Meditation: the middle way
We all want to take good care of our
health, but do we take care of our mind?
The mind wanders all the time making it
hard for you to concentrate. But, with meditation, you can train the mind,
improve concentration and promote relaxation, Venerable Dr. Pawithai Vajiravjjo
of the Middle Way Meditation Institute told this writer.
“Some people say they are too busy to
meditate. That is wrong. There should be time to meditate because meditation
will put things in order. Use meditation as your maintenance. It helps develop
intuition and good ideas. Even if you meditate for just a few minutes, your
mind becomes powerful. It unleashes your creativity and the solutions will just
come,” he said.
He added that many studies support that
meditation develops emotional intelligence. You become emotionally smart, too.
You are more comfortable to be with if your mind is clear. It also reduces
hypertension and ulcer and promotes a stronger immune system.
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Venerable Dr. Pawithai Vajiravjjo shows
the Jin-Da-Ma-Nee
Crystal Ball
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HOW TO MEDITATE
During this writer’s visit in their center,
it was pretty crowded at that time because they were busy preparing for a big
event. Once in a while, one would see a member sitting at a corner meditating
amid all that noise.
“When you meditate, sit in a comfortable
position. You can meditate amid noise too, that is possible but you need to
learn how to relax and establish a connection with your center. Do not try too hard.
Just tune it well. Keep your back straight and close your eyes,” Venerable
Vajiravjjo advised.
He explained their meditation style, called
the Middle Way Meditation which is based on the philosophy that everything has
a center. “All things have a center. The
center of the body and mind is in the abdomen. That is two fingers width above
the level of the navel, inside the torso.
You meditate your mind there,” he explained.
One way they train the mind to see the
center is with the use of the Jin-Da-Ma-Nee Crystal. “Jin-Da-Ma-Nee Crystal Ball is like a guide to
lead you to true happiness at the center of your body. When you receive this
crystal ball of success, keep it in a sacred place. Frequently, visualize this
crystal ball at the center of your body at all times. Make your mind still;
smile, relax and take it easy,” he said.
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Meditation Technique. Source: Middle Way Meditation
Institute website
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“Imagine the crystal ball of success, make
it clear and bright, soothing as the full moon. Recite the mantra Samma-Arahang
that means ‘Purify your mind to be clean and noble’. Let the sound of
Samma-Arahang softly echo from the center of the crystal ball, comfortably and
continuously until your mind becomes still and happy as you have never felt
before. When your mind is completely still and happy, make a wish at the center
of your body, from God within. Pray that He may protect you from all danger,
and may you be safe and comfortable, wherever you go whether by land, water or
air. May you gain goodness that will lead your life to success and prosperity.
Then, great treasures will come your way, so that you can continue to do more
good deeds. Your wishes will be fulfilled,” said Phra-Thep-Maha-Muni (Luang Por
Dhammajayo), chairperson of the Middle Way Meditation Institute.
HAPPINESS IS WITHIN
“We look for happiness elsewhere. We even
buy it, or listen to music. They are not long-lasting. It is just inside us,” Venerable
Vajiravjjo concluded./
