079-Buddha explains meditation - Buddhism in daily life

Buddha explains meditation

The Buddhist story goes that the Buddha's son, Rahula, asked his father questions about the technique of meditation. The young man was particularly interested in the breathing technique practiced by his father.

Buddha gave him to understand that also with the breath the transitoriness of all being is in the foreground of his conception. Therefore, according to the teacher of all teachers, Rahula should develop a "serene" approach, seeing himself as another kind of "space" in which energy flows freely.

The breathing exercises themselves should focus on the "presentness" of each breath, calming the mind and body, and feeling joy from the calmness.

From the joy further develops an inner collection, a liberation of the heart, which will inevitably arise with each inhalation and exhalation.

From the above mentioned transitoriness it follows that every in-breath and every out-breath will be for "letting go", for allowing the breath, but also for eliminating one's ego.

Also, he should dedicate the meditation to goodness, mercy, joy for others and overcoming desire, so as to overcome evil, cruelty, ill-will, ego-centeredness and attachment to people and things.

After the elements "earth", "water", "wind" and "fire", the wise father advised the son to subordinate his efforts to the elements, to become serene in meditation like the "elements".

Everything about your body belongs to the earth element, but everything that is "solid" about you is not you, is not yours, is not your "self". Also what consists of water in you, that is not you, it is not yours, not your "self". The element of fire that consumes you from within is also not you, is not yours, is not your "self". And the winds that run through your body are also not you, are not yours, are not your "self".

Follow this advice, and no unpleasant or pleasant events will enter your heart.

At the same time, think, ponder, or "seek the center", all such reflections should be completed at the beginning of the meditation, the arising serenity simply pushes all arising thoughts aside.

Then trace the breaths as they flow through your nose or mouth into your body, widening it, and then find their way out of your body again.

Give your body the attention it demands, be mindful in meditation, but also practice with power and strength.

Impermanence is formative for all beings, embrace it and your thoughts will become still.

A thought cannot awaken without awakening others

- Marie Freifrau Ebner von Eschenbach - Austrian storyteller - 1830 to 1916

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