Buddhism can contribute much to our search for spirituality. I have listed here what I feel are essential teachings of the Buddha that everyone will be able to increase their inner peace.
THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
1. There is suffering, discontent, stress
2. Suffering, discontent and stress are caused by desire, cravings, greed, attachment
3. Suffering can be ended [...]
Yesterday, I was warmly remembering my first meditation teacher and teacher of the Tao, Master Lin. When I was first learning meditation, he never really gave any instructions other than “Just sit, don’t think.”
I would be sitting there and my mind would start to wander off. Or I would read a book at the library [...]
Menmitsu Nokafu is a Japanese expression which loosely translated means ‘with delicate care’. I find this phrase to be useful. We should take delicate care of our practice. Treat it tenderly. It is important to be kind to it. We can also treat ourselves this way. We are often too hard on ourselves. We sometimes [...]
There are five common obstacles to having a successful meditation practice. Successful meaning one that is practiced regularly and with great effort.
1. GRASPING- this means wanting something or wanting more of something. We can say I’d be happy if only… When we try to find happiness using material things, it does not work. Material things [...]
How To Do Walking Meditation (called kinhin in Japanese)
Kinhin is useful to do between sitting periods of meditation or it can also be helpful for those who find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time. It is good for beginners and the advanced.. You can practice indoors by walking around the perimeter [...]
Reclining meditation is another posture that one can use. One must be well rested however, to avoid falling asleep. If you are the least bit tired, you should assume a sitting position for meditation.
This is a nice change of pace to use once in a while, or for those with ailments that prevent sitting in [...]
The Meditation Process
LOCATION: A quiet place where you can sit undisturbed. This will tell the mind when you sit there that it is time to meditate. Keep this area clean. You can use candles and incense if you wish.
LIGHTING: Keep the light in the room subdued, not too bright or dark.
SCHEDULE: It is very important [...]
With every breath we take, it is one less until we die. That should not scare anyone. It should awaken them. When we breath in, we can not be certain we will do so again. I recall the four zen masters who had finished up their meeting at a temple. The first master says, “I [...]