To all the Buddhists

[ostego]

Ok then...

SO, i've recently realised that my life needs serious changes, right now im superficial, and take things about my appearance and desires far too seriously.

Through my Buddhism lessons, i've realised perhaps Buddhism something i should look more deeply into.

I've done a few classes on Samatha + Vipassana, and plan to go on a meditation retreat next year, or later this year.

However, i was wondering if anyone into meditation could help me with a few issues i'm having with my current meditation practises.

I can start off with Samatha, which i seem to fail at the first hurdle, i can;t focus my mind and stop it from thinking things!! And even if i do, the thought then pops up in my head about me thinking that im not thinking!!!!

Is there any way to get around that?

I feel as if only through reaping the benefits of a more clear, open mind can i over-come my current anxieties, and under-lying issues! And become a better person in turn

Thanks

[easyguy]

One can approach Buddhism from different angles, but I personally find it stronger to begin with mindfulness and loving-kindess (metta) practice first.

Here is a great forum that you ought to check out: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[ostego]

Originally Posted by easyguy

One can approach Buddhism from different angles, but I personally find it stronger to begin with mindfulness and loving-kindess (metta) practice first.

Here is a great forum that you ought to check out: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Excellent, thanks for the forum, i'll join that in a sec.

I just thought perhaps Metta Bhavana would be a bit of a distraction, although that's something i'd work on, i just felt perhaps it may serve as a distraction from my true goal of releasing my attachment to desire that currently seems to be attacking me in all aspects of my life

[Heartsong]

Perhaps you can't meditate because you shouldn't. Because it is not the right thing for you to do.
How can you be too superficial when you realised it?
And even if meditating would be the right thing for you: I don't think, that you can meditate with your mind racing through all your problems. It won't solve them. Meditating is just letting go of everything around you. But you can't let go forever, you have to wake up and face whatever whenever.

[Orlander]

There are some great books out there on meditation. I suggest you go check some out. I personally got into zazen meditation because of my Aikido background.

The key is to focus on your breathing and to keep meditating. Dont worry so much about releasing yourself from attachment right now. Meditate for the sake of meditation and for nothing else.

Also, you clear your mind by accepting those random, disconnected thoughts and letting them wash over you like water.

You'll get there. I have faith you will.

Orlander

[Orlander]

It won't solve them. Meditating is just letting go of everything around you. But you can't let go forever, you have to wake up and face whatever whenever.

Heartsong, while your comments are valued I think you would be well served to learn more about what meditation really is. There are a lot of good books out there that explain why meditation can benefit everyone, in every walk of life.


Orlander

[ostego]

Originally Posted by Orlander

There are some great books out there on meditation. I suggest you go check some out. I personally got into zazen meditation because of my Aikido background.

The key is to focus on your breathing and to keep meditating. Dont worry so much about releasing yourself from attachment right now. Meditate for the sake of meditation and for nothing else.

Also, you clear your mind by accepting those random, disconnected thoughts and letting them wash over you like water.

You'll get there. I have faith you will.

Orlander

Excellent, thanks, are there any specific books you'd recommend to be useful for a relative beginner?

I'd like to be slightly more experienced by the time of this meditation retreat

[itsallgrand]

Heehee. Welcome to meditation! The majority of the time I sit down to meditate, I've got the buzzing thoughts and all kind of hilarity.

Eventually you learn that you are gonna think no matter what. Trying too hard just makes it worse.
It's how you respond to those thoughts going on that counts.

Just keep meditating. It's practice. Literally.

I find that using the breath has been the easiest way for me. Something solid to focus on, over and over. Something else might work for you.

Whatever you choose, stick with it and you'll start to see results.

[metrogirl]

Originally Posted by ostego

Excellent, thanks, are there any specific books you'd recommend to be useful for a relative beginner?

I'd like to be slightly more experienced by the time of this meditation retreat

Look up Lama Surya Das. He leads meditation retreats and he has authored some great books. Check out Natural Perfection.

[ostego]

Originally Posted by metrogirl

Look up Lama Surya Das. He leads meditation retreats and he has authored some great books. Check out Natural Perfection.

I've just submitted an offer for one called "Letting go of the person you used to be" Sounds to me like the kind of thing im looking for, after all, if i'm to delve deeper into meditation, i need to understand the principles behind it, and some of the truths that will help me! From the blurb this seems to do just that