Part II, Continued from On road to Peace, I found some “Bhuddies”

How do I meditate?

Let me count the ways . . . I meditate while seated, while prone on my back, or while simply taking in nature and looking into colors. In short, I “ease” into a posture where my body and mind both come to a rest and then mingle with something I call my “Spirit.” When the three are joined, I simply become “one”  with my Self. And one with energy sources around me.

I can’t explain what happens at a molecular level; gotta leave that to scientists. But, I can tell you what happened when I meditated in a group at the Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia recently:

I notice my breath has slowed down, that parts of my body have genuinely come to a rest, particularly my shoulders, my neck area and my feet and hands. I focus my attention on my breathing. I “feel” the air going through my nose and into the nasal cavity just above the top of my mouth. I play “Darth Vader,” by slowing down the process, and breathing “loudly” through my nasal passages. Someone once told me it could be a form of yoga. I really don’t know. But, it works for me.

My eyes are shut. I let my other senses take over, especially the sense of taste, touch and hearing. I “sense”the slight “carryover” taste of coffee I had consumed earlier this morning. I feel the cushions beneath my haunches and my legs beneath my arms that are resting above them. I also feel a cool air that passes by as someone new arrives, entering the center by an open door letting cold rain from outside intrude before they close the door.

Some people cough. Another adjusts his or her chair. Now that it is really quiet, I hear my heart beat. Loud.

All sensations start to drift away, become somewhat muffled, as a slow, mercury-like movement — no, lava-like movement — starts to flow from an area near my heart and gradually spreads to other parts of my body. The heart beat not only increases, but pulsates more vigorously, almost like a palpable substance, from the top of my head to the toes below.

I am becoming One with the pulsating. One with my body. One with the mind that is “permitting” me this absence of thought.

How can I describe this? Well, there is a period in American History, called the “Era of Good Feelings,” sometime in the early 1800s under President James Monroe. I am experiencing my own “Era of Good Feelings” that elevates my love, compassion and forgiveness to a higher level. Forgiveness takes over, and I “am” purged of all wrongs that I may have “thought” I committed or will commit. I would forgive America’s national debt to China if I had the power at this moment of mediation. That’s how much forgiveness I have now.

Love arises in me, and I try to direct it to others. I am at peace. I am at One. I feel the warmth of my body against the pillow below. The two objects have now mingled and I can’t tell where one begins and the other ends. The same with the feeling I sense from my arms resting on my lap.

I am “unseperated” from anyone in this room. I am part of, and am one with, others.

The bell rings. Meditation has ended. All but the spiritual teacher arise and seek refreshments at the Chenrezig Tibetan Buddhist Center of Philadelphia. I thirst for more than the tea and water being offered. I go to learn more . . . about Buddhism . . . about my Self.

(See Part III,  Life’s Journey leads me to a Tea Ceremony)