The Technique Thread

[A human Being]

This thread brought to mind a quote by Adyashanti which I want to share here, not to try and dismiss the importance of technique in meditation but more just to share a different perspective on the subject:

'Real meditation is not about mastering a technique, it's about letting go of control.'

Originally Posted by A human Being

This thread brought to mind a quote by Adyashanti which I want to share here, not to try and dismiss the importance of technique in meditation but more just to share a different perspective on the subject:

I would say that is resting in awareness/do nothing meditation. At first it's a practice without technique, of effortlessness, of letting go of doing (control) and simply being, of not being a meditator attending some object of attention. Like any other practice it eventually becomes the normal state of being sans practicing.

I would also say it's a very, very hard thing to (not!) do without first having a somewhat focused and concentrated mind via practice with technique.

[Miss Hepburn]

Adyashanti -
'Real meditation is not about mastering a technique, it's about letting go of control.'

Hahaha, not so different, since it's mine, also!!!...lay back and float, like in a pool
with a pina colada in the cup holder.
Practice? Sure, ok - it takes practice to get onto the floatie and negotiate the pool loungers. Lol.
Enjoy.
Do you struggle soaking up the Sun? So a technique is: Go into it with ease and a smile. :)


I went to see him in a small church one time -gosh, kooky people stood up from the audience to ask questions,
obviously not taking their meds.
He was, of course, very patient and kind.

[A human Being]

Originally Posted by JustASimpleGuy

I would say that is resting in awareness/do nothing meditation. At first it's a practice without technique, of effortlessness, of letting go of doing (control) and simply being, of not being a meditator attending some object of attention. Like any other practice it eventually becomes the normal state of being sans practicing.

I would also say it's a very, very hard thing to (not!) do without first having a somewhat focused and concentrated mind via practice with technique.

Agree with that, and in that respect I think there's lots of value in practising some sort of technique in order to, as you say, focus the mind (I know Adyashanti himself was actually instructed, whilst on a retreat, to count his breaths during meditation). I think the point he was making was that the technique is a means to an end, and not the end itself.

[A human Being]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

Adyashanti -
'Real meditation is not about mastering a technique, it's about letting go of control.'

Hahaha, not so different, since it's mine, also!!!...lay back and float, like in a pool
with a pina colada in the cup holder.
Practice? Sure, ok - it takes practice to get onto the floatie and negotiate the pool loungers. Lol.
Enjoy.
Do you struggle soaking up the Sun? So a technique is: Go into it with ease and a smile. :)

What a great analogy I haven't noticed pina coladas on the menu yet though, I feel like I'm holidaying in Skegness rather than the Costa Del Sol

I went to see him in a small church one time -gosh, kooky people stood up from the audience to ask questions,
obviously not taking their meds.
He was, of course, very patient and kind.

Oh dear! Still, though, very cool to see him in person :)

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by A human Being

What a great analogy I haven't noticed pina coladas on the menu yet though, I feel like
I'm holidaying in Skegness rather than the Costa Del Sol

Very funny -for those not from England....

''Skegness ranked bottom out of more than 100 other....
It achieved the lowest possible score for its attractions, peace and quiet, scenery and value for money ...''

Originally Posted by A human Being

Agree with that, and in that respect I think there's lots of value in practising some sort of technique in order to, as you say, focus the mind (I know Adyashanti himself was actually instructed, whilst on a retreat, to count his breaths during meditation). I think the point he was making was that the technique is a means to an end, and not the end itself.

Exactly, and that's why it's important to have a good understanding of the purpose of practice. One thing you will notice here is enormous focus on experiences while meditating. As far as I'm concerned the important experience is when It reveals Itself, and by "It" I mean the true nature of Consciousness. All other experiences are to be viewed as any other distraction, at least if one is following the path of knowledge. Perhaps the purpose is different for those pursuing the path of devotion? I'm not really sure because I haven't delved deeply into that path but I would imagine the purpose would be for the deity being meditated on to manifest and all other experiences are distractions.

[Unseeking Seeker]

A big hello this morning to SF friends!!

Bruce Lee quotes, we may find relevant:

“When he contracts, I expand. And, when there is an opportunity, I do not hit - it hits all by itself.”

“The highest technique is to have no technique. My technique is a result of your technique; my movement is a result of your movement.”

Originally Posted by Unseeking Seeker

A big hello this morning to SF friends!!

Bruce Lee quotes, we may find relevant:

“When he contracts, I expand. And, when there is an opportunity, I do not hit - it hits all by itself.”

“The highest technique is to have no technique. My technique is a result of your technique; my movement is a result of your movement.”

Be water, my friend...

https://youtu.be/0EygqL--RW4

Don't consciously think. That's my technique.