How to meditate like a Zen Master

5 Comments on “What are the meditation techniques that you have found that work best for you?”

1. Father K
   March 1st, 2007 at 6:18 am

   I much prefer the method that the Fathers (and Mothers) of the Spiritual/Interior Life call “Lectio Divina”.

   The classical practice of Lectio Divina–the prayerful reading of the Bible, the book that we, as Christians believe to be divinely inspired–is being rediscovered and renewed in our time. At the same time a number of ways of practicing it have sprung up leading to a certain confusion regarding its relationship to the distinct practice of Centering Prayer. A few distinctions may be helpful.

   First of all, we need to distinguish Lectio Divina from Bible study, which is very useful at another time and provides a solid conceptual background for the practice of Lectio Divina.

   Secondly, Lectio Divina is not the same as reading the scriptures for the purpose of private edification, encouragement, or getting acquainted with the many-sided aspects of revelation, and especially with Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God. Lectio Divina is rather a way or formula for furthering these objectives.

   Thirdly, Lectio Divina is not the same as spiritual reading, which moves beyond the exclusive reading of sacred scripture to include other spiritual books such as the lives and writings of the saints.

   Finally, Lectio Divina is not the same as praying the scriptures in common, a contemporary development that is sometimes identified with Lectio Divina. The classical practice of Lectio Divina was done in private and consisted in following the movement of the Holy Spirit in regard to the time one might devote to each step of the process, as well as passing from one step to another during the same period of prayer. Following a particular structure, such as is required in all forms of common prayer, tends to limit spontaneity to the movement of the Holy Spirit, which is the heart of the practice.

2. Jack P
   March 1st, 2007 at 10:25 pm

   4 - 2 breathing
   Background mantras or Gregorian chants
   forgiveness and gratitude affirmations

3. adrianusign
   March 4th, 2007 at 5:52 pm

   Hi,
   You may want to try the simple meditation techniques explained at the InnerGuidance Network website:. The online Spirits Onymous course is free. “Align with Stillness” is coming this Sunday.

   My spiritual belief is that in each and every human being shines the bright light of Spirit.

4. cordsoforion
   March 6th, 2007 at 2:13 am

   Meditation comes from…..

   The word

5. ji-an
   March 8th, 2007 at 12:33 pm

   Mindfulness Meditation and Lovingkindness Meditation has been the most helpful types of meditation:

   *How To Manuel “Mindfulness in Plain English”
   is now offered free online:

   An excellent book on Lovingkindness Meditation:
   “Lovingkindness: the Revolutionary Art of Happiness” by: Sharon Salzberg is the first I had ever read on Lovingkindness; Lovingfriendliness Meditation.

   Metta to all.

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