More and more people know the benefits of a quiet and empty mind, and are turning to meditation to achieve this state of mind, learning either from masters, books and websites or from friends. If done properly, meditation is good for relaxation of the mind and body, improved concentration, health and spiritual development.
One of the main problems beginners' faces when they sit down to meditate is that of arising thoughts. There are many ways to handle thoughts that come up during meditation. An effective way is to see where the thought began and where it fades while you focus on the breath. By this way, the beginner and/or the serious student will allow the heart to be steady.
Focus on the breath by listening with your ears. If there is a tone, the breath is rough and superficial. Only when the ears cannot hear the outgoing and in taking of the breath, will the breath be light. When the breath is light, the heart is light. When it is light, the heart is in a quiet state and steady.
Focusing on the breath can also be used for contemplation and qigong (breath control) meditation.
(For Zen meditations please also refer to Note 9 of Chan Master Cijao’s writings. Link provided in the entry on A sitting meditation.)
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