A Question about Kumāra Bhikkhu's Meditation Method

[Heaviside]

I know that the thread on his book has closed. (I read it with great interest.) However, after listening to several of his talks I have a question about his meditation method. In one talk he advises mdeitating with the eyes open. Perhaps it is worth a try, but I am interested in what folks here think about this advice.

[Goofaholix]

It's worth a try and if it works for you keep doing it, it can help when you're having trouble with sleepiness, but generally eyes closed more common and probably better.

[Crazy cloud]

I do a lot of meditation with my eyes open. It works fine

[Ceisiwr]

I know that the thread on his book has closed. (I read it with great interest.) However, after listening to several of his talks I have a question about his meditation method. In one talk he advises mdeitating with the eyes open. Perhaps it is worth a try, but I am interested in what folks here think about this advice.

I sometimes meditate with my eyes open or semi-open. It's possible the Buddha did too

It’s when a mendicant has gone to a wilderness, or to the root of a tree, or to an empty hut. They sit down cross-legged, with their body straight, and establish mindfulness right there. Just mindful, they breathe in. Mindful, they breathe out. When breathing in heavily they know: ‘I’m breathing in heavily.’ When breathing out heavily they know: ‘I’m breathing out heavily.’ … They practice like this: ‘I’ll breathe in observing letting go.’ They practice like this: ‘I’ll breathe out observing letting go.’ That’s how immersion due to mindfulness of breathing, when developed and cultivated, is very fruitful and beneficial.

Before my awakening—when I was still unawakened but intent on awakening—I too usually practiced this kind of meditation. And while I was usually practicing this kind of meditation neither my body nor my eyes became fatigued. And my mind was freed from defilements by not grasping.

https://suttacentral.net/sn54.8/en/suja ... ript=latin

That said, I don't think it matters much.

[SarathW]

Don't some people sleep eyes open?
What about some animals and fish etc.

[pegembara]

If the alternative is falling asleep, better to have your eyes opened.
Also, it is good practice to prepare for daily life. You can maintain your awareness anywhere and anytime off the cushion.
For example, while sitting on public transport.

[SarathW]

Can you practice Kasina meditation closing your eyes?

[Ceisiwr]

Can you practice Kasina meditation closing your eyes?

Yes.

[SarathW]

Can you practice Kasina meditation closing your eyes?

Yes.

For instance, first, you have to make a round Kasina object from clay, etc.
Then you have to pay attention to it.
How can you see the Kasina object when you close your eyes?

[Ceisiwr]

Can you practice Kasina meditation closing your eyes?

Yes.

For instance, first, you have to make a round Kasina object from clay, etc.
Then you have to pay attention to it.
How can you see the Kasina object when you close your eyes?

Skilled mediators can pick up the learning sign just by glancing any object. The counterpart sign is always contemplated in the mind, not with the eyes.

[SarathW]

Yes.

For instance, first, you have to make a round Kasina object from clay, etc.
Then you have to pay attention to it.
How can you see the Kasina object when you close your eyes?

Skilled mediators can pick up the learning sign just by glancing any object. The counterpart sign is always contemplated in the mind, not with the eyes.

I am talking about before taking the counterpart sign.

[Ceisiwr]

For instance, first, you have to make a round Kasina object from clay, etc.
Then you have to pay attention to it.
How can you see the Kasina object when you close your eyes?

Skilled mediators can pick up the learning sign just by glancing any object. The counterpart sign is always contemplated in the mind, not with the eyes.

I am talking about before taking the counterpart sign.

They grasp the sign just by a glance, and then meditate.

[DeadBuddha]

Hello,

I heard that in Zen Buddhism, it is strongly recommended not to close the eyes. In Zen Buddhism, the eyes are half-open, and to do this we point them to the tip of our nose. For Zen, half-open eyes are preferred to closed eyes, because closed eyes can cause drowsiness as well as disturbing mental images (such as points of light, imaginary objects, etc.). However, the meditator beginning this technique should rather meditate facing a white wall, as this prevents us from being distracted by seeing distracting objects (such as phones, food, etc.).

Personally, I close my eyes. But having tried to keep my eyes half-open facing the wall, I must say that it works well too.

Can you please write a short summary of Kumara Bikkhu's meditation method?
Thank you in advance.

May all beings lift each other up to enlightenment.

[Kumara]

With the eyes open, you get to learn how to observe seeing as just seeing.

[zerotime]

I know that the thread on his book has closed. (I read it with great interest.) However, after listening to several of his talks I have a question about his meditation method. In one talk he advises mdeitating with the eyes open. Perhaps it is worth a try, but I am interested in what folks here think about this advice.

I fear that you will not find many Sutta episodes of entrance in the stream with closed eyes. At least I've never found it.

Contemplating the Reality according its characteristics should become the main task while meditating seated at the floor with closed eyes an added tool