240920 Make Peace with Your Thoughts \ \ Thanissaro Bhikkhu \ \ Dhamma Talk
Education
Introduction
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Dhamma Talk
In this Dhamma talk, Thanissaro Bhikkhu leads us through a meditation experience focusing on the breath and offers insights on how to use our thoughts skillfully. He emphasizes that meditation is not about stopping our thoughts, but rather about understanding and guiding them in a way that fosters peace and well-being.
Meditation on Breath
Closing Your Eyes: Begin by closing your eyes and becoming aware of your breath. Notice where the breath enters and exits your body. Tune into how the breath feels—experimenting with the depth and length of your inhalations and exhalations.
Awareness of the Body: As you breathe in and out, extend your awareness to the whole body. Recognize the sensations of the entire body breathing and let this sense of awareness grow. If distractions arise, allow those thoughts to float away.
Dealing with Unwanted Thoughts: The main goal is to cultivate a skill in focusing your thoughts. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. The Buddha advised learning which thoughts lead to peace and which pull you away from it.
Cultivation of Skillful Thoughts: Instead of trying to suppress unhelpful thoughts, engage with them. Think about their drawbacks and counter them with thoughts that inspire. The teachings of the Buddha can guide you in this process.
Making Sense of Past Actions: Reflecting on past mistakes, rather than getting lost in remorse, allows for personal growth. Acknowledge the past, learn from it, and focus on goodwill—both for yourself and others.
Understanding Karma: Recognize that past actions influence present circumstances, but they don’t define your current worth. Your present actions can create good karma and lead to positive outcomes.
Embracing Thoughts: Learn to face your thoughts rather than run away from them. This involves analyzing where your thoughts originate and dismissing those that are unskillful.
Arguments Against Unskillful Thoughts: When unskillful thoughts arise, think critically about them. Understand their logic, and challenge their impact on your mind.
Utilizing Inspiring Thoughts: When struggling to settle down, recall inspiring figures, like the Buddha, and think about their teachings. This can help redirect your thoughts.
Concentration and Skillful Thinking: The practice of meditation is intertwined with the cultivation of skillful thought patterns. Use teachings to remind yourself to maintain focus and ease in your mind.
In summary, the session guides individuals towards making peace with their thoughts, engaging with them thoughtfully, and cultivating a harmonious mental state through breath meditation and the application of Buddha's teachings.
Keywords
- Breath
- Meditation
- Thoughts
- Skillful Thinking
- Mindfulness
- Karma
- Awareness
- Goodwill
- Concentration
- Peace
FAQ
Q: What is the main focus of this meditation?
A: The main focus is on breath awareness and learning to engage with thoughts skillfully rather than attempting to suppress them.
Q: How can I deal with unhelpful thoughts during meditation?
A: You can reflect on the drawbacks of those thoughts and consciously redirect your attention to more inspiring and positive thoughts.
Q: What does making peace with thoughts mean?
A: Making peace with thoughts involves understanding their origin, cultivating goodwill for yourself and others, and learning to use your thoughts in ways that lead to personal growth and contentment.
Q: How does karma relate to our thoughts?
A: Past actions influence current experiences, but they do not define us. We can create positive outcomes through skillful actions in the present.
Q: Can meditation help in developing concentration?
A: Yes, through the practice of meditation and mindful breathing, individuals can enhance their concentration and calm their minds.