Question on meditation techniques

[ihrjordan]

Hi I have two questions first why do some people choose one meditation method over another for example Mahasi over Anapanasati over Goenka over whatever etc. etc.? and how could one switch between the Mahasi method to say "Normal meditation" of just being in the moment and not noting, just noticing? I've noticed it's now hard to do the ladder kind of meditation as my mind has developed the habit of noting everything lol

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

People gravitate towards what appeals to them.

In the Mahāsi method, the mental noting will drop away by itself when concentration is deep enough.

The two jhāna factors of initial application (vitakka), and sustained application (vicāra), are present in the first jhāna. The mental noting performs the function of applying the mind to the object to be noted (vitakka). At the later stages, the mind is aware of the objects almost automatically without any special effort. However, don't try to run before you can walk. Do note any and every mental and physical phenomenon arising throughout the entire day without missing any at all. This is how to develop deeper concentration. With progressive practice, the internal dialogue will diminish.

See Reaching the Higher Vipassanā Jhānas for details.

[ihrjordan]

People gravitate towards what appeals to them.

In the Mahāsi method, the mental noting will drop away by itself when concentration is deep enough.

The two jhāna factors of initial application (vitakka), and sustained application (vicāra), are present in the first jhāna. The mental noting performs the function of applying the mind to the object to be noted (vitakka). At the later stages, the mind is aware of the objects almost automatically without any special effort. However, don't try to run before you can walk. Do note any and every mental and physical phenomenon arising throughout the entire day without missing any at all. This is how to develop deeper concentration. With progressive practice, the internal dialogue will diminish.

See Reaching the Higher Vipassanā Jhānas for details.

Well the main problem I'm having with the Mahasi method is controlling my breath especially during meditation and when noting words that start with the letter "H" when I do control it I note "Controlling, Controlling.." and it MIGHT go away for little but it will usually come back and I will be miserable.

[Goofaholix]

just being in the moment and not noting, just noticing?

Noting is just noticing, when needed it can have the addition of labeling but ideally when the mind is aware and balanced it shouldn't be needed.

[mikenz66]

Hi I have two questions first why do some people choose one meditation method over another...

For me the important issue is availability of local teachers. My local Wat used Mahasi style, so it makes sense to be doing that, and I find it works fine for me.

I think noting is a small part of the approach (and some kind of awareness has to, of course, be part of any approach), but unfortunately it becomes inflated to "the key feature". The approach is to having a grounding/primary object to build concentration, and being aware of as much as possible that arises at all times. Actually, that's not so different from what most people teach, except that for more concentration you return to the primary object as quickly as possible.

If you don't have a teacher, I recommend listening to one of Patrick Kearney's retreat series of talks:
http://dharmasalon.net/Audio/audio.html which include a lot of Q&A about technique.


Mike

[mikenz66]

And see, also, these resources: http://www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.ph ... =341#p6695


Mike

[rgb1]

Hey, this may be helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkgWBDwUtIM