<p>Hello,<br /><br />I have been attempting meditation for some years now and have observed an obstacle where I have some confusion. It's difficult, but I'm pretty much able to do the Ham-Sah (transmutation) and focus on nothing else. The biggest problem is that even though I can focus mostly or almost exclusively on the mantra there arises tension during the concentration on the mantra.<br /><br />Recently I discovered something that seems to contradict my own understanding of meditation. I was being almost completely absent, dreaming and not meditating well at all, but at precisely this moment I felt the most relaxed! When there is no presence of mind then there is the most relaxation! Can't get my head around this. And after entering this peaceful state I decided to focus on the mantra again. Immediately when I focus on the mantra, the tension starts to arise again… Seems that I can either have a lot of presence and at the same time a lot of tension or have not so much presence of mind and have no tension…</p>
<p><br />When applying much mindfulness I’m experiencing clearer dreams, almost to the state of walking consciously in the dream world. The Gnostic instructors say that relaxation is the basis or first thing that needs to be established before entering into meditation so of course relaxation has to be emphasized in the practice. <br />Is there anything any of you can say to help me understand the right view (correct action) to approach this with?<br /><br />Thank you so much for giving regular people like us the opportunity to ask the instructors questions. Much appreciated =]<br /><br /></p>
<p><br />When applying much mindfulness I’m experiencing clearer dreams, almost to the state of walking consciously in the dream world. The Gnostic instructors say that relaxation is the basis or first thing that needs to be established before entering into meditation so of course relaxation has to be emphasized in the practice. <br />Is there anything any of you can say to help me understand the right view (correct action) to approach this with?<br /><br />Thank you so much for giving regular people like us the opportunity to ask the instructors questions. Much appreciated =]<br /><br /></p>
Accepted Answer
Pure concentration is completely relaxed. When we have awakened our consciousness and focus our attention on a single object, it is a natural, spontaneous and intuitive process. All tension results from the mind. Therefore, we have to comprehend that there are different forms of concentration. Many of us can sit through a two-hour film from start to finish, but not a two-hour meditation. This indicates the type of concentration being utilized, whether in the ego or the consciousness.
Egoic concentration seeks results. Conscious concentration focuses on the object of meditation (whether on an ego, retrospection, dreams, a candle or a mantra) without seeking or expecting results. We have to have a mind that is serene by directing attention. Therefore, when the waters are calm by holding onto the mast of the ship, we can intimately survey the surrounding seas. Careful analysis will show you that all tension is a result of ego and a lack of comprehension. Where there is comprehension, there is peace.
Therefore, examine who or what in you wants to do the practice. Analyze your intentions and efforts. It is true that we need efforts to self-observe, but the experience of the truth is not a matter of exertion, of enacting great feats of strength, such as weight-lifting. It is instead the art of peace, of subduing the mind through comprehending its functions. Once you comprehend where tension is coming from, new insights will emerge within your consciousness.
We have to carefully combine relaxation with attention. It is easy to fall asleep, but difficult to do so consciously. When we recognize and regulate the slumber state in our meditation, we do so with a peaceful attention, one that does not over-exert itself to achieve results. Simply be: sink into your chair or bed with your spine straight and head balanced. Moreover, pay attention to how you pay attention. The mind will fumble at this, but if your exercise this principle with your consciousness, you will open new doors to your understanding that unveil the intimate workings of the mind, and how your mind will try to enact the practice, but always fails.
Egoic concentration seeks results. Conscious concentration focuses on the object of meditation (whether on an ego, retrospection, dreams, a candle or a mantra) without seeking or expecting results. We have to have a mind that is serene by directing attention. Therefore, when the waters are calm by holding onto the mast of the ship, we can intimately survey the surrounding seas. Careful analysis will show you that all tension is a result of ego and a lack of comprehension. Where there is comprehension, there is peace.
