Expert: Justin Choo - 10/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: does breathing in meditation leads to altered state? what is the role of breathing to the road to enligtenment? what is its real purpose?

how does a buddhist gain insight mediation? do you need to close you eyes?


does buddhism speak of altered state? by the way, if you are observing things in mediation should you not try to control them or stop them or have a critical judgement?

what is the bsis of good and bad in buddhism? is it based on  consequences of actions? i think buddhsts have a diff stance bout it some said intention and some said consequences?

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,

<<does breathing in meditation leads to altered state? what is the role of breathing to the road to enligtenment? what is its real purpose?>>

Observng the in-breath and the out-breath during meditation is to direct the mind to one object of concentration.  Since breathing is a natural process, it is a very practical object for meditation.  


<<how does a buddhist gain insight mediation? do you need to close you eyes>>

When a person is able to calm the mind and direct the mind into full concentration, it has the power to discern life and its activities with a clear perception.  It penetrates into the real nature of things.  With sustained practice, one is able to gain real insight into the real nature of life's activities.

Buddhist meditation is usually done with eyes closed.


<< does buddhism speak of altered state? by the way, if you are observing things in mediation should you not try to control them or stop them or have a critical judgement? >>

When the mind is concentrated on one point, the person experiences "absolute absorption" called jhana.  In meditation, you just note, and not to control or stop the thoughts.


<<what is the bsis of good and bad in buddhism? is it based on  consequences of actions? i think buddhsts have a diff stance bout it some said intention and some said consequences?>>

A normal average person should know what is good and what is bad.  There is not need to depend on any religion to tell us what is good and what is bad. Whether "intention" or "consequences", good is good and bad is bad!

Hope this helps helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo











---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: so am i right meditation is awareness without reacting? isnt
that awareness requires critical thoughts and judgments
while meditating? why some buddhists say you will discern in
mediation vs some say just let it be watch and dont
comment..?

i get it so breathing is removing all distractions and
focusing on one thing right? i thought breathing is the
means and end.

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,

<<so am i right meditation is awareness without reacting? isnt
that awareness requires critical thoughts and judgments
while meditating?>>
If you note, you just note.  Everyone can do it.  There are no critical thoughts and judgements.


<<why some buddhists say you will discern in
mediation vs some say just let it be watch and dont
comment..?>>
There will be many interpretations.  In the end you need to use your own judgement.  

<<i get it so breathing is removing all distractions and
focusing on one thing right? i thought breathing is the
means and end.>>
You are right.  Never mind whether it is means or end.  Just do it!!

Take care.

Justin Choo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: using judgment? i thought just observe dont comment or think while meditate?

you mean the good and bad discernment is universal to all human instinct not limited to race or culture?


example i lie down in bed closed my eyes and think of my ideas or activities is it  a buddhist mediation? or not similar?

Answer
Hi Jaya,

<<using judgment? i thought just observe dont comment or think while meditate?>>
Please read my answers carefully.  The "judgement" here is in the context of interpretation of various people, not relating to meditation.  I mean that you should use your own judgement to decide which interpretation is more acceptable. Read again below:
<<why some buddhists say you will discern in
mediation vs some say just let it be watch and dont
comment..?>>
There will be many interpretations.  In the end you need to use your own judgement.

<<you mean the good and bad discernment is universal to all human instinct not limited to race or culture?>>
Truths are universal, transcend race, culture, nationality, belief, time and space.  Bad is bad; good is good.  Just an example; hurting another person.  

<<example i lie down in bed closed my eyes and think of my ideas or activities is it  a buddhist mediation? or not similar?>>
I think you should know at least what Buddhist meditation is not.  Otherwise we are wasting our time discussing.

Take care.

Justin Choo