From the ordinary point of view the world is brimming with duality. But from the point of view of Oneness duality is nothing but an illusion. All the diversity we experience in this universe has a basis and that basis is the Supreme One.
This might be odd, on this tread but, does combat sports help you out? I mean, I would rather slam somebody to the ground or hit someone, instead of meditating. Although if you really ponder about this, combat sports are a meditation method in sort of way. I know this because when I wrestle some one (freestyle), I forget about all of the worries and just enjoy the high of adrenaline as well as pleasure of winning, losing (not often). I personally use this sport as a anger release. LMAO
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1424079446171087119&q=user:"Google+engEDU"&hl=en Here is a video of a presentation that was given at google that describes scientific results of meditation on stress and the ability to maintain focused attention. The scientific comparisons of control groups and behavior begins about 10 minutes into the presentation. I thought it was interesting.
You create your own reality. Whatever you concentrate upon comes to you. Examine your beliefs. Seth "The Nature of Physical Reality"
Perhaps from the absolute point of view, you are already a reality. Your reality has 3 faces, (1) what you think you are, (2) what others think you are, and (3) what you realy are. The first face, subjects man to constant effort of becoming someone in accordance to what he thinks he would like to become; The second face always interact with the first in the process of becoming; and the third is the final realization that indeed there is no need to become someone as you yourself is already a reality regardless of whether you become someone or not. The first and the second face relates to the process of creating your own reality, hence you have not known yourself from the absolute point of view. If you do not know yourself (referring the the third face) you are bound to always strive to become someone and endure all the consequences of becoming, and that is the reason why in the old days, Socrates teach his students: "Know YourSelf"
I, and my reality, are only the summation of my beliefs, and ergo my belief systems. To paraphrase Socrates, "Know your beliefs." Ever read Richard Bach's "Illusions" ?? Bach also wrote Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Bothersome little book "Illusions". Nagged at me for years till I read it again, and again. Then I picked up on Seth. I am what I believe I am.
I personally believe that there are two main benefits of meditation. 1) One is an increase of mental capacity on a concentrative level. I think that combat sports could contribute on some level of development but not nearly to the degree of meditation. 2) The other is that if one can become open and spacious one diminishes the boundaries between self and other. I find this view can be very helpful in viewing the market and exchange of money as something that happens naturally that we choose to partake in.
Meditation will widen your mind and scope, if done properly, you will find that making money and trading is not the highlight of existence and money is of lesser importance than perceived in the western world. I find other forms like kundalini, stance (physical yoga) useless and distracting. Pure meditation or dream state meditation is the best to broaden consciousness, alleviate stress and create balance that we so lack without some help.
I chant a mantra to be meditative, Is this a good way or are there other better ways?Your reply much appreciated
I practice Vipassana and notice that when I go several days without doing it, it becomes harder to keep an empty mind when I resume the practice. Will try using the so-hum method. Thanks for the tip.