The One Taste
Dec 31, 2015
The One Taste
Why Sit?
Calm the Mind
Energize the Body
Connect the Spirit
Administrative DetailsBe On Time (Do not enter if you are late)If you need to leave, leave (coughing fit,
discomfort, too sleepy etc.) it is fine, no one will judge you. Leave quietly
Don’t talk outside.If you leave do not return to the session. Try
the next session.
Before You SitMake sure you are Wide-Awake
Brush your teethWash your face (shower if available)Wash your feet Do some physical energization, stretching, or
chi gong
We are all Masters of Doing
Sitting is designed to focus us on Being
Sitting Meditation = Being Present while Not Doing
Mind will Practice Doing Anyway
Techniques to Outsmart MindMantra—Sacred WordBreathing—watch the breathMandala –gazing (geometric shape, icon, or
sacred object)Mantrum—Vocalized Mantra (Chant)
All of these techniques have the same purpose--to bring you to the present moment
Mantras (one or two syllables is best)Billimoria Here NowGeneric Peace; Health; Vitality, PurityUniversal OmChristian JesusJewish AbbaZen Buddhist Nam Myoho Renge KyoHindu Om Mani Padme Hum
I encourage you to discover your own sacred word
The Present MomentHere Now
Empty ThoughtNo EgoNo JudgmentNo WitnessNo Self (Stillness is not the absence of
movement, Stillness is the absence of self)
Physiology StructureSit with back StraightChin down spine alignedFeet flat knees bentBody relaxed but straightMingmen OpenShoulders Open but relaxedArms RelaxedTongue Relaxed
Mental FocusOpenAwareRelaxed/Alert Extended Awareness(Not Relaxed/Retracted Awareness which
leads to sleep)Here/Now
Use Power Steering
As thoughts come in, casually notice them and gently let them go.
Do not wrench the wheel or berate yourself. Do not judge the quality of your meditation.
Levels to Aspire To
Calm (park the race car in the mind)
Relaxed—Extended AwarenessComfortableOpen
Peace
Levels to Aspire ToBliss
Peace plus lightPeace plus pure energyPeace plus vibrant body
Levels to Aspire ToThe Void
The One Taste, The Undifferentiated Field, Universal Unconditional Love
The space between the archer and the target
No space between the archer and the target
Progress in MeditationThere is no progress, There is only
practiceRemain disciplined to the practiceLet go of the desire to judge your
meditationsAppreciate the fruits but do not
chase them or get attached to themKeep coming back