On Jun 25, 2005, at 1:53 PM, Rick Archer wrote: > Amma emphasizes mindfulness too. This always puzzled me because I'm so > indoctrinated with the "natural tendency of the mind" idea, but in > light of > my own experience, it makes sense. If I'm tired, sometimes it's best > to just > lean back and let myself doze off, rather than struggling to stay > alert. > Meditation is better after a nap. But if I'm not tired, it's best to > sit up > straight and be attentive. Otherwise meditation is a muddle and a > waste of > time.
In Shamatha we talk about "ascertaining consciousness" which refers to a continuum of attention. Correct meditation is when you have predominantly moments of ascertaining consciousness as compared to moments non-ascertaining consciousness. Non-ascertainment is likened to trying to view a picture by a flickering candle--in the flickering light, you can't quite make it out. It's a lot like falling asleep reading something in dim lighting. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
