Boundless joy meditation (all sentient beings)
Daily meditations and practice (‘Joy for all sentient beings’)
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…. and sincerely be joyful for them. Wish for every sentient being to be able to attain whatever they desire. It may be wisdom, joy, happiness education, great abilities and strength, good health and long life, friends, wealth, admirable qualities, status, the list is inexhaustible and that they have all this without loss, worry, free from being subject to others rivalry and jealousy. Imagine that their desires are fulfilled, satisfied and they are full of joy. Be joyful, feel happy for them for their good fortune and happiness.
During this meditation, at your own tempo, recite the lines:
“May they never be separated from the great happiness which is devoid of suffering”.
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
- wherever you are, whoever you are with, whenever you observe something where people may be happy for what they have, the happiness they are experiencing in their current situation, with your own mind celebrate for them, be happy for them.
- Whenever, wherever and with whomever you find yourself with wish for sentient beings to have whatever they need and that their lives may be filled with joy.
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