INCREASING THE TIME SPAN
| As you go on in this manner, one-pointedness of mind will
arise, concentration will begin to arise. One must increase the time span of one’s
meditation gradually and steadily. An ideal time span is a period of one and a half hours
(90) minutes. However, no novice or beginner can go on for such a period of time straight
away. A novice can commence with about 15 to 20 minutes. Always resolve the time duration
you intend to meditate when you sit to it. Do not get up until this time period lapses,
irrespective of the quality of the practice. Part of the practice is to develop resolve
and effort. If you stop before the determined time duration, your resolve and effort will
weaken. This must be avoided. Now gradually increase your time duration, say on a weekly
basis, about 5 or 10 minutes every week. In this way, go on till you reach the hour. As you proceed towards the hour, you may experience a tremendous level of agitation and restlessness after about 40 to 45 minutes. At that time you may feel that there is absolutely no purpose in going on any further, because whatever mindfulness, concentration and serenity that had been developed is all gone. The urge to stop the practice is very very strong, and many do so at this point. However, this is a fatal error. This is the test of your resolve, effort, patience and forbearance. Do not get deceived by the setback, because this is very natural. It happens to almost all. Patiently wait until the agitation passes away. If you cannot watch the breath, watch the posture or even the mind. Whatever you watch, do not get up from your seat. This torment will last about 10 minutes only, but it may appear very long to you. Gradually, this massive level of agitation will pass away, as all things are of that nature. Thereafter you can complete the hour. Once you reach an hour, consolidate it, by practising and hour every day. It is also preferable to carry out your practice at a set time of day, which can vary with the individual. After consolidating the hours practice, gradually take it up to one and a half hours. Very often, samadhi (serene concentration) arises only when an hours practice is well established. Exceptions to this rule are rare. The arising of samadhi is a vital point and experience to every meditator. To acquire this state of samadhi, one must have a firm resolve, make sacrifices, have an unwavering effort and be prepared to go on and on, until one reaches this state. The tranquillity and happiness that arises with the mind going into samadhi itself is well worth it. Above all, you have prepared and arranged your mind to develop insight, because wisdom dawns only to a mind in samadhi. |