I've been focusing on breath, and Buddho, patiently under the impression that at some point I would see a visual sign. For about two and half years now. I have also tried Ajaan Lee's Method 1 and Method 2 recently. Sometimes I just forget about the sign and just focus on breath, or just observe the mind. Recently I read in a few different books that the sign doesn't have to be visual, that some people have body or breath sensations for signs. If this is correct, than maybe that fits me. I am aware of certain sensations of a tingling energy associated with the breath, which I can move to different parts of my body. Could this be a training sign or used as a training sign? What's a training sign?
Not sure where to go from here, but I feel connected with forest Dhamma. I plan to make a trip this summer to see a meditation teacher, I hope to get some individualized direction.
Thanks
non-visual sign?
Re: non-visual sign?
This may some help:
What is the theme of the mind?
http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... it=nimitta" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
What is the theme of the mind?
http://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... it=nimitta" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
Re: non-visual sign?
The classic description of the development of the sign, from the learning sign onwards, using a kasina as subject and which must be applied to one's own subject and experience, can be found at Visuddhimagga IV 27-30.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... on2011.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... on2011.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Last edited by paul on Sat Jun 20, 2015 2:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: non-visual sign?
Thank you, for the references
I am looking for a mobi file version of Visuddhimagga (my conversion from pdf is messy).
My next question:
Is the skill (and point) of developing a training sign: something we use to help establish a meditative state, which we next connect to a given theme or chosen contemplation subject? I can see the benefits of that for both day-to-day investigations, building mindfulness, etc., as well as for developing concentration while seated. Especially if the training sign can be generated at will?
I am grateful for feedback,
Mike
I am looking for a mobi file version of Visuddhimagga (my conversion from pdf is messy).
My next question:
Is the skill (and point) of developing a training sign: something we use to help establish a meditative state, which we next connect to a given theme or chosen contemplation subject? I can see the benefits of that for both day-to-day investigations, building mindfulness, etc., as well as for developing concentration while seated. Especially if the training sign can be generated at will?
I am grateful for feedback,
Mike
- Dhammanando
- Posts: 6491
- Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:44 pm
- Location: Mae Wang Huai Rin, Li District, Lamphun
Re: non-visual sign?
Here:no mike wrote:I am looking for a mobi file version of Visuddhimagga (my conversion from pdf is messy).
http://www.4shared.com/file/TDUsiK0R/vism.html
Yena yena hi maññanti,
tato taṃ hoti aññathā.
In whatever way they conceive it,
It turns out otherwise.
(Sn. 588)
tato taṃ hoti aññathā.
In whatever way they conceive it,
It turns out otherwise.
(Sn. 588)
Re: non-visual sign?
I don't have a lot of experience with developing really deep concentration, so I tend to treat such things as simply showing that I've generated some level of concentration, which, as you say is helpful for a variety of reasons.no mike wrote: Is the skill (and point) of developing a training sign: something we use to help establish a meditative state, which we next connect to a given theme or chosen contemplation subject? I can see the benefits of that for both day-to-day investigations, building mindfulness, etc., as well as for developing concentration while seated. Especially if the training sign can be generated at will?
I'd be wary, however, of trying to "generate at will". My impression is that these are things that arise automatically when the conditions are in place.
Mike