What Buddhist meditation should I start out with?
Q. I want to start Buddhist meditation. Should I start out with mindfulness meditation? What are the exact steps in doing it?
Asked by Jack - Sun Nov 30 21:05:42 2008 - - 6 Answers - 1 Comments

A. I'd recommend trying out Falun Gong and compare to the other method. Meditation in the Falun Gong has many benefits from good health to inner peace to enlightenment. The practice consists of meditation, reading scripture, karma transformation, moral character improvement, and spiritual development. The mediation mechanism is well explained in the 'China Falun Gong' book. The effects and advantages are discussed in details in the Zhuan Falun Lecture. Both books and meditation demonstration video are free to download from the URL listed below. If you need any help, contact a local practitioner in your area for free instructions. Falun Gong was found in 1992 by Master Li Hongzhi in China. About 100 million followers like the practice in… [cont.]
Answered by Tommy H - Tue Dec 2 18:40:25 2008

Meditation/Visualization Experts? How can i clear my mind and use meditation to heal my body?
Q. I've heard that meditation and visualization can help cure problematic things within the body. Every time i try to meditate instead of visualizing what i want i visualize what i'm afraid of and what i have. Its uncontrollable. I try to calm my mind and do a self-hypnosis if you will to clear my mind completely and visualize positively but my thoughts seem to be contradictive and sparatic even during meditation. Can anyone give me any advice on how to meditate/visualize properly and positively?
Asked by Charming Sociopath - Sun Sep 6 16:18:53 2009 - - 9 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Let your thoughts be like watching a parade. Let them pass by without attaching your thought to any one...just let them go on by. Peace, Woodstock
Answered by Woodstock953 - Sun Sep 6 16:56:04 2009

What kind of meditation retreat, and how long should it be, to de-stress from an extremely intense job?
Q. I have meditated before but I need more depth over a sustained period of time. I'm seeing a psychologist for stress and resulting depression, and he is very supportive of a meditation retreat. He recommends 3-5 days, not the 10 day vipasanna type right now. This would also be best located in the New York-New England area. Thanks.
Asked by mlw11743 - Thu Jan 18 22:48:25 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I have been involved in Siddha Yoga as founded by Swami Muktananda since 1976. (you can find out much doing searches on-line) Followers refer to him as Baba. Baba was a remarkable, powerful , omniscient guru, revered by many and highly respected, even by other gurus. He set up ashrams and meditation centers World over and Siddha Yoga Dham Ashram is the headquarters and main retreat in US. It's in South Fallsburg, New York State. Also there's a branch in New York. Baba set up 2 day Intensive retreats which were an excellent in depth means of learning and deepening mediation and other practices. Many people found an intensive was most beneficial for relief from stress and enabled them to learn deep meditation techniques that they could then… [cont.]
Answered by Mukunda M - Sun Jan 21 12:09:18 2007

What is the method for transcendental meditation? How is it different than traditional meditation?
Q. It seems that all the research I do on this form of meditation directs me to buy a book or pay for a class... Must there be a price tag on enlightenment? Those familiar with the method, please instruct me on how it is done. Silly answers will be tolerated, but I would like to know the facts. Thanks.
Asked by Mikhail - Fri Jul 25 13:42:13 2008 - - 3 Answers - 1 Comments

A. As you no doubt know, TM was not only invented but copyrighted and trademarked by Maharshi Mahesh Yogi. There is little doubt that the motivation for doing this is that it can be taught at great monetary profit. It's unfortunate when a potentially useful technique is withheld by a profit motive, but there it is nonetheless. Fortunately some former students of TM have made some of the inner "secrets" and methods available to the public. One excellent source of information is here (though you'll have to comb through the various links to get the whole picture):
Answered by ayekantspehl - Sun Jul 27 01:33:56 2008

