the mind can come to a standstill.
4. Feel that your body is empty space, without organs, muscles or tissues. Gently and contentedly rest you attention at a point near to the seventh base of the mind -- at the centre of the body. Whatever experience arises in the mind, simply observe without attempting to interfere. In this way your mind will become gradually purer and inner experience will unfold.
5. If you find that you cannot dissuade the mind from wandering, then your mind needs an inner object as a focus for attention. Gently imagine that a bright, clear, crystal ball, the size of the tip of your little finger, is located inside at the center of the body. Maybe you'll find you can imagine nothing, but later you'll be able to see a crystal ball of increasing clarity. Allow your mind to come to rest at the very center of the crystal ball. Use the subtlest of effort and youíll find that the crystal ball becomes brighter and clearer. If you see too much effort you will find that it gives you a headache.
6. If you find that your mind still wanders from the crystal ball, you can bring the mind back to a standstill by repeating the mantra, 'Samma-araham' silently, as if the sound of the mantra is coming from the centre of the crystal ball. Repeat the mantra over and over again without counting.
7. Don't entertain thoughts in your mind. Don't analyze whatís going on in the meditation. Allow the mind to come to the standstill -- thatís all you need to do. If you find that you can imagine nothing, then repeat the mantra, 'Samma-araham' silently and continuously in the mind. If you find that you're not sure about the location of the centre of the body, anywhere in the area of the stomach will do. Persevere because today's day-dream is tomorrow's still mind, today's darkness is tomorrow's inner brightness, today's perseverance is tomorrow's fulfillment. Don't be disappointed if you find your mind wandering. It is only natural for beginners. Make effort continuously, keep your mind bright, clear and pure, and in the end, you will achieve your goal.
8. Keep repeating the mantra and eventually the sound of the words will die away. At that point a new bright, clear, crystal ball will arise in the mind of its own accord. The crystal ball will sparkle like a diamond.
This stage is called pathama magga (primary path). At this stage the shining crystal ball is connected firmly to the mind, and is seated at the centre of the body. You will experience happiness, With continuous observation at the center of this crystal ball, it will give way to a succession of increasingly purer bodily sheaths until it reaches the ultimate one called 'Dhammakaya', the highest level of attainment of supreme happiness.
If you would like to listen to an example of meditation instruction, please click below
1.seven bases of the mind CLICK
2.center of the body CLICK
Notes:
1. e.g. Mindfulness and medicine: see Jon Kabat-Zinn, Full Catastrophe Living (New York: Delacorte, 1991) and Program for reversing heart disease: see Dean Ornish, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease (New York: Ballantine, 1991)