Structuring a meditation session

• When our spiritual mentors pass away
• Advice to spiritual mentors and disciples
• How to structure a meditation session
• Types of meditation
• Meditating on the lamrim
• Questions and answers

The Foundation of Buddhist Practice 25: Structuring a meditation session (download)

Contemplation points

1. How does having a strong foundation in the Dharma and a good relationship with our spiritual mentors benefit us, even when our mentors are not nearby to answer our questions, give us guidance, and offer counsel?
2. What does it mean to be a 21st century Buddhist? What can you do in your own practice to better embody this advice from His Holiness the Dalai Lama?
3. Consider how a mind that is “steeped in seeing others’ kindness, appreciating it, and wishing them happiness is a peaceful mind.” How does meditation help us to cultivate this kind of mind? Imagine how your life might be different if you had a much deeper understanding of the Dharma cultivated through meditation practice. Make some examples.
4. Review the meaning of stabilizing and analytical meditation. Make examples of how you could employ those in your practice.
5. Review the meaning of meditation on an object and meditation to transform our subjective experience. Make examples of each.
6. Consider how what you do in the break times between meditation sessions is very important. What are ways you can bring your meditation object into your daily life to deepen your understanding and gradually develop your mind?