Meditation

[Gary Steuer]

Thanks to everyone for being possitive . This is a part of our training that is vastly overlooked. I would like to personnally thank all those in Thailand that opened my eyes to this.. More will follow. Please ask questions. I can ask anything that I don't know and they will answer ...

[steeve]

Howdy Garry

I know u are dedicated to Ark yueh Wong kung fu ....

But in Thailand do U take the time to train some muay thai ...
and mostly the Kabri Kabrong and the weapons .....Do you know about the burmese boxing myanmar Letwei boxing....

The thai and burmese have their own Martial arts .....long time u live there ....like a old timer with open mind... u probably try to learn or train the styles of the country and adapt it to U

Steeve

[Gary Steuer]

Thanks Steeve, but this is about more than the physical . My eyes were opened when I went with my wife, who is a Buddhist, to one of her meditation retreats, and I got a chance to talk with some monks. They saw me walking alone while she was meditating . I found a beautiful spot and started to do some forms... Later they asked me what style I was doing. Before I could answer, they told me it was a Chinese style, and then this one monk told me it was Shaolin style. This monk asked me where I learned. I told him I learned from a man who studied near Shaolin , and his teachers were monks.... then this monk asked me why I didn't meditate . He told me that my style came from a temple, and was taught by monks.. Did I think they only practiced all day long . Wasn't the style brought by Dharma, Damo, whatever you want to call him...... Didn't he meditate in a cave for 9 years and then came out to teach the other monks how to live their lives. The key to everything we do is meditation. If not, we limit ourselves and can never advance ....

[Gary Steuer]

A good time to meditate is when you wake up and sit up in bed. Then again before going to sleep. Mid morning , and around 6 - 7 pm is a good time also. It is hard to sit in a half lotus for a period of time, but trust me, you'll get used to it. You'll get the sensation of lifting, swaying, floating, after seeing the light. Stay with it, these are all good things. In the Western world we put a great deal of emphasis on physical strength and endurance , when in truth they are not all that important. Physical strength and endurance feed our ego. Forms could be thought of in the same way. When we learn a new form it is important to us to let others know that we have learned something new. Is it really that important ? It's nice, but trust me , you have enough in your memory to protect yourself against anything that should come your way. Everybody is different and everyone has a different strength of memory , along with body shape. We shouldn't be hard on those that have any trouble learning either a new form or doing meditation. Things take time and those of us that know more have to share what we know. In order to receive, you have to give ......

If you are having trouble sitting in the half lotus let your right leg rest on the ground in front of your left leg, but keep trying whenever you can.

[mic]

I have a question for you, Gary.

I have to explain that I prefer to workout outdoors or in a large empty space. When I go to my local class, we are outdoors (weather permitting) or in a spacious room.
When at home, I find it hard to have enough space to spread around and stretch. So, I end up doing my workout in the shower ,as previously mentioned.

For meditating, (I hope I am not finding an excuse) I find it difficult to do it indoors or in my place. The sight of familiar objects or things in sight distract the focus. Of course, I could close my eyes or ignore.

So, my questions to you are:

1) Do you designate a special place to work out or meditate?

2) Why do some people, like me, have to have certain conditions to inspire them to do what they could really do anywhere? (Temperatures and comfort is a major factor for my body and it's ability to perform comfortably.)

[Gary Steuer]

1 - It's always good to have a special place . Sometimes we aren't able to have that special place, so we create it !

2- Like they say " Mei pen Rai " " Up to you " Comfort is important , but not a necessity .

Some of the monks put themselves into impossible situations and positions in order to test themselves.

[Gary Steuer]

Today is a very important day not only in Thailand , but around the world for Buddhists. this is the day that celebrates Buddha's day of birth. Everything is closed here in Thailand . Just thought I'd pass that on to you . I hope everyone's meditation is going well... Don't expect change immeadiately. Things take time... Takes a long time to burn off bad karma.
Luang Poh who was regarded as the utmost authority on Dhammakaya spent nearly 14 years as a monk before he learned the secret to meditation. Forget the bookstore versions of instant meditation, they are only earning money for the authors. It takes work, perservearance , and your own belief. Trust me , it's worth it. How does this connect with what we are learning in our kungfu training ? It connects 100 % . It gives you the peace of mind to reflect on what you have learned, how to apply, and how to look into another person who is a threat. Learning countless forms, styles, etc, etc , is not the key. Breaking down what you've already learned and thinking of your applications is a good way to relax and really get into the movements that you've studied. Remember, Tai Chi is considered moving meditation. ALL our forms can be done the same way. Our Snake form is the meditation form. It contains 108 movements and is done using internal force. Small coincidence that a Buddhist monk's prayer beads contain 108 beads . This is just another part of our training. Please ask questions.. If I don't have an answer , I can get one.
Dhammakaya , means enlightenment through practicing your meditation .

[mic]

Gary,

Could you please explain the reason for the position in which to meditate that you showed us in April?

The answer from a monk would be welcome too.
Thank you.

[Gary Steuer]

The position helps to fulfill a circle of energy that circulates around the body. you try to hold the spine as straight as is possible so that you can bring in and lower the energy to the 7 spots of the senses. A woman will breathe in the light through the left nostril and then to the sinus , to the center of the head, down to the back of the neck, then down to the throat, down to the base of the spine and then bring it up 2 finger widths above that, and that is where it will stay while you meditate. Try to picture the # 7 if you were looking at yourself from the left side.. As you get older or if you have certain physical problems the positions of the body will change. try going to www.dmc.tv.th

[Gary Steuer]

That might not work... try going to www.dmc.tv then go to media , when google opens

[Gary Steuer]

I've been asked what we are supposed to try to follow with our meditation. There are five things we are supposed to be true to.
1 - Not to lie. 2- Not to steal or cheat . 3- Not to kill. 4- If we are in a relationship or married , not to cheat on your loved one. 5- This is the big one. Not to drink alcohol and not to smoke.

We have 5 rules to live by. The monks I talk to have 314 . You couldn't even imagine.

I guess somone saw something on another forum , that stated, We are not Chinese, so not try to be like them, we are not Hispanic , so don't try to be like them, we are not Afro-American , so don't try to be like them........And so on....... Well, I've got to tell you , this is the stupidest thing I've ever come across. We are , Individuals , and we are trying to live lives that are meaningful and helpful for the good of all ! I guess this person, even though they are practicing some form of martial art , has never considered what they were doing.... This was really a small minded statement , by a small minded person !

The form of Buddhism I am studying , we are studying, is called Dhammakaya . There are 4 basic forms of Buddhism, and they all lead to the same end.. They never ask you to give up the religion you follow in order to learn the meditation . The meditation will only brighten , and enhance whatever it is you do ! Actually , they never ask you for anything.... Only that you believe in yourself. I hope that doesn't affend anyone !

[Gary Steuer]

[Gary Steuer]

The photo above demonstrates the correct sitting posture and the correct order for the energy to enter your body through your right nostril.

Any questions ?

[mic]

Right index touching left thumb, right Teach?

Regarding the comment of another forum...

Some folks might need to take a look at this little planet from outer space or just from a plane.
They might see more similarities than differences in what the human race is about no matter the national origin, cultural background or any other "Differences." As far as the similarities: we all live, bleed red, die and move on to the next level.

There is a saying in another language:
"The dogs bark and the caravan moves on."



Thanks

[Gary Steuer]

Thanks Mic ! We need to get more people on our side !

By way of coincidence, Pat sent me a website today and I think it's important enough to pass on. I know I smiled when I heard it because it just explained what I was trying to say... And as far as why we try to breathe in through the right nostril, this will explain......

www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html