Meditation
Training the mind through the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Meditation, in our tradition, is not about emptying the mind or escaping reality. It is learning to become familiar with the mind so that it can become a source of wisdom, compassion, and lasting happiness.
What Does Meditation Mean?
The Tibetan word for meditation is pronounced “gom” (or “ghom”), and it means “to become familiar [with].”
In our culture we have many meanings for and misconceptions about “meditation.” It’s important to understand that, in our tradition, meditation starts with training the mind to focus on a chosen object. Once focused, we train to be able to rest there for as long as we intend. This is more than “watching our thoughts go by.” It is also more than mindfulness, although mindfulness is certainly part of the process of mind training.
What You’ll Learn
When we train, initially, our minds are completely unruly and soon, sometimes in milliseconds, start to wander off. We start trying to concentrate, but soon we are thinking about how uncomfortable the chair is, or we start wondering what’s for dinner, or we worry about that project we must complete.
Then, the object on which we are focusing disappears from our mind. Demonstrate this for yourself: focus your attention on any object or notice your breath as it moves in and out. Try and hold your attention there, and notice how quickly your mind wanders off.
Through training, it is possible to learn to focus for longer and longer periods. Gradually, our mind begins to stay where we place it; through focused attention we reign in the runaway elephant. We catch our thoughts wandering off earlier in the process; we begin to calm the chattering monkey through vigilance.
Beginning the Practice
Choose an Object
Begin by selecting a meditation object that gives the mind a clear and consistent point of focus.
Start with Breath
Many practitioners begin by counting the breath before progressing to more advanced meditation objects.
Train the Mind
Our tradition emphasizes internal visualization, training the mind rather than relying on the senses.
Developing Focus
Clear Visualization
Gradually strengthen your ability to visualize the chosen object with increasing clarity and stability.
Meaningful Objects
The meditation object may be a Buddha image, religious symbol, or another familiar object of practice.
Object Is Secondary
The value lies in training the mind; the specific object chosen is not the essential point..
Meditating on the path to enlightenment
As we gain skill in this type of meditation, which we call concentration meditation, we can also learn to hold a thought in our mind as we contemplate its meaning.
Analytical Meditation
We call this analytical meditation. Both concentration meditation and analytical meditation have an important role, and we work to develop the capacity for both.
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Group Meditation6-7 PM every other Wednesday beginning July 22 -
Calm Abiding Meditation CourseSundays, Oct 4-18, Nov 15-22
Preparing
Meditation Takes Practice
If this sounds like it takes effort, you’re right. Some guided “meditations” and mindfulness “exercises” are simpler, involving simply relaxing and “going with the flow.” These can feel good and can be helpful in limited ways.
But learning to meditate takes a willingness to work with our minds so as to train them. It’s joyous work, but work nevertheless. In this effort, it’s helpful to have a qualified teacher who can help you get started, answer questions, and guide you through the steps of learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The skills of meditation we’ve discussed can be applied in many contexts and can be a part of any path. It is not necessary to become a Buddhist to learn meditation or to obtain benefits from the practice.
For those who are interested in the Buddhist path, meditation is part of our search for insight into the meaning of reality and in the service of compassion for others. More simply, we seek to become better people.
First, we listen to teachings either from a spiritual guide or by reading. Then we contemplate what we have heard and evaluate it for ourselves. Finally, when we are convinced and understand it, we familiarize ourselves with it thoroughly in meditation.
Enlightenment is not the goal for its own sake or for our own benefit or glory. It is to attain a state where we can, always and everywhere, work tirelessly for the benefit of others.