Why do meditation Gurus and their followers believe in reincarnation, soul and destiny?
Q. It is scientifically proven that meditation is stress reliever and provider of positive mental state. It helps in concentration in the study and the work. Then even after years of being in regular mediation, why do meditation gurus and their followers believe in reincarnation, soul, destiny based on previous life, etc which are not recognized by science? Cant they still see things as they are?
Asked by Curious - Thu Sep 4 09:54:26 2008 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Excellent question! I can only comment from a Buddhist point of view, being that I haven't studied any other forms of meditation. Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche (a Tibetan Lama who taught in the US in the 1960's) was once asked, "If there is no Self, what is it that gets reborn?" He answered, "Well, I hate to tell you this, but it's mostly your bad habits." (not a direct quote, but close enough) Buddhists tend to view rebirth in two ways -- microcosmic (the moment to moment conditional arising and passing away of all phenomena, including our sense of "I" or "Self") and macrocosimic (being reborn as another being life after life depending on one's previous actions, thoughts and intentions). Not all Buddhists believe in macrocosmic rebirth, and… [cont.]
Answered by awouldbehipster - Sat Sep 6 10:10:49 2008

How can I go about meditation? What are the different types and which are most effective?
Q. Any books that should be recommended to learn how to do it as well as books learning about the art of meditation will help.
Asked by Sean King - Thu Sep 25 09:39:14 2008 - - 1 Answers - 10 Comments

A. It all depends what one wants to do with meditation. Meditation originates from religious practice, rooted from the Buddhist and Taoist teaching. Here is how I understand it. Secular yoga meditation provides a vehicle to calm down and letting go of some stress, slight increase of body immunity, and some benefit in treating some illness. When the yoga is practiced along with a philosophy, the person shows longevity while the body ages. Religious novice in an Eastern religion, casually observes the rituals, notes what others are doing, treats it as philosophy, and practices meditation. The sophomore rarely reads the scripture. He practices the meditation without full understanding what meditation does from the scripture: how to… [cont.]
Answered by Tommy H - Thu Sep 25 18:22:09 2008

What is the best form of meditation to rid oneself of emotion?
Q. By nature, I tend to be overly emotional and sensitive, this has caused me problems in the past. I was just wondering if anyone might have any knowledge on how to fix this problem, through meditation or any other method.
Asked by rock of ages or ages of rock - Thu Jul 17 20:08:18 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hello Rock of Ages Meditation will not rid you of your emotions, which is good as you need them. It will however with practice allow you to be calm & emotionally objective which gives you more control & a peaceful outlook. Self hypnosis can achieve the same. Sadhara
Answered by Sadhara Satguru - Fri Jul 18 13:28:17 2008

What are some effective alternatives to transcendental meditation?
Q. I'm interested in TM as it is advocated by people I respect in other fields however I'm put off by it's cost. I've also read some reports that any similar style of meditation is just as effective, so I am looking to try some. Thanks!
Asked by Thom - Sun Apr 11 21:47:34 2010 - - 5 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Try the free guided meditation at , this site has no advertisements, all meditations are for free. TM belongs to the class of mantra meditation, 'mantra' is effective when given by a qualified individual with instructions. The Art of living foundation does a great job by providing this for a very little cost, sometime if you have economic restraints they will give big discounts.
Answered by H J - Wed Apr 14 19:36:59 2010

How does standing meditation contribute to martial arts skill?
Q. Many taiji/xingyi/yiquan practitioners who practice standing meditation agree that it's not only good for their health, but also leads to developing qualities that are beneficial in comabt situations. How does that work? How does standing in these postures cause those kinds of changes to occur? Why is it that people who practice standing may have stronger roots, better sensitivity and power?
Asked by M - Tue Jun 23 12:20:59 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It does not...
Answered by King Leonidas - Tue Jun 23 12:40:12 2009