Therefore, examine who or what in you wants to do the practice. Analyze your intentions and efforts. It is true that we need efforts to self-observe, but the experience of the truth is not a matter of exertion, of enacting great feats of strength, such as weight-lifting. It is instead the art of peace, of subduing the mind through comprehending its functions. Once you comprehend where tension is coming from, new insights will emerge within your consciousness.
We have to carefully combine relaxation with attention. It is easy to fall asleep, but difficult to do so consciously. When we recognize and regulate the slumber state in our meditation, we do so with a peaceful attention, one that does not over-exert itself to achieve results. Simply be: sink into your chair or bed with your spine straight and head balanced. Moreover, pay attention to how you pay attention. The mind will fumble at this, but if your exercise this principle with your consciousness, you will open new doors to your understanding that unveil the intimate workings of the mind, and how your mind will try to enact the practice, but always fails.
Joyful in hope, suffering in tribulation, be thou constant in thy prayer.
Benedictis, qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"
Accepted Answer
Pure concentration is completely relaxed. When we have awakened our consciousness and focus our attention on a single object, it is a natural, spontaneous and intuitive process. All tension results from the mind. Therefore, we have to comprehend that there are different forms of concentration. Many of us can sit through a two-hour film from start to finish, but not a two-hour meditation. This indicates the type of concentration being utilized, whether in the ego or the consciousness.
Egoic concentration seeks results. Conscious concentration focuses on the object of meditation (whether on an ego, retrospection, dreams, a candle or a mantra) without seeking or expecting results. We have to have a mind that is serene by directing attention. Therefore, when the waters are calm by holding onto the mast of the ship, we can intimately survey the surrounding seas. Careful analysis will show you that all tension is a result of ego and a lack of comprehension. Where there is comprehension, there is peace.
Therefore, examine who or what in you wants to do the practice. Analyze your intentions and efforts. It is true that we need efforts to self-observe, but the experience of the truth is not a matter of exertion, of enacting great feats of strength, such as weight-lifting. It is instead the art of peace, of subduing the mind through comprehending its functions. Once you comprehend where tension is coming from, new insights will emerge within your consciousness.
We have to carefully combine relaxation with attention. It is easy to fall asleep, but difficult to do so consciously. When we recognize and regulate the slumber state in our meditation, we do so with a peaceful attention, one that does not over-exert itself to achieve results. Simply be: sink into your chair or bed with your spine straight and head balanced. Moreover, pay attention to how you pay attention. The mind will fumble at this, but if your exercise this principle with your consciousness, you will open new doors to your understanding that unveil the intimate workings of the mind, and how your mind will try to enact the practice, but always fails.
Egoic concentration seeks results. Conscious concentration focuses on the object of meditation (whether on an ego, retrospection, dreams, a candle or a mantra) without seeking or expecting results. We have to have a mind that is serene by directing attention. Therefore, when the waters are calm by holding onto the mast of the ship, we can intimately survey the surrounding seas. Careful analysis will show you that all tension is a result of ego and a lack of comprehension. Where there is comprehension, there is peace.
Therefore, examine who or what in you wants to do the practice. Analyze your intentions and efforts. It is true that we need efforts to self-observe, but the experience of the truth is not a matter of exertion, of enacting great feats of strength, such as weight-lifting. It is instead the art of peace, of subduing the mind through comprehending its functions. Once you comprehend where tension is coming from, new insights will emerge within your consciousness.
We have to carefully combine relaxation with attention. It is easy to fall asleep, but difficult to do so consciously. When we recognize and regulate the slumber state in our meditation, we do so with a peaceful attention, one that does not over-exert itself to achieve results. Simply be: sink into your chair or bed with your spine straight and head balanced. Moreover, pay attention to how you pay attention. The mind will fumble at this, but if your exercise this principle with your consciousness, you will open new doors to your understanding that unveil the intimate workings of the mind, and how your mind will try to enact the practice, but always fails.
Joyful in hope, suffering in tribulation, be thou constant in thy prayer.
Benedictis, qui venit in nomine Domini. Osanna in excelsis.
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!"
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