At first, we aim to have some control over our minds to avoid suffering. At a higher level, we strive to attain enlightenment. Master Dongkar Lobsang's book states that Buddha imparted teachings on the Tripitaka, consisting of three collections of scripture.

The first is Vinaya, which is synonymous with discipline. The second is the Sutra, which pertains to concentration and meditation. The third is Abhidharma, which is related to wisdom.

Our mind is influenced by three harmful emotions: attachment, anger, and delusion. These emotions arise due to the ego and ignorance, respectively. Our inability to attain enlightenment stems from ignorance.

To overcome ignorance, we must understand emptiness. Achieving this requires mastering our minds through meditation, which requires discipline. To cultivate discipline, we must avoid the ten non-virtuous actions. These actions include:

1. Cutting off life.
2. Taking what is not given.
3. Impure sexual behavior.
4. False speaking.
5. Divisive talk.
6. Harsh words.
7. Idle talk.
8. Covetousness.
9. Maliciousness.
10. Wrong views.

Buddha was once asked, "What did you gain from meditation?" Buddha replied: Nothing. The person asks again: Then why do you meditate? Buddha said, " Let me tell you what I have lost: I lost my anger, anxiety, depression, insecurity, and fear of old age and death."

One can achieve a stable, purified mind by practicing meditation, leading to enlightenment through the Shamatha and Vipassana techniques.

Image: Shamatha by Dakinis Art

Numerous meditations exist, such as breath meditation, Shamatha, Vipassana, Tonglen meditation, visualization of the Guru, the Buddha, and Yidam, as well as chanting meditation. Of course, once we've become more experienced, it's incredible to visualize meditating on Guru, Buddha, or other deities. It's a great way to take practice to the next level!

On average, humans take 21600 breaths daily, and the duration of our breaths affects the length of our lives. This is why, when angry, we tend to breathe rapidly, which can lead to health issues and shorten our lifespan. It is advisable to practice deep breathing and avoid anger to promote longevity.

For beginners, breath meditation, Shamatha meditation, and Tonglen meditation are among the most beneficial. Starting with the breath is ideal as it is a readily available and accessible object of focus that accompanies us constantly.

1. Choose a comfortable spot to sit. 
2. Ensure your back is straight to maintain proper posture. 
3. Let's close our eyes to turn our attention inward. 
4. Focus on breathing in and out exclusively through your nostrils. 
5. If your thoughts wander, gently redirect your attention back to your breath, your main focus. 
6. Remember to do this regularly, dedicating 5-10 minutes to the practice.

1. Our concentration will be enhanced, and our memory power will be elevated.
2. Becoming more secure allows us to focus on building positive relationships without worrying about others' opinions.
3. Decrease feelings of anger and lessen attachment and desire.
4. The key to happiness is being appreciated more.
5. Achieve facial radiance by slowing the aging process.
6. Feeling great without any signs of depression and completely stress-free!
7. Observe other dimensions.
8. Attaining the state of Jhana, which is characterized by blissfulness.
9. Upon achieving the four states of Jhana, one is believed to levitate or pass through solid objects such as walls.
10. Capable of telepathy and possessing extrasensory abilities.
11. Attaining enlightenment is possible through practicing Shamatha meditation, also called Shinay in Tibetan, and Vipassana, known as Lhaktong.

The frequency is more important than the time we spend doing it. Meditating for shorter periods but more frequently throughout the day is advised until it becomes a regular habit. Once it becomes a habit, it becomes ingrained in our daily lives.

Two crucial meditation techniques are known as Shamatha, aka Stillness, and Vipassana, aka Insight. The practice of Shamatha involves achieving a state of calmness and stillness in the mind after thoughts have ceased. It is also known as 'remaining in quiescence.'

This meditative practice aims to find peace and be freed from the disturbances caused by thoughts. According to Tsongkhapa, one can attain Shamatha meditation with dedication in six months. Upon achieving this meditative state, there is no room for laziness in one's practice, as it is a significant hindrance to any endeavor in life.

1. Finding a peaceful place, free from distractions.
2. Fewness of wishes.
3. Contentment.
4. Abstaining from all activities.
5. Discipline.
6. Being free from thoughts of longing or desire.

According to the master, there are two types of Shamatha - one with Shinjang and one without. One with Shinjang is the actual Shamatha, and Shinjang is achieved when the mind is in complete stillness and bliss, and the body becomes so light like cotton that there is no room for laziness.

Upon achieving Shinjang, our mind can be used in any desired way. After research, Shinjang is translated as the ability to use the mind as desired. It is entirely disciplined. Once we attain Shinjang, we can focus on performing positive deeds to acquire merit effortlessly. It's like taking a rocket towards enlightenment! Let's all put in some hard work to get there together.

