Meditation has three elements: (1) breathing, (2) posture and (3) contemplation.
Breathing is the most important part of meditation, just as it is in life. Nothing is more immediately or consistently required. From breath the body derives vital energy that permits conscious awareness, balance and movement.
Posture complements breathing. Meditation postures are intended to facilitate breathing and the circulation of vital energy.
Contemplation is an awareness exercise intended to bring balance. Contemplation methods include silent observation, chanting or any of the diverse approaches developed by various meditation schools. Meditation can improve awareness and health.
Uninhibited awareness is a fleeting experience. Unblemished perception is an uplifting moment that unfortunately will yield to distraction or lethargy. Experience segments our thoughts into cubbyholes. Waking or sleeping, we can be quickly drawn from refreshing lucidity into mundane details or restful repose.A halo of light surrounds the world of the law.
We forget one another, quiet and pure, altogether powerful and empty.
The emptiness is irradiated by the light of the heart and of heaven.
The water of the sea is smooth and mirrors the moon in its surface.
The clouds disappear in blue space; the mountains shine clear.
Consciousness reverts to contemplation; the moon-disk rests alone.
Empty Infinity from Richard Wilhelm’s translation of The Secret of the Golden Flower, a Chinese Book of Life