[oyymoss]

I started practicing Buddhist meditation about 6 or 7 years ago. At that time I was going through an emotional roller coaster so I thought practicing Buddhist meditation could solve my problems. After a few months of meditating for about 15 to 30 minutes every night, I was able to stop random thoughts and experience peaceful state of mind (I did have two interesting experiences while meditating, but I think I should just keep it to myself).

Anyway, I stopped my practice after some months of doing it. Now that I think back, I think the main reason I gave up because I was too attached to having fun (partying), or possibly I was going to college at that time and felt that the materials I learned at school were radically different from the Buddhist philosophy. I don't know. Recently, I feel the desire to practice Buddhism again.

Right now for my daily practice, I try to be mindful on everything that I do (it's not easy but I try). As for meditation practice at night, I try to calm my mind and reason with random thoughts until they disappear completely. I'm aware that there are many Buddhist practices and curious about the practices of other members here. Please share. Thanks

[DoctoNilsonDen]

I meditate daily and have recently changed from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. at 20 minutes my mind was always waiting for the timer on my phone to chime, at 30 minutes my mind doesn't see the imminence of the alarm so this has helped. I also try to be mindful at all times but often catch myself not being as mindful as I'd like. This is not a failure, it's simply training the mind to be centred. My mind used to be all over the place but I am now benefiting from a peaceful mind and it's a better place to be.
I have just joined a non religious Buddhist meditation group which I attend weekly and I'm doing quite a bit of reading on the subject.
I'm not working at the moment due to a back problem so I also have plenty of time to listen to Dharma talks via pod casts.

[SpecialOFFER]

Hi All,

Mornings -

Ngondro & Confession to the 35 Buddhas, Including Protrations

Evening -

Medicine Buddha & Chenrezi Sadhana

[lapyignipinge]

I meditate daily and have recently changed from 20 minutes to 30 minutes. at 20 minutes my mind was always waiting for the timer on my phone to chime, at 30 minutes my mind doesn't see the imminence of the alarm so this has helped. I also try to be mindful at all times but often catch myself not being as mindful as I'd like. This is not a failure, it's simply training the mind to be centred. My mind used to be all over the place but I am now benefiting from a peaceful mind and it's a better place to be.
I have just joined a non religious Buddhist meditation group which I attend weekly and I'm doing quite a bit of reading on the subject.
I'm not working at the moment due to a back problem so I also have plenty of time to listen to Dharma talks via pod casts.

Thanks for sharing I remember the first couple weeks of trying to meditate, there was a constant urge of wanting to find out how long I have meditated for . However, the following subsequent weeks, I didn't really care about that no more.

[Nupbeaupeteew]

Hi All,

Mornings -

Ngondro & Confession to the 35 Buddhas, Including Protrations

Evening -

Medicine Buddha & Chenrezi Sadhana

Sounds like a wonderful practice. I think having a morning ritual of reciting the 35 confession Buddhas could certainly help a practitioner stay more focused on his/her practice throughout the day.

ps. I didn't really know about the Ngondro & Confession to the 35 Buddhas and Medicine Buddha & Chenrezi Sadhana until you mentioned it. I will add the 35 Confession to the Buddhas to my morning practice. Thanks.

[joulseenjoync]

Sounds like a wonderful practice. I think having a morning ritual of reciting the 35 confession Buddhas could certainly help a practitioner stay more focused on his/her practice throughout the day.

ps. I didn't really know about the Ngondro & Confession to the 35 Buddhas and Medicine Budd
ha & Chenrezi Sadhana until you mentioned it. I will add the 35 Confession to the Buddhas to my morning practice. Thanks.

I am part of a study program thru the KTC Monestary in upstate NY that teachs these practices.

[lammaredder]

I just searched for KTC on the internet. It says that the monastery offers a 3 year retreat program. I'm curious of how much it costs to enter this program?

[FelixQY]

I just searched for KTC on the internet. It says that the monastery offers a 3 year retreat program. I'm curious of how much it costs to enter this program?

The 3 year Retreat program is a traditional Retreat Program for those that want to become Lamas. The new group is swet to go into Retreat as of Thursday so there will not be another chance for a few yeaRS.

I am part of the "Dharma Path Program" which is home study. You should see it on the website as well.

[ranndomderr]

The 3 year Retreat program is a traditional Retreat Program for those that want to become Lamas. The new group is swet to go into Retreat as of Thursday so there will not be another chance for a few yeaRS.

