[ScottMember]

Thanks, Tom.

The whole point is to become *skilled* at meditation, right? So it makes sense to take as much time as needed to assure that the right skills are being developed. And you’ve pointed out some great examples from your perspective. So taking my time and working more with the breath makes too much sense to ignore.

🙂

[ScottMember]

Thank you Raza and Chris for your replies. You have both confirmed what I was thinking.

I’m not in a hurry, and I really like the idea of making sure I’m taking advantage of every tool in the book and that I’m mastering as many skills as I can. I think I’m going to work with the skills suggested for stage 3, and when I feel very comfortable with those skills, I’ll begin working with stage 4.

🙂

[ScottMember]

Years ago (in the 90s), I used to do a 24-hour water-only fast on Fridays. Knowing I was fasting, and trying to maintain focus on a spiritual object or symbol, I felt this combination enhanced my meditations.

Last year, I was living in Thailand and decided to start fasting again. However, this time, I didn’t notice a particular enhancement to my meditation.

My guess is that your object of focus (a spiritual symbol, your breath, a sound, word or chant) probably has a bigger impact on meditation when you have a special relationship with or connection to the meaning of the object of focus. I wasn’t focusing on the same spiritual symbol and didn’t get the same results out of the combination of fasting and meditation.

I tried varying the length of my water-only fasts, including a 3-day fast (my longest). But didn’t notice any particular changes in my meditation sessions.

• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by  Scott.
• This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by  Scott.

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