Motivation and the Six Methods of Meditation
Taught by Geshe Lharampa Jinpa Sonam
At Gomang Meditation and Dharma Center
On Sunday, December 9, 2002
Geshe-la began by commenting on the name Independence (the city in which the Center is located.) Geshe-la stated that this was a great place for the Center to be established.
Geshe-la then spoke in regard to the unbiasment of Buddhism and how it works for all people, no matter their religion. In Buddhism it is up to you solely to practice. There is no sin in Buddhism for not practicing.
The Buddha, Shakyamuni, tells us to investigate Buddhism thoroughly before we get into it. He further instructs us to test it like gold and to use our own logic. Do not follow blindly.
We are so used to our ignorant and deluded states that it is very easy for ignorance and delusion to arise. We have spent countless eons of lives in these states. Being born in this form and not in the form of the Buddhas or Bodhisattvas is proof that we have been unsuccessful, thus far, in breaking from the cyclic existence known as samsara.
Geshe-la stated that he has studied for over 20 years, but is not proud. He does not profess to know reality (emptiness). But, he will do all he possibly can to help others with great compassion.
Geshe-la now began to describe the three types or conditions a student or someone listening to a Dharma teaching should avoid.
1) The condition of a bad smelly pot. If a pot is dirty inside it is hard to store or put something within it, without contaminating or making that substance impure. When you listen to a teaching your mind should be unattached and separate from your ignorance and delusion. In other words, be mindful and in the moment. Do not allow your delusions or ignorance to distract you during a teaching, thus causing you to miss the teaching or the point of the teaching completely.
2) The condition of a pot with a whole in the bottom. If a pot has a whole in the bottom of it no matter what you put into it – it will not hold it. This means we must be able to retain what is being heard and taught. If not then we are as the pot with the whole in it that is unable to hold anything placed within it.
3) The condition of an upside down pot. If a pot is upside down you cannot put anything inside it. If we are not listening or paying attention (mind wondering, talking, etc.) we will not get the teaching or understand it. Geshe-la gave a very good tool to use when listening to a teaching (to avoid being an “upside down pot.”) Geshe-la instructed, “When you listen…listen for all sentient beings.” Don’t just listen for you. You are listening for all beings in all realms. This way you can help them all.
Geshe-la then stated that we are to look at him as a friend and not as a teacher. He continued by stating that in India and Tibet it takes someone at least 6 months to find the right teacher.
It is very important in Buddhism for your teacher to lead you to enlightenment. I you choose the wrong teacher then you will have wasted your lifetime.
Geshe-la stated that he wants us to investigate him, like the CIA would investigate someone. He added that he too would be investigating us. In Tibetan Buddhism the teacher must select the student, just as the student must select the teacher. The Guru/Student relationship in Tibetan Buddhism is great and your enlightenment hinges on it.
Geshe-la then told the following story of the “1,000 Finger Mandala.”
- A young man by the name of Ungoolimala found, whom he thought was, a good teacher. This teacher instructed Ungoolimala to make a mala out of 1,000 fingers. Ungoolimala went out killing others for these fingers. He soon reached the total of 999 fingers. He needed just one more and his task would be completed. Ungoolimala spotted his mother walking down the rode. He ran after her. He was going to kill her to get the 1,000th finger. The Buddha seen this and appeared, catching Ungoolimala’s attention. Ungoolimala then began to run after the Buddha. Though the Buddha was walking at his own pace Ungoolimala, no matter how hard or fast he ran, was unable to catch the Buddha. Ungoolimala realized this and then realized he was chasing the Buddha. This led to an even greater realization that he had been so ignorant, delusional, and blind to follow the teacher he chose.
Once you have found the right teacher you must be cautious and careful to follow him or her correctly. Tibetan Buddhism has very set, concrete, and exact methods for Guru/Student relationships. If one were to not properly follow or rely upon their Guru they would create eons of bad sin/negative karma. So, it is most important to be ready before one goes searching for a teacher. If you’re not ready don’t go looking quite yet. It’s a great responsibility.
Geshe-la now began to discuss meditation. There are two types of meditation…1) Analytical Meditation and 2) Concentration or Single Pointed Meditation.
When doing Analytical Meditation one does not have to sit in any certain meditation posture. You just analyze an object. This can be done while sitting, lying down, walking, etc. Just analyze – this is important!
