Meditation research is showing positive benefits for just about everything that is investigated. From stress management, to building compassion and insight; all these “contemporary” uses are place amidst meditation’s traditional use on the spiritual path to enlightenment.
Certainly many these days are very happy to gain the immediate health and wellbeing benefits; the spiritual path has the potential to be more demanding and arduous, albeit even more rewarding in the long run.
But what are the 5 main purposes and hallmarks of meditation? And how are they contained within the style of practice we call Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM)?
This post we investigate and clarify, but first
Thought for the day
The ultimate purpose of meditation
Is liberation from samsara,
The cycle of death and rebirth.
But if enlightenment is a step too far,
Meditation can at least help us
To heal the bridge between our head and heart.
If we are living in a nightmare,
At least we try and turn it into a healthy dream.
We are still asleep,
We have not become awakened like Buddha,
But at least we are no longer in a nightmare.
Tsoknyi Rinpoche
The purpose and hallmarks of Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) - that contain the 5 key offerings of meditation:
MBSM has 5 steps; one for each key offering. Each of these steps has a purpose; each has a hallmark that indicates we have really “got it”. Here they are:
Step 1: Preparation – is all about creating the circumstances in which we feel comfortable to be our own authentic selves and to fully accept where we are at.
The hallmark of Preparation is being content to leave things as they are.
The hallmark of Relaxation is feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Step 3: Mindfulness – is all about how you engage with your life.
The hallmark of mindfulness is giving your full attention to whatever it is you are doing.
Step 4: Awareness – is all about recognizing truth.
The hallmark of awareness is consistently making choices that work best for you and for others.
Step 5: Stillness – is all about developing the View – our direct experience of truth; how we perceive it and how we live it.
The hallmark of Stillness is living joyfully; informed by a constant awareness of the truth of interdependence, impermanence (and constant change), and multiplicity.
And that is it...
And it is these steps we will investigate and practice during the next meditation retreat: The Heart and Essence of Meditation: 7 days in the glorious Yarra Valley June 7 – 13. Still a couple of vacancies...
Also coming soon - Finding Peace Amidst the Storm - an important workshop that can help you transform the outer chaos into inner peace. Join me for this experiential workshop that will highlight the 2 most reliable meditation-based techniques proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Learn to read your own warning signs, learn reliable antidotes. Time for questions and discussion.
Thursday 17June 7.30pm AEDT. Book here:
COMING EVENTS
Is this your time? Your time for a deeper dive into the experience of a meditation retreat – some time out for you - the heart and essence of meditation?
Seven day Meditation Retreat – The Heart and Essence of Meditation
June 7 – 13
Everything about this retreat has been designed for experiencing what meditation has to offer more directly, more fully. Take time out, leave behind the activities and concerns of daily life and enter into an environment that supports the process of deepening the direct, inner experience. A gentle blend of teachings, guided practices, contemplation, optional yoga, and more... This retreat will offer the culmination of all the study, practice and teaching of meditation with which I have been engaged these past 50 years.
Three day Meditation Retreat - Deep Natural Peace
November 6 - 8
A moment’s peace. Deep natural peace. Sometimes we just need some time out. Time to step back. Slow down. Reconnect with the practice. Be in nature. Reconnect with our selves. Be refreshed. Experience Deep Natural Peace.
The retreat and trainings are all held amidst the natural beauty and serenity of the Upper Yarra Valley at the delightful Yarra Valley Living Centre.
So is this your time?
