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Q-07: Hi. I am very new to meditation and I have been practicing meditation through guided meditation from MP3s. I do not have access to any classes or Buddhists in my community. Is it ok that I practice meditation in this way? Also, am I supposed to be meditating on a specific thing, like a Sutra that I just read, or am I supposed to be clearing my mind and learning how to get rid of all thoughts?

Thank you,

Christina

Q-07: Hi, Christina. It is all right if the instructions from the mp3 are clear enough for you to follow and understand to do your meditation. Let us know about some of your personal meditational experiences so that we can provide you with some suggestions.

For your second question, the answer is “yes” and “no.” I think you already know about concentration and insight meditation. Concentration meditation means focusing one’s mind on a particular object whether it is a Sutra or other material objects. That is why realizing or contemplating a Sutra could be considered as a form of concentration meditation. However this practice would not help one to achieve a higher level of concentration as it is very easy to concentrate.

For your third question, I must say “yes.” But I apologise because I cannot help much as I do not know what kind of method you are practising.

With Metta,

U Cittara

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     Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.