Meditation

Meditation for Beginners

A Vessel of Knowledge

By Luang Phaw Dhammajayo

While we are all born with a mind and a body, and we live in a similar environment, haven’t we all wondered why there are so many differences in abilities and talents among people? In fact, there are several factors accounting for our different abilities from one another. One important factor we cannot overlook is meditation. The mind is the foundation of all abilities and actions. Meditation will bring great benefits to our actions, but also by helping to connect our minds with the centre point of the body. If we can bring our minds to a standstill at that centre, we will gain access to the source of all wholesome thought, speech and acts which will bring happiness and success to our lives.

Meditation will lead us to success in both the material world and the spiritual world. In the material world, whenever we are about to perform a deed, we should stop and think first. Meditate, then think, speak and act. For a car to run safely, its engine needs to be maintained. Meditation is like maintaining and fine-tuning your mind. When the mind is skilled in meditation, learning becomes easier. It is as if we are a clean and open vessel able and ready to receive knowledge.