The Dhamma Wheel Meditation Challenge

[Ben]

Hi James,

Hello all,

Maybe a little formal introduction would help. My name is James and I have been practicing Buddhism for about 7 months now. I'm rather eclectic - I've been to Vajrayana centres, Zen centres and had discussions with a Theravadin Monk. I had resolved to focus on Shikantaza meditation originally in this New Year, but recently have decided to get back to the basics with some Anapanasati. I do about 20 mins a day (excluding time on the bus), and attend a Zen Centre about once a week. I think I will suggest that from this day forward I will do 20 mins as part of my morning routine, as well as bus time, and atleast 5 minutes every night.

Edit: I'm not attached to missing a minute here or there, I'm just trying to get myself going.


Metta,
James

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel. When you get a moment, you might like to start a thread in the 'introductions' forum. You can either copy and paste what you've written here or write something a little different - its up to you. I wish you all the very best with reintegrating the basics and focusing on anapanasati.
metta

Ben

[bodom]

I thought it might be good to start a daily meditation journal in which we can all post and share. This can be a good way to stay motivated and really commit yourself to a daily meditation practice. Please everyone feel free to post and use this as a daily log, diary or however you think fit. The important thing is the actual practice in which I hope this thread will inspire.

And please remember the Buddhas words of warning:

"There are these roots of trees, these rooms that are void: meditate, bhikkhus, do not delay lest you regret it later. This is our instruction to you."

This morning i walked for 30 minutes followed by another 30 minute sit.

[bodom]

I managed to get 30 minutes of walking in just now while my daughter took a nap. Got to get it in whatever way i can. Hope to see some others posting.

[Guy]

I like the idea.

So far today:

20 minutes of Metta - went quite smoothly.
40 minutes of Anapanasati - very heavy sloth and torpor, lots of day dreaming, not much mindfulness.

I will walk for a bit now, which usually helps with the sloth and torpor, then I'll do Anapanasati again.

[bodom]

I like the idea.

So far today:

20 minutes of Metta - went quite smoothly.
40 minutes of Anapanasati - very heavy sloth and torpor, lots of day dreaming, not much mindfulness.

I will walk for a bit now, which usually helps with the sloth and torpor, then I'll do Anapanasati again.

Thanks for posting Guy. I have always found walking before sitting to be greatly beneficial in my practice. It is especially emphasised in the Mahasi tradition. I always keep in mind a quote from Sayadaw U. Pandita who said sitting without walking first is like trying to start a car with a dead battery.

[bodom]

Walked and sat for 30 and 30. Spent a good part of the session noting the sensation of "hunger" as I haven't eaten yet. Will aim to get maybe a 30-45 sit in later today while my daughter naps.

[Ben]

The Daily Meditation Journal has been merged into this thread.
Be Happy!

Ben

[effort]

old subject, like it

i want to confess that because in the same time i get cold and my allergy starts i dint follow the routine for about 5 days, i can not breath from nostrils and sometimes feel no oxygen.
i know its just an excuse, but this time no force to make a sit.

happy to confessed !

[bodom]

Was able to get in a 30 minute walk and 30 minute sit just now. My daughters with grandpa for the day so I have lots of time for study and practice.

[bodom]

30 minutes walking / 30 minutes sitting.

[rowyourboat]

tried to remain today with a mind of metta, saddha, and dana for much of it as possible. Feel much happier for it.

[bodom]

30 minutes walking / 30 minutes sitting.

[bodom]

Had my hour session interupted tonight so was only able to get 30 minutes of walking in. Better than nothing i guess.

[Guy]

Today I walked for 100 minutes then sat for 60 minutes. Quite a lot of restlessness while I was walking so I walked for an extra 40 minutes than I originally intended to try to test out this restless feeling (a technique I have tried before). It seemed to come in waves, at first it got more intense, sometimes it was totally absent and I was very peaceful by the time I came to sit. But then while I was sitting I went the other way and slipped into some dullness a little bit when I tried to narrow my focus to the breath.

[bodom]

Only 20 minute sit tonight. My daughter is sick and not at all happy.

[Ben]

Well done Bodom!
Any meditation during times of difficulty where you are attending to the needs of another is a good thing.
It is during times of adversity that practice becomes our anchor.
Wishing your daughter a full recovery soon.
metta

Ben

[David N. Snyder]

Only 20 minute sit tonight. My daughter is sick and not at all happy.

May Maya be well, healthy, and happy soon!!

[bodom]

Thanks Ben and David for your well wishes. She's just a little congested and having trouble breathing when laying down so its nothing serious. She's on the tail end of it.

[bodom]

30 minutes walking / 30 minutes sitting.

[bodom]

30 minutes walking / 30 minutes sitting.