How Does Morality Affect Meditation?
There are many spiritual seekers out there who have little or no idea about the importance of morality, in meditation practice. New age followers in particular, often lack this vital ingredient in their practice.
Here, we will explore two perspectives on how morality affects meditation. First, we will take a look at the Buddhist view on morality and then the Anthroposophical, which is an inspiring form of Christian mysticism.
Morality sounds old-fashioned, I agree. Whatever we call it, it is a set of guidelines that make for good behavior. All great religions teach not to kill, not to steal, not to lie and so on. Morality is vital to fruitful spiritual practice.
Here, we will explore two perspectives on how morality affects meditation. First, we will take a look at the Buddhist view on morality and then the Anthroposophical, which is an inspiring form of Christian mysticism.
Morality sounds old-fashioned, I agree. Whatever we call it, it is a set of guidelines that make for good behavior. All great religions teach not to kill, not to steal, not to lie and so on. Morality is vital to fruitful spiritual practice.
Morality In Buddhism
Morality is the very foundation of Buddhist practice. It makes for peace among peoples and it is of great importance to anyone practicing meditation.
On the other hand, killers, thieves and liars cannot meditate for long, before finding themselves battling with guilt about their wrongdoings. Distractions like this make it next to impossible to reap the fruits of meditation.
However, a meditator who lives according to these straightforward guidelines won't be distracted by guilt in meditation. So, one could say that morality makes for a calm mind.
Other forms of morality include kindness, generosity and patience, just to mention a few. If you find morality inspiring, it is an indication that you are drawn to spiritual practice.
For those of you who find it boring, look at morality as a tool. Now, the key to morality is awareness and the more aware we are, the more beautiful our conduct.
Finally, morality works on three levels - moral thinking, moral speech and moral actions. Purify your mind and see how it nurtures your meditation practice from deep within and makes you a more likable person.
Morality In Anthroposophy
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the Anthroposophical movement was greatly inspired by eastern spirituality. He encouraged his followers to practice morality and strongly emphasized its importance.
To the best of my memory, Steiner said that morality is of such importance that every time you make a spiritual insight, you should take three steps forward in morality. This way there will be balance between wisdom and morality.
Anthroposophy also outlines how the practices of morality and meditation affect the chakras or mental energy centers. In short, Steiner meant that the practice of morality give the chakras their form while meditation generates the building materials. The chakras mature step by step until the individual awakens to her true nature.
Don't be hard on yourself whenever falling short of your moral standards. Practice makes perfect...
Best of luck!
Related: Christian Meditation Meditative Transformations Pain In Meditation
axel g > Q&A > How Does Morality Affect Meditation?
On the other hand, killers, thieves and liars cannot meditate for long, before finding themselves battling with guilt about their wrongdoings. Distractions like this make it next to impossible to reap the fruits of meditation.
However, a meditator who lives according to these straightforward guidelines won't be distracted by guilt in meditation. So, one could say that morality makes for a calm mind.
Other forms of morality include kindness, generosity and patience, just to mention a few. If you find morality inspiring, it is an indication that you are drawn to spiritual practice.
For those of you who find it boring, look at morality as a tool. Now, the key to morality is awareness and the more aware we are, the more beautiful our conduct.
Finally, morality works on three levels - moral thinking, moral speech and moral actions. Purify your mind and see how it nurtures your meditation practice from deep within and makes you a more likable person.
Morality In Anthroposophy
Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the Anthroposophical movement was greatly inspired by eastern spirituality. He encouraged his followers to practice morality and strongly emphasized its importance.
To the best of my memory, Steiner said that morality is of such importance that every time you make a spiritual insight, you should take three steps forward in morality. This way there will be balance between wisdom and morality.
Anthroposophy also outlines how the practices of morality and meditation affect the chakras or mental energy centers. In short, Steiner meant that the practice of morality give the chakras their form while meditation generates the building materials. The chakras mature step by step until the individual awakens to her true nature.
Don't be hard on yourself whenever falling short of your moral standards. Practice makes perfect...
Best of luck!
Related: Christian Meditation Meditative Transformations Pain In Meditation
axel g > Q&A > How Does Morality Affect Meditation?
To the best of my memory, Steiner said that morality is of such importance that every time you make a spiritual insight, you should take three steps forward in morality. This way there will be balance between wisdom and morality.
Anthroposophy also outlines how the practices of morality and meditation affect the chakras or mental energy centers. In short, Steiner meant that the practice of morality give the chakras their form while meditation generates the building materials. The chakras mature step by step until the individual awakens to her true nature.
Don't be hard on yourself whenever falling short of your moral standards. Practice makes perfect...
Best of luck!
Related: Christian Meditation Meditative Transformations Pain In Meditation
axel g > Q&A > How Does Morality Affect Meditation?