"Meditation moves us in the direction of being able to simply see, simply hear, simply sense, simply think (thoughts passing through), simply feel (emotions coming and going). We train in being present with whatever arises in our experience, whether it is pain or pleasure, something agreeable or disagreeable. This is our path. We need to be mature about the fact that the terrain in which we are waking up is rough as well as smooth, churned up as well as calm, sour as well as sweet. The challenge is to be completely present with whatever comes up and see what you discover." American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun Pema Chodron offers this definition of meditation on this five-and-one-quarter-hour tape on five CDs. This audio resource is designed for beginning meditators, and it consists of 12 sitting sessions.
Chodron, always an engaging and relaxed teacher, offers the basics of mindfulness awareness practice with suggestions on posture, breathing, and relaxation. She contends that gentleness, patience, and humor are needed by all those who sit on a cushion. Mediation offers good training in letting go, working with thoughts, experiencing emotions, and working with unfavorable conditions. Learning the art of being truly present is the ultimate benefit of this practice.
