Hi everyone,
I am trying to start a meditation practice based on the Mahasi method. I read the general instructions, and for sitting meditation (and also as an anchor during other activities), the meditator is advised to focus their attention on the abdomen, on the rising and falling sensations there.
However, the instructions don't seem to specify exactly which part of the abdomen one should focus on. If I just bring my attention to the general area of the abdomen, the strongest rising and falling sensations seem to be in the upper abdominal area, near the chest.
I've seen in some places people mention the area several inches below the navel as a special energy center or whatever (Hara in Japanese I think). If I try, I can detect the sensations of rising and falling there as well, but not as naturally as in the upper abdominal area.
So my question is, how important is the exact location? Should I just go with the place that seems the most natural (upper abdomen near the chest)? Or the area below the navel? Or it doesn't matter?
I feel like part of the meditation should be dealing with stuff like this and not giving it much important, but unfortunately, my personality is such that stuff like this often drives me crazy.
Thank you, appreciate your time!
Mahasi sitting meditation question - abdomen location
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Re: Mahasi sitting meditation question - abdomen location
You shouldn't look for a specific location beyond generally being aware of the whole abdomen and simply paying attention to the sensations of rising and falling. You are not meant to look for rising and falling - that would be analysing. You become aware of your whole abdomen and then you simply limit your awareness to any sensation connected with it rising as you breath in and falling as you breath out.purplepenguin1234 wrote: ↑Mon May 02, 2022 6:52 pm
So my question is, how important is the exact location?
So you should not be analysing and looking for sensations. You should simply be mindful and aware of that space and limit your attention to "rising" and "falling." Beyond that any other sensation that occurs should be noted.
Virgo
Re: Mahasi sitting meditation question - abdomen location
The best place to ask about this is here: https://www.dhammawheel.com/viewforum.p ... f2f1994946
Virgo
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Re: Mahasi sitting meditation question - abdomen location
Ok, thank you for your response!
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Re: Mahasi sitting meditation question - abdomen location
The Mahasi technique is not concerned with anatomy that I remember, just focus on the sensation of the rise and fall.
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when afflicted by disease
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when sad
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when suffering occurs
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when you are scared
-Khunu Lama
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when sad
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when suffering occurs
Meditate upon Bodhicitta when you are scared
-Khunu Lama