Meditation allows us to be aware of our mental states and encourage the emotions in positive directions. But first we must understand that we are often unaware of what we are thinking and feeling. So meditation is a tool that allows us to get to know ourselves more deeply.
From this self-awareness or self-knowledge we can start to persuade the awareness towards kindness. This will give a sense of meaning to our lives -- spiritual wealth and fulfillment from which compassionate action can springs forth. Gradually we encourage a positive cycle, where psychological states of clarity and compassion lead to positive actions in the world, which comes back around to kindle more positive mental states. The term "vicious circle" is all too familiar to many of us. Here is the same principle in its polar form -- a compassionate circle.
Meditation is an uncomplicated...
I merely state that all our actions (including our thoughts) have an impact on us in one way or another. Our mind can be symbolically or metaphorically viewed as a fire. In order for a fire to live one must feed it. One must continuously search for fuel to keep it glowing. The energy we feed the mind and heart is made of the very thoughts and feelings that stem from within.
A fire can burn brilliantly or it can be thick and dark, producing a dense haze of stinking smoke that suffocates and blinds us. The type of fuel we use determines the type of fire that will burn. With patience, persistence, and practice meditation will give us an ever-increasing sense of freedom from which we can become masters of ourselves.
A bow to the divinity within you.
In Kindness,
Buddha
