Expert: Justin Choo - 8/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: justin,
whats diff between calming the mind, stilling the mind and
emptying the mind?

if we meditate do our 5 senses shut off?

are we allowed to think in meditation? if so, why some
manuals tell us just let it go dont discern it?

how is it possible for meditators to see lights, electrical
pulses or other beings?

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,

<<whats diff between calming the mind, stilling the mind and
emptying the mind?>>
"Calming" and "stilling" may be quite similar.  I think most will consider them as having the same meaning.  But if we look deeper into these 2 terms, there is a subtle difference, at least I think so.  Calming the mind means relaxing the mind, there is no worrying, or any anxiety.  The mind just relaxes.  Stilling the mind goes beyond "calming".  The mind is now concentrated on an object, no more wondering, just stillness.

Emptying the mind should mean not going into the thinking process.


<<if we meditate do our 5 senses shut off?>>
So long as we breathe, we cannot stop the sense of smell.

<<are we allowed to think in meditation? if so, why some
manuals tell us just let it go dont discern it?>>
You should not indulge in the thinking process which will lead the mind to wander.  You just note whatever that is, and stop thinking about it.


>>how is it possible for meditators to see lights, electrical
pulses or other beings?>>

When the mind is totally concentrated without any sensual distraction, the meditator may experience "extraordinary insights" that are not dependent on the senses.  Please remember, this is not the aim in Buddhist meditation.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo




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

QUESTION: are there any hazards in meditation what are they?

are there any reported hazards experienced by meditators?

how does the 5 senses shut off when meditating?

is meditation means loosing one's grip from the op[pression
of the self? in meditation are you some sort of an observer
than the "controller"?

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,

<<are there any hazards in meditation what are they?>>
The danger is there.  Wrong approach can lead a person to indulge in habitual thinking, and instead of calming the mind, he lets the mind take control over him, and in the process, he may become mentally unstable.

<<are there any reported hazards experienced by meditators?>>
I have personally seen one as described above.


<<how does the 5 senses shut off when meditating?>>
It is dificult to describe or explain.  You need to personally experience this state, usually it happens for just a split second, unless you are a very seasoned meditator, then this state may last longer.



<<is meditation means loosing one's grip from the oppression
of the self? in meditation are you some sort of an observer
than the "controller"?>>
You don't lose grip of anything.  You just note everything that comes, just like a skilled observer.


Take care.

Justin Choo


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

QUESTION: sir, is it possible if wrongly approached i might lead to
insanity? how many cases are there already? is it a few
ones?

why should the senses need to be cut off when in higher
meditative skills?


you mean in meditation its like a first person or 3rd person
observer? of course meditation teachers said dont think in
an "I" method
is it possible for meditators to talk to different beings
while in deep meditations? is it possible for a buddha to
teach you while meditating?  

Answer
Hi Jaya,

<< sir, is it possible if wrongly approached i might lead to
insanity? how many cases are there already? is it a few
ones?>>
I have answered this.  As for the numbers, you are asking an impossible question.


<<why should the senses need to be cut off when in higher
meditative skills?>>
I don't think you need to "cut off" the senses.  If you ever reached a high level of meditation, you would know what it is.


<<you mean in meditation its like a first person or 3rd person
observer? of course meditation teachers said dont think in
an "I" method>>
Please refer to my earlier answer.


<<is it possible for meditators to talk to different beings
while in deep meditations? is it possible for a buddha to
teach you while meditating?>>
We are discussing about Buddhist meditation, which has nothing to do with "talking to different beings".
What do you mean "a" Buddha?  The Buddha is dead and gone. Buddhists practise the teachings of the Buddha.  Buddhists do not depend on the Buddha who is dead and gone.

Take care.

Justin Choo