An Atheist friend recently told me he
was taking an interest in Buddhism. The comment took me off-guard
because the two beliefs appear to be contradicting. Although
Buddhism doesn't believe in a deity, such as God, they do believe in
reincarnation and a continuation of the soul (or mind) after death—at
least until Nirvana.
Upon
further inquiry, I learned that my friend felt like the belief in
reincarnation was a matter of interpretation. Instead, he admired
many of the concepts of Buddhism. The idea he liked most—and had
actually practiced—was the act of meditation.
“So
how do you meditate?” I asked him.
“I
just cross my legs and keep my spine straight. Sometimes I go out in
the hills and meditate there, but usually I just do it in my room.”
The
conversation got me thinking about the idea of meditation, especially
in an East vs. West context. I've seen this before where a
person—especially
of the younger generation—latches
onto meditation as if they had never heard of it before, or that it
didn't exist in Western Culture.
I
will admit that the East has probably refined the art better than we
have. In fact, the Buddha, as it is represented in statues, has several different postures. There seems to be a technique, or even a science
to it.
Eastern
culture defines meditation a little differently than we do in the
west. They focus on using concentration to develop mental
awareness. We in the west tend to define it as pondering, or
contemplating upon a specific subject. I think that both are useful,
although slightly distinct.
But,
in the west, we aren't really known for our meditating practices.
With the story of my friend, it got me wondering if we really do
meditate.
Going
back in Western Culture, one of the more famous examples is the book
Meditations by Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius. This is a
collections of daily thoughts written down by the Roman leader, never
intended to be published. Although not as concise as I would
prefer, it is an interesting collection of personal thoughts from a powerful man.
When
I think of meditations, however, I usually think of it in the
Judeo-Christian context. It is interesting that one of the earliest
known recorded instances of meditation takes places in Western
Culture, around the year 1900 B.C. : “And Isaac went out to
meditate in the field at the eventide.” (Genesis 24:36)
The
meditation that I am familiar with often involves prayer, and is used
to heighten our relationship with God. We use quiet moments to
ponder and contemplate scripture and how we can apply it to our
lives: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but
thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe
to do according to all that is written therein.” (Joshua 1:8)
My
own Mormon faith gives several opportunities to contemplate our
personal relationship with God. Every week during church we
participate in the sacrament, which we believe is a continuation in
theme of the Lord's Supper. We partake of bread and water and for
fifteen minutes or so, the chapel is in relative silence as we spend
that time pondering the covenants we have made and the atonement of
Jesus Christ.
We
are also encouraged to attend the temple, which for us is a sacred
building where we make covenants. Inside the temple there is a very
quiet and peaceful atmosphere and probably the best place we have to
meditate on anything in life that needs attention. Every time I
leave the temple, my mind and spirit feel cleansed.
If
there were a “posture” that Mormons or Christians would use, it
would have to be on their knees. Belief in the power of prayer is
strong among us, and when possible, we pray on our knees. Some of
the answers that I have sought have come while remaining on my knees
after prayer, and there studying the matter over in my mind.
Outside
of a religious setting, I think that a simple “walk” is a great
way to clear the mind and to be able to think. This could be a walk
around the block, or a hike in nature.
Some
of my favorite places to meditate are high places, especially at the
top of an isolated or rugged mountain peak. It is a time not only to
marvel at the wonders of God, but to block out the chaos of the world
and inhale crisp, pure air and to be grateful for being alive.
Back
to my atheist friend, I think it is good that he has taken up
meditation. I don't care if it is Buddhist, or that he disassociates
it with deity. As much as I love technology, I also believe it has
been a curse, constantly keeping us connected to this world of chaos,
and also to trivial matters that mean nothing to our eternal well
being. Meditation can be an escape from this.
Sogyal
Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist Master, said: “Despite major
breakthroughs of recent years, especially in mind/body science and
transpersonal psychology, the great majority of scientists continue
to reduce the mind to no more than physical processes in the brain,
which goes against the testimony of thousands of years of experience
of mystics and meditations of all religions.”
The
enlightened mind, the edified mind, the illuminated soul, come to
those who take the time to quietly ponder the things that are of the
greatest importance in life.
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