Longevity meets meditation at the library in detail

Phra Niran of the Oregon Meditation Center

Enjoying a group meditation session on the first warm, bright, non-rainy day of the season was not on the agenda of many fortunate individuals. However, it’s fairly certain both will repeat: both the meditation retreat and the warm, bright days. For one we can mark the calendar: July 17, 2010, from 1:p.m. to 3:p.m. for the next meditation “retreat” presented by the Oregon Meditation Center (OMC) at Midland Library.

Why meditate? It’s good for you. Please see prelude.

The Oregon Meditation Center’s primary purpose is to introduce people to meditation. They promote the Dhammakaya meditation technique, a Buddhist practice considered one of the more developed yet easy-to-learn forms. Currently OMC is offering a once-a-month two-hour meditation retreat at the library, though they are open to conducting more frequent sessions when warranted. Sessions are open to all people; children are welcome too.

When attending any meditation session avoid wearing a lot of jewelry (including watches) or fragrance. Also avoid eating a big meal before practice. Dress for comfort; slip-on/off shoes are also practical. Dhammakaya meditation is physical, yet not overly demanding. A person can sit in a chair if uncomfortable sitting cross-legged on the floor.
 

Diagram of half-lotus position and key points.

The OMC retreat on June 12, 2010, began with sitting around (in chairs) chatting with one another. Bottled water was offered. As the retreat formally began the attending monk, Phra Niran, asked that we all introduce ourselves by name.

Then we stood and made a circle, to be led by OMC member and volunteer Win in a standing meditation. Then a sitting meditation. Both of these involved physical movements: slow stretching, loosening tendons and ligaments.

Returning to our original seats, Phra Niran took over. Phra (“Monk”) Niran (“Forever”) led a discussion in what and whys of meditation. Another group member (Patty) translated. These topics are covered in expanded detail on the OMC web site.

Phra Niran explained the half-lotus position is based on the opening and closing of a lotus flower. It’s used for meditation purposes to ensure comfort for long periods of time while facilitating a calm mind. Some Thai monks have sat in half-lotus position for as long as seven days.

Breathing, at this introductory point in meditation practice, is understood as automatic. One just breathes, not worrying whether one is exhaling or inhaling at the proper times.

Phra Niran referred to the monkey mind, saying, “Meditation is like getting a monkey to sit down.” This refers to the brain’s effort to think endlessly about everything—thoughts racing one upon the other with insistence and scant logic. A major factor in meditating is to still the mind. Allow the monkey mind to go play by itself.

Phra Niran maintains that meditation is not hard. Most children are able to meditate easily since their minds are relatively clear and innocent of past/future absorption. Discussion led to the fact that many Thai children meditate before attending school and are able to learn faster and concentrate easier.
 

Dhammakaya Meditation Group, June 12, 2010, Midland Library

Phra Niran then returned to the diagram sitting on the easel (see previous photo). Numbered areas mark base points in the human body. These are resting points helpful in quieting the mind during meditation. Some differ by gender: women’s are on the left, men’s on the right. This too is more fully described at the OMC web site.

Number one is the nostrils at the front of the nose; #2, the inner corners of the eyes; #3 at the top of the head (qigong practitioners might know this as the Baihui); #4, the roof of the mouth; #5, by the throat, where one swallows; #6, the belly button or navel; #7, the “homeland,” one’s center of gravity, located two finger-widths above the belly button. A person is encouraged to mentally rest or focus on these points during meditation practice, giving particular weight to number seven.

This moved the group on to the sitting still meditation portion. Phra Niran encouraged visualizing a personal symbol of clarity: a clear glass ball, a raindrop on a leaf, the moon in the sky, a quiet snowy night. Use whatever to represent still and clear. He then took the group through with a calming, reassuring tone of voice, often sounding like soft chanting.

Afterwards newcomers were encouraged to share their experience. Nobody had a bad time, despite meditation being new or different. Newcomers were given a CD to take home to encourage meditation practice.

Who knows? It’s possible that if enough people practice meditation, peace may approach. At the very least there will be plenty of happy, warm-hearted, larger-gray-area brain mass people to play with.

Note: the Oregon Meditation Center also welcomes visitors to the Sunday morning session held at their center, 13208 SE Stark Street, Portland, 97233, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Dedicated practitioners are also invited to attend the Dhamma Sermon from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 503.252.3637 or e-mail omc072@yahoo.com for more information.

Photo of Phra Niran courtesty of Oregon Meditation Center. Diagram on easel photo by Mickey Ronningen who was amazed at how friendly and happy these people were, regardless of language barriers. Group photo by Win, OMC, using MR's camera. Thank you!