English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8 : Midway Recap☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Midway Recap

We are now midway through learning the basic steps of mindfulness of breathing meditation. While this foundational journey has a clear structure, the practice of meditation itself is a lifelong endeavour, deepening over time.

Let us take a moment to recap what we have learned so far. A brief reflection will help us connect any missing links and prepare us to move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Journey So Far

1. Establishing a Stable Sitting Posture:
   • We began by sitting with legs folded crosswise, ensuring a stable and comfortable position.
   • With the spine erect and head aligned, we took a few moments to settle down.
2. Mindfulness of Breathing:
   • Once settled, we started observing our breath.
   • Ever mindful, we breathe in. Mindful, we breathe out.
   • This mindfulness of breathing remains central throughout our meditation practice.
3. Experiencing and Relaxing the Body:
   • We directed our awareness to the entire body, moving from head to toes.
   • Gradually, we learned to relax the body as we breathed in and out.
   • Initially, these steps required more time, but with practice, we now complete them within five to ten minutes, allowing us to focus more deeply on the breath at the nostrils.
4. Contemplations of the Body:
   • These early steps formed the basis for deeper contemplations of the body, preparing us to explore our feelings.

Progressing to Feelings and Mental Formations

1. Experiencing Feelings:
   • With full awareness and as mere spectators, we experienced our feelings—pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral.
   • We explored rapture and pleasure as they arose with a peaceful mind, even if these were gentle or mild sensations.
2. Watching Mental Processes:
   • Observing mental formations became the next stage. We learned to simply watch and let them pass without reacting or analysing.
   • Tranquilizing these mental formations brought calmness and clarity.
3. Cultivating Loving Kindness:
   • We integrated the practice of loving kindness and compassion towards all living beings into our meditation.
   • With a relaxed body and tranquil mind, we prayed for the welfare of all:
     • May all be happy, be peaceful, be liberated.
   • This daily act of goodwill, performed towards the end of each session, deepened the meaningfulness of our practice.Moving Forward

Slowly and steadily, we are advancing towards our goal. While the structured nature of this journey may sometimes feel repetitive, it is this systematic approach that provides a strong foundation for deeper practice and long-term benefits.

Each step we have practised so far strengthens our ability to remain mindful and present. The integration of loving kindness ensures that our meditation is not just a personal practice but also a source of positivity for the wider world.

As we prepare for the next stage, let us reaffirm our commitment to this path and continue with patience and perseverance. When we close our daily practice, we gently open our eyes and carry forward the serenity and compassion cultivated in meditation into our everyday lives.