Insight Meditation

[Mika]

I've been exploring different kinds on Zen meditations and in particular have come across what is know as Insight Meditation. Insight Meditation and associated spiritual teachings awaken one to the Truth of things and its presence in daily circumstances and offers emotional and psychological insights, a depth of awareness, inner peace and a profound and liberating sense of the Here and Now.

The purpose of Insight Meditation is not to create a system of beliefs, but rather to give guidance on how to see clearly into the nature of the mind. In this way one gains first-hand understanding of the way things are, without reliance on opinions or theories -- a direct experience, which has its own vitality. It also gives rise to the sense of deep calm that comes from knowing something for oneself, beyond any doubt.

Here are three that I felt were quite profound~!


Meditation on Compassion

I do not have to look very far to seeing suffering in this world.
I know that pity is not the same as compassion.
Compassion calls me to respond, to offer words, gestures, gifts.
Compassion demands something from my love, from concern.
I cannot ignore what I know.
I can only respond as best I can.
I am not perfect.
I am not a Buddha or a Christ
Yet, I can respond.
I can offer something
I can share something
I can express something that reveals a compassionate concern.
I know that my gestures for others is as nothing
Compared to the suffering in the world.
Yet, I act anyway,
Never expecting anything in return
Knowing that it is a small token
But these gestures of love
Regularly expressed reveal my humanity
Take the power out of selfishness
In addition, show that we are all connected
All in this web of life together.


Meditation on Nowhere to Go

Quietly remind yourself

There is nothing that I want
There is nothing to run after
I have nothing to do
I have nowhere to go
I cannot add to what is present already
I cannot take away from what is present already
Sights come to my eyes
Sounds come to my ears
Smells come to nose
Tastes come to my tongue
Touch comes to my body
Thoughts and feelings come to my mind
I cannot add to these experiences
I cannot subtract from them
It has been like this as long as I can remember
I abide calmly knowing this
I abide in this simple truth
Knowing that there is nothing more to be done


MEDITATION ON LOVE TOWARDS THREE KINDS OF PEOPLE

TO YOUR LOVED ONES
May I always acknowledge and understand your intentions
May I always be supportive for you in time of need
May I never place demands and pressure on you
May you be well and happy
May your life know contentment and joy
May you be peaceful and steady from one day to the next
May our love and friendship for each other remain steady

TO STRANGERS
May I not rush to judgment on meeting you
May I show friendship and presence for you
May I communicate clearly and wisely in your presence
May your day be rich and worthwhile
May you act mindfully and consciously in all things
May everybody treat you with respect
May you show kindness to everybody that you meet
May your day be free from fear and worry
May you sleep well and peacefully tonight

TO THE UNFRIENDLY
May your anger and resentment subside quickly
May you understand the pain you cause yourself and others
May you explore fresh ways to explore differences
May you see into the fear behind the anger
May you develop equanimity when things do not go your way
May others stop being angry towards you
May you realize that anger does not cease with anger
May others listen to you and you listen to others