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Buddhists/Problems Meditating

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Expert: - 3/12/2005


Question
Hello,
Recently my facial muscles have developed the habit of clenching very tightly involuntarily when I enter a meditative state. They are such strong contractions that they are uncomfortable and distract my attention. I can immediately relax them if I try to, but this takes my attention away from my meditation. Have you known of this happening to others? I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Answer
Hi Darren,

Thank you for asking me.

Different people may encounter differing experiences during meditation.  The common advice given by meditation teachers would be to note the present moment, which means, whatever that you experience at that moment, you are to note just that.  "Noting" means that you are mindful of that particular object or experience,  not being judgemental, not forming any opinion.... just note.  In your case, you just note your facial muscles clenching.  You will experience some results after noting for a period.  I hope this helps.

Smile from justinchoo :-)  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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