​The point of focus 2

One way of talking about mindfulness is as developing a mind that is continually referencing both inner and outer reality. In order to do this we place our minds in a particular place at the junction between the inner and outer worlds. One of the functions of meditation is to find this place and learn to hold the mind there. Traditionally we use a point of focus at the tip of the nose. We gently focus our eyes there, gathering our attention. From here we can learn to be aware of both inner and outer, keeping in touch with our feelings as we move our point of focus around. We can tend to over react to things, so clarity also comes from calming the mind, passing the cooling breath through this point.

When the mind is calm we can imagine and place our thoughts at this point and clearly feel them out as we meditate. Then, when the meditation is over, we can reach forward into the outer world with this focus, keeping in touch with the heart and seeing very clearly the heart's response to the world. We can be consciously comparing our inner image or memory of something with the outer reality. This is the function of perception which usually happens outside of our awareness and yet is the most influential function of the mind. If we can gain control over our perceptions we have control over our minds. 






I offer this for your reflection

Ajahn Kalyāno
http://www.openthesky.co.uk/

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