INSIGHT MEDITATION
In meditation, we relax our mind for subsequent benefits. But in insight meditation, we go a little further and observe intensely, the thoughts and feelings arising, and understand the true nature of our body and mind. The mind goes beyond and moves to absolute reality. This has been discussed in Times of India of Jul 07, 08. We have to prepare for it through mindfulness, which has four factors viz. clarity of mind, free of anger, greed, excitation, uneasiness and agitation; staying calm for peace and stability; alertness of mind which means complete awareness of surroundings without causing any worry to us; engaging the mind in current events, since mind wanders and distorts proceedings. After this preparation, we can begin meditation practice. Breathing must be rhythmic, keeping the focus on the point of release of the breath to the intake of the next breath. Also a part of our mind energy should police the breathing, and yet another part should check on the police itself, so that the mind does not wander. It should be done in an undisturbed area. As per Tibetan practice, the eyes can be kept partly open and we should look at the angle of the nose, so that we do not fall asleep. Mindfulness practice can be done, while sitting idle, walking or even doing the daily chores, keeping the four states in our mind. A prayer can be done before this. Our being mindful can make a lot of difference in our life.
More abstracts about the Times of India