As you may know, Buddhism does not worship or acknowledge a God. So in a sense Buddhism could be atheistic. But this is for the atheists who have an aversion to anything spiritual: Did you know that Buddhist practices such as meditation have been scientifically proven to bring greater happiness and peace of mind? I’m not out to get anyone to start practicing it, I was just wondering if you were aware of this. Also, secular Western Psychology is implementing many Buddhist practices such as Mindfulness and meditation, because of their proven benefits.

This link is just one of many sources, but it’s particularly good information seeing that it comes from BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3047291.stm
sisyphus you are thinking about Hinduism.
Sisyphus, all of your information is entirely false. Buddhists do believe in Karma and rebirth.
Sisyphus I’m not sure why you’re lying about Buddhism to make it look bad, but it’s not appreciated.

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Ive gotten particularly good at mindfulness meditation and im able to hold concentration whether it be while relaxing or walking around quite well. However i know that for proper trance type meditations im supposed to be able to remain mindful during deep states that border on sleep or at least have the same general brain functioning as sleep. However once i get to a certain point dreams start taking over and i cant help but become distracted and despite still being "conscious" im unable to focus on my mindfulness. My ultimate goal is to be able to reach REM states or the equivalent of in meditation while still mindful. I need adviceeee!

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Hello all,

I had a quick question for anyone who’s experienced in yoga/mediation or even mindfulness as I have started these techniques for about a week now and I’m seeing great improvements, others view the positive changes as well. My question for you is during meditation or yoga would it be better to focus on something pleasant and calming such as a flowing stream or a crystal clear beach etc or, would it be better to focus on the things which trouble us, the things which we fear, the things which make us anxious? I have been using the calming method such as quiet peaceful nature scenarios and it’s worth while but the thought that crossed my mind to provoke this question is that if meditation is meant for us to seperate feelings and emotions from rational thought and patience then wouldn’t it be better for us to learn to calm down while focusing on these various troubling aspects? Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance:)

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How does one practice these meditations? And, how does one practice Purification Meditation, say at the end of the day?

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also i understand that vipassanna meditation does not focus on observing emotions and body , just thoughts (and breath) - why ?

is it not more holistic to observe all 3 layers (thoughts, emtions and body) rather then just thoughts ?

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I am studying Buddhism so give me your opinion or symbol idea(s) and try to keep it simple. This may look complicated, but it is just a lot of writing.
A Symbol For:

1.) Right Resolve (I am thinking a check mark) (making a firm decision to live according to the Eightfold Path)

2.) Right Speech (I am thinking a mouth) (speaking in a manner that doesn’t harm others; not gossiping, lying, or using mean words)

3.) Right Conduct (I am thinking a "C") (Acting in a way that doesn’t harm others; not killing, not stealing, and also not acting selfishly)

4.) Right Livelihood (?) (Earning a living in a way that doesn’t harm others)

5.) Right Effort (?) (Striving to get rid of any evil within oneself)

6.) Right Mindfulness (I am thinking a brain) (Paying attention to responsibilities)

7.) Right Meditation (I am thinking of someone meditating) (Thinking deeply for the answers to problems)

Thank You if you can help!

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The empty-mind non-directed alertness concentration of meditation is very different from my understanding of concentration which is directed and focused.

But I read something once by Thich Nhat Hanh that the goal of meditation is to achieve the former state of heightened non-directed awareness or mindfulness not only whilst meditating, but in everything we do: walking, washing up, even talking to a friend. Is it possible to be in a state of mindfulness and also concentrated/focused at the same time, and how is this done?

As an example, can you engage in a conversation and count the breath at the same time? To me this sounds almost impossible, and even if you could, why would you want to?
kiowarose…. I can’t find anything about "contemplative notation" at the site you mentioned, so I have no idea what you mean.
Shahrizat, what you describe sounds like "multi-tasking", concentrating on two things at once, but mindfulness seems more like concentrating on everything at once, not only the stirring and little Nuris, but your breathing and the feel of warmth rising from the cooking and the fragrant coconut…. all at once… and yet be focused on what you’re doing… I’m not sure if I can quite get my head around it… how this all-encompassing mindfulness without "filtering" is achieved and why it is preferable to my understanding of concentration which is filtering out everything except that which you are focused on.
Will Rogers, I wish I understood… perhaps it can only be learnt through the experience of sitting meditation? And could you do all those things and even *count* the breath, or is it just awareness?

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hi everybody , i asked people how to meditate and i got answers, but i want to know how to wake up from meditation,bcoz i felt giddiness when suddenly woke up from meditation..
and
What are they meaning
1. mindfulness
2.Concentration
3.Emptiness
4.Nirvana

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Authors of books on Buddhism & meditation often mention
"awareness" and "mindfulness." The definitions of the two
are very similar, yet also very different.
Who can explain the difference between them?

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Will meditation and mindfulness naturally make you a more optimistic person?

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