Paramita – Concentration 2

We are continuing our exploration of the fifth in the series of Transcendental Virtues: Meditative Concentration.

In our practices, we work with the practice of mindfulness of body, breath, and feelings, alternating between practice with eyes closed and eyes open. This was a new experience for many and there were a lot of insightful comments after the practice. The purpose of trying to practice with eyes open is better prepare our power of mindful attention to be present in our daily lives. We can bring an engaged awareness into our daily life, rather than just when we are sitting with eyes closed. Remember, our spiritual path [at least in our tradition] is to awaken for the benefit of all beings.

The following quotes are from the book Buddha Is as Buddha Does by Lama Surya Das.

Meditation is an intense form of spiritual training that develops mental clarity, spiritual awareness, and cosmic insight, so that the meditator becomes all the more empowered to function wisely and compassionately for the benefit of the world at large. How can we serve others as effectively as possible without first cultivating the highest form of consciousness possible… ?

The process of meditation is the best way we humans have yet devised to free our minds from clouds, cobwebs, illusions, confusions, defilements, and bad habits, so that eventually [our minds] remain totally open, alert, collected, and composed. The awakened mind illuminates everything, not only while we are meditating, but also during every moment of our experience, not matter how busy or quiet those moments may be.

As we learn through meditation to recognize the kinds of thoughts that distract, mislead, anger, or otherwise trouble us, we can let go of them earlier and more efficiently during the times when we are not [formally] meditating. We can exercise more conscious control over our moment-to-moment desires as well as our moods, and best of all, we can interact with other people more smoothly, skillfully, compassionately, and constructively.

So, you see this is all very practical. We are working to make our walk through this lifetime more peaceful and purposeful, benefiting ourselves and others as we move through the world.