eyes shut vs open

[sunsoul]

Most Buddhist meditation is taught with eyes closed... However, in the Zen tradition, you are taught to place your gaze on a spot on the wall, and this can be beneficial for some.

Essentially, you find the most effective meditation practice for you, and go and sit!

[annabelle239]

Originally Posted by wstein

One can meditate with eyes open or shut. Most beginning classes suggest eyes shut to avoid even more distractions (there are enough internal ones already).

It tends to be easier to go 'within' with eyes closed and expand 'out' with eyes open. Soul-gazing (intimate meditation with partner) eyes open is almost required.

Note that after you 'get' meditation in a controlled circumstance (like sitting meditation), it is way easier to stay in the meditative state while returning to daily activity if you end the session with eyes open.

what do you mean by expand out?

[annabelle239]

I think the meditation for me,of course,there may be several,but a primary meditation for me now,is smiling and eyes shut. this type seems to really hit the spot. i'm getting back into focusing more on meditation and going to get a little more regimented with it as i feel my former meditation needs a change.

[wstein]

Originally Posted by annabelle239

what do you mean by expand out?

Allow your inner self to exceed the bounds of your body. Your soul/spirit does not have a fixed or limited size. Sizes bigger than the Solar System are quite accessible.

For those new to the idea, just intend/imagine that you are getting bigger and bigger. One might also work with spreading 'out' by getting diffuse (vaporous).