Expert: Justin Choo - 4/22/2009

Question
Dear Justin,
Hope you can answer this question on my mind. Recently in Penang, there were sessions by an old master (100+ yrs old)from China specializing in TCIM chinese medicine. He perfected a meditative technique based on Zen meditation and Qi Gong where practitioners after getting the right method, will feel the rush of Qi in their body and healing their physical and mental ailments.
I am deeply interested in Buddhist teachings but currently not affliated to any buddhist organization. I have a deep desire to learn Buddhist meditation (Vipassana, Metta) but yet to find out where to go. Is this Zhen Qi meditation ok to your understanding?  Or will it teach us the wrong or misguided way of meditation?  Appreciate your comments.
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Phang,

Welcome to this site.  Sounds like you are from my hometown.  

"Meditation" in a general sense, is like practising "qi gong".  Or to put it simply, like exercising.  There are various types of qigong and each is equally effective in its own ways.  There are also different types of exercise techniques and each is also equally effective in its own ways.  So where do we go from here?  I think there are two points one should take into consideration.  First, we have to go for the type which suits our needs and temperaments.  Secondly, each of us is different; one particular type may be effective for some but not suitable for me.  This leads to the choice that we must make, perhaps after trying out the various types.

I have done Tai Chi, and 5 types of qigong.  During my younger years, I practised Aikido and Judo.  What I do now is to incorporate parts of the various types that suit me.  I also practise yoga.  Now there are so many yoga positions, so I choose the ones that suit me.

Coming back to your question; this grand old sifu may genuinely be an expert in his own technique.  If I can see him in person I am sure his figure and stature will speak for themselves; and I too will like to learn from him for health benefits.

As for Buddhist meditation, it is done for a very different purpose, although the side benefits will enhance one's health.  What is Buddhist meditation?  Below is an extract from one of my teachers:
(http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/2008/11/meditation.html)

[Meditation
The English word meditation comes from the Latin meditatio meaning `to ponder' or `to ruminate.' The Pali word usually translated as meditation is bhavana and means `to develop,' `to cultivate,' or `to expand.' Thus the word meditation is actually an unsatisfactory one for the various techniques of psychological transformation taught by the Buddha.
In relation to thoughts, one could say that there are three approaches to meditation in Buddhism: (1) to utilize thoughts, (2) to still thoughts and (3) to observe thoughts. Loving- kindness meditation would be an example of the first of these. The meditator deliberately thinks particular types of thoughts for the purpose of evoking certain emotions and behaviour. An example of the second of these types of meditation would be mindfulness of breathing, where the meditator focuses his or her attention on the breath thus slowing down and finally stopping the flow of thoughts. In mindfulness meditation the mediator develops the ability to simply observe mental activity (thoughts, emotions, conceptualizing, etc.) thus gradually becoming less influenced by them.]

The object of Buddhist meditation is two fold.  First to tame the wandering mind, then to train the mind to see the true nature of things and feelings.  It is commonly treated as two separate types, namely tranquility meditation (Samatha), and insight meditation (Vipassana).  My personal interpretation is that I will need tranquil mind in order to achieve insight.  As far as I am concerned, I just meditate to stay focused or "one-pointedness" and let "nature" takes its course.  I feel that if one can project the mind to focus on one point for a long period, then one will pave the way to experience insight.  

Please remember, meditation is a very "controversial" subject.  But I am just happy doing what I feel benefits me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditation

If you are in Penang, MBMC and Mahindarama conduct meditation classes.  It is advisable that you have some foundation of Buddhism before embarking on Buddhist meditation.  Without Buddhist knowledge, it will be like learning how to drive without knowing the road signs.

Hope this helps.

Justin Choo