Have you heard of compassion meditation? It's also called Bodhichitta Tonglen meditation, and it can be super helpful! I read about a Kadampa master who was terrific at it. It is one of the most beneficial and has many positive merits.

Tong means to give, and Len means to take. It is essential to understand the concept of giving and taking in detail. To engage in Tonglen, it is crucial to have access to a reliable guidebook, such as the 37 Ways to Bodhisattva. As a master says, we should practice from the start.

When breathing in, take all the suffering of Sentient Beings. When breathing out, giving all the Sentient Beings happiness.

Tonglen is very beneficial; we do not need to worry about taking on all others' suffering; instead, because of our great intentions, we will reap endless joy and happiness through positive merit. Travelers who have heart disease or stress problems. This is one of the best medicines.

Shantideva reminds us that thinking about others' happiness can uplift us, even in tough times. Conversely, selfishness can turn the path to enlightenment into a daunting journey.

Samten translates to "firm mind" and is also known as Dyana or Jhana in Pali and Chan in Chinese. This state is characterized by one-point concentration and is considered a sub-branch of Shamatha meditation.

The concept of Karma entails the relationship between Cause, Condition, and Effect. As Great Atisha said, having deep trust in Karma is more precious than seeing the face of the Yidam deity, so Karma is a big subject. Karma works through three doors: mind, body, and speech. 

Meditation is necessary because karmic debts from our past and previous lives manifest as negative thoughts, speech, and actions. To repay, we need to stabilize our minds through meditation practice, avoid accumulating more debt, and pay it off positively.

As one master said, "Look at your thoughts; they become speech." Look at your speech; it becomes action. Look at your actions; they become your habits. Look at your habits; they become your destiny.

To alter the outcomes, it is necessary to modify the source of the problem. To address the underlying issue, we must change our behavioral patterns. To adjust our behavior, we must practice.

According to teachings, we are connected with karma until we attain absolute enlightenment. With meditation, the mind and body become firm, allowing us to direct them toward positive actions and accumulate positive karma, ultimately reaching a state of inaction.

Kadampa Potowa emphasizes the concept of impermanence, which is crucial to progressing toward the path. He believes that impermanence is the essence and a key element in progressing.

Without integrating impermanence and the inevitability of death into practice, it is impossible to sustain a continuous engagement with meditation or even start a practice. Impermanence is the key to understanding advanced practices such as Bodhichitta and Emptiness.

By embracing impermanence, one initiates their meditation journey by detaching from worldly concerns and maintaining a consistent practice to transcend the cycle of Samsara. Ultimately, one can strive towards enlightenment by incorporating impermanence into the spiritual path, thereby making spiritual growth priceless.

The concept of impermanence denotes the inevitability of change. Circumstances can alter regardless of one's wealth, health, or happiness. In this context, the notion of impermanence is aptly illustrated by a master: " We cannot ascertain whether tomorrow or the next life will arrive first; therefore, for a path-dweller, there is no time to waste. "

The narratives recount the experiences of a master who meditates in a cave. When he heads to the restroom, he encounters a small patch of grass that is frequently entangled with his garments.

Each time he exits and re-enters, he contemplates cutting the grass. Yet, his second thoughts assuage him, reminding him that he may not have another opportunity to fulfill his spiritual pursuits should death come unexpectedly.

Consequently, he reassures himself that he lacks the time for such distractions. Ultimately, the novice practitioner evolves into a venerable master, achieving enlightenment while observing the grass's continual growth. 

There are three tiers of Yogi. The initial tier is characterized by individuals who approach each day as if it were their final opportunity to meditate. They remain dedicated without rest, akin to revered figures such as Milarepa.

The second tier consists of those who view their practice within one month and commit to it accordingly. The final tier pertains to those who approach their dharma practice with the mindset that they have just one year left. According to esteemed masters, anyone who does not fall within these categories is not considered a true practitioner.

Impermanence acts as the fuel for the journey or the essential tool for embarking on the path of meditation. Without it, there is no starting; however, with impermanence, the journey begins, and most importantly, it continues. Anything that continues has an impact, like dripping water hollowing out stone.

The practice of Yoga is exclusively taught alongside Tantric teachings. For beginners like me, it's best to make an aspiration. I recommend searching for information about Tummo, a heated form of yoga also known as Kundalini Yoga. I recommend seeking as many Yogis as possible to get blessings and awaken energy.

1. Channels (Tibetan name: Za)
2. Winds (Long)
3. Essences (Tig le)
4. Chakra  ( Korlo)

These are the primary energies that play the most significant role in the mind and the body. If you enjoy melodies that evoke meditation and mountains, listen to my new song (G), now available on Spotify and Apple Music!