Important Notice:
I have stopped publishing articles here and moved to a new site Clarke Scott's website
Clarke Scott is a fully ordained Buddhist monk trained in the Tibetan tradition. A student of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Clarke has received personal instructions—direct one-to-one instructions—on Madhyamaka philosophy and meditation from His Holiness. Recently Clarke moved to Tasmania to pursue a Ph.D in Buddhist philosophy from the University of Tasmania.
10 Steps to Becoming a Better Meditator
By Loden Jinpa – April 28, 2008 · Buddhism, Meditation
- Meditate.
- Meditate more.
- Meditate even more.
- Meditate even more than that.
- Meditate when you don’t want to.
- Meditate when you do.
- Meditate when you have something to meditate on.
- Meditate when you don’t.
- Meditate every day.
- Keep meditating.
Seriously though there is a lesson in there. Think like a meditator, be like a meditator. Which is by the way the title of a forth coming blog post I’m currently working on.
Comments
8 Responses to “10 Steps to Becoming a Better Meditator”
Got something to say?
Hi Loden, you may remember me. We’ve exchanged a few emails in the past but I’ve been out of touch for a while. Are you back in Melbourne or will you be in India for a while? I’ve appreciated what contact we’ve had. Sangha really IS one of the three precious jewels.
Michael
I will be back in Australia in about 10 days. We can check up then if you like.
Although I am new to Buddhism it already has changed my perception of life and changed it.
Now I find out my step-dad is dying and I really want to help him pass away peacefully, happily.
What can I do? I have asked all the enlightened ones to be with him. Is there anything more specific that will help him to have a good re-birth?
I would very much appreciate your help.
Metta
Petra
Hi Petra,
In my experience the best thing to do is be there for him. Support him in what ever way is best for him. If he is open enough, you could teach him to meditate. Just simply breathing meditation. This would be very useful. If you can also be calm and relaxed around him. Do not cry in in front of him…unless he starts :)
In the end, the best thing is to be supportive! The rest will take care of itself.
hope that helps?
Hello I’m seeking for help. I have come to the point were I believe life is not even worth living. I can’t rely on religion because most of them force you to believe in their belief or you will be punish by their great creator. I found buddism so interesting but I can’t grasp all those great experience people talk when they medite.How can I concentrate more? I try following my breathing but thought just keep poping out. Please help! thank you.
Dear Fabian,
The first thing to learn to do when you meditate is to relax. If you expect outcomes after only a couple of session, then you will be disappointed.
Read this and see if it helps http://lodenjinpa.com/be-like-a-meditator-think-like-a-meditator/
Learning to concentrate is only part of being a good meditator. Patience and perseverance are key if you want to transform your mind.
Take small steps in the right direction and over time you will end up in the place you want to be. Don’t rush! This will only slow you down.
It is paradoxical and perhaps even counterintutitive but, in my own experience the key is doing a little each day and being compassionate towards yourself.
Good luck
Hello Loden Jinpa (Clarke Scott) great to hear your news for 2010 and all the exciting developments flowing your way. I wonder if you would allow me to put your entry ‘10 Steps To Becoming a Better Meditator’ on my blog .. attributed to you/your blog(s) .. I loved the simplicity and directness of this entry. Wishing you all the very best. Sarah
Sure go for it :)
If you could add a link to the Tasmanian Institute for Consciousness Studies articles, thus thanking to promote the project—that is if you think it worth while of course—that would be awesome :)