Recognising
that each of us is different, the teaching process in this tradition
is one to one. Following individual initiation each meditator
is normally taught by one person for a period of time, although
some teaching may also occur in groups, as may be appropriate.
Additionally, residential weekends and short courses of varying
demand are held from time to time, offering opportunities to
establish and further the practice.
Meditation
is a daily practice, for a period of half an hour at a time.
This requires some discipline or enthusiasm. In our tradition
we adopt a physical posture that is comfortable for the individual,
eg. an upright, straight-backed chair. It will help matters
if the meditator can sit in an environment that is relatively
calm, establishing a place where he will not be disturbed. A
completely noise-free environment is not necessary, although
the presence of background music does provide a hindrance and
is not recommended!
We emphasise the difference between paying attention to all
that occurs in our daily lives, and the simplicity of attending
to the field of awareness in meditation. Both are necessary,
though in each the domain of awareness is different. It is important
to know this difference and to act accordingly.
It is common experience that during the course of a period of
meditation feelings, thoughts and images arise of their own
volition. This is quite natural and they are intimately involved
with the process of meditation. However, we do not emphasise
their importance - often, as one arises, another is waiting
to take its place !
"That
word is the needle of the Queen of the Eastern Mountain.
With it she sews up the scattered parts of the mind;
as the word goes upon its way it creates and destroys
the worlds of the mind. It makes all into a seamless
garment. Do not instruct her as to its travels. She
knows."
(Phoenician
Letters)
