Multifaith, About Faith, Buddhism
Meditation
Buddhist meditation is not just sitting still; it is a practice of looking inward, beyond mere relaxation or productivity objectives. While research shows it can reduce stress and improve focus, meditation opens a gateway to connect with our mind, heart, body, and gut.
Meditation can be done while walking, eating, working, but perhaps not sleeping, as it requires mindful attention to an object of meditation at the present moment. The object of meditation is meant to support serenity and stability, offering a stable anchor for wisdom and compassion to emerge.
We may have experienced that peace and ease very briefly when we have a good swim, a good run, a nice walk in the park, etc. Through meditation, we develop mental anchors even in challenging times. Think of it as a portable oasis in the desert or a pocket lighthouse amidst darkness.
Meditation can feel strange at first, and guidance from experienced teachers is beneficial, particularly from teachers who embodied the practice of meditation, moral uprightness, and wisdom. It is important to realize that different meditative methods are developed to meet individuals鈥� characters and needs. Some meditation techniques could be more effective or less triggering, so it is important to explore what works best for you.
鈥淢editation leads to openness, to freedom, where a kind of intuition just comes through. You could step back and put things in perspective. It doesn鈥檛 lessen your emotions. The emotions are the same, but you can step back and say, 鈥業鈥檓 not going to be controlled by that emotion,鈥� and I think it then helps to see things at a higher level.鈥�
鈥� Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates
"Breathing, mindfulness ... Meditation can be many things, but as professional athletes we are always active: we need a lot of energy on the track, a very high level of concentration, and I think that today's technologies and distractions that we have don't allow us to pay the necessary attention to relax, breathe, recharge batteries and focus on ourselves.鈥�
鈥� Novak Djokovic, Tennis Player
鈥淭he mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.鈥�
鈥� Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen master and Founder of the Plum Village
鈥溾�� the deepest reason to meditate is to wake up 鈥� If you wake up, you want to do something about suffering. And it is not just an idea. You will be doing something about it, because it is the nature of awakening that we are aligned with the vow to end suffering. And you also see the truth of 鈥榠nterbeing.鈥� 鈥�
鈥� Roshi Joan Halifax, Founder and Head teacher of Upaya Zen Center
鈥淭he outside world is constantly trying to convince you you're not enough. But you don't have to take the bait. Meditation helps you resist.鈥�
鈥� Oprah Winfrey, American television Host and Producer.
鈥淢editation is the ultimate mobile device; you can use it anywhere, anytime, unobtrusively.鈥�
鈥� Sharon Salzberg, co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society.