What are some good guided meditation and creative visualization cd's out there?
Q. I've already got the title Meditation Made Simple, which goes into different healing light visualizations and breathing exercises. I also have Lifescapes Guided Meditation, which is more of what I'm looking for right now. They have actual scenarios that they go through while you visualize them (one where it takes you through a rainforest, another where you lay out in the moonlight, and even one where you float in the ocean). Does anyone know of any other similar types of CD's out there?
Asked by justmeish - Mon Dec 22 21:46:09 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. have you sampled the many, many visual meditations on youtube?
Answered by ArchAngel - Mon Dec 22 21:51:36 2008

Who has found meditation to be a great way to obtain peace?
Q. Does meditation really work is it able to clear worry and doubt and relieve stress and is it able to find inner peace. Have you been able to find this through meditation if so do you have any good techniques for meditation?
Asked by To accept the inevitable = peace - Sat Jul 10 12:28:48 2010 - - 14 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Clearly that depends on the focus of the meditation.
Answered by alan h - Sat Jul 10 15:54:54 2010

How effective is meditation in relaxation and thought control?
Q. I have a lot of anxieties and I've read about , but never tried, meditation. Can anyone help me out as to how to get started and to how to do it?
Asked by jorst - Mon Jun 26 21:21:55 2006 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. meditation iz verry effective!!! the best thing to do is go outside where u are only surrounded by nature. kinda lay down and relax. make perfectly sure u are not worried about anything. think about happy things that have happened in your life. sit and do that for atleast 30-60 minutes.
Answered by XC '08 - Mon Jun 26 21:28:18 2006

Does anyone have any unique ideas for decorating a meditation room?
Q. I have a small, rectangular room that I am turning into a meditation room. I've already thought of floor pillows and a low table but I'm curious if anyone has any unique or different ideas for this? Thanks!
Asked by loveshistory8888 - Wed Sep 26 15:16:15 2007 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. light green walls are said to create a sense of calm make sure you have a CD player in there for some mood music. Water fountain for the calming effects I love the idea of floor pillows. If it were me, I'd get some shear white curtains and make a tent effect over a day bed or corner for those floor pillows
Answered by J*Mo - Wed Sep 26 15:26:58 2007

How long does it take to see the benefits of meditation?
Q. How long does it take to see the benefits of meditation? I've been meditating for 20 minutes, twice a day, for about a month. I still can't see any positive internal changes. Would living in a abusive/negative environment prevent these changes from occurring? When I meditate I'm usually calm and peaceful, but I don't feel that way during the day. Please provide some insight. Thank you.
Asked by WorldPeace - Wed Jan 20 05:26:11 2010 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It is very good you have committed to a daily practice. Now, a little patience is needed. The river of your body-mind-Being is muddy, from years of neglect. It may take a little time for the mud to settle, so that the clear, fresh water is known and tasted. If you are living in an abusive/negative environment now, this will add a bit of challenge to things. As you move through this environment, notice how you respond to each event. Over time, you may find more options available to you than you currently see. If you are talking about a past environment, we all have our histories to deal with. Continue meditating, and all will be revealed and healed in due course.
Answered by Prahas - Thu Jan 21 08:10:49 2010

What is the significance of the bells in the stories Meditation 17 and Madamoiselle Fifi?
Q. There is a bell mentioned in Meditation XVII by John Donne and Mademoiselle Fifi by Guy de Maupassant. What do the two bells represent? And, what is another story that mentions a bell in the same manner?
Asked by Lindsey M - Mon May 11 17:31:41 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Try these links, they should be able to assist in any question you could conceivably ask :
Answered by Cuckoo - Fri May 15 07:14:22 2009

How do I do zen meditation by myself in my home?
Q. How do I do zen meditation by myself in my home? I used to do it in a zen center, but I can't really afford to drive back and forth to a zen center. Can I just sit zazen on my couch or what? I have a Buddha and incense, should I make an alter or what? If you are going to say something involving how I should go to jesus or something, please just don't answer.
Asked by collectorX - Tue Feb 24 02:53:05 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You can certainly practice by yourself in your home. That's what most practitioners do - I've done daily practice of Zen in just this way for 20 years. Of course, occasionally it's good to visit your local Zen center to have an interview with a teacher or to participate in a retreat. These experiences will deepen your practice in important ways. But your daily practice doesn't require this. All you need for daily practice is a place to sit. Since your home probably has a floor, you can sit on the floor. Just find a stable cushion to sit on and you're good to go. Once you're sitting, just follow your breath or perform any other mind practice that you've been taught. I like to sit in front of a small altar, although this is not required.… [cont.]
Answered by P'ang - Tue Feb 24 10:23:15 2009

