Type of Meditation and Mood
score:2
According to my teacher, mood instability comes from not having a stable frame of reference as far as one's values. Meaning, when one has a stable system of coordinates in one's head, according to which everything is evaluated, one's values are stable and one can optimize one's actions within that frame of reference. However, when one does not have that, then for such person it is typical to waver between different coordinate systems of other people. As a result, one's values keep fluctuating. Today, according to this system, everything is great - and tomorrow, according to another system - you are a loser.
The traditional medicine from that is to work on internalizing the Dharma until it becomes one's stable frame of reference. This starts with taking Refuge as the commitment to never hold any other system of values higher than Buddha-Dharma. As a result one's values and one's assessment of one's situations stabilizes and the mood swings diminish and disappear.
The next step is to work on going beyond a single frame of reference and to become capable of switching frames of reference without getting stuck mentally or emotionally. This ultimate level of this is cultivation of spontaneity, or being oneself. This basically means that one becomes one's own system of coordinates, one always trusts one's own judgement and therefore is immune to any and all mood fluctuations.
In terms of meditation, I would recommend analytical meditation on the first three Noble Truths.
Upvote:1
You could take a satipatthana approach by noticing the shifting mind states throughout the day. If one does this with such diligence and discipline you will eventually notice that all the shifting mind states cannot possibly make up you as a person. This brings forth knowledge of...
impermanence: they're always changing.
suffering: wanting or not wanting
leading to the partial or the full realisation of not-self.
You will have to 'know' many times by patiently observing your own mind states.
One will also gain insight into the four noble truths along the way by seeing how you are creating your own suffering. Once you see this, you're on the path.
More post
- π How to deal with distractions during meditation?
- π What is "Pattichha Samuppadha" in buddhism
- π Can the body be stuck in a state during practice?
- π Does breeding dogs fall under right livelihood?
- π Spirits and heaven
- π Bodhipakkhiya: Panca Indriya versus Panca Bala
- π Purpose of scattered thing or food under tree?
- π Transfering merits
- π Eclecticism in the Dhamma (as per AN 3.72; AN 3.65; MN 20)
- π Can sankharas and craving arise without attachment?
- π Happiness and Karma
- π Hard not to control my breathing
- π Doing the opposite of not skillfull things
- π Anesthesia, being knocked out, unconsciousness...what does the Buddha have to say about it?
- π Is the Unalome a Buddhist symbol?
- π What is the difference between Sakkaya Ditthi and Attanuditthi?
- π Is begging for alms acceptable for lay persons?
- π Is "no-self" or "self" the more secure bet, e.g. for householders?
- π Is fifth precept included in the Noble Eightfold Path?
- π Starting Buddhism
- π Most effective meditation techniques to develop empathy, love and compassion for others?
- π Similarity between creation in Abrahamic religions and beginning of life in Earth mentioned Agganna Sutta?
- π Scriptural source for the lost son story
- π What are The Buddha's most compassionate acts?
- π How to prolong post meditation emotions, feelings and thoughts?
- π What is the process that creates "SaαΉ khΔra"
- π Right action when being lied to
- π Should a Buddhist have Children?
- π Is the Mind [essentially] bound to ignorance "not-knowing" or free?
- π Where can we find (Lost) ancient Indian text by Buddhist scholars which was Translated in other languages?
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- π Type of Meditation and Mood
- π What are the verses relating to meditation in the Tripitaka? And to what type of meditation does it relate to?
- π What is the next meditation type after Mindfulness of Breathing meditation?
- π Meditation and 'not trying to change anything'
- π Strange feelings after meditation and mindfulness practice?
- π Does meditation increase productivity for software developers and related professions?
- π Difference in Buddhist meditation and meditation in other religions
- π Did Buddha practice group meditation with bhikkhus, bhikkhunis and laymen, just like in today's meditation center?
- π Are there Theravada meditation retreats that allow one to work for room and board?
- π How to use Sloth and Torpor as an object for meditation
- π Best type of meditation for attention
- π Time and Frequency of Meditation
- π What type of Buddhist monks are only allowed to eat two meals per day and why?
- π When and how should someone practice Patikulamanasikara meditation (reflections of replusiveness)
- π Could meditation help with reducing memory and concentration problems? As with ADD or ADHD?
- π Meditation and good deeds vs clarity of mind during death
- π Near death experience and meditation
- π What is the name in PΔli and Sanskrit for the βbody scanningβ meditation technique?
- π How important are incense and candles to a meditation practice?
- π Meditation posture and language as a monk in Thailand
- π Skillful ways to induce Rapture and Pleasure in meditation
- π Seeking guidance on avoiding meditation distractions and sluggishness
- π Meditation and Mouth breathing
- π What meditation practice will allow me to sleep less and focus more?
- π Combining yoga (asanas); qigong meditation and raw vegan diet with Buddhism
- π Quantified Self and Meditation
- π Buddhist meditation for intrusive thoughts and anxiety
- π Meditation to control anxiety and hyperactivity?
- π Meditation and being aware in your sleep while dreaming
- π Difference Between Walking and Sitting Meditation