Search found 68 matches

by Heaviside
Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:30 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: An Anapanasati Question
Replies: 30
Views: 1371

Re: An Anapanasati Question

Thanks to everyone who responded. I learned a new Pali word! But I think the introduction of yet another Pali term does not increase clarity. I tend to think the tip of the nose is not the intended meaning. Here's why. Any reasonable interpretation of ``him'' would include all body parts, including ...
by Heaviside
Fri Feb 09, 2024 7:25 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: An Anapanasati Question
Replies: 30
Views: 1371

An Anapanasati Question

Please consider the following passage in the Anapanasati Sutta (Majjhima Nikaya, English translation by Bhikkhu Bodhi, 3rd edition, page 943), the first step in awareness of breathing meditation: ``Here a bikkhym gone to the forest or to the root of a tree or to an empty hut, sits down: having folde...
by Heaviside
Sun Dec 17, 2023 7:33 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Heartbeat distraction
Replies: 19
Views: 1206

Re: Heartbeat distraction

Yes, I actually wound up following your procedure. Attempting to remain aware of the present momrnt of course leads to an awareness of the breath and---at least for me somewhat in the past--to an awareness of the heartbeat. But one can follow the breath as a ``major movement'' with the heartbeat as ...
by Heaviside
Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:13 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Heartbeat distraction
Replies: 19
Views: 1206

Re: Heartbeat distraction

First, I would like to comment that many folks have a greater sensitivity to their heartbeat than do others. I had exactly this same problem a number of years ago and worked hard to overcome it. I finally came to the realization that in meditation I was looking for something unchangable to anchor my...
by Heaviside
Sun May 07, 2023 5:48 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Is Right Effort a Paradox?
Replies: 18
Views: 1272

Re: Is Right Effort a Paradox?

... ``present moment awareness,''... Could you explain what that means? According to Aahn Brahm, there are three steps to the medatative process: awareness of the present moment (the here and now) with running mind commentary allowed, silent present moment awareness with the commentary stilled, and...
by Heaviside
Sun May 07, 2023 4:42 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Is Right Effort a Paradox?
Replies: 18
Views: 1272

Re: Is Right Effort a Paradox?

Thanks to all who responded. I think there are two levels to ponder: the general philosophical one and the practical one. On a philosophical level, I think there is an inconsistencey. But, as several have explained, on a practical level there seem to be two phases: making an effort to maintain aware...
by Heaviside
Sat May 06, 2023 3:16 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Is Right Effort a Paradox?
Replies: 18
Views: 1272

Is Right Effort a Paradox?

As I understand things, a meditator is supposed to relax and ``keep hands off'' as far as directing the focus of attention is concerned. On the other hand he or she is supposed to exert ``right effort'' to maintain awareness. So---one must make an effort to not make an effort! A paradox? How do you ...
by Heaviside
Sat Apr 15, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Mindfulness of Breathing and the Hindrances
Replies: 27
Views: 2773

Re: Mindfulness of Breathing and the Hindrances

Re: Mindfulness of Breathing and the Hindrances by bodom » Fri Apr 07, 2023 4:47 pm Heaviside wrote: ↑Thu Apr 06, 2023 9:34 am If I'm not mistaken, Ajan Cha advocates mastering ``silent moment awareness'' before tackling following the breathing. Am I correct in thinking that this is equivalent to ma...
by Heaviside
Thu Apr 06, 2023 5:39 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: The Buddha in the Machine?
Replies: 3
Views: 377

The Buddha in the Machine?

This morning, as I lay breathing deeply and regularly using my cpap machine, it occurred to me that my mind was in a state for which I daily strive for 45 minutes sitting. Here is my question: What is your opinion about this---and about machine aids to mediation in general? I am not offering it from...
by Heaviside
Thu Apr 06, 2023 5:34 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Mindfulness of Breathing and the Hindrances
Replies: 27
Views: 2773

Re: Mindfulness of Breathing and the Hindrances

If I'm not mistaken, Ajan Cha advocates mastering ``silent moment awareness'' before tackling following the breathing. Am I correct in thinking that this is equivalent to mashtering the hinderances before addressing awareness of breath?
by Heaviside
Sun Feb 19, 2023 12:05 am
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sinus Drainage Problem
Replies: 7
Views: 528

Re: Sinus Drainage Problem

An excellent thought. I actually experience it most of the time, but find it especially troublesome when meditating. Just as an update: it does work quite well for improving my mediation experience.
by Heaviside
Thu Feb 16, 2023 6:20 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sinus Drainage Problem
Replies: 7
Views: 528

Re: Sinus Drainage Problem

Thanks to everyone who replied. I have a neti pot, but never thought to use it immediately before meditating. I will give it a try along with gargling with salt water as well. Again, I appreciate your input.
by Heaviside
Wed Feb 15, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: Sinus Drainage Problem
Replies: 7
Views: 528

Sinus Drainage Problem

I am having a tremendous problem with sinus drainage while meditating. The mucus collects in my throat and sets up a tremendous urge to cough that is compelling. I have tried inhalers and the like, but these cause side effects and cannot be used on a continuing basis. Has anyone had such a problem? ...
by Heaviside
Tue Jan 17, 2023 6:12 pm
Forum: General Theravāda Meditation
Topic: A Question about Kumāra Bhikkhu's Meditation Method
Replies: 14
Views: 892

A Question about Kumāra Bhikkhu's Meditation Method

I know that the thread on his book has closed. (I read it with great interest.) However, after listening to several of his talks I have a question about his meditation method. In one talk he advises mdeitating with the eyes open. Perhaps it is worth a try, but I am interested in what folks here thin...
by Heaviside
Tue Oct 04, 2022 9:50 pm
Forum: Connections to Other Paths
Topic: Complexes Vs. Khandas
Replies: 9
Views: 448

Re: Complexes Vs. Khandas

Since my posting, I have discovered an entire book on this topic: Why Buddhism is True, by Robert Wright. He uses the term ``module'' instead of ``complex.'' Thanks to everyone who commented.