【Description】
As we continue our meditation practices, our body will continue to transform in various ways until it is totally renewed. What are the feelings that might occur during the early stages of our meditation practices? In this teaching, Grandmaster JinBodhi reveals some of the “preliminary feelings” of meditation. He also shares the benefits of tasting “Divine nectar,” and what it feels like to have our whole body renewed and unobstructed.
【You will learn】
- The reasons for sweating hands and feet, as well as the formation of “Divine nectar” while chanting
- One of the reactions to the elevation of the meditation state
- Reasons for itchy skin while meditating
- Reactions to the increase of energy in our body
【Content】
Our palms and feet start sweating, and our skin becomes radiant and glowing. Swallowing the nectar is highly beneficial for recovery.
The Preliminary Feelings of Meditation
Through constant practice, you feel differently in initial and advanced practice. It is similar to practicing artistic skills. At first you take baby steps. You go from being unable to crawl to running, jumping and dancing. We will feel some changes when we just start to practice.
When chanting with me, your saliva will have a sweet taste. What is it called? (Nectar.) Right, it is nectar. Remember that. When swallowed, it is highly beneficial for recovery. Next, our palms and feet sweat; this indicates a free-flowing body. Blockage leads to illness and physical pain. A free-flowing body is the first sign of good health.
Next is radiant and glowing skin. Our previous chanting sessions were short. After chanting for a week, everyone’s skin will look a few years younger. What else is next? There will be soreness, pain, numbness, swelling, smoothness and fineness. Smooth and extremely fine skin. Next, dryness – the opposite of smooth and fine. It will be difficult to rub your hands. Why did they become so dry? It indicates the elevation in the meditative realm.
Yes, there are also dryness and itchiness. Your nose, head and back starts itching while chanting. Why? The harder to reach, the itchier it is. How awkward. Chanting with palms together, should you start scratching? Generally speaking, don’t scratch. The itch means the flowing energy is passing through blockages. Once energy flows smoothly, the itching will stop. Otherwise, it means the area needs healing. During the healing process, you may feel itchy, numb or sore. The feeling will change after a while.
With further practice, you become more sensitive to energy; your hands will become very hot. This is called hot hands. When I experienced this period, my skin peeled off. The extremely rough and dry skin will peel off. Practice and you will know. You may not experience exactly the same as I did. These are still preliminary.
As you keep practicing, you will experience more wonderful and easeful feelings.