Saturday, May 23, 2009

Meditation: Kind to the Monkey Mind


Dharma talk by Ajahn Brahm (BSWA, Australia) on Buddhist meditation to deal with the "Monkey Mind" -- a common experience for those who attempt to sit in peace and serenity. The mind that attempts to de-stress, paradoxically, jumps from one thought and idea to another without rest like a monkey in a tree.

The Monkey Mind can be overcome through the patient practice of meditation, the cultivation of patience, the practice of practicing being kind to the body, being kind to the mind. This is the practice of ahimsa (non-violence, non-injury, harmlessness, kindness),which is not limited to others but practiced foremost with oneself. As one is kind to oneself, one becomes effortlessly kind to others. One advances in meditation.

These are selections from a talk given on a 2007 Easter retreat focusing on joy and happiness as being the path of meditation and spiritual growth. For as it is said by successful meditators: "There is NO way to happiness, happiness is the WAY."


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