Summary: In this episode of the Jay Forrest Show I teach you how to meditate and even offer you a guided meditation. In the words of Jon Kabat-Zinn, “Mindfulness is awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Meditation is the core of Buddhist practice. Buddhism is not about believing certain things, it is about the practice. Don’t just believe, know through your own experience. Being a Buddhist means being a meditator. There are two basic types of meditation, both help develop mindfulness. The first is samatha is tranquility or concentration meditation. The second is vipassana or insight meditation. Vipassana is distinctly a Buddhist form of meditation. The Theravada tradition focuses on vipassana, but other traditions teach it as well. For this talk I will be following the Theravada tradition. My own definition of Vipassa is, "Vipassana is the exploration and observation of inner space, and one who practices vipassana is a scientist of inner space." I also give you detailed instructions on preparing for meditation, such as the sitting position, what to do with the hands, eyes, etc. I touch on the importance of relaxation. And then I give you detailed instructions on how to focus on your breath. But I also offer you a fourfold method to deal with the problem of the wandering mind. This strategy is the best way to help you concentrate and become focused. This especially helps people with ADD. The podcast ends with a guided meditation with music. Here I help you learn to meditate by having you meditate with me. I guide you step by step to focus on the breath, to relax, and to discover an inner calm. This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey into insight. Research Links How to do Mindfulness Meditation Wikipedia on Mindfulness Voicemail Feedback Line Your feedback is important, please call 505-750-3121 and leave a voice message to be played on the show. Music Credits Ethereal Awakening by Project Divinity Podcast Survey You can help me better serve you and let me know a little more about you. Please fill out the survey over at the Blubrry Network, the link is: http://www.blubrry.com/jayforrestshow/survey/ Jay Forrest Show Resources My Blog - Read the latest from my personal Blog Beliefs - What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism. About - Who is Jay Forrest? Contact - Contact information including email and phone number. Bookstore - A list of some of the best Buddhist books. Shop - Buy a T-Shirt or Mug and show your support. Privacy Policy - Read our Privacy Policy Subscribe to the Podcast Make sure you never miss an episode of the Jay Forrest Show by subscribing to the podcast. For complete instructions click here.
