Author Topic: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?  (Read 6553 times)

HHelix78

What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« on: December 21, 2007, 05:00:25 PM »
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

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Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2007, 07:14:09 PM »
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
~oOo~     Tat Tvam Asi     ~oOo~    How will you make the world a better place today?     ~oOo~    Fabricate Nothing     ~oOo~

HHelix78

Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2007, 08:19:04 PM »
Thanks, TIB, I hope you feel better soon.

Paul

Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2007, 03:58:41 PM »
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

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Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2007, 11:28:06 PM »
Awesome post, Paul! 
You have me wanting to try it again.   
The best type of meditation is the one that you'll do

Paul

Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #5 on: December 24, 2007, 10:57:05 AM »
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

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Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #6 on: January 04, 2008, 12:01:47 PM »

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!! :)
"Samsaric beings! Cling not to worldly pleasures.  Enter the great city of liberation”

Matthew

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    • Buddhism is a practical psychology and philosophy, not a religion.
    • If you cling to view, you must know this limits your potential.
Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #7 on: January 04, 2008, 06:39:59 PM »
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.

:)
~oOo~     Tat Tvam Asi     ~oOo~    How will you make the world a better place today?     ~oOo~    Fabricate Nothing     ~oOo~

Green Tara

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Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2008, 07:43:50 PM »
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. 



« Last Edit: January 04, 2008, 09:03:51 PM by Green Tara »
"Samsaric beings! Cling not to worldly pleasures.  Enter the great city of liberation”

Matthew

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  • Meditation: It's a D.I.Y. project.
    • Buddhism is a practical psychology and philosophy, not a religion.
    • If you cling to view, you must know this limits your potential.
Re: What is the value of walking meditation and how does one do it?
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2008, 09:53:35 PM »
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.

:)

http://vipassanaforum.net/forum/index.php?topic=121
« Last Edit: January 04, 2008, 10:23:39 PM by The Irreverent Buddhist »
~oOo~     Tat Tvam Asi     ~oOo~    How will you make the world a better place today?     ~oOo~    Fabricate Nothing     ~oOo~

 

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