thoughts

The intent to meditate is a beautiful thing, yet when we first start to sit silently it ain’t pretty for long. Thoughts fly from the farthest curve of the inner universe to disturb the peace. Thoughts are the weapons of the mind; meta-thoughts (thoughts about thoughts and meditating) are its counter-intelligence brilliance.

Having two approaches to meditation, there are two approaches to dealing with thoughts generated by the monkey mind. The first is in the method: take one of those thoughts (a divine word or sound) and turn it into the ultimate thought, your japa/focus, a weapon turned against the mind. When the mind is occupied with one higher focus, all else will fade away. Any time the focus is lost, on remembrance simply return to the focus without judgment or commentary (counter-intelligence agents).

When attempting to meditate without a focus, label thoughts when they arise without getting involved in them. This is a wonderful way to get to know yourself. You will quickly realize that the thoughts your habitually entertain create the world in which you live. Label your thoughts in broad categories, like fear, low self-esteem, self-righteous or envy. Your thoughts will lose power and disintegrate, and you will realize that with or without your thoughts you are still there and peaceful in the calmness of your inner being.

Be patience and kind to yourself above all. Love the mind, enjoy it, but be the master.