tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-782199382259953578.post8743129069514222791..comments2023-11-30T10:48:52.952-08:00Comments on Musings: Concentrate is what we do to orangesKen McLeodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15876529036315470763noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-782199382259953578.post-71879868275836476822017-07-13T00:39:35.956-07:002017-07-13T00:39:35.956-07:00I found this to be a very interesting blog topic, ...I found this to be a very interesting blog topic, since I also struggle with exactly the same dilemma in my practice. <br /><br />Basically, I can't seem to grok how to meditate on an object and yet not focus on the object in the way that you say not to. To me, if I'm just resting in my experience, then I'm doing shikantaza (which most teachers scoff at doing initially, calling it an advanced practice suitable only for accomplished students) or I'm not meditating at all, not especially aware at all. So, I don't experientially understand the difference between the experience of breathing and focusing on the breath. If I'm told to emphasize any object of my experience, that (to me) means collapsing down onto it in order to actually pay attention to it - otherwise, I'm not paying attention to anything in particular. Querulous 1 https://www.blogger.com/profile/03750294194559910633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-782199382259953578.post-48238226012282487512009-06-03T02:51:35.660-07:002009-06-03T02:51:35.660-07:00Dear Stefano,
Yes, it's definitely possible t...Dear Stefano,<br /><br />Yes, it's definitely possible to reinforce and build the sense of "I" by meditating the wrong way. The only way I could get a clear sense of what was happening in your practice is to talk with you about your experience. Basically, if you rest in the experience of breathing, rather than focusing on the breath, you'll probably be fine.Ken McLeodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15876529036315470763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-782199382259953578.post-48917135331409969842009-06-03T02:14:35.035-07:002009-06-03T02:14:35.035-07:00I practise to concentrate on the breath as a way t...I practise to concentrate on the breath as a way to develop samatha. Can this exercise build my 'I' intead than releasing it? Is this a possible misunterstanding?<br />Thank you in advance<br /><br />StefanoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-782199382259953578.post-47125756946890853812009-06-02T17:48:23.421-07:002009-06-02T17:48:23.421-07:00Resting and opening,
resting and opening.
The proc...Resting and opening,<br />resting and opening.<br />The process of just letting things happen has led to many painful sits.<br />painful when the fear literally came rushing out of my pores.<br />All said and done though- I no longer hide from it-<br />the enemy as you said is not so apparent to me now.<br />I will do it again whenever that enemy shows up,<br />as the experience moves on a calmness can follow.<br /><br />Loved the Catch 22 story- your musing was once again a thought provoking one.<br />Thanks Kenellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15630223114309690367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-782199382259953578.post-56201913831514947942009-06-02T06:59:40.362-07:002009-06-02T06:59:40.362-07:00Then there is "gently holding" or "caressing"...we...Then there is "gently holding" or "caressing"...we are so often trapped by the weight of the single words we have to chose from.....asphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12656578146624262820noreply@blogger.com