Question 81: WHAT IS WALKING MEDITATION, OR MOVING MEDITATION, I.E. MEDITATION IN WALKING?Answer: After the sedentary meditation, practitioners should walk back and forth to stretch the legs. While walking, maintain mindfulness in the following way:- walk slowly and gently within a suitable space; there’s no need to cover a long distance, even pacing within a room is sufficient- relax our entire body, ensuring there's no tension- attend to the sensation of our feet touching the ground, there's no need to concentrate on our breath- remind ourselves of our impermanent nature and the underlying ignorance and mistakes- use this breathing technique if we wish to do qigong simultaneously: inhale quickly through our nose and exhale slowly through our mouth.Remember to stay safe when practicing walking meditation outside. Secluded areas can be risky, we could become easy targets, hence be aware of our surroundings. This will help protect ourselves and contribute to the peace of our family and neighborhood.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 80: WHY DO SOME PEOPLE EXPERIENCE VARIOUS VISIONS AFTER REACHING A CERTAIN LEVEL OF MINDFULNESS?Answer: When the mind becomes mindful, any visions that appear are actually illusions. These illusions can be categorized as follows:- illusions stemming from residual thoughts: These are often images or thoughts that have appeared before.- illusions arising from past karma: These can manifest as strange, sometimes frightening images.- illusions generated by negative forces: These can cause practitioners to become arrogant or agitated.- illusions produced by internal energy: These may appear as lights, colors, or other visual phenomena.To dispel these illusions, practitioners should maintain their focus on the lower abdomen. It's crucial not to indulge curiosity or pursue any delusions, as doing so can lead to insanity. Instead, one should consistently remind oneself of the impure nature of both body and mind.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 79: GIVEN THE HIGH PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T SEE RESULTS FROM MEDITATION PRACTICE, DOESN'T THIS MEAN THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVE THE INFERIOR FOUNDATION?Answer: The percentage of people with the inferior foundation is not necessarily high. However, the percentage of people practicing meditation incorrectly is remarkably high. Incorrect practice leads to a lack of results, regardless of how long one meditates.This is why we emphasize the importance of finding a qualified teacher when beginning one's meditation practice. It's also worth noting that even experienced meditators who have achieved their own results may not be effective teachers. They may simply teach based on their own experiences, spiritual foundation, and methods, without considering the unique needs of their students. Many people follow these teachers because they have seen the teacher's results, but they don't realize that personal achievements and effective teaching are two entirely dissimilar stories.While we should continue to respect those who have achieved results in their meditation practice, we must be cautious when choosing a meditation path. Meditation is a complex system that involves Psychology, Moralogy, Physiology, Karmalogy, Enlightenmentlogy, Medicalogy, and even divine intervention. It's not something that can be explained in a few simple words.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 78: WHAT IS THE SIXTH STEP OF THE SIX MINDFULNESS STAGES?Answer: After practicing the first five steps of the Six Mindfulness Stages, the mind often becomes more focused and calm. At this point, practitioners may become overconfident and develop a sense of pride. This is why the sixth step is needed.Even when experiencing tranquility, practitioners should remind themselves of the “deeply-ingrained ignorance and shortcomings”. This self-awareness helps prevent arrogance from arising and disrupting the long-made progress.The specific self-reminder (also known as contemplative attention) can vary depending on an individual's spiritual foundation. For instance, when experiencing calm, one might think, "This tranquility is simply of the ordinary foundation, nothing extraordinary," or "This level of mindfulness is still of the inferior foundation." By accurately acknowledging one's foundation, practitioners can avoid losing their merit. As for those who consider themselves to be of the Noble foundation, we could not help nor guide them anymore.It's important to distinguish between the tranquility of an Noble One, which is rooted in profound virtue, and that of an ordinary person, which is less stable and less assured. The tranquility experienced by an ordinary person is often fragile due to unresolved negative karma and a lack of deep-rooted virtue. It's challenging to accurately assess one's spiritual level without making mistakes. Those with the inferior foundation face a difficult situation: their practice may not yield significant results, but giving up can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, they must persevere in the hope of accumulating sufficient merit to improve their condition.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 77: THE MEDITATION TECHNIQUE SEEMS QUITE COMPREHENSIVE ALREADY. WHY ARE THERE TWO MORE STEPS OF THE SIX MINDFULNESS STAGES?Answer: The Buddha taught us to be mindful of our entire body, leaving no part unattended.The fifth step of the Six Mindfulness Stages involves directing our attention to our lower abdomen, specifically to the Dan Tian and Hui Yin acupuncture points. We can google to find these two exact locations.Why focus so deeply in the lower abdomen? These two points have an abject impact on the brain. The Dan Tian point enhances mindfulness but may occasionally induce hallucinations. The Hui Yin point promotes calmness and can help treat various brain disorders. Everyone, regardless of outward appearance, has some imbalances in their brain. By meditating with our focus on the Hui Yin point, these imbalances can gradually be addressed.Residing in the Hui Yin point also helps build internal energy, improving overall health and endurance, and allowing for longer meditation sessions. It also strengthens the body's root energy. From a philosophical perspective, focusing on this point cultivates Humility.During this step, the practitioner maintains a Slow–Little–Gentle breath while keeping their focus on the lower abdomen. However, it's important to periodically review the previous steps of the Six Mindfulness Stages.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind.

