Buddhism Course

1.  Enlightenment is a word that should always be defined when used, for it is a word we use both in speech and writing as if the person hearing it or reading it knows exactly what we mean.  People who are at different stages on the spiritual path definitely do not have the same idea about enlightenment.  For purposes of  this answer, enlightenment is defined as the understanding of the nature of reality.  Another definition is "knowing the truth.  Enlightenment is something we aim for like an arrow shot toward a target, and we do it through personal development and mindfulness, using tools such as meditation to "enlighten" ourselves. 

Some people use the meditation tool simply to calm the mind, lower blood pressure, and other physiological benefits.  Others seek enlightenment through meditation.  It is possible that any one person may use meditation for any and all purposes.   Meditation is a versatile tool that has many benefits and uses.

2.  Westerners, trained from birth to be "busy," both physically and mentally, may at first find meditation rather impossible.  That was my experience.  Meditation requires quieting the mind, being still and guiding thoughts to seek and find truth.  Many years ago when I started meditating I found it quite impossible and even irritating to sit still and (try to) meditate.   It took some work and concentration, and now I like silence and meditation and not being busy.  I assume that most Westerner have the same experience, and therefore misgivings about meditation.  Meditation can be irritating to someone trained from birth to be busy.  

3.  Mindfulness has proven to be a most useful tool in achieving productive meditation, that is, meditation that leads to insights about life in general, but also feelings of peace and well-being.  Quieting the mind and focusing on the task at hand has proved to be a new way of life for me and others who have learned to practice meditation.

Nancy Anderson

aka Lotus
Lesson 6

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"Imagination is everything.
It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
-- Albert Einstein

 
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