English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Meditation is a lifelong journey. It is simple, yet not easy. It requires discipline, patience, and perseverance.

The Path So Far

Your journey of a thousand miles is well begun. You have learned and practised the foundational steps of mindfulness of breathing meditation, also known as Anapana meditation. This was the very practice through which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Meditation consists of four main sections:

• Contemplations of the body
• Contemplations of feelings
• Contemplations of the mind
• Contemplations of wisdom

Each section contains four contemplations, making sixteen contemplations in total. Learning these basics is just the beginning. To truly benefit, you must go deeper.

Refining Your Practice

• Observe your breath more closely, with increased awareness and ardency.
• Develop one-pointed concentration by minutely observing your breath at the nostrils.
• Achieving deep concentration may take hours, days, or even longer—patience is key.

Similarly, experiencing and relaxing the body requires mindful attention:

• Begin by observing major parts of the body and gradually refine your awareness to even the smallest sensations.
• Each day’s practice will be unique—some days, the breath may feel shallow, other days, smooth. Accept this variability with equanimity.

Exploring Feelings and Sensations

• Feelings arise as pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral.
• They may be joyful, sorrowful, sensuous, or spiritual.
• Observe bodily sensations—both gross and subtle—with full mindfulness.

When negative emotions like anger arise, observe the corresponding bodily sensations. Emotions—positive, negative, or neutral—manifest physically. Ardently observe and let them pass.

Understanding the Mind

Meditation is far from dull—it cultivates joy and inner happiness.

• Exploring the mind is a profound journey. Do not get stuck; keep moving.
• Observe your thoughts without attachment. Be a spectator.
• Free your mind from craving, aversion, and ignorance.

Deepening Wisdom

The contemplation of wisdom is a lifetime’s work.

• Begin by contemplating suffering, its origin, and the path to its cessation.
• Reflect on impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
• Contemplate fading away, cessation, and relinquishment.

Wisdom arises not from blind belief but from direct experience. Continue refining your understanding through consistent practice.

Fruits of Deep Meditation

Deep meditation leads to deep insights:

• Concentration and serenity are the initial experiences.
• With deep concentration, wisdom naturally follows.
• Progressively, defilements are removed and wholesome qualities cultivated.

Cultivate virtues like loving kindness, compassion, altruism, and equanimity. Day by day, drop by drop, let these qualities fill your heart.

Commitment to Daily Practice

• Meditate joyfully and with inner happiness.
• Establish a consistent routine—one hour in the morning, half an hour in the evening is sufficient.

As the Buddha said:

“When mindfulness of breathing is developed and cultivated, it is of great fruit and great benefit.”

May the wisdom of the Buddha guide your meditative path.

“Over there are the roots of trees; over there, empty dwellings. Practice jhana (meditation), monks. Don’t be heedless. Don’t later fall into regret. This is our message to you.” – Buddha

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