Question 76: WHAT IS THE FOURTH STEP OF THE SIX MINDFULNESS STAGES?Answer: The fourth step of mindfulness focuses on working with the breath. Nearly all forms of meditation, qigong, internal martial arts, and yoga incorporate breathing techniques. Breathing is indeed a remarkable phenomenon.From a medical perspective, we inhale to bring oxygen into our lungs and exhale to expel carbon dioxide. The lungs transfer oxygen to the blood, which then carries it throughout the body. Similarly, the lungs remove carbon dioxide from the blood and expel it through exhalation. If we stop breathing for even a few minutes, we risk death due to lack of oxygen to the brain. During physical exertion, our metabolic rate increases, demanding more oxygen, which causes us to breathe faster.Eastern martial arts traditions hold that proper breathing can generate an internal energy distinct from muscular one. This internal energy is believed to be more powerful and enduring than muscular one. While muscular strength tends to decline with age, internal energy can be maintained for longer. The key to cultivating this internal energy lies in the exhalation process, which we'll explore in more detail later.Psychophysiology shows that our breathing speeds up when we're doing mentally demanding tasks. This principle forms the key of Meditation regarding the breathing practice. Breath is viewed as the bridge between mind and body. In numerous scriptures, the Buddha emphasized the importance of breath in Meditation.In this fourth step of the Six Mindfulness Stages, we practice breathing according to these guidelines:- Maintain awareness of the breath. This keeps us mindful and prevents our attention from wandering.- Allow the breath to naturally become stronger, but avoid intentionally intensifying it. Doing so can stimulate mental activity and wandering thoughts due to the mind-body connection.- Be aware of the breath without deliberately controlling it. Consciously manipulating the breath can also stimulate mental activity.- Maintain a SLOW–LITTLE–GENTLE breath. Avoid rapid, deep, and forceful breathing.As the mind calms, the breath will naturally slow down. However, it's crucial to maintain awareness of the breath without losing focus.Avoid directing the breath up or down. Simply observe the natural inhalation and exhalation while keeping our attention on the abdomen. Many practitioners find their minds become calm at this stage, though others may still experience distractions.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 75: IF THE SECOND STEP OF FOCUSING ON THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN ISN'T SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN PROLONGED MINDFULNESS, WHAT IS THE THIRD STEP OF THE SIX MINDFULNESS STAGES?Answer: While concentrating on the chest and abdomen can extend mindfulness and soothe the mind, it may also subtly increase the Attachment to the body. Thus, the third step of the Six Mindfulness Stages involves returning to contemplate the body's impermanence. We should acknowledge the body's complexity: its intricate cellular network, delicate balance, and susceptibility to disease and injury. The body is simultaneously clean and unclean. While blood must remain sterile, the body also expels waste.Even celestial beings' bodies are better than human ones. If ours are left unwashed, they become foul, and the same is true for our pets, even if they are bathed daily. The upper body parts, which we often adorn, are generally considered cleaner, while the lower parts, closer to excretory organs, are viewed as more impure.The body's nervous system seeks pleasure, potentially leading to overindulgence and diminishing merit. Practitioners must learn to moderate sensual pleasures to preserve merit for spiritual practice and enlightenment.The body is subject to the law of impermanence: birth, growth, aging, illness, and death. Death can occur prematurely due to disease or accidents.Within the body lies a powerful survival instinct. This instinct drives us to preserve our lives and reproduce. However, it also causes suffering, leading to fear, control, and humiliation.By understanding and contemplating the body in this way, we can deepen our mindfulness. This understanding can also foster a more balanced and mindful life every day. We are less infatuated with others, more sober-minded. When faced with life-threatening situations, we are less likely to do wrong things or react out of fear.