Meditation has become one of the most popular wellness practices globally in recent years. In pursuit of a better quality of life and spiritual fulfillment, an increasing number of people are embracing meditation and have gained mental tranquility through this practice. However, the information about meditation on the internet can be overwhelming and confusing for beginners. If you are new to meditation, this article will provide answers to many introductory questions. For instance: How many meditation practices are there? What sensations might one experience during meditation? How does it feel when entering samadhi? Read on and find out how to ease your meditation journey!
Forms and Techniques of Meditation
Meditation, also known as “Zen,” is often done in the form of contemplating in a seated position. While most people initially associate meditation with sitting, there are other forms of meditation for one to practice toward achieving the samadhi state. Here are four common forms of meditation:
1.Sitting Meditation: This is the most common form of meditation. One can choose to sit in a quarter-lotus, half-lotus, or full-lotus position. In Bodhi Meditation’s courses, The Meditation of Purity requires participants to sit-meditate while being guided by Grandmaster JinBodhi’s visualization instructions to reach the state of samadhi.
2.Walking Meditation: This is a meditation method that requires practitioners to contemplate while engaged in a walking motion. Walking meditation can complement sitting meditation in enhancing the overall practice, uplifting spirits, and aiding digestion.
3.Standing Meditation: Standing meditation involves practicing meditation while in a standing position. Throughout the practice, the body maintains a relaxed and still posture, with knees slightly bent rather than overly straight. The Meditation of Greater Illumination, one of the most fundamental meditation methods of Bodhi Meditation, falls in the category of standing meditation. Following the guidance provided by Grandmaster JinBodhi’s instructions aids in purifying the body and mind, promoting health and wisdom.
4.Lying-Down Meditation: As the name suggests, this practice requires participants to contemplate while lying down. This form of meditation requires profound meditation experience and professional guidance. As such, it is not recommended for beginners.
Apart from the above four meditation forms, there are various methods in meditation practice, including visualizing breath, breath counting, chanting, and visualization. Among these, visualization meditation is considered one of the most effective (the quickest way to realize results) and authentic methods in Buddhist practice. Human brains are constantly generating thoughts. The more we try to clear our minds, the more our scattered thoughts arise. The visualization method taught by Grandmaster JinBodhi is using one thought to guide practitioners to unify their myriad thoughts, letting the mind gradually enter a purer and more pristine state.
In summary, meditation comes in various forms and methods, all aiming to promote health, purity, and ease of body and mind. Given the plethora of information on meditation available online, it is recommended that beginners choose and receive guidance from righteous and experienced professionals to truly benefit from the practice.
The Eight Sensations of Samadhi and the Divine Nectar
The “Eight Sensations of Samadhi” are common sensations experienced by beginners during meditation when they first get a taste of the samadhi state. The eight sensations include restlessness, itching, buoyancy, heaviness, coldness, heat, roughness, smoothness. During meditation, due to changes in our body and mind, we may notice unique sensations, such as involuntary body movements, itchy skin, a feeling of lightness as if we are floating, or changes in skin texture. These experiences are normal phenomena that usually fade over time. It’s advised not to become overly attached to or fixated on these sensations when they arise.
Additionally, Grandmaster JinBodhi taught us that all aspects of our body are continuously changing while we are practicing meditation. During the meditation process, some individuals may experience special reactions in their body and mind. For example, the production of sweet saliva, known as the “Divine nectar,” is a rare occurrence; after being swallowed slowly, the nectar can be beneficial to the practitioner’s body.
For more insights into meditation experiences, kindly refer to:
The Preliminary Feelings of Meditation
Cultivating Nectar Through Meditation
Understanding the State of Samadhi
The state of samadhi is an extremely tranquil state. In Buddhism, the “Four Dhyanas and Eight Samadhis” describes the progressive states of practitioners, including the first dhyana, second dhyana, third dhyana, fourth dhyana, the state of boundless space, the state of boundless consciousness, the state of boundless nothingness, and lastly, the state of neither perception nor nonperception.
According to Grandmaster JinBodhi, there are four levels of meditative states. The first level allows one to feel the quietness of the body; the quietness of the mind and emotions are felt in the second level. In the third level, practitioners enter the state where they no longer feel the presence of quietness anymore, and the fourth level is the realm of true emptiness, where all perception vanishes, including the consciousness of oneself. Not everyone can reach the advanced levels because attaining the state of samadhi requires a certain level of practice and wisdom and involves overcoming various challenges and obstacles. Therefore, to reach the state of samadhi, it is recommended to have guidance from a qualified instructor who has experienced all levels and can guide students through each state.
For a deeper understanding of profound meditative states and to learn methods of entering samadhi, it is recommended to watch “In-Depth Exploration of Meditation,” which can help you experience breakthroughs in your understanding of meditation.
For more information on states of samadhi, watch:
The Meaning of Samadhi in Meditation
Can Meditation Be Self-Taught? Find a Professional Meditation Center for Secure Practice.
Meditation is a spiritual practice, and beginners may experience unprecedented and unique sensations. Without the right understanding, self-directed learning can easily lead to hallucinations, illusions, and an attachment to supernatural experiences. Therefore, it is advisable for beginners to choose a professional meditation center. In addition to providing an environment conducive to practice, these centers also have experienced instructors who can answer practitioners’ questions and guide them to follow the correct methods to grasp the essentials of meditation.
Meditation Courses for Beginners
If you are interested in learning more, visit a Bodhi Meditation Center near you to check out their meditation courses. Enroll in an in-person course for beginners to experience the transformation of body and mind. The beginner-level meditation classes offer you a chance to learn Grandmaster JinBodhi’s unique meditation practices, such as The Meditation of Purity and The Meditation of Greater Illumination, which not only purify the body and mind but also replenish energy, benefiting both physical and mental health.
You can also join online meditation courses for free by visiting Bodhi Meditation College’s website. Be sure to follow Grandmaster JinBodhi’s YouTube channel and Facebook page for the latest information on meditation.
延伸閱讀：
What We Cultivate in Self-Cultivation