Date: 03/01/2025 03/02/2025
Location: Star Ocean Meditation Center
Teacher: Sara
Sitting Meditation
Defining the Essential Nature of Meditative Absorption
Meditative absorption is not trance, dullness, or emotional excitement. It is a state of clear, stable awareness that is no longer pulled by objects. True concentration is not defined by pleasant sensations, but by the continuity and clarity of awareness free from grasping.
1. Meditation Is Not Mental Fog
1.Clarity rather than dullness
Awareness remains bright and knowing.
2.Stability rather than tension
Focus arises naturally, not through force.
3.Awareness rather than thinking
Direct knowing replaces analysis.
2. Core Characteristics of Absorption
1.Unification of mind
Attention abides steadily.
2.Reduced discrimination
Judgment of gain and loss subsides.
3.Continuity
Awareness flows without frequent interruption.
3. Common Misunderstandings
1.Equating sensation with absorption
Pleasure is not the essence.
2.Seeking extraordinary states
Chasing experiences disrupts stability.
3.Aiming for blankness
Unaware emptiness is not true absorption.
4. Correct Criteria
1.Clarity of present knowing
Is awareness unmistakable?
2.Reduction of grasping
Is the mind less pulled?
3.Balance and softness afterward
Does stability remain after sitting?
5. The True Meaning of Absorption
1.Foundation for wisdom
A stable mind sees clearly.
2.A means, not an end
Absorption supports insight.
3.Return to natural clarity
Nothing is fabricated.
Conclusion
Meditative absorption is defined by lucid, stable, and non-grasping awareness. When this is present, practice becomes effective and grounded.