Why do some claim that meditation opens the mind to demonic influences?
Q. I have seen a few claims here and on other forums that if you meditate or get hypnosis, then the door is open for demons to come in. However, I cannot find a source for this idea. Do you really believe that quieting the mind is dangerous? If so is there a Biblical basis for this? What about our ordinary state of mental chatter? Can a demon really get through to someone who is in meditation that cannot get through when that person is worried about their to-do list, what they are going to have for dinner tonight, etc?
Asked by ralph_5772 - Mon Jul 5 14:19:15 2010 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The belief that a demon can enter your body during meditation is Spiritual Urban Myth. Many who follow a strict religious upbringing have been informed that meditation is something used by pagans, and devil worshipers to bring themselves closer to evil spirits. It is then passed on to congregations through the pastor or other church members that you shouldn't meditate. (Trust me I have had Christians tell me you shouldn't meditate.) It is no easier for a demon to poses your body during meditation than during a normal day. During meditation your body is still fully intact to the spirit. You actually have a tendency to become hypersensitive to normal noise, spirits, and other elements around you. You would notice if something became "off"… [cont.]
Answered by cala - Mon Jul 5 14:37:42 2010

Would you attend a Buddhist meditation service if it had free weed?
Q. Buddha once spoke of the Bowl of Jade. In Oriental cultures the relaxing effects of thc have been noted as compatible with an understanding of meditation and nature.
Asked by Dr. Jazz E l A s - Sat Feb 20 13:53:49 2010 - - 11 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes, but it would not take free weed for me to visit a meditation service.
Answered by Gorgeoustx Elect Bill White 2010 - Sat Feb 20 13:58:18 2010

How do I stop falling asleep during meditation?
Q. I have been trying meditation a couple of times, but I keep falling asleep, what is the best way to prevent this?
Asked by Phoenix Goddess - Fri May 22 03:44:13 2009 - - 15 Answers - 0 Comments

A. There're several reasons, that I can think of, that make you fall asleep during meditation. 1. You don't have enough sleep. Make sure you have enough sleep. It's advisable to begin our meditation session in the morning when one has had enough sleep. One can also meditate in the evening, if one's not too tired. 2. You have your meal before meditation. If you want to meditate, make sure that you have a light meal before meditation (you can always eat more after meditation). Why can't you eat a heavy meal before meditation? It's because all the blood goes into your stomach and thus leaving your mind dull. 3. Temperature can be a problem. If it's too warm in the room, one can feel sleepy. 4. Posture. It's very important to have your… [cont.]
Answered by Max P - Fri May 22 13:15:43 2009

What psychological value is there in meditation?
Q. Also, if anyone knows if meditation has been found to be useful in treatment of certain psychiatric conditions, feedback would be greatly appreciated. Case study, experience based answers desired.
Asked by (UH) - Sun Apr 11 14:23:10 2010 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Meditation may not be a cure for baldness, but there is considerable evidence that its benefits in the reduction of stress and increased blood flow contribute significantly in improving immunity to infection and reducing cardiovascular inflammation. Heart surgeons are more routinely prescribing mediation as part of the post-surgery regime for their patients. It has been found that meditation helps to calm the overly sensitive vagus nerve and shuts down the physiological mechanism that causes these types of inflammation due to stress. Meditation does not eliminate the stress. It alleviates our physiological reaction to the stress. It can also reduce our level of pain. Good luck and take care always!!
Answered by canada_winnipeg_man - Wed Apr 14 20:55:51 2010