English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 7: Tranquilize Mental Formations ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 7 : Tranquilize Mental Formations ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Lesson 6

Over the past few days, you have practised experiencing your feelings during meditation. Feelings tied to the past, present, or future often give rise to mental processes. These may include feelings of hatred, ill will, or fear, as well as love, goodwill, or hope. From these feelings, perceptions develop and influence our mental state.

Observing Mental Processes

Be mindful of your mental processes as you breathe in and out.

• Breathe in, experiencing mental formations. Breathe out, experiencing mental formations.

You may notice wholesome mental formations such as tranquillity, equanimity, or concentration. Alternatively, you might experience unwholesome formations like craving, hatred, or confusion. Simply observe these mental formations and let them pass without becoming involved or analysing them.

• Ever mindful, breathe in. Mindful, breathe out.

Recognising Mental Formations

You may encounter emotions like anger, resentment, or jealousy. At other times, feelings of restlessness, laziness, or distraction may arise. Fear, anxiety, or despair could also surface. Allow yourself to experience these formations without reacting to them.

• Experience the mental formations for a while, then let them go.
• Let the formations cool down naturally.
• Breathing in, experience the mental formations. Breathing out, experience the mental formations.

With time, these mental formations will start to diminish. They are transient and will wane as you continue to observe them without attachment.

Tranquilizing Mental Formations

• Breathe in, tranquilizing mental formations. Breathe out, tranquilizing mental formations.

Calm the mental formations as you breathe in and out. Allow them to settle and dissolve, bringing your mind to a state of peace.

• Ever mindful, breathe in. Mindful, breathe out.

Integrating the Practice

Just as you practised observing your breath and feelings over time, dedicate several days to experiencing your mental formations. With practice, you will develop the ability to relax not only your body but also your feelings and thoughts.

As this ability deepens, your stress levels will diminish, and you will experience a growing sense of calm and serenity.

Concluding the Session

With a relaxed body and tranquil mind, extend loving wishes to the universe:

• May all be happy, be peaceful, be liberated.

When you are ready, gently open your eyes and emerge from meditation, carrying the serenity of your practice into your daily life.

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts “Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha #1: A Step-By-Step Guide ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha #2: The First Step ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha #3: Watch Your Breath ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha #4: Relax Your Body ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha #5: Cultivate Loving kindness ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 6: ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht