Tibetan medicine seeks to draw attention to the relationship in balancing aspects of the mind, body, and behavior. Meditation is an integral component within Tibetan medicine. Through practices of Tibetan meditation, the practitioner seeks to probe the nature of reality. There is an emphasis to tame the incessant inner dialogue of our thoughts, which is constantly shifting to the barrage of sensory input. This inner dialogue is often referred to as the “monkey mind”. Through these meditation methods one can transform the mind into a conduit to create better health and happiness (University of Minnesota, 2020).
The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to reach nirvana or spiritual enlightenment where there is an absence of suffering or realization of the self and its relation to the universe. Nirvana translates to “cessation”, as in removing suffering and its undesired effects of drama, manipulation, aggression, struggle, etc. Practice of Tibetan meditation is a means that can lead to this goal.
Within Buddhism is the concept of The Four Noble Truths, which are relative to the meditation practices. These truths would be:
- Life is painful and frustrating. Everyone experiences painful and frustrating moments.
- Suffering has a cause. The cause comes from our attachment to what we know and is familiar.
- The cause of suffering can be ended by releasing expectations and attachments. Attachment based on fear of loss and fear of being alone and separate, are the causes of suffering.
- Meditation, or the practice of mindfulness and awareness, is the way to end suffering
We can stop dwelling in the past by being focused on the current moment. Keeping these concepts at the forefront of our thoughts, will help with detachment and concentration, and lead to mastery of the mind (Yugay, 2018).
Sitting while meditating is a major component of Tibetan Meditation, I think it is important to note that these practices are more of a lifestyle where these truths are experienced and addressed throughout the whole day, every day, for the practitioner and not just something to ponder once in a while when it is convenient.
I found some information about the Dalai Lama that I found quite interesting. The Dalai Lama actually has his own website! Amazing how he has embraced modern technologies to further spread his teachings of awareness of compassion, suffering and other aspects of Buddhism and Tibetan Meditation. The Dalia Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism. His meditation schedule is a large portion of his daily routine, being quite intense compared to most people who meditate. He starts his days with a few hours of prayers, meditations, and prostrations. After breakfast, he spends another three hours on meditation and prayer. After his 5 p.m. tea, the Dalai Lama concludes his day with another two more hours of meditation and then finishes with his evening prayers. Every day he spends about seven hours a day on mindfulness. He shares that even if you only commit five minutes a day to meditation, one can still gain the benefits of slowing aging, sharpening the mind, and reducing stress.
Be well!
References:
6 Tips for Longevity From the Dalai Lama | Well+Good (wellandgood.com)Links to an external site.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama | The 14th Dalai Lama
University of Minnesota. (2020, May). How Can I Practice Tibetan Meditation? https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-can-i-practice-tibetan-meditationLinks to an external site.
Yugay, I. (2018, January 19). The Secret To Enlightenment With Buddhist Meditation. Mindvalley. https://blog.mindvalley.com/buddhist-meditation/Links to an external site.
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I write often about topics that affect our health and well-being. Additionally, I teach and offer lectures about qigong, tai chi, baguazhang, and yoga.
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