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 74: IF CONTEMPLATING THE FACT THAT 'MY MIND IS WANDERING' ISN'T ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN MINDFULNESS, WHAT'S THE SECOND STEP OF THE SIX MINDFULNESS STAGES?Answer: The second step of the Six Mindfulness Stages isn't about contemplating a philosophical concept (or truth) but rather a practical technique.Many people assume that Wandering thoughts originate from the brain and thus focus their attention on the head to stop them. However, the root cause of wandering thoughts often lies in the body. This second step involves paying attention to the chest and abdomen. Be aware of and sense the sensations in our chest and abdomen.The nervous system is extensive, and by directing our attention to the lower part of our body, we activate a larger part of this system, creating a stronger sense of mindfulness. This, in particular, effectively calms wandering thoughts. The Buddha's teaching of 'sense the whole body breathing in, sense the whole body breathing out' is a unique method that leverages this physiological mechanism.Individuals with deep-rooted spiritual potentials may find that simply being aware of their entire body is enough to sustain mindfulness and enter a meditative state. However, for those with weaker foundations, while being aware of the chest and abdomen can increase mindfulness, it may not be sufficient to completely eliminate wandering thoughts. Occasional distractions may still occur.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 73: THUS, WHEN STARTING MEDITATION, WHICH SPECIFIC SUBJECTS SHOULD WE FOCUS ON?Answer: Initially, it's advisable to practice fundamental contemplations such as the impermanence of the body and the world to eradicate deep-rooted misconceptions. When we truly enter meditation, we should focus on the fact that our mind is currently wandering. This is the bare truth.After assuming the full lotus position and cultivating the fundamental virtues, the practitioners should contemplate the fact that their mind is wandering. That's all. There's no need to fight against, suppress, or eliminate these wandering thoughts. This is the first step of the Six Mindfulness Stages in Meditation.Recognizing that our mind is wandering is the beginning of awakening. We're no longer being dragged around by our thoughts. However, this initial mindfulness isn't strong enough to last indefinitely. Soon, wandering thoughts will again cloud our mind, and we'll find ourselves lost in them again and again.Some individuals with exceptionally high spiritual potential (comparable to those with the Noble foundation) may find that simply acknowledging the wandering mind is sufficient to maintain prolonged mindfulness. However, most practitioners don't possess such extraordinary abilities. For them, merely contemplating that the mind is wandering isn't enough to sustain continuous mindfulness.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

Question 72: WHAT THOUGHTS OR MEDITATION OBJECTS CAN HELP GRADUALLY STOP WANDERING THOUGHTS?Answer: As we've discussed before, when we plant a new plant in a garden full of weeds, the weeds don't disappear immediately. They gradually diminish as the new plant grows and casts its shade. Using suitable thoughts for meditation can bring about mindfulness alike, but it won't eliminate wandering thoughts right away. It takes sustained mindfulness to gradually calm the mind.For a thought to induce mindfulness, it should have the following characteristics:- It should state a fact about oneself or the external world.- This fact should inspire humility, generosity, and morality.- This fact should help one let go of attachments and delusions.For example, the Buddha taught us to contemplate the impermanence of the body of the four elements – that it will age, become ill, and eventually die, decaying into dust. This thought highlights the inevitable nature of death, promoting humility, reducing greed, and fostering detachment.Another example is the Buddha's teaching on the impermanence of all phenomena. He taught us that everything in the world is conditioned, impermanent, and without a permanent, unchanging essence. This understanding helps us to let go of attachments to worldly things and cultivate an inner peace. The Buddha also taught us to contemplate the suffering inherent in existence. Life is full of pain, and pleasures are temporary. This realization can motivate us to wholeheartedly seek liberation from suffering.We can also meditate on the non-existence of a fixed self. The sense of a separate self is merely an illusion created by the mind in turmoil.Practicing non-self and letting go of ego-centeredness can also enhance mindfulness.Contemplating the body and mind as a collection of impurities can foster humility and repentance.All of these contemplations cultivate mindfulness, and sustained mindfulness leads to concentration. However, arrogance can be a stumbling block on the path to mindfulness, even during moments of insight.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,