A Note on Meditation
Stress and the Mind
We know the importance of keeping the mind and body balanced. We put a lot of emphasis on being physically healthy but how do we keep our mind healthy?
Our mind can create both happiness and sadness. We tend to create mostly negative images far different from the real situation which leads to stress.
Stress is a part of our lives but it doesn’t necessarily lead to illness or disease. In fact, acute stress/challenges can also be good for us, giving us direction and a sense of meaning. However, in our daily life, we encounter chronic stress. We worry about getting sick and getting old. We worry about losing our job or our possessions, and we crave things we don’t have. Worrying increases stress which in turn produces anxiety. This state of sustained flight or fight can cause a decline in health.
Meditation and the Mind
Our mind and body do not work together in unison. Meditation is a holistic way to keep our mind and body healthy and in harmony with each other. When the mind and body is in a balanced state, overall health improves.
Meditation transforms our mind and helps us see the actual situation instead of our perceived distorted image. When our mind is clear, we can make the right decision to deal with the situation.
People who meditate regularly, with the proper view, experience significantly positive mental and physical benefits.
Benefits of Meditation
- Sleep better and feel rested.
- Deal effectively with stressful situations.
- Increased energy.
- Better concentration and more focused.
Vajrayana Buddhism Association (VBA) was founded by Nyingma master Tam Shek-Wing (Dorje Jigdral, b. 1935), with branches in Toronto, Vancouver, Hong Kong and Hawaii. Tam became a disciple of H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche in 1972 and was ordained Vajra Archarya by His Holiness in 1984, shouldering the responsibility to present Buddhism to the Western audience.
