Meditation.

Meditation is a multi significant word. It can mean almost anything we want it to and during many thousands of years so many styles and practices have evolved, each with their own special quality and tendency.

Here we practice a form of meditation popularly called Vipassana. However the name does not define only a sitting and walking meditation practice but much more, an approach and a deep intuitive understanding of life.

When we sit in meditation we are always alone. No matter how many people are in the Dhamma hall with us, we are always alone. Alone with this mind and this body, to the physical aches and pains, the mental boredom, excitement and seemingly endless thoughts, moods feelings and emotions.

Our way then, is to allow the space to see, know and finally let go of the attachment to these things as being who and what we are.

Although there is a clear structure of our practice there is no specific or precise technique such as mantras, reflections or mentally identifying the thoughts or consciously moving the awareness through the body. When we sit in this stillness we do not create anything extra to obstruct the arising of insight that comes from our personal and intimate experience with the moment that naturally leads to the direct understanding of the true nature of self.

No busy mind avoiding the reality of the moment, but rather the silent peaceful acceptance and realization that whatever begins must end. Each thought, mood, feeling and emotion is nothing more than a fleeting cloud ultimately empty except for the importance we give it. Only a movement arising from the past to be experienced and lovingly released into the emptiness of the universe, and so an opportunity to be free from its influence.

This is our way of stillness. Of internal and external stillness.

Fear and desire fall away as the base for their presence no longer exists. We sit without ambition and begin to walk through life bringing that fearless loving stillness into every moment.

This is our practice. This is our way of loving acceptance. This is Dhamma.

 

May all beings be happy.