Читать книгу 20 MINUTES TO MASTER … MEDITATION - Christina Feldman, Christina Feldman - Страница 13

Every meditative tradition will emphasize the need to establish a basis for meditation upon the foundation of a moral or ethical life that fosters a mind and heart of mindfulness, compassion and sensitivity. The precepts, vows and commandments of the various traditions are not intended to be rules blindly adhered to but instead highlight the integral link between an ethical life and a mind that is able to deepen in calm and understanding. If in our lives we are engaged in actions, speech, lifestyles or pursuits that bring harm or pain to ourselves or to others, it is exceedingly difficult for the mind to deepen in serenity or compassion. Instead through unethical action or speech that harms ourselves or others, the mind collects residues of regret, guilt and unease. These feelings in turn create endless streams of thought and agitation preventing inner calmness and depth. Engagement in unethical action or speech fosters a pronounced sense of disharmony and fear, anger and alienation. For example, a cosmetics company, aware of the high turnover rate among the technicians involved in testing products on animals, invited an instructor to teach meditation as a stress reduction technique. Paradoxically, the experiment ended with many of the staff resigning as they connected with their intrinsic unease about the nature of their work. The discovery of the happiness so integral to meditation rests upon the harmony and clarity we cultivate in our lives and relationships, both inwardly and outwardly through our actions, speech, thoughts and choices.

Meditation is not ethically neutral nor is it solely a path of inner transformation intent upon achieving exotic states of inner experience. It is directed towards not only the cultivation of calm and wisdom, but also compassion, sensitivity, forgiveness, love and generosity. Meditation is a path not only of inner change, but a path that enables us to touch our relationships and the world around us with compassion, care and peace. It is not possible to separate the quality of our meditation from the quality of our lives. If our lives are saturated with tension, conflict or remorse this will be reflected in our meditation. If the culture of our lives and relationships is based upon peace, understanding and sensitivity, this too will be reflected in our meditation.

The ethical guidelines of any tradition show us the way to a life of harmony and peace and are the vehicles for embodying the spirit of meditation in every circumstance and moment of our lives. They show us the way to live a life of harmlessness, tolerance and compassion. Giving attention to the truthfulness of our speech, cultivating honesty, showing reverence for life through non-harming, bringing integrity and respect into our relationships with other people and fostering a mind and body that is unclouded by intoxicants – these are the ingredients of a life of peace and a mind that is easily collected and focused in meditation.