My meditation dilema

[God-Like]

Originally Posted by Jyotir

Hi Greg,

What about eyes partially open/partially closed?

Or perhaps one eye open and one eye shut . . he hehe Or blink really quickly .

x daz x

I had a bit of difficulty when at a Buddhist center for meditation, the instructions taught to sit with eyes open. Since I participated in group meditation there, it was going to be pretty obvious if I closed them, so I went along. Also, we did chanting together and walking meditation, which must obviously be done with open eyes.

When alone I meditate with my eyes closed.

I find that both methods offer clarity. I could be off base, but the visions and understanding I got from fixed gaze meditation were about my outer reality. When I meditate with my eyes closed, it reveals more about my inner reality. I try to make time for meditating with my eyes open from time to time, but I agree it can be difficult.

[athribiristan]

Originally Posted by Greg

Now I guess my spiritual beliefs would be a combination of Zen and general spirituality, i.e Deepak Chopra, Neale Donald Walsch, Paolo Cohelo etc.
The problem is with my Zen practice they do a meditation called Zazen which is eyes open, and I really don't like doing it. In Deepak Chopra books he suggest doing it eyes closed, which I really enjoy, but my Zen teachers tell me that I should never close my eyes. I don't know what to do.

Own your journey. This is YOUR path, not your teacher's, not Deepak Chopra's, YOUR'S. Meditate with your eyes closed if that's what you want to do. If your teacher says something, tell him you prefer to meditate with your eyes closed. If that is a problem for them, find a new teacher. NOONE can tell you what is right for you but you.

[Miss Hepburn]

My opinion.
Our 5 senses distract us continually since our first cry.
Whatever meditation name/ method one uses ---I believe one must ask themselves -
"What is my goal?"

If your goal is quieting the mind - why?
To find relaxation and peace? Good.
Is it to experience life more fully? Good.
Is it to find union with God? Good.
To be a kinder more gentle person? Good.

See what I mean?

(Sorry, peace is not an illusion - turmoil, pain, suffering are the illusions or traps.
I couldn't let that one slide...
Peace, love, joy, bliss are the Truth and our true state, which I bet you are after...)


Closing off the senses and going within is more what I have learned as meditation.
And, yes, walking meditation is wonderful especially once a deep connection
has been established...because again our senses distract us immensely from our 'Goal'.

My 2 cents.
Good luck, Miss Hepburn

[Triner]

Do whatever works for you. There's no "one size fits all" for meditation.

[Triner]

Originally Posted by God-Like

Or perhaps one eye open and one eye shut . . he hehe Or blink really quickly .

LOL That would be interesting.

[MutedBlue]

While in group meditation, what we did was at first focus on a candle flame, after a little while as breathing slowed and focus sharpened we then closed our eyes half way and then gradually closed them for the duration. I found this is nice transition. Though, I agree, you need to meditate the way you feel comfortable, and in time that could change.

I think one of the may concerns, particular if someone hasnt meditated much, is that of sleeping or sleepiness. It is vital to keep the mind sharp during meditation, sluggishness is counter productive.

However, it may not be for you in general, although i concur with Enyas statement that the very irritation itself, because of how pronounced it is in your experience may serve as an ideal object in and of itself.

good luck