I am part of the "Dharma Path Program" which is home study. You should see it on the website as well.

Ah OK, thanks.

[SaamanthaSterlyng]

Ah OK, thanks.

If interested in the Kaygu Lineage I highly recomend the Dharma Path Program

[Michael-jeckson2]

I try to meditate daily for about an hour. I pay homage to Buddha and the Bodhisattvas by lighting incense. Usually the incense burns for about an hour or I am in such pain that I have to end. There always seem to be distractions. Yesterday morning when I opened my eyes I realized my cat had settled herself comfortably against my crossed legs. If for some reason I don't practice meditation, I usually find a dharma talk on youtube or read one of the many books I have downloaded onto my Nook (e-reader). I'm thankful for technology...except for the noisy leaf-blowers outside my window every Thursday!

[Heopretg2006]

I try to meditate daily for about an hour. I pay homage to Buddha and the Bodhisattvas by lighting incense. Usually the incense burns for about an hour or I am in such pain that I have to end. There always seem to be distractions. Yesterday morning when I opened my eyes I realized my cat had settled herself comfortably against my crossed legs. If for some reason I don't practice meditation, I usually find a dharma talk on youtube or read one of the many books I have downloaded onto my Nook (e-reader). I'm thankful for technology...except for the noisy leaf-blowers outside my window every Thursday!

There is no reason to be in pain during meditation. In general it is ok to shift your legs as needed or to use a chair.

[XYTommy]

I just searched for KTC on the internet. It says that the monastery offers a 3 year retreat program. I'm curious of how much it costs to enter this program?

Hi Wanderer,

You'd need to contact them to find out. Three year retreats are usually expensive. People going into those retreats also have to do special retreat preparation beforehand.

Three year retreatants aren't automatically made lamas when the retreat is over either - not in the UK at any rate. It depends on how the person progressed with the practices given by the retreat teacher during that time.

[Oswczrdz]

Karma Yeshe,

Unfortunately, it is something I live with whether meditating or not. It's just something I've come to terms with! An hour seems to be my limit. I've tried sitting in a chair, leaning against a wall, on a bed, with pillows/without it's more of a neurological/physiological issue. I believe that the meditation in itself is helpful. Thankyou so much for your concern, it is appreciated!

[evammaUselp]

Hi Dawn,

Walking meditation could be an alternative for you and there are some instructions at the link (7 very small pages)

http://www.abhayagiri.org/main/article/1508/

with kind wishes,

Aloka

[MontyP@thon]

Aloka-D,

Again, thank you. Unfortunately, walking meditation is definitely not an option (lol)...I am disabled. I really, really appreciate the advice, but...I'm doing the best I can. And, I have found other ways to practice mindfulness throughout the day. There are many more people with worse problems than I.
It's all good!

[Arximedus]

Aloka-D,

Again, thank you. Unfortunately, walking meditation is definitely not an option (lol)...I am disabled. I really, really appreciate the advice, but...I'm doing the best I can. And, I have found other ways to practice mindfulness throughout the day. There are many more people with worse problems than I.
It's all good!

Hi Dawn

I have a mild form of Ceribal Palsy so I understand when you say after a while it will hurt no matter what you do. Meditation is a great help for pain control and an awarness of your body.

I have been taught that even to lie flat in bed is fine if that is what you need to do. I have stopped working to sit in a "more correct " posture after years of being stubbern and just do what works.

All the Best

[Frinzer]

Again, thank you. Unfortunately, walking meditation is definitely not an option (lol)...I am disabled

Oh, sorry Dawn ! Anyway, as Karma Yeshe said, its ok to lie flat. I sit in a straight-backed chair since I had a knee injury, and that works fine for me. If we have physical problems we have to just adapt to what's best for us.

[DoctorWeryDolt]

If interested in the Kaygu Lineage I highly recomend the Dharma Path Program

I need to learn more about the Kaygu Lineage and be certain that I can commit to the practices first. I will contact you if I have questions regarding the Dharma Path Program

[adunnyByday]

Hi Wanderer,

You'd need to contact them to find out. Three year retreats are usually expensive. People going into those retreats also have to do special retreat preparation beforehand.

Three year retreatants aren't automatically made lamas when the retreat is over either - not in the UK at any rate. It depends on how the person progressed with the practices given by the retreat teacher during that time.

I was just a bit surprised about the length of the retreat. The ones that I have heard of are usually from a week to one month. I'm getting married next year so the idea of joining a 3-year retreat is kind of remote right now