Chapter 6 - Stopping, Calming, Resting, Healing

Question 1

enumerate:

Two Aspects of Meditation

Answer 1

1. stopping
2. looking deeply

Question 2

explain:

stopping

1st Aspect of Meditation

6

Answer 2

• stopping thinking, habit energies, forgetfulness, strong emotions, running, being caught in past or future
• come home to present where life is available
• here we touch our ancestors and our children, even unborn
• calming body and emotions through mindful breathing, walking and sitting
• concentrating - so we can live deeply each moment of life and touch deepest level of being
• an art!

Question 3

looking deeply

2nd Aspect of Meditation

5

Answer 3

• brings insight
• liberates us from suffering
• shows true nature of things
• look into beloved and find out his aspirations, sufferings, difficulties
• understanding a great gift as well as a daily life conducted in mindfulness

Question 4

enumerate:

Three Functions of Shamatha

Answer 4

1. to stop
2. to calm
3. to rest

Question 5

explain:

to stop

1st function of Shamatha

Answer 5

• “be here now”, not some place else in our heads
• shining light of mindfulness on everything to make forgetfulness disappear

Question 6

explain:

to calm

2nd function of Shamatha

Answer 6

• learning to become strong and stable,
  not reactive
• image of an oak tree not blown about by the storm

Question 7

to rest

3rd function of Shamatha

2

Answer 7

• calm is a prerequisite; it allow wounds in body and mind to heal
• image of pebble landing on riverbed

Question 8

In the story of the man riding a galloping horse, a man replies to a stranger’s question “Where are you going?” with “I don’t know. Ask the horse!”. What is the symbolism and recommendation?

2

Answer 8

• habit energies
• we need to stop our horse and reclaim our freedom!

Question 9

Body and mind heal with what?

Answer 9

REST

Question 10

Thay says meditation does not need to be hard labour. What additional advice does he offer?

Answer 10

• to allow our body and mind to rest like an animal in the forest

Question 11

“Hello my_____ _______! I know you are there”

Answer 11

• habit energy

This is mindfulness in action

Question 12

The Buddha said his Dharma was the practice of what?

Answer 12

• the Practice of Non-practice

Question 13

enumerate:

Five Stages for Calming Body and Mind and Looking Deeply at Both

Answer 13

1. recognition
2. acceptance
3. embracing
4. looking deeply
5. insight