By Anton Somlai
Master Teacher
             
Meditation practice works if done regularly. There are two paths in life, one that is spirit driven and one that is ego driven. The path of the true self seeks to find harmony and peace. The selfish path seeks the pleasures of the five skhandas (money, food, sex, sleep, and fame). The spirit-driven life leads to healing and happiness while the self-centered life creates suffering. For the person investigating their spirit nature meditation practice makes sense and has great benefit. The person caught in desire views meditation practice as something that enhances self. The choice is yours but realize that a contemplative life helps break through the cycle of suffering.

Over the next several issues of Root and Branch I will share steps that increase the contemplative effort on the spirit driven path. You can break through illusion
today with a bit of effort.

Step 1: Let go of "I" and connect with a practicing  community.

You cannot make the journey by yourself; you need the help and guidance of others. The individual path is dangerous and filled with mental obsessions. Realize that thinking you have it figured out is the voice of ego not the true self. Ego never works in your best interest. In community you learn to receive and give loving-kindness. Meditation practice works because it helps connect with an energy that is bigger than self.

Stop the indifference to a sacred life. Commit to an environment dedicated to the wellness of others and the opening of the heart. It is in community (Sangha) were you learn to apply what is practiced. Delusion disappears when like-minded people support reality. Teachers and elders guide community through difficulties and struggles by asking everyone to open their minds and hearts. They ask everyone to let go of "I."
 
Step 2: Let love guide your life.

This simple step is immediate and filled with hope. Sane people function from loving-kindness while insane people are mired in desire, anger, and ignorance. Loving energy functions as a magnet to others who also want to cultivate the same beliefs. Acceptance of true nature is a powerful tool that creates infinite possibilities. You are already complete. With the humility that love brings you can demonstrate fearlessness through the direct action of compassion.

Meditation practice works when community is greater than individual ego and life is guided by the presence of love. These beginning steps hold Buddhism's 5 Great Meditations.
                
(1) Meditation on love.
   Open the heart for the welfare of all beings.
   Bring all beings deep affection and appreciation.
   Carry warm regard and care for others.
   Meditation on love mantra: Open heart, deep affection
 
(2) Meditation on compassion.
   Express concern and tenderness for those in distress.
   Bring tolerance and loving-kindness to all situations.
   Meditation on compassion mantra:
       Care, kindness, and charity
 
(3) Meditation on joy.
   Be pleased at the good fortune of others.
   Delight in the natural happiness of all beings.
   Share happiness in every moment.
   Meditation on joy mantra: Great smile, for others
 
(4) Mediation on purity.
   Find honor in the integrity of living a moral life.
   Defend others with your ethical strength.
   Shelter others from harm.
   Meditation on purity mantra: Honest, moral, and clear
 
(5) Meditation on serenity.
   Rise above polarities and the politics of harm.
   Allow tranquility to be the blood of your spirit body.
   Find peace in each step.
Meditation on serenity mantra:
       Quiet, peaceful, and still

   If you let go of I, practice with community and allow love to guide your life the path of great liberation gently appears. Please use these five meditations as you contemplate the first two steps of peaceful meditation practice. Quietly sit and be present.

Focus the breath until it gives way to the spirit nature beyond name and form.   

Allow each of the 5 Great Meditations to enter without opinion or judgment. Affirm meditation practice alone and in community as a vital part of a sacred life. Let go, let love.