The light of a pure mind is that of the sun. Shining brighter and brighter as more and more clouds are burnt away. As each cloud disappears the sun becomes brighter and brighter, more and more predominant and easier to continue to remain connected through as storms arise and pass...
We continue on our cycles after weeks in the wonderful mountain state of Sikkim re-grounding ourselves in the meditation practice of vipassana. Heading into Northeast India we feel clear, peaceful, and present. We experience this peace much more deeply then we ever have before. All is more simple and purely as it is.
We sit and meditate for 2 to 3 hours in the day but also strive to maintain the practice on the cycle and throughout the day. Remaining aware of the reality inside as we move through and interact with the outside world.
As the clouds of impurities of the mind are burnt away it becomes easier to face whatever arises with a balanced and equanimous mind. Not to build any situation up to be any more than it truly is. Everything flows more smoothly as negativity is washed away and peace and compassion predominates.
In vipassana we develop our awareness of what is happening within the frame work of the body.
With increased awareness we observe what happens inside with a calm and balanced mind, observing everything equanimously, knowing that all is impermanent.
Everything coming in from the sense doors... sound, sight, touch, taste, and thoughts all create a vibration within the body. These vibrations, a result of chemical reactions occurring within, can be experienced if we become aware.
When we are not aware then the subconscious mind feels the vibration and reacts with either aversion or craving. This feeds the chemical reaction, like fuel being added to a fire. Creating tensions of the body and mind as the natural flow of energy in the body is blocked.
As we become more aware of what is happening inside we can observe these vibrations with equanimity and the fuel, no longer being added, is burnt up and the energy within the body flows naturally as blockages are removed.
We begin to address the root of the tensions within that hinder true deep peace. We experience the cause and solution to all misery and happiness to be found deep within.
Realizing this connection to the truth inside to be the most essential to maintain.
We begin to experience through the days on the cycle the truth of the extent of impurities of the mind. But now rather than feeling tension in the mind and being unable to grasp on the source we instead are aware of the vibrations coming from within as a response to different situations from outside or thoughts that arise. Watching these bodily sensations arise and pass all throughout the day we retain peace of mind and we become more and more free of the source of these tensions.
Some examples:
We cycle by a sweet shop, a reaction inside starts, some watering of the mouth, tightness in the jaw and chest... whereas before the subconscious mind would respond in craving and we would feel something lacking and a slight discontent as we pass by now we just observe this bodily reaction and don't react ourselves. We watch the sensation inside pass away and everything is as it is. Nothing is lacking, nothing is in excess.
Throughout the day thoughts come to the mind. A sensation in the body immediately follows. We don't involve ourselves in the thought, we just observe the sensation and the thought dissapears. Before the subconscious would react to the sensation and these thoughts would keep rolling, responding to themselves, having nothing to do with the reality of that moment.. Now the thoughts become fewer and fewer, more and more feeble until we are left with a quiet and peaceful mind. Purely in that very moment as the only reality that can exist.
In the evening as it is getting late and we look for somewhere to stay a tightness can be feel in the chest, a bit of stirring from within the core... before I would feel calm on the surface but be unaware of the stirring within, pushing it deeper and deeper and resulting in greater overall tension. Now I am aware and remain equanimous with this vibration as we search. The mind is at greater peace when we arrive somewhere for the night and I'm better able to be present and share compassion with those that welcome us in. The next night I observe the vibrations within to have lessened in intensity and know that with continued awareness they will one day disappear all together...
My bag with my passport is stolen off the back of the bicycle during traffic in the main city of Guwhati... This same tightness arises inside but the mind is in touch with reality. Thoughts of worry arose but they are faint and fade away quickly. The reality of the moment predominates and we do all we need to start to remedy the situation with a feeling of peace and harmony...
As we eat each meal we slow down and feel the sensations on the tips of the fingers, in the mouth, throat, stomach and throughout. We notice many pleasant tingling sensations throughout. Flavors are fully experienced in their trueness. As the meal comes to a completion we feel content, there isn't the previous desire for refills that had plagued us before. When we leave the table we have fully left and moved onto to the next moment without a tinge of craving or regret.
Food is too spicy, just observe it.
Stomach ache? Observe it.
Hungry? Observe.
Have to pee?
Thirsty?
Itchy?
Too many selfies?
Hot?
Cold?
Tired?
Sweet, salty, sour, bitter?
Bugs on your face?
Loud?
Quiet?
Observe, observe, observe.
As it truly is.
Everything arises just to pass away.
No need to be averse, all will pass.
No need to crave, all will pass, and new will arise.
Just let go of the mind, let things be as they are. A constantly changing flow of energy. Let go and surrender to the truth to find real peace within and share happiness and compassion without.
May all beings be free of suffering.
May all beings find real peace.
May all beings be happy.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
BE HAPPY :)
We are extremely greatful for having come in contact with vipassana meditation and hope more and more beings experience this meditation so there can be greater peace throughout the world. In order for there to be peace with out we need to first find peace within ourselves.
You can sign up for a 10 day, free, residential course in nearly all countries in the world.
Check out Dhamma.org to learn more and experience for yourself :)
