We had the Sunday Introduction to Meditation Class at Yoga Bliss yesterday. We continued working with the four foundations of mindfulness inspired by the teachings in B. Alan Wallace’s Minding Closely: The Four Applications of Mindfulness.
We started by establishing awareness in the sensory field of the body. During this time we were reminded to sense into the earth element. After a period of walking meditation, we shifted attention to the domain of mental experience: ideas, thoughts, images, desires, emotions and aspirations. Alan encourages students to notice the movement of the mind – like the wind in its many directions and forces.
In his book, Alan observes how our feelings are aroused by sensory experience, thoughts, and memories. They always change depending on context, our life circumstances. We do our best to navigate life’s sea of change. We all want to be happy. Alan asks: what is the true source of happiness? He draws from Buddhist teaching which distinguishes between “mundane” and “genuine” happiness. We seek happiness in the every day concerns of acquiring material goods, pursuing sensual pleasure and seeking praise. We avoid loss, pain and blame. All of these pursuits are dependent on many circumstances beyond our control.
Buddhist philosophy teaches three sources of genuine happiness. The first is in living a conscious life: being concerned about the quality of life and conduct that we bring to the world. He says that “if you know that you’ve done your very best not to injure people, your intent is to treat others decently, respectfully, and honestly, then there arises a sense of well being . . .”
The second dimension is one that arises through developing exceptional mental balance as in the practice of meditation. Practicing deeply focused attention and cultivating loving kindness for extended periods stimulate well being from the quality of awareness we bring to the world.
The third aspect of well being and happiness arises from gaining insight into the nature of reality. This is the balance and calm that arise with clear perception.
Ethical conduct, concentration and clear perception are all qualities we can realize in meditation. It is actually a privilege to have the time, place and capacity to meditate. We discussed the importance of engaging these capacities in our daily lives. Many meditation teachers that I’ve studied with use the term “flourishing” to describe the experience of true happiness. We flourish when people, animals, plants and our natural world flourish. I believe we create the conditions for flourishing on Sundays. I draw inspiration from your presence.
This week I plan to observe when I get lost in “mundane” concerns and what brings me back to a sense of the sacred. I will think of you and our shared aspirations that all beings flourish.