Boundless equanimity meditation
Daily meditations and practice: Equanimity
Two meditation sessions of 10 minutes each, practiced as mentioned below:
– Turn off your phone or alternatively put it somewhere (or put it into a mode) that will not disturb or distract you for the duration of the meditation session.
- Sit in 7 Points of Vairocana meditation posture (alternatively sitting comfortably with your back as straight as possible)
– be aware of your state of mind before you start and take this into account when you are doing your meditations. For example, if you are very tired it might be very difficult for you to concentrate, be drowsy without awareness and easily fall asleep, adjust for this. Alternatively, you have just had an argument with somebody and your mind is racing or is very busy and this too will affect your meditation
1) Recite the aspiration prayer of the four boundless qualities.
May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May they be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
May they never be separated from the great happiness which is devoid of suffering.
May they forever remain in boundless equanimity, free from both attachment and aversion.
2) Three minutes of being present with awareness (open awareness)
3) contemplation for 5 minutes :
As best as you are able, bring to mind all sentient beings, those that you know exist and include in your aspiration all those that you don’t know of, that you had no idea even existed. In the beginning it may be easier to start from a few beings in your immediate circle and then gradually expand this, to your community or just a general group of people for instance your city, country or even around the world, the entire universe…. Sincerely aspire to boundless kindness, compassion, joy and with equanimity for all sentient beings. During this meditation, at your own tempo, recite the lines:
“May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May they be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
May they never be separated from the great happiness which is devoid of suffering.
May they forever remain in boundless equanimity, free from both attachment and aversion”.
4) Two minutes of being present with awareness (open awareness)
5) conclude with the dedication prayer
By this merit may all attain omniscience.
Having defeated the enemies of wrongdoing.
In the turbulent waves of birth, old age, sickness and death;
May all beings be liberated from the ocean of samsara!
Post meditation practices
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- Consider how many of our relationships in life have changed, from friends to people we care not to spend time with or even dislike, and vice versa from people we care not to spend time with or even disliked who we now consider friends?
- Whenever, wherever and with whomever you find yourself, wish for the four boundless qualities for all sentient beings.
Note: if anyone is unsure about how to go about the practices, or how to meditate in the present with awareness, please don’t be shy and feel free to contact me.
This chapter is part of: Introduction Course - Part 2: Bodhichitta