Empty yourself of everything.
Let the mind rest in peace.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.
They grow and flourish and then return to the source.
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature.
(Lau Tzu, Tao Teh Ching)
Meditation
Meditation is the cultivation of “mindfullness”. It can be seen as a way to return to the natural state, where one can rest without distraction and see things as they really are.
The practise of meditation has a positive effect on the whole body system, it calms the nervous system and allows the body and mind to fall into a deep state of relaxation where healing can take place. It has been used by many different religions throughout human history, to develop a deep understanding and realisation of their own nature and that of the Cosmos.
The process of meditation has many different aspects. Initially one might try the simple practice of counting and following the breath to calm and focus a scattered, agitated mind. Or one might focus the mind on the breath and breathe through the various internal circulations, so developing the “feeling” connection between the body and mind and opening internal energetic (Qi) circulations. One might also use some visualisation techniques to concentrate the mind, or chanting to create internal vibration to clease the organs and subtle channels.
Whichever technique is employed, the object of meditation is to return to a state of “peacefull oneness” where things can come and go without too much physical, emotional or mental distraction. Gradually, over time, awareness grows and one can start to observe the more “subtle” workings of body, mind and spirit within the greater working of the Cosmos. The clearer and less scattered ones perception becomes, the easier it is to move beyond everyday distractions and gain insight into, and realisation of, the infinite quality of our true nature.