In order to make the most out of the following analytical meditations, it is
important to realise that one should not only observe the analytical mind, but
also the emotions and feelings that come up. Iit is strongly advised to
start with a good motivation beforehand, to take a few minutes to calm down
(doing e.g. a brief breathing
meditation is very good) and to dedicate the positive energy afterwards.
For this, the following traditional prayers can be used:
Taking Refuge
I go for refuge to the Buddha, I go for refuge to
the Dharma, I go for refuge to the Sangha. (3x)
Setting the Mind to Enlightenment
By virtue of giving and so forth, may I become a Buddha for the
benefit of all sentient beings. (3x)
4 Immeasurables
May all sentient beings have equanimity, free from attachment, aggression
and prejudice. May they be happy, and have the causes for
happiness. May they be free from suffering and causes for
suffering. May they never be separated from the happiness that is
free from suffering. (3x)
7-Limbed Prayer
Respectfully I prostrate with body, speech and mind; I present
clouds of every type of offerings, actual and imagined; I declare all
the negative actions I have done since beginningless time, and
rejoice in the merit of all Aryas and ordinary beings. Please
teacher, remain until cyclic existence ends and turn the wheel of
Dharma for all sentient beings. I dedicate the virtues of myself and
others to the great Enlightenment.
Dedication
By this virtue may I soon reach a
Guru-Buddha-state, and lead each and every being to that
state of Buddhahood.
May the precious Bodhicitta not yet born, arise and grow may that born have no decline but increase forever more.
- Imagine driving in a car on a highway at 200 kilometers per hour. - The
car has no breaks, but I know that somewhere in the middle of this road is a
concrete wall which I cannot avoid. - This is exactly the situation of our
life.
1. Death is certain: a. There is no escape b. Life has a limit, each
moment brings me closer c. Death can come in a moment and fully unexpected
2. The time of death is uncertain: a. My lifespan is uncertain b.
There are many causes for death, few for sustenance of life c. My body is
fragile; even a thorn can kill me with an infection
3. What can help me at the moment of death? a. Wealth, possessions?
b. Relatives and friends? c. My own body? Only my positive karma from
practicing dharma can help!
- Think of other human beings: how many have so little worries about food,
shelter, clothing etc as me? - How many are stuck in wars? - How many
are stuck in a famine or scarcity of food and water? - How many live in a
country with freedom of life philosophy and religion? - How many have the
opportunity to study other philosophies and religions? - How many are
interested in their future after this life?
- How do I think about myself? What is my life like, my personality, my
abilities, achievements. - Do I have a feeling of inferiority,
disappointment, hopelessness or do I feel good? - Remember previous times of
depression or disappointment and decide that I want to get rid of these dark
feelings. - How are most other people on this earth doing, suffering from
hunger, war, sickness, fear, repression? - What chances do most people have
to get happiness? - Imagine yourself in some of these situations: I am sick,
in a war, desperate with hunger.. - Now remember the positive sides of my
life; healthy body and mind, family and friends, living in a free country, no
hunger or poverty. - What could I do with my life; travel, work, study,
enjoy myself - All nice things, but does it really make me happy? - Is
happiness the amount of my possessions or the amount of memories of my travels,
or is it simply a state of my mind? - I can decide to be a bit more happy
and satisfied with what I have and who I am. - I have to start here and now;
stop complaining; behind the clouds the sun always shines!
Remember that right now I have the 8 freedoms: 1. I am not in hell
being continuously tortured 2. I am not living as a hungry ghost, always
having hunger and thirst 3. I am not an ignorant animal 4. I have some
feeling for good and bad 5. I am able to study religion 6. The teachings
of the buddha are now available 7. I have a healthy mind, not crazy 8. I
am not a god, only indulging in pleasures
Remember that right now I have the 10 endowments: - 5 Personal:
1. I am a human being 2. I have access to the teachings of the
Buddha 3. I have all my organs 4. I have not killed my parents or
bodhisattvas etc. 5. I have the possibility to choose my life philosophy or
religion freely - 5 Circumstantial: 6. A Buddha has come in this
era 7. He has taught the Dharma 8. The Dharma is still available in the
world 9. People are still practicing Dharma 10. Others generally have
love in their hearts