There are 7 different physical postures to do Concentration or Single Pointed Meditation properly.
1) Namnam Chuday – Sitting cross-legged
2) The back should be straight.
3) Hands should rest in the lap, below the navel, with thumbs touching.
4) Be attentive and awake (mindful). Do not be lazy or sleepy.
5) The tongue should touch the upper pallet of the mouth. This prevents one from drewling and prevents the mouth from getting too dry.
6) The neck should be slightly bent forward.
7) The eyes should be looking at the tip of the nose (again note…the shoulders should be straight).
This preceding is called the 7 Physical Disciplines or as Geshe-la prefers the “7 Physical Appearances.”
Geshe-la then commented on the importance of calm. When speaking to others be neutral in the tone/loudness of your voice. Do not be too loud or too soft.
Geshe-la stated that the importance of the “7 Physical Appearances” is to align the three main nerves. This should be your goal. Once you can align these three main nerves you achieve a “special mental state.” What is meant by “align” is for two of the three nerve channels to connect to the one (central nerve). This allows the proper flow of energy, chi, Qi, prana, etc. Many scholars and Tibetan masters find this easy to achieve when the “7 Physical Appearances” is followed. This technique is also practice by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Geshe-la continued by stating that he has achieved no experiences. He is just quoting from books and knowledge from his Gurus/teachers (Note: Being modest like this is the sign of a great Guru/teacher. It is wrong to tell others of your realizations and experiences. One must always remain modest.
The most important thing, when meditating, is your mental state! When the mind is inflated/deluded it is most hard to be mindful and to meditate properly. When delusions and ignorance arise there are breathing exercises that will antidote.
1) Equalize your breathing. When ignorance and delusion arise you will notice your breathing changing. Bring your mind home and focus on equalizing your breathing. When you breathe out visualize the ignorance, delusions, and distractions leaving your body. When you breathe in visualize good and positive energy/things flowing into you. Counting the breaths can be most helpful as well.
2) Try to focus and work on gaining merit for all beings. Tong-lin is great for this practice.
Common problems incurred when trying to focus on an object (Single Pointed Meditation or Concentration Meditation)…
1) Chenwa – Suttle obstruction. When you have the object in your mind but cannot see it clearly.
2) Obstruction – You don’t have the object in your mind at all and you are unable to focus.
3) Namnee – Letting the mind wonder. Not focusing on the image but your mind is on a meritous subject.
Six Ways of Meditation by Je Tsongkhapa…
1) Meditating on the nature of the object or the appearance of the object. An example of this would be meditating on a statue of the Buddha or on impermanence.
2) Meditation on Compassion. Note: There is no outside object to focus on when doing this method of meditation. You turn your mind into a state of compassion by thinking “All sentient beings should be separated from their suffering.”
3) Power – Faith – Belief - Meditating on the knowledge and wisdom of the Buddha. Realizing emptiness. When doing this method of meditation use prayers to request Buddha’s help, teachings, wisdom, etc. Put forth much effort. The more effort put forth, the more help, teachings, wisdom, and realizations you will receive.
4) Cyclic Existence – Meditation on death, suffering, etc. There is no lasting or satisfactory happiness at this level (samsara). Geshe-la gave the example of him v/s Pres. Bush. Geshe-la stated that the US is the best and greatest country in the world. So, everyone should be happy, especially the President. But, this is not so. Geshe-la is happier than the President. Geshe-la added though that when the President passes people will do their best to keep or maintain his body. But, when Geshe-la passes he will smell too bad to keep around.
5) Be good and utilize what you have in a proper way. Like a poor person who makes the most and best of what they have. Being wealthy and having material things does not help. You cannot take anything with you. You are born into the world, naked and with nothing. You will leave the same. Only your wisdom can be taken with you. So, do all you can to gain greater wisdom. Geshe-la then instructed not to use him as an example on this. He professed that he is lazy in his practice and nothing like was when he was at the Monastery. Geshe-la also detracted from the subject for just a moment here. The teaching had gone to about an 1 ½ and this point. Geshe-la said, “Your knees might be hurting. But, Buddhism is about the mind. Stretch your legs!”
6) Always have good meditation, no attachment, and good mental state. If you have these physicality’s don’t matter.
Notes taken and transposed by Angeles.