Meditation without Freedom.

 We may be great meditators, but still not be free. I spent years meditating and not recognising my true nature: my present teacher suggested I had spent twenty five years in idiot meditation! This, as you can imagine, made me grumpy for a while… 😉

 I have spoken to many practitioners who meditate, both face to face and on forums: they probably do very complex practices, but have not recognised their true nature, as they still get grumpy or spaced out in their own de-light.

 They will argue about this sutra or that correctness of doctrine, but cannot communicate in a friendly way. Teachings can produce great pride and conceit, hence the article “Live it, don’t learn it.”

 It’s very easy to ‘talk’ about coming from the heart, but this is still generally ego’s feelings. Being able to wave a bell and vajra correctly does not necessarily make you a nice person – someone who can show intelligence and compassion, and genuinely listens. All they want to do is ‘correct’ you! Their energy is directed to the outer form – ritual, organisation and the study of philosophy.

 Meditation is of utmost importance, but it’s all about being free – gaining liberation from the emotions of pride, jealousy, anger, fear and ignorance. If we get stuck in meditation, we might be stuck in ignorance.

 Freedom is confidence in being. It reveals itself in generosity, patience, concentration, discipline and transcendent knowledge. Not uptight at all!

 If you are displaying symptoms of intolerance and impatience, have a look at your lung (pronounced “loong”, which is subtle body wind)… it’s too high!