Expert: Justin Choo - 11/4/2010

Question
Hello,

Recently I began reading Mindfulness in Plain English and after reading the book, I began practicing Vipassana meditation.  No easy task! My questions are: when I am getting to the place during meditation when I am able to concentrate on the breath (for longer than 2 seconds) I've found that I begin getting really nauseous - so much so that I feel almost compelled to stop meditating? What might be causing this and is it dangerous?  I have very old knees and have a difficult time sitting in proper position - sittin in a chair is a little better but eventually the old hips want to cry out. Can one meditate while lying down? Is it possible to be too old to begin meditation, should one begin practicing at a younger age than I am now (over 60) If I could find one locally, would a Guru be helpful(western new york area). I truly appreciate your help.
LJ

Answer
Hi LJ,

" I've found that I begin getting really nauseous....What might be causing this and is it dangerous? "
Different people will experience different feelings and reactions.  This is the first time that I heard of reaction like yours.  I certainly have no idea as to why.  I wonder whether you meditate immediately after food.  This may cause the reaction you described. I don't think this would impose any danger.  However, if you feel like stopping, then do so.  Don't force yourself.  You are supposed to take it in a relaxed manner.  

" sittin in a chair is a little better "
It's ok to sit on a chair, if you are unavle to sit the conventional way.

"Can one meditate while lying down?"
The "danger" of falling asleep!!

"Is it possible to be too old to begin meditation"
It's never too old to start meditation.  The mind is ageless; only the physical body ages.

"If I could find one locally, would a Guru be helpful"
Certainly finding an experienced meditation master is helpful.  But be careful not to be conned by bogus "masters".

Perhaps you may like to start with viewing youtube presentation of Buddhist meditation.  You can start with this link and follow up with the other related videos:
http://vodpod.com/watch/688204-ajahn-chah-mindful-way

Ajahn Chah was the teacher of the American monk Ajahn Sumedho
(http://www.amaravati.org/abmnew/index.php/about_us/getting_here/)  and English monk Ajahn Brahm ( http://www.bswa.org ).

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo