Shamatha (Open Awareness)

Shamatha is the practice of cultivating a calm, clear, and focused mind. In this practice, we cultivate three qualities: relaxation (overcoming tension), stability (overcoming distraction), and clarity (overcoming dullness). In this session, we expand on the previous shamatha practice of stillness in motion. In this practice of open awareness, we observe all movements of the mind (i.e. not only observing thoughts and other mental events but also sense objects such as sounds, sensations, and so on). This is the last session of this series. Previous session: Shamatha (Stillness in Motion) - resting in stillness of awareness whilst observing the movements of the mind

Transcript

As always,

We begin by preparing the body.

So again,

Keeping the back nice and straight.

And at the same time,

Allow the entire body to become completely relaxed,

Completely at ease.

And relaxing more deeply with each out-breath.

And once you've established that good posture,

Then keeping the body as still as possible,

Avoiding any unnecessary movement or fidgeting.

Allowing the breathing to flow naturally and effortlessly.

And allowing the mind to come to rest in the present moment.

And simply becoming aware of the rhythm of the breath.

And now allowing your eyes to be at least partially open,

Resting your gaze in the space in front of you.

And simply release all appearances,

Allowing the mind to come to rest.

Not doing anything at all.

Simply being present,

Knowing that you're aware.

And simply resting in that open,

Spacious stillness of awareness.

Hmm Now,

Whilst resting in that stillness,

Start to become aware of the movements of the mind.

Even here,

Movements includes also sense objects.

So observing whatever is appearing to the mind.

Thoughts,

Emotions,

Sounds,

Sensations and so on.

Observing them as they arise and pass.

You and if you're finding that you're constantly getting caught up in appearances then shift the emphasis more to stillness that is mainly rest in stillness and then a little bit in the corner of the mind observing anything that is appearing in the mind or if you find that you're simply drifting into dullness or drowsiness then place more emphasis on movements that is a closer attention to your anything that is appearing to the mind and less attention to stillness and just a little bit in the corner of the mind observe any other appearances to the mind you You You

Reviews

Lovely practice! Thanks for sharing this practice with us. Namaste

Beautiful shamatha practice 🙇🏼 blessed to receive 🕉️

Excellent combination of instructions and silence. Provided alternatives if a focus was not working well. The ideal open awareness meditation.

Glen is a Master in leading meditation. Absolutely wonderful.

Thank you Glen! Your clear instructions help the mind stay focused and relaxed throughout the meditation 🙏

Great guidance 🙏🏻❤️

Dear Glen, thank you for this spacious practice and guidance. Sending good wishes.