When you first start meditating, you can use a tool: for example, looking at an object or an image of Buddha, or Christ if you are a Christian practitioner; or looking lightly and attentively at the breath, which is common in many spiritual traditions. What is very important, as the great Meditation Masters always advise, is not to fixate too much while practicing the concentration of remaining calm.
Of course, the exact percentages are not as important as the fact that all three of these elements – mindfulness, alertness and spaciousness
– be present.
Gradually, as you are able to naturally quiet your mind in a state of non-distraction, you will no longer need the support of an image or the breath. Even though you are not concentrating on anything in particular, there is still a certain presence of mind, which can loosely be described as a ‘center of consciousness’. This undistracted presence of mind is the best way to integrate your meditation into daily life, while walking or eating or caring for others – no matter the situation.
When you consciously pay attention to your activities, distractions and fears will gradually disappear and your mind will become more peaceful. It will also bring you a certain stability within yourself and a certain confidence that will allow you to face life and the complexities of the world with calmness, ease and humor.
In-depth methods to achieve enlightenment
Then at the most profound level we can say that meditation is the use of the mind to recognize the mind. Or that it simply rests in the natural state of your current mind, without manipulating or contriving.
There is a beautiful saying from the great meditation masters of the past. I remember when I first heard it what a revelation it was, because these two lines show both the nature of the mind and how to adhere to it, which is the practice of meditation at the highest level.
“If you don’t stir it, water becomes clear; the mind, if it remains unchanged, will find its own natural peace, well-being, happiness and bliss…’
Yet another profound way to describe meditation is this: allowing yourself to simply and clearly be present to whatever thoughts, sensations, or emotions arise. The secret is where exactly your mind is: whether you are lost in the appearances of the mind – the thoughts and emotions – or whether you are resting in the essence of the mind – in your real nature, in your true being.
When you reach the state of transcendence through meditation, you simply rest, as much as you can, in the nature of the mind, this most natural state that is without any reference or concept, hope or fear, yet with a calm but immense confidence . , the deepest form of well-being imaginable. As the cloud-like thoughts and emotions fade, the heavenly nature of your true being is revealed, and, shining from it, your true nature, like the sun. And just as both light and warmth radiate from the sun, wisdom and loving compassion radiate from the deepest nature of the mind.
Because you have reached the state of transcendental wisdom, beyond your ego self, it is as if you have reached the top of the highest mountain, from where you have a view of everything, as well as a genuine understanding and insight into the needs of man. others. There comes a great opening of your heart in compassion, infused with a deep and penetrating love. The more we are able to be in the nature of our mind, the more we will discover our wisdom, immeasurable compassion and infinite capabilities, thus developing an inner strength that is deeply nourishing.
When we connect with the purity of our inherent nature through meditation, our fundamental goodness is revealed, our good heart. Kindness, compassion and love simply radiate. And the more we mindfully integrate the practice into our lives, the more we will discover that we are not only in touch with ourselves, but also fully in touch with others. The barrier between ourselves and others dissolves. Negativity is defused, self-forgiveness occurs, and all damage within us is removed, so that we become truly useful and able to serve others.