Meditation method

Meditation method.

All meditation methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they suit different people of varying dispositions and inclinations. But perhaps let me explain more about why I switched to using Luang Ta’s method. 

Earlier I mentioned that I originally practiced with Phra Maha Winyoo, who focuses on the breath. This explains his new centre’s name, Anapanasati Bhavana Centre. Now focusing on the breath is excellent, because it can be used to enter samadhi, jhana or following through with the 16 steps, can be used to practice the 4 Satipatthanas leading to the development of Vipassana insights. 

So why did I switch to using Luang Ta’s method? 

Having been through the Singaporean education system, I find that many of us, including myself, we tend to think a lot. This is because we are taught to examine everything critically and analytically, whether at school or at work. Or perhaps we face all kinds of different stresses and worries, because there are just too many things on our plate at one time. 

I’m sure many brothers and sisters who are still studying or working can understand. Now if our mind is troubled and plagued with anxieties, or too many worries, it is very difficult to work with the breath. 

The breath is more subtle in nature. After a day’s work, even if we are not thinking of too many things, we may be just physically and mentally exhausted and fall asleep easily if we focus on the breath.

But Luang Ta’s method is different. I may not have expressed myself clearly via past posts, but the secret to this method is not the Maha Jakkapat katha. Rather, the secret is to look at Luang Pu’s (or any other Bodhisatta’s) photo. When you gaze at his image for a while, Luang Pu’s picture will naturally imprint on your mind, even if you close your eyes. You can try it. It is similar to using his photo as a Kasina meditation object. 

So whether you open or close your eyes, you can see Luang Pu in your mind’s eye. Don’t concentrate too intensely, just gaze gently as though you are looking at your beloved grandfather’s photo. Relax both the body and mind. Take it easy and sit comfortably. You may chant any katha or mantra you prefer. 

Now why do we chant the Jakkapat katha? Luang Ta once asked Luang Pu, you taught everyone to recite the Three Refuges, but what if I want something more powerful? 

Luang Pu told him that if you need energy, you can chant the Jakkapat katha instead. So Luang Ta switched from the Three Refuges to the Jakkapat Katha, which enabled him to accomplish his Bodhisatta mission of crossing over lost souls and amassing baramee. This explains why he is so successful today, even though he started off from a remote cave along the border next to a very poor village. 

Because Luang Ta is a Bodhisatta and has to help many beings, so he needed as much energy as possible to do so. Hence he used the Jakkapat katha. If any brother or sister has great dreams to help people or to do good for the world, then you are advised to chant the Jakkapat. 

Otherwise, any other katha will do. 

My experience is that when we practice in this manner, it is less likely for us to fall asleep or to get carried away by our thinking. Because our mind is always with Luang Pu throughout the day. Even if we are busy, we can still look at Luang Pu’s photo and remember his face. When you are mindful of a Bodhisatta, the Bodhisatta will be mindful of you. That is why many people who recite Guan Yin’s name get miraculous responses. 

We give and dedicate our lives to Luang Pu, to the Bodhisattas, for the sake of helping the Buddha Sasana and sentient beings. We don’t do it for selfish reasons to become rich or famous, but we do it to cultivate affinities, to give others who are suffering some inspiration, some motivation, some comfort, some assistance. 

If we face suffering in this life and we have no way out, then we must dedicate ourselves to Luang Pu, and constantly recollect him. Many people with all kinds of problems have come to him, and Luang Ta says the answer is to always recollect Luang Pu and to constantly pray. If our own boon-baramee is weak, then we need to rely on Luang Pu's. There will be a solution to every problem. 

And most importantly, we give our mind a break. Instead of always getting lost in thought or ruminating on our problems, we only have Luang Pu on our mind.