Meditation

Meditation is one of Panphilosism's most important tools for self-improvement. Properly practiced, meditation is unsurpassed in exposing and examining the true nature of the ego. When the ego has been returned to its proper position, meditation becomes a wonderful way to spend "quality time" with the universe.

There are many meditation methods available and the Panphilosist should find one that feels natural and "makes sense". I found great benefit in the Vipassana (insight) meditation technique of Theravada Buddhism. I will describe the details of this meditation technique in a moment, but you are in no way limited to it.

Vipassana  meditation uses, most typically, breathing or bodily sensations as the object of meditation. The practitioner sits quietly in either the traditional cross-legged "lotus" position or, if this is not possible, in a straight-backed chair. The eyes are almost closed and the hands are resting comfortably on the legs or in the lap. Breathe normally, either in through the nose and out through the mouth or strictly through the nose. Again it is a matter of what feels natural. Strive to simply be aware of the sensation of breathing, the feel of the air on your nostrils as it enters and leaves your body.

This sounds easy, and here is where the ego-based mind reveals itself. Before long you will most likely find yourself lost in thought, drifting off to sleep or caught up in some other distraction the ego will attempt to use to disrupt your meditation. Because it enjoys being in charge and is disturbed when threatened, the ego will try everything it can to get you to stop. It will scream at you, whisper to you, menace you with fears and divert you with illusions. Every time you find your attention drawn away from the object of meditation, simply return to the meditation.

You have now begun to see just how firmly in place the ego-based mind is, and how hard it will try to keep you from achieving mastery over it. More than likely, meditation will not come easy at first and it will be an effort to establish a practice in your life. Your life may be so busy you think you will never find time to do it. I implore you, however, to make a space in your life for it, because it can be the most liberating thing you can do for yourself. Try to find a half-hour to forty-five minutes to meditate several times a week, or daily if possible. After some initial adjustment, you may find yourself enjoying your mediation sessions. At times you may have amazing feelings of clarity or you may have to sit through the feeling that you are about to burst into flames. Regardless of your feeling, continue sitting. These are transitory mental states. Do not let them distract you from the goal of taming the ego. Consistency of practice is essential to success.

Finding a quiet place to meditate at first is not always possible. Learn to meditate under all conditions. You will seldom find the "perfect place".

After you have meditated for a while, you will find yourself reaping some benefits during your non-meditation time. You will be less stressed and less prone to extremes of emotional reaction to situations that arise. There is a "space" now between your ego-based mind where the larger consciousness can begin to exercise some influence. This gap is your freedom from ego conditioning that may have driven your habits and personality for may years. Cultivate it, and let yourself step back from your ego long enough to see how it really works.

Depending on your degree of ego-attachment, it may require years of regular practice to reach a point where the larger consciousness can begin to be an influence in your life. Typically, you will experience periods of time ranging from moments to weeks where feel free from the influence of the ego-based mind. However, continue your practice and avoid thinking that you have succeeded. The ego is subtle in its ways and does not give up easily.

There will come a time when you achieve what Panphilosism refers to as a "paradigm shift", a glorious moment when the your larger consciousness becomes your dominant frame of reference. You will definitely know when this happens. You will feel as though you are awake and seeing things for the first time. The manipulations of the ego become crystal clear and you are no longer under their influence. Then your meditation practice becomes a way of communing with the universe free from the obstruction of the ego. Remember, at all times you are in a relationship with the universe, and like any relationship, it needs your involvement, investment and nurturing. Your relationship with the universe is different from anyone else's, so avoid concepts like "better" or "worse" when considering the apparent situation of others. Such judgments are illusions and will only give the ego strength to return to its former dominance. Shine the light of your new-found clarity on all things and the truth will reveal itself.