Monk prayer is a form of meditation in which the practitioner sits in a lotus position while silently and gradually bowing his or her knees. The intention is to allow the mind to rest and allow for inner reflection and stillness. While this may sound like simple, everyday life rarely offers opportunities to just sit and reflect, so most people find it hard to meditate. This is why, as many have discovered, many of the world’s great religions have always encouraged meditation, sometimes to the point of encouraging people to take monastic vows.
There are many forms of meditation. One of the most popular, although also the most challenging, is sitting meditation. For those not familiar with it, this requires that you sit in a relatively comfortable chair and allow yourself to become tranquil. As you relax, you simply observe your breathing. Initially this may seem difficult, but as you practice, you will find it becomes easier until it is possible to do it without thinking.
A related form of meditation is progressive muscle relaxation. Through this process, you learn to tense and then relax muscles throughout your body. As a result, you can train yourself to be more flexible and less susceptible to the pain that accompanies many types of physical activity. Progressive relaxation is often recommended to people who are recovering from injuries, as it gives them an opportunity to fully recuperate before beginning any strenuous exercise.
One of the most important aspects of meditation is learning how to quiet your mind. It’s important that you find a way to shut out the noise of the world and give your mind some room to think. One effective way to achieve this is through progressive relaxation techniques. Those people who have spent years meditating, either by tradition or by experience, know that this often involves letting go of worries and focusing on one’s breath. With practice, you’ll learn to do the same without thinking.
Another popular meditation technique is focused imagery. This technique uses visual images or pictures to help you relax and enter a state of meditation. This is a good way for people who need a bit of a boost in the direction of self-awareness, and it makes the experience more interesting because you’re not always doing the same thing.
One of the keys to monk style of meditation is stillness. While a lot of modern technology may make life much more comfortable than it has been in the past, there’s really no substitute for time to yourself. Sitting still is often one of the ways that monks can refresh themselves, allowing their minds to rest and their bodies to rejuvenate. In fact, it’s said that if you meditate for at least thirty minutes each day, you will reap the benefits of a longer, healthier life. This makes meditation not just something to do when you feel lazy, but also something that you can do to enhance your lifestyle.
It’s easy to learn the basics of Buddhist meditation techniques through books or videos. However, to be truly successful, you should combine these resources with daily walking and mindful eating. For a full body workout, try using a rowing machine, running, or a bike ride. You might also want to consider using strength training equipment, such as weights or weight machines.
Through the power of your will alone, you can achieve all of your goals and desires. So why give up on your dream of becoming a monk? A better question would be, why give up on your dreams of a peaceful, pain-free life? Don’t let fear of the future hold you back from following your heart. If you’re ready to take your life to the spiritual path, why not begin by meditating?
