It doesn't divide the mind. It is part of a lot of other traditions and helps for developing nirvikalpha samadhi (known elsewhere as UC). We teach this in my tradition even with the technique for the general public. However it is an "adjunct" to the usual sitting with eyes closed in meditation.
On 02/19/2011 07:09 AM, emptybill wrote: > How about some Truth in Definition: > > How do you "divide the mind"? > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "WillyTex"<willytex@...> wrote: >> >> >>>> But I do know that many people outside of TM recommend using >>>> a mantra also outside of meditation, during routine work, >>>> also called Japa. I don't know why this came into disfavor >>>> with TM. >>>> >> authfriend: >>> Because it "divides the mind"? It's recommended (or was >>> when I learned TM) that one keep one's full attention on >>> what one is doing in activity. >>> >> According to what I've experienced, performing "japa" while >> in the workplace is counter-productive. Not only does it >> divide the mind, but chanting while performing some skills >> can be downright dangerous. That kind of activity might best >> be performed on street corners or at bhajans during a yoga >> camp meeting. >> >>>> TM uses it for children, the so called walking mantra. >>>> >>> I thought kids use the walking mantra during 10-minute >>> periods when they just walk around, or are playing >>> quietly by themselves. In other words, meditation is >>> kept pretty much distinct from activity even for them. >>> Am I wrong? >>> >> You are correct. Both of my children had "walking mantras" >> and it's just like a meditation, or it's supposed to be. >> >
