Mindfulness and Meditation Techniques : หน้า 108/200

Reflect on what our great teacher has taught us. Our Great Master Luang Pu16 Wat Paknam17 advised us to visualize a crystal sphere and recite the mantra “samma ar- ahang”8 at the same time. Visualizing and reciting the mantra at the same time is a way to maintain your mindfulness. But mindfulness has to be observed in a way that is relaxing while also feeling alert at the same time. Please don’t overlook this. Mindfulness and relaxation must go hand in hand, from the beginning to the end. This is the way to help your mind become still more easily. Once your mind is at a standstill state you’ll be able to see the inner Dhamma Sphere19. It is this simple. Don’t med — itate with a mind that is gloomy or restless, or you’ll get nowhere. Make your mind spacious, radiant, light and refreshed. The sitting position mentioned herein is the standard meditation posture which our Great Master has replicated from the all-knowing, the Dhammakaya within. In his natural position the Dhammakaya sits cross-legged in a meditation posture, with his right leg over his left leg, his right hand over his left hand, with the tip of his right index finger touching the tip of his left thumb. If you place both of your hands close to your body your back will be upright. This is the standard meditation posture, a perfect position that you should adopt. ––––––––––––––– 16 Luang Pu: Thai word for Reverence Grandfather. 17 Luang Pu Wat Paknam: Phramongkolthepmuni 18 Samma Arya: Pali word which means “The Noble One who has properly attained enlightenment”, or “Pure state of mind achieved in a proper way” 19 Dhamma Sphere: A crystal clear sphere that appears at the center of one’s body during meditation