Spiritual Meditation -Attaining Spiritual Bliss and Enlightenment
Spiritual Meditation
While visiting the Cao Dai temple in Vietnam, I witnessed a few individuals in a meditative state. From the expression on their faces, they appeared to be experiencing a state of spiritual bliss. Inspired by this, I decided to paint the picture on the left- see Spiritual Artwork to view an enlarge image.
Several people have said to me that they would love to meditate, but find it difficult to do. I agree. It can be difficult, but not impossible.
The first few times I attempted to meditate, my success rate was nil. My thoughts kept jumping from one thing to another. The more I tried to focus, the harder it got. Instead of enjoying the many benefits of meditation, I viewed it as a grueling task. After several attempts, I realized what I was doing wrong. I was trying too hard.
The key to meditation is to relax. Instead of relaxing, I was creating body tension. I was not letting go or releasing.
When I began focusing on my breathing, the sensation of letting go became evident. I could feel my body becoming lighter, and the muscles loosening up. Moreover, I was sinking deeper and deeper inside myself. The experience was exhilarating.
Nowadays, I do not view meditation as an exhausting task. It has become part of my life. It is a method I utilize to achieve a high level of spiritual bliss.
Easy Spiritual Meditation Exercise Find a place where you can feel comfortable, and will not be disturbed. It can be the bedroom, the living room, the bathroom, etc. Now, sit in a comfortable position. You can sit on a chair, a bed or the floor. The choice is yours. Close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Feel the air going in and out of the body smoothly and softly. With each exhale, allow yourself to relax and let go. Do this a few times. While you are relaxing and letting go, visualize or think of a place where you feel safe and protected. It can be a park, beach, church, temple or a place outside the walls of earth. Once again, you decide. When you find yourself in your safe place, repeat a word(s) that has great meaning to you. It can be God, Supreme Being, name of spiritual master, peace, etc. If you are suffering from illness, the word(s) can be healing or good health. You are in control. You select the word that is right for you. As you continue to repeat silently your selected word(s), imagine a white light bathing your entire body. The greater the light, the more peaceful you feel. Be still, continue repeating your selected word(s), and allow yourself and the light to become one. Continue this process until the end of the session.
If you did not feel a sense of well being, do not worry. Tomorrow is another day. The key is not to give up.
Buddhist Prayer For Peace May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another. May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness-the children, the aged, the unprotected- be guarded by beneficial celestials, and may they swiftly attain a Buddhahood. May peace be with you.
Spiritual Meditation -Go to Spiritual Artwork
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