Before one of my yoga practice it began with shamatha meditation is a Buddhist technique to prepare your mind more stable. It makes me feel relaxed and calm that’s why I am talking about here.
Shamatha or mindfulness in Sanskrit means ”peacefully abiding” describes the mind as it naturally is. Although this practice that anyone can do, people doing meditation know that keeping your mind calm is not easy. In shamatha meditation we aren’t creating a peaceful state. We’re letting our mind be as it is to begin with. This doesn’t mean that we’re peacefully ignoring things. It means that the mind is able to be with itself without constantly leaving.
How to do Shamatha meditation?
Where to do?
Firstly, find a place to sit where you won’t be interrupted you at specific period of time. In a city there is rarely a sound free place to sit. But quiet is not necessary for Shamatha. Initially 5 minutes is a great time to introduce yourself then you can sit around 10 minutes.
Where to sit?
At the beginning, sitting in chair is a best choice.When you sit at chair your feet should be flat on the floor with upright spine. If it is not possible to rest back of the chair, knees should be the level of the hips or lower. Also rest your hands on your thighs. If you pull your hands too far your shoulder should not be kept upright posture. Find your positions to feel comfortable in that area.
How to start Shamatha?
This meditation is about being present you can have your eyes open. You will see thee things in front of you and you will blink and your eyes will move. You do not focus on a spot, but simply rest your gaze.
Then your attention should come up to your breath then mind will wander. Without concentration, without focus, just being present and aware of how the breath goes out.
I think Shamatha is one of great choice to rest your mind especially before yoga practice.
SHAMATHA MEDITATION-TRAINING MIND
