| Meditating for Others and
Ourselves by John C. Kimbrough The practice of meditation, when done consistently and on a regular basis, brings about clarity in our energy and the consciousness that is a joy to experience. If, in addition to meditation, we also practice the various postures, techniques and breathing practices that make up the science and discipline of Hatha Yoga, the mental and physical enhancement of our being is intensified. These two practices, when done within the context of a set of teachings, whether it is The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism (Arriya Antangikka Magga) or The Yoga of the Eight Limbs (Astanga/Raja Yoga), give an individual a holistic approach to life that cultivates concentration, tranquility and equanimity of the consciousness. We do these things for ourselves, but much of what we are doing is for others, especially when we practice meditation. How can this be? The changes that we are bringing about in our being affect how we relate to other people. Our practice does not clear up another's consciousness or improve their mental and physical health or give them a path and way consisting of various morals and ethics to live by, but it does create in us the ability to react to them or act on them in such a way that their experience in life is being enhanced. We will be more patient and sincerely interested in listening and them and interacting with them. This will be of benefit to them. We will be more compassionate to their life experience, thoughts, feelings and emotions. This will be of benefit to them. We will be more understanding about the things that they say and do and be more capable of giving them feedback and input which will help them access the wisdom and insight that is within them. This will be of benefit to them. We may even be able to grow, through our own practice, to a place where we actively engage in some action or activity that is dedicated to assisting others in overcoming the wounds in their life or growing to a new place. This will be of benefit to them. Sometimes, in these modern times, where there seems to be so much subtle and overt emphasis on competition, we may also think of or practice meditation and Hatha Yoga as also being something that has competitive aspect to it. We may feel a certain kind of status if we have learned with a certain teacher, been to a certain country or ashram or developed the ability to perform a certain posture. Certainly, we may feel proud or thankful about these things, but they are not things that should be making us feel overly special or arrogant about who we are and where we are going with our practice. Most of the people that I have met over the years who are interested in practicing Yoga and meditation and learning about Buddhism are gentle and humble souls who want to love and be loved better, show humility in discussing their thoughts, feelings and life experiences, and are open to making the effort to improve their understanding and application of the teachings. It is a joy to meet and interact with such people. If we are being competitive about and in our practice, we need to step back and get a better understanding of what it is we are trying to achieve. We may even have to take a closer look at what our teaching and learning environment for either Yoga or Buddhism is and has been. These are not martial arts, where there is an emphasis on developing a fighting spirit and winning. The only thing that we need to fight are these things within us that keep us from being centered, focused and calm in all of our daily situations and experiences, not another individual. Some come to calmer or more appreciative states of being and living when they understand what it is they have been through or overcome in life. Maybe some of us have not seen those really difficult and painful things yet. Regardless, when we are doing any kind of work on ourselves through the learning and application of the teachings and meditation, we are also doing something for others also. John C. Kimbrough lives and teaches in Bangkok, Thailand. He can be reached at johnckimbrough@yahoo.com) Copyright © 2004 John C. Kimbrough |
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Aug 2004 |
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