What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?

[HHelix78]

I have read a little about it, but I have not tried it.

What is the value of it, how is its benefit different from sitting?

Is it included in the Buddha's teaching?

Can it be done without looking like a zombie? i.e., can you do it in public?

Has anyone made walking meditation a regular activity? If so, can that person provide some instructions?

Thanks in advance.

Doug in NC

[Matthew]

Hi Doug,

I'm feeling really unwell today and can not go into detail about basic walking meditation technique for you. It is beneficial and I will post in more detail tomorrow if I am feeling a little better. However in this thread I describe a specific walking meditation you can do in public when doing your grocery shopping or in any large store or public place.

More tomorrow if I am able.

In the Dhamma,

Matthew

[HHelix78]

Thanks, TIB, I hope you feel better soon.

[Paul]

Hi Doug,

Here are a couple of methods that you might want to try in which you walk normally, not like a zombie:

1.  Walk at a normal pace and count the steps that you take during the period when you're inhaling, then when your exhaling.  Try to not to control your breathing, let it work by itself.

2.  When you're walking, focus on your breathing.  Obviously if you focus 100% on your breathing your likely to walk out in front of a lorry or something, so just use your breathing to keep you anchored to the present moment.

I prefer the second method, and find it an invaluable complement to sitting meditation.  In many ways, I'd say I've learned more when walking in this way than I have when sitting, because of the simple fact that I can walk for 8 hours without stopping, but when sitting I find it hard to keep going for more than an hour at a time.

As for the value of walking meditation and the Buddha's teaching on this subject, this is what the Buddha had to say about walking:

One who practices walking meditation ....  He can endure travelling by foot; he can endure exertion; he becomes free from disease; whatever he has eaten and drunk, chewed and savoured, becomes well-digested; the concentration he wins while doing walking meditation lasts for a long time.

Well, I think you can say its worth a try, especially after the christmas lunch 

[mettajoey]

Awesome post, Paul! 
You have me wanting to try it again.   

[Paul]

Glad you liked it Joey    I hope you get the chance to try it over the christmas period, just pack some food and water in a rucksack, go to a remote place, and walk and breathe.  You'll see, its really worth while.

[Green Tara]

I'm feeling really unwell today and can not go into detail about basic walking meditation technique for you. It is beneficial and I will post in more detail tomorrow if I am feeling a little better.

Are you feeling any better Matthew, and by the way do you ever go to sleep!!

[Matthew]

I'm very unwell Tara but yes I sleep, usually by 9pm at night and wake around 6pm. I haven't added anything further to this thread because Paul's techniques are good ones.

[Green Tara]

Matthew.

I am so sorry to hear that, I found words like hope you will get better soon, and wish you well, not good enough really. Still for the sake of humanity I pray you will get better some how.

I haven't added anything further to this thread because Paul's techniques are good ones.

I didn't mean to quote that bit. I wasn’t concerned with the technique but rather with  how you are feeling. 

[Matthew]

I am so sorry to hear that, I found words like hope you will get better soon, and wish you well, not good enough really. Still for the sake of humanity I pray you will get better some how.

Thank you for your kind thoughts Tara. Words fail us in moments like this precisely because they are not enough. I am going to post in the Secret Garden a message I sent to a friend today that explains my situation. I don't need sympathy but practical help is becoming desperately needed. Why I am not getting it in England will be made clear.



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