Samadhology

Hello, everyone. Apparently I must start in the Lobby. So here I am. Ive been following some of the discussions here for a while, particularly the AYP-related posts by Tibetan_Ice and Seeker of Tao. I opened an account in order to direct some questions to Tibetan_Ice and Seeker of Tao in particular and to the community in general. Of course, everyone is welcome to respond! I had a longer pst planned, but I pulled my back a couple of days ago, so Im in pain here - but not excruciatingly so. At any rate, Ill keep this short because sitting in this chair is rather uncomfortable. Ive been doing AYP for a little over two years now, but some of the discussions about it here have given me cause to re-evaluate the practice. Ive arrived at the understanding that Samatha meditation seems more structured and offers a clearer path toward a fuller experiencing and enjoyment of the fruits of meditative practice. Accordingly, Wallaces The Attention Revolution is my practice manual. At any rate, folks here seem to agree that its a valuable resource, and I have to agree. Its a gem. So this is characteristically Buddhist practice. One first does Samatha and then Vipassana. Im not sure whether concurrently or consecutively, but at this time Im content with directing my energies to Samatha practice. The concern, though, is what of Kundalini meditation and prana work? I must admit that Kundalini meditation - among the laity at least - has achieved mythic status. Its like a drug, and those of us who engaged in these practices for any length of time probably have the image of that coiled serpent energy rushing up our spine and bursting through the crown chakra fixed firmly in our mind. It seems to be the Gold Medal of Kundalini meditation. So Im concerned that I might be missing out on this, while at the same time I can freely admit that maybe Ive developed some fantasies about it. At any rate, it would appear that Samatha mediation is probably necessary for *any* kind of chakra work later on. It seems to be a foundational practice, and these serpent energies will come of their own accord anyway. Additionally, theres prana. What of that? In Samatha meditation we dont force or control the breath; we simply allow ourselves to breath naturally as part of the practice. But what of the benefits of prana work - pranayama/spinal breathing, breath of fire, etc. ? So Im a little confused at this point. However, Wallaces work is quite inspirational, and Ive decided to press forward with Samatha meditation regardless. I dont think Kundalini energies would function very well in the presence of an unquiet mind. Thanks for your time. Christian.

Hello, everyone. Apparently I must start in the Lobby. So here I am. I’ve been following some of the discussions here for a while, particularly the AYP-related posts by Tibetan_Ice and Seeker of Tao. I opened an account in order to direct some questions to Tibetan_Ice and Seeker of Tao in particular and to the community in general. Of course, everyone is welcome to respond! I had a longer pst planned, but I pulled my back a couple of days ago, so I’m in pain here - but not excruciatingly so. At any rate, I’ll keep this short because sitting in this chair is rather uncomfortable. I’ve been doing AYP for a little over two years now, but some of the discussions about it here have given me cause to re-evaluate the practice. I’ve arrived at the understanding that Samatha meditation seems more structured and offers a clearer path toward a fuller experiencing and enjoyment of the fruits of meditative practice. Accordingly, Wallace’s “The Attention Revolution” is my “practice manual.” At any rate, folks here seem to agree that it’s a valuable resource, and I have to agree. It’s a gem. So this is characteristically Buddhist practice. One first does Samatha and then Vipassana. I’m not sure whether concurrently or consecutively, but at this time I’m content with directing my energies to Samatha practice. The concern, though, is what of Kundalini meditation and prana work? I must admit that Kundalini meditation - among the laity at least - has achieved mythic status. It’s like a drug, and those of us who engaged in these practices for any length of time probably have the image of that coiled serpent energy rushing up our spine and bursting through the crown chakra fixed firmly in our mind. It seems to be the Gold Medal of Kundalini meditation. So I’m concerned that I might be missing out on this, while at the same time I can freely admit that maybe I’ve developed some fantasies about it. At any rate, it would appear that Samatha mediation is probably necessary for *any* kind of chakra work later on. It seems to be a foundational practice, and these serpent energies will come of their own accord anyway. Additionally, there’s prana. What of that? In Samatha meditation we don’t force or control the breath; we simply allow ourselves to breath naturally as part of the practice. But what of the benefits of prana work - pranayama/spinal breathing, breath of fire, etc. ? So I’m a little confused at this point. However, Wallace’s work is quite inspirational, and I’ve decided to press forward with Samatha meditation regardless. I don’t think Kundalini energies would function very well in the presence of an unquiet mind. Thanks for your time. Christian.