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ant
USA
13 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 20 2024 : 6:04:23 PM
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Hello. I've been doing AYP on and off since 2007, so I consider myself pretty familiar with the practice of DM. I recently got back into the routine a few weeks ago and I'm noticing an interesting development.
At first, the mantra, which was quite familiar and easy to summon, was easy to focus on. After a few weeks, however, it feels like my brain recognizes the mantra as "oh yeah, the mantra...same old thing" and then wanders elsewhere. I understand the protocol for this kind of thing is to simply favor the mantra, which I do, but it really feels like my sessions are very unfocused. I'm not particularly stressed, and there is no obvious external reason why this is occurring. As I mentioned, it feels like my brain just sees the mantra as something so familiar that it doesn't warrant the attention, so it goes completely elsewhere until I realize it, and favor the mantra...but the attention is so fleeting. I feel like it didn't used to be this way, and it is frustrating. Although Yogani says to "gently" favor the mantra, I'm finding myself considering the idea of dharana (one pointed focus) and really trying to laser in on the mantra, but this of course feels more forced than what I know is in the teachings.
Does anyone have an input on this? Suggestions on how to "refresh" the mantra? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks! |
Edited by - ant on Sep 20 2024 6:04:39 PM |
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TensorTympani
Sweden
100 Posts |
Posted - Sep 21 2024 : 09:46:18 AM
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Hi ant,
you have been practicing AYP much longer than me, so my advise might not be very useful.
Of course, as you say, the general advise is to trust that DM is working towards its long term goals no matter whether individual meditation sessions, or even several consecutive sessions, feel less deep than usual (or less deep than they "ought to be" according to the bliss seeking mind), and so one should simply continue practicing without tweaking the DM method to try to achieve some state.
However, in my experience, there is a way of influencing and increasing the level of effortless focus during deep meditation by doing little things right before sitting down for deep meditation.
I sometimes remind myself how fascinating, precious and miraculous the mantra and the process of deep meditation is, that I know I can ride it to bliss and silence if I don't try to achieve anything but just let it do its thing while allowing myself to be fascinated by it and the process.
This is not a conscious thought that I formulate in my mind, but something that sometimes comes up automatically and I think it helps changing my subconscious attitude towards deep meditation.
Of course I don't try to remind myself of this during deep meditation, as this would be tweaking the method. It's something that I sometimes do half-consciously right before sitting down.
I understand now that people having a little ritual before meditation, like lighting incense, a candle or sitting in front of some altar, etc. might achieve a similar thing: a last minute reminder to subtly influence their subconscious attitude towards the forthcoming session so there is more likely an effortless focus on the process of meditation present. |
Edited by - TensorTympani on Sep 21 2024 10:56:52 AM |
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Christi
United Kingdom
4512 Posts |
Posted - Sep 21 2024 : 11:07:27 AM
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Hi ant,
I would agree with Tensor, that performing a short ritual before meditation such as lighting a candle can be a help by reminding us that we are doing something sacred.
Also, do remember that the Deep Meditation procedure is designed to purify the mind and heart (chitta). Part of that process of purification is to remove obstructions in the subtle nervous system and this can in turn throw up thoughts and emotions in the mind, which can distract us from the mantra. So, paradoxically, the very procedure of Deep Meditation can, at a certain stage, make it more difficult to remain with the mantra. This can manifest in many ways, including very powerful emotions or thoughts arising that are difficult to cope with, or simply a general dullness and lack of concentration, or even drowsiness to the point of constantly falling asleep during meditation. It is all past karmas being released in various ways.
Luckily it is only a phase and will not last forever. But it is important to have faith in the process, in order to be able to move through this phase. The dullness, and lack of focus that can arise, can often be as difficult to work through as any powerful memories or emotions arising. If we are able to work through this phase, then we eventually come out the other side with more clarity and energy and with a more balanced mind and heart.
I recorded a short podcast on this aspect of the spiritual path last year which is here:
https://youtu.be/gLNlTjN4NhM |
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ant
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - Sep 21 2024 : 7:37:00 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by TensorTympani
Hi ant,
you have been practicing AYP much longer than me, so my advise might not be very useful...
Hello! Thanks for the response. Although I picked AYP up back in 2007, I've been on-and-off, so my experience is sporadic. But I feel very solid being back in the practice. So it is odd that, while I am not used to meditation as a daily practice anymore, the mantra is still baked in pretty well in my brain. That is good advice about accepting the session for what it is, and trusting that the work is being done.
quote:
Originally posted by Christi
Hi ant,
I would agree with Tensor, that performing a short ritual before meditation such as lighting a candle can be a help by reminding us that we are doing something sacred...
A
Thank you for the advice! I suppose the best thing is to just keep on with it. As far as a ritual, I do 5 minutes of SBP before meditation, so I considered that to be a pretty powerful workup to the meditation. I'm able to focus on the SBP more easily than the mantra, which certainly was not the case in the past. I don't have much conductivity, but for some reason I focus on it easier.
Also, are you THE Tristan? I've been out of the loop for many years. I remember your screenname from way back, but I never knew who it was of course. |
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Dogboy
USA
2293 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2024 : 03:00:20 AM
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quote:
As I mentioned, it feels like my brain just sees the mantra as something so familiar that it doesn't warrant the attention, so it goes completely elsewhere until I realize it, and favor the mantra...but the attention is so fleeting.
If it makes you feel any better Ant, I am eleven years AYP, the past seven in a conductive body. In spite of this I am often "elsewhere" in DM, either in life thoughts or scenery, sometimes for much of the session. Earlier on this bothered me a lot. Now, not at all. With witnessing thoughts over time, judgements about them have dropped away. "Oh, I am off the mantra" leads simply to getting back on. Every moment on your meditation seat moves you along in some way. |
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Christi
United Kingdom
4512 Posts |
Posted - Sep 22 2024 : 05:08:15 AM
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Hi ant,
quote:
Also, are you THE Tristan? I've been out of the loop for many years. I remember your screenname from way back, but I never knew who it was of course.
Christi was a nickname I picked up in South India around 25 years ago, as many people found it hard to say "Tristan". Tristan is my given name. See here |
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The mantra is "stale"? Trouble focusing
