"Beginner's Mind"

[Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)]

This evening I had a good conversation with Paul Trotti (Li Su), a
formal student. We were discussing the nature of mindfulness training
in Pragmatic Buddhism.

In Pragmatic Buddhism, as in Chan and Zen, the formula for development
of zazen is uncomplicated: "Beginner zazen=mindfulness; Advanced
zazen=mindfulness."

We must remember that Buddhism does not focus on obtaining levels or
stages in meditation. Instead, mindfulness itself, as a simple
watching, observing, and paying attention to ourselves and our world
IS the whole of the practice. Practice, as the simple, unhindered
observation of mindfulness (awareness cultivation) IS realization
itself.

See you Thursday,

Jim

[Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)]

This is a post I sent regarding the question, "what can I do if I
stray easily during my meditation practice?" A relevant question...

Ryan,

I certainly can understand where you are coming from. I will lay out
the techniques I recommend to my students that you can try and
hopefully find one that can help lay a solid foundation. Above all,
regular practice (I say at least 3-4x per week, gradually increasing)
is necessary; remember that meditation is just like any human
activity: we must train our nervous system how to do it properly, just
like playing a sport. Be patient with yourself, keeping in mind that
there ARE actual physiological changes that need to take place within
your body-mind to make meditation more comfortable.

I personally do not recommend "counting of the breath" techniques, as
the counting seems to hinder the overall goal in Buddhist meditation
(decrease mind activity instead of increasing it--many with OCD count
excessively). So what I like instead is a technique I call "Dynamic
Breath," where you focus on your breathing (inhalation, exhalation)
with the aid of wooden blocks or a wooden fish (Chinese). You can
easily find cheap 4 inch x 6 inch or so blocks of wood to use for this
(Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, ect.). Sit comfortable (half lotus, Burmese
style, seiza/Japanese) with belly out and chin back, then LASTLY
affirm to yourself "now relax completely." Then hold the wood blocks
in each hand (or fish drum) and hit them together as you start each
inhalation and exhalation. This is a wonderfully effective technique,
b/c it is active "enough" to keep you from straying, and requires a
more holistic use of the body-mind than sitting alone. Gradually as
you master this, your body-mind will be ready for "just sitting."

Glad to answer more specific questions about this--let me recommend
you also so our website, www.pragmaticbuddhism.org and click on the
"Daily Practice" tab, where this is located. Also, I have posted an
MP3 file of Bell Meditation you could try.

With palms together,

Jim Eubanks
(Shi Yong Xiang)

Monastic Director, Center for Pragmatic Buddhism

On Feb 5, 11:55 pm, "Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)"

[Cheng]

Hello to all,

I too find myself "straying" during meditation (mostly thoughts about
what needs doing for CPB/OPB). The "dynamic meditation" techinique
shown at one meeting really helps me refocus. It is the leaning
slightly forward to expel that last of the out-breath then returning
to the upright position on the in-breath. I plan to give the wooden
block technique a try also.

I bow with respect,
Wayne
(Ren Cheng)

On Feb 9, 10:11 am, "Jim Eubanks (Shi Yong Xiang)"

> you also so our website,www.pragmaticbuddhism.organd click on the

[Joe Weible]

I was originally taught the same dynamic meditation technique, and rather
than counting my breaths to focus on the cycle of each breath. When I find
my mind straying or sticking, I refocus on the complete cycle of each
breath, and it seems help me "unstick".

It is the same when I spar, do katas, or other practice - when I find myself
out of synch, I focus on the cycle of what I'm doing, and it helps bring me
back to the moment.

Joe
(Just a guy wondering if there is really was ox to look